Photo by Hannes Wolf on Unsplash
After 20 years of international moves, we have learned all of the frequently asked questions:
"Where should l start with this big move? What do I need to know about the historical background and culture of France? Which things can l move by myself and which require help? How do I find an international moving company?"
In this article we are going to answer these questions and more. So keep reading!
MOVING TO FRANCE
All your life, you have always wanted to either work, go to school, visit or relocate permanently to one of the European countries.
You definitely should think of France as your dream country.
Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash
Why consider France? Offering centuries of vibrant culture and every possible advantage of modern life - along with world-class experiences, opportunities and adventure within the country itself - France is the perfect connection to the rest of the world.
Choosing Where to Live in France
When thinking about a move to France, your difficulty will be in deciding which region to choose. Will you head for the bustle of Paris or the lively port of Marseille? The busy farmer’s markets of the Dordogne, or the turquoise waters of the Côte d’Azur?
Whether you’re relocating to take advantage of new career opportunities, to enjoy the excellent quality of life or just to bask in the climate, you can find your perfect location.
From rolling vineyards and spotless beaches to quiet villages and vibrant cities filled with commerce, culture and glittering nightlife, there’s obviously something unique for everyone in France.
Photo by Paul Hermann on Unsplash
Should I Pack a Suitcase? Or Hire Movers?
We strongly recommend that you bring half the things you own and twice as much money as you had planned. With half of the things you own, you will reduce the cost of moving.
This sounds ridiculous and extremely challenging, but if you do your homework well and begin the process early, there are many ways to achieve this goal.
Don't panic! We at Victory Van have got you covered from the very beginning of this remarkable journey. Our guide on the basics of living in France will get you started, and a phone call to a Victory Van international move consultant will kick start your smooth and hitch-free relocation.
Planning for the Move
When you fail to plan you have definitely planned to fail. We could therefore say that our best recommendation is to PLAN AHEAD. It'll give you an opportunity to tidy up properly, to save some money, to find out what you want and also find good deals.
Most of all, planning ahead and being organized will decrease the stress of moving internationally. After all, you do want to get there and enjoy the experience, right?
Take your time to decide which things you'll do first, which you'll do yourself and which would require some help from a mover.
5 Things to Know About Living in France
1. History and Language
The first written records for the history of France appeared in the Iron Age. What is now France made up the bulk of the region known to the Romans as Gaul.
Here are a few facts about the French language or “la langue française”:
- It is the Romance language of the Indo-European family and the official language.
- It descended from the Vulgar Latin of the Roman Empire, as did all Roman languages.
- It Evolved from Gallo-Romance, the spoken Latin in Gaul, and more specifically in Northern Gaul.
A French-speaking person or nation may be referred to as Francophone. Paris is the capital city and also the largest city with a population of a little above twelve million.
2. Culture and Lifestyle
The cuisine here is amazing! Wine, Cheese and Baguettes are the most popular 
and are known as the quintessential French food experience. Of course there is more than just wine, cheese and baguettes. Make sure you try some of the french specialties. The French are also know for duck, sea food, foie gras, escargots, truffles, sardines and more.
The culture in France has been shaped by historical events, geography, and also by internal and foreign forces and groups. Since the 17th century, Paris has been an important center for culture in Europe and the world. And fashion! The french are infamous for the fabulous sense of fashion.
3. The lifestyle in France
The French follow an attitude of 'live and let live'. So you will find most of the people here are relaxed and fun-loving. The people here are considered as light-hearted and always up for a good laugh.
The generations termed as 'older generation' speak only the French language and expect everyone around them to do so.
France is rather notorious for its bureaucracy. You will need time and patience when dealing with officialdom, as everything you do will tend to generate additional paperwork. This is important to keep in mind as you settle into becoming an "official" citizen of France.
4. Hobbies & The Arts
With the country surrounded by ocean and mountains, it’s only natural that people in France enjoy outdoor sports like swimming, kayaking, mountain climbing, wildlife watching, and gardening.
The most popular hobbies in France include: fencing, skiing, sports car racing and kite surfing.
Some hobbies for the more layed back people would include: going to the theater, listening to and/or playing music and dancing.
France has a lot of popular performing Festivals such as The festival of light, Cannes film festival and the festival of Arvils.
5. Bringing Pets
There will be no quarantine for your pet as long as the pet is micro-chipped and vaccinated. Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies and other pet diseases and it must be done at least six months before the move.
At Victory Van, we've been helping families and businesses move internationally for many years, which means we know what to expect and also ready to give you a professional hand. Give us a call and we will plan your move according to your own needs.
In part 2 of our blog post about France, we'll talk about what needs to be done when you arrive in the country, what paperwork should be filled out before and after your arrival and ways to acclimate to a completely new lifestyle.
Subscribe to our blog or follow us on Facebook to make sure you don't miss Part 2 of this series and other helpful blog posts too.
