Guide to Expat Travel in France
Moving abroad to pursue work, travel or education is a fantastic way to deepen your cultural awareness and gain incredible life experiences. Being an Expat in France opens up a world of opportunities, not only career-wise but also for sampling world-renowned cuisine, admiring iconic landmarks, and making life-long friends.
Moving to a new country can be scary, but deciding to go is the first big step. Once you’re there, the real fun begins! Take some time to explore the country you now call home. Start small with your local town, then once your confidence grows widen your travels to faraway provinces. This is a great way to find your feet and get a true flavour of French culture.
If you’re an expat in France, or soon to become one, here’s a comprehensive guide with top tips and recommendations for travelling around this incredible country.
The Best Time to Visit France
France has a varied climate, with differences depending on region and time of year. Generally, the French climate is considered ‘continental’, meaning hot summers and cold winters. In the southern French Riviera provinces, like Nice and Saint-Tropez, you can expect higher summer temperatures of 30 °C and lows of 7 in winter. Moving towards the North, the weather is generally cooler with more rainy spells, averaging highs of 20 °C and lows of 3.
Depending on the experiences you’re seeking, you can tailor your travel plans to regional climates. If you want to soak up the sun, then you should explore France’s Mediterranean coast in the summer months. Nice, Marseille and Provence are renowned for their aquamarine bays and glorious heat.
Suppose you’re craving a cooler experience, venture eastwards in the winter for an adventure-packed skiing trip. Bordering France and Switzerland, the Alps are perfect for hitting the slopes and Apres Ski experiences.
Regional holidays and festivals are also worth considering when planning your travels. France is renowned for hosting annual events that attract thousands every year, such as the Lemon Festival in February, the Cannes Film Festival in May and Bastille Day in July. If you’d like to attend these cultural celebrations, be sure to check the dates before booking your trip.
The Best Way to Get Around France
France is an incredibly well-connected country with a highly efficient train system. Expanding out from Paris, the high-speed rail network encompasses all major towns and cities. Visitors can also make rail journeys a feature experience with spectacular scenic views offered by the Pyrenees open-air train.
Bike rental facilities are a hugely popular form of public transport, allowing you to sightsee whilst reducing your carbon footprint. Environmental friendliness can also be achieved through cycling or walking tours – a unique way to discover the varied French landscapes.
Spanning over 800 miles, the waterway system in France lends itself to incredible canal cruising experiences. There are some amazing barge cruises in France offering scenic views from the comforts of a boutique hotel. Relax and soak in the sight of Midi’s impressive sunflower fields or Ardennes lush forest from a water-highway.
Car rentals are also an option if you prefer to roam by road. Drive through the countryside, forest and seaside towns, stopping to sample local delicacies and admire key landmarks.
The Best Places to Visit in France
France is admired globally as a cultural hub attracting millions of visitors every year. With its rich historical legacy, unforgettable monuments and diverse natural scenery, France is a culturally enriching destination for expat travel.
Popular Tourist Spots
- Paris: The bustling capital city of France is home to an eclectic mix of iconic landmarks and attractions. Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle by the River Seine, admire the revered work of Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Vermeer in the Louvre Museum, or marvel at the Arc de Triomphe’s intricate marble carvings.
- Bordeaux: A top wine-producing region of France, Bordeaux is home to magnificent hill-side châteaux and World Heritage medieval architecture.
- The French Riviera: Blending Mediterranean heat and turquoise waters, the charming seaside towns along the Cote d’Azur are breathtaking. This is a great summer destination, from the hidden village of Eze to Cannes or Hyères.
Hidden gems
Whilst France has plenty of iconic destinations, the lesser-known spots can offer a unique charm.
- Head to Monet’s Garden in Normandy to see the inspiration behind his artwork.
- Visit the pastel-coloured town of Menton, a quieter alternative to more touristy spots along the south coast.
- Explore Riquewihr, a ‘fairy-tale village’ with fascinating 16th-century medieval architecture.
Natural wonders
The varied French landscape lends itself to amazing natural scenery, these are a great place to start.
- Aigues-Mortes: The pink water of this grand salt marsh is a spectacular natural phenomenon.
- Corsica: An island off mainland France, Corsica is great for hikes through towering granite mountains.
- Valensole Plateau: Offers miles of stretching lavender fields only one hour from Marseille airport.
Practical Tips for Expat Travellers
Before travelling to France, you can prepare for the journey in many ways. One of the most crucial steps is securing travel insurance. Finding the right expat travel insurance for peace of mind is highly recommended to protect you on your adventures.
Other ways to ensure your safety include learning the French emergency numbers (112 for immediate assistance) and practising some French phrases, which can come in useful when asking for help or directions.
Expat travel is immensely popular, and there are many resources online to connect you to other travellers. Reaching out to people on expat forums is a great way to be part of a community and meet like-minded people.
What to Pack When Visiting France
Once you’ve planned your itinerary, it’s time to pack. Here are some tips to ensure you’re well-prepared for the exciting journey ahead.
- Climate: Consider what weather conditions you will encounter, if you’re braving the southern heat and the snowy Alps, ensure you’ve packed appropriate clothing for all eventualities (swimming costumes, goggles, scarf and thermals – the lot!)
- Special occasions: If you’re travelling back-packer style then casual wear is perfect, however, if you’re seeking a little bit of luxury on your expat experience, remember to pack semi-formal attire.
- Essential items: We all know that sinking feeling when you arrive at your destination and realise you’ve forgotten the most important piece of kit. Don’t let that spoil your adventures! Here are some things to check, check and check again:
- Important documents
- Power adapters
- Travel guides
- Chargers
- Any other personal items
Summary
Exploring the world as an expat is a wonderfully enriching experience, especially in France where you have boundless opportunities for culture, adventure and connection. Share these travel tips with other expatriates who are also taking the exciting leap to live abroad.
Amélie is a health and wellness junky. Certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance in the Vinyasa and Ashtanga styles, she has a Yoga Instructor Certification – Level I (300 hours) and Yoga Instructor Certification – Level II (200 hours) under her belt. She also has a certified Open Water Diver certification with PADI and SSI Scuba Schools International Freediving Level I certification with SSI Scuba Schools International. She’s been vegan for over 15 years and is obsessed with anything wellness-related.