Bad Things about Living in France: The Pros and Cons as an expat

Moving to a new country is exciting, but it’s not all wine and croissants—especially when it comes to France. As dreamy as life in the land of baguettes and lavender fields sounds, the reality comes with its own set of challenges. Frankly, there are a lot of bad things about living in France! Its known for famously intricate bureaucracy as well as some interesting (and sometimes not so fun) cultural quirks.

I know this firsthand. Our oldest daughter moved to France last year to study, and we dove headfirst into the world of visa applications, apartment hunting, and helping her settle into French life. That experience taught us just how frustrating some aspects of the system can be, but also how rewarding it is to embrace the French way of living.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the bureaucracy and all the hoops you seem to be jumping through to get your move to happen, check out my How to Move Abroad e-book to help you make the right decisions and make your transition as smooth as possible.

Since we live just 20 minutes from the French border in Spain, we spend time in France about three times a week, which means we’ve gotten a real taste of what day-to-day life feels like across the border.

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of living in France as an expat. Read on for more on the bad things about living in France as well as the aspects of life that might make you fall in love with the country. Let’s dive in!

☑ Negative Talk

In France, it’s common to have conversations that start with a sigh and a bit of complaining. If you’re moving to France, get ready for a lot of complaining. Don’t worry—it’s not just you! The French love to “râler,” which is basically their national sport of venting about anything and everything. Whether it’s the weather, politics, or the price of baguettes, no topic is off-limits!

At first, this might throw you off, especially if you’re used to more positive or reserved conversations. But here’s the thing: it’s not necessarily a bad vibe. Complaining is just a normal way to bond in France, and you’ll notice it’s often paired with humor or even camaraderie.

🔥 Hot Tip: Going with the flow is your best bet! Show a little empathy or join in with your own light-hearted gripe—it’s a surprisingly effective way to make friends!

Once you get used to it, you might even find yourself venting about the long lines at the bakery or the latest metro strike. It’s all part of the French experience.

☑ Public Worker Strikes

If you’ve heard about France in the news, it was probably because of a strike! They’re practically a way of life here. From transport workers to teachers to healthcare staff, it feels like no sector is off-limits when it comes to public protests. And while it’s all about standing up for workers’ rights, it can really throw a wrench in your plans.

Imagine this: you’ve planned a weekend getaway, but then you find out the trains aren’t running because of a strike. Or maybe you’ve got to reschedule a whole morning of meetings because your kids aren’t in school today because of a strike. These disruptions can be frequent, especially in larger cities, and they can make everyday life a little frustrating.

🔥 Hot Tip: Make sure to watch the news so you’re not blindsided by strikes. Also, apps like Citymapper or SNCF (for trains) can help you find alternative routes or reschedule plans.

The good news? The French take these disruptions in stride. It’s not uncommon to hear people shrug and say, “C’est la vie.” Once you start adopting that attitude, you’ll find the strikes less annoying and more of a cultural quirk to adapt to.

☑ Bureaucracy

Ah, French bureaucracy—the stuff of legends. If you thought getting a driver’s license back home was a hassle, wait until you try to navigate the labyrinth of French paperwork. Even when you’re setting up utilities, every step seems to require a mountain of documents, multiple appointments, and, of course, endless patience.

Take opening a bank account, for example. You’ll need proof of residence, identification, and sometimes even a letter from your employer. And don’t be surprised if they ask for documents you’ve already provided—twice. The French administration loves its paperwork, and redundancy is practically a national pastime.

🔥 Hot Tip: I suggest you keep multiple copies of all your documents, both digital and physical. You never know when you’ll need to produce that one elusive paper to appease the bureaucratic gods!

Interacting with officials can be a mixed bag. Some are helpful, while others stick to the rules, leaving little room for flexibility. I find that a smile and a basic grasp of French goes a long way in smoothing these interactions. Remember, patience isn’t just a virtue here; it’s a survival skill!

In short, dealing with French bureaucracy can feel like running a marathon with hurdles. But with preparation and a good sense of humor, you’ll eventually cross the finish line.

☑ High Taxes

Brace yourself: France is known for its hefty tax rates. The income tax system is progressive, with rates climbing up to 45% for high earners.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. On top of income tax, you’ll encounter social security contributions, property taxes like taxe foncière, and, of course, the ubiquitous value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services.

For comparison, the average combined top income tax rate in the U.S. is around 42.3%, but this varies by state. In France, the top rate kicks in at a lower income threshold, meaning you might find a larger chunk of your paycheck going to taxes than you’re used to.

🔥 Hot Tip: I suggest you consult with a tax advisor familiar with both U.S. and French tax systems. This can help you navigate potential double taxation and uncover any available tax credits or deductions.

While the high taxes fund France’s extensive social services, including healthcare and education, it can still be a shock to see how much is deducted from your earnings. Planning ahead and understanding your tax obligations can help ease the transition.

☑ High Unemployment

Finding a job in France can be a bit of a challenge, especially for newcomers. As of the first quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate stood at 7.5%, which is higher than the U.S. rate of 4.2%.

The job market is competitive, and not speaking French fluently can make it even tougher. Many positions require a good command of the language, and some companies may prefer hiring locals. Even teaching English often demands proficiency in French to communicate effectively with students.

🔥 Hot Tip: We have friends who made the move from the US to France and they suggest finding a job before moving to France. Networking and reaching out to multinational companies can also open doors, as they might be more accommodating to non-French speakers. The job hunt hunt is definitely the biggest hurdle.

☑ High Cost of Childcare

Figuring out childcare in France can be a mixed bag. While public options like crèches are available, securing a spot is often difficult due to high demand. Private childcare services, such as hiring a nounou (nanny) or enrolling in private nurseries, can be pricey, especially in urban areas.

🔥 Hot Tip: Many of our friends recommend applying for crèche spots as early as possible, even before your child is born! We have some friends who solved their childcare dilemma by having one parent work from home, but this isn’t possible for everyone.

The French government offers financial assistance to help offset childcare costs, but navigating these benefits can be complex, and they may not cover all expenses. It’s essential to budget carefully and explore all available options to find a solution that fits your family’s needs.

☑ Small homes

Moving to France often means adjusting to cozier living spaces. The average home size in France is about 1,206 square feet (112 square meters), while in the U.S., it’s around 2,164 square feet (201 square meters).

This difference is even more pronounced in urban areas like Paris, where apartments average just 46 square meters (495 square feet). On top of that, finding an available flat in France is really difficult!

This means you might have to downsize your belongings and get creative with storage solutions. However, we found that a smaller home encouraged a minimalist lifestyle and made city living more manageable. Sometimes, less is more!

🔥 Hot Tip: For our daughter, we invested in multifunctional furniture and use vertical space for storage and trying to increase her living area. We also found some interesting space-saving foldable tables that added a definite touch of French charm to her flat!

Pros of Living in France

☑ Education

France’s education system is one of its biggest perks. Public schools are free, even for expats, and the quality is generally high. If you’re moving with kids, you’ll be happy to know that French schools emphasize academic rigor and structure. For older students, tuition fees at public universities are much lower than in the U.S., making higher education more accessible.

While public schools are free, international schools can be expensive but may offer an easier transition for non-French-speaking kids. Research both options to find the best fit for your family.

A lot of our friends who live over the border feel that French education can feel rigid compared to other systems, but they really appreciate the opportunities it offers, especially in terms of affordability and quality.

☑ Social Security

France boasts a comprehensive social security system that covers healthcare, pensions, family benefits, and unemployment insurance. As an expat, once you’re registered and contributing, you can access these benefits, which go a long way to enhance quality of life.

Hot Tip:If you get overwhelmed with the complexity of the system, consult with a local expert or use official resources to make sure you’re correctly registered and fully understand what you’re entitled to.

While the system is robust, be prepared for administrative procedures and ensure you have all necessary documentation to facilitate smooth access to these benefits.

☑ Stunning Countryside

France’s countryside is straight out of a postcard. It’s the kind of beauty that makes you stop and stare. The Dordogne is full of charming little villages, while the Alps are perfect if you’re into hiking, skiing, or just soaking in epic mountain views.

Skip the tourist-heavy spots and check out hidden gems like the Languedoc region—it’s just as stunning but way less crowded. People love it for the quiet vibe and amazing scenery.

Living in the French countryside means endless options for weekend adventures. You can go picnicking in a sunflower field or stroll along the Brittany coastline! There’s no shortage of jaw-dropping places to explore and every weekend you’ll feel like you’re on holidays.

☑ Excellent Work-life balance

In France, the motto seems to be “work to live, not live to work.” The standard workweek is 35 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy life outside the office. Plus, with a minimum of five weeks of paid vacation, you’ll have ample opportunities to explore the country or simply relax.

The French also cherish their downtime. Long lunch breaks are common, and there’s a strong emphasis on disconnecting from work after hours. In fact, employees have the “right to disconnect,” meaning they aren’t expected to answer work emails or calls during their personal time.

To fully embrace the French work-life balance, try to immerse yourself in local customs. Enjoy leisurely meals, take time for personal hobbies, and make the most of your vacation days. This approach will help you integrate into the culture and enhance your overall experience.

Adjusting to this balanced lifestyle might take some time, especially if you’re used to a more hectic work environment. But once you do, you’ll likely find it makes all the difference to your well-being and happiness in France.

☑ Public Transport

France has an extensive and efficient public transportation network, making it easy to travel within cities and regions. Major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille have well-developed metro and tram systems, while buses and trains connect smaller towns and rural areas.

In Paris, the Navigo card offers unlimited travel on metros, buses, and trams within selected zones, providing a cost-effective solution for daily commuting.

🔥 Hot Tip: I’ve used both Citymapper or the official RATP app to get the best timing on public transport routes.

We find public transport to be really reliable, but there are occasional strikes and delays. Watching the local news will give you all the information beforehand so you don’t get stranded when strikes do happen.

Visas for Living in France

If you’re planning to make France your new home, you’ll need to find the visa that’s right for you. Here’s a breakdown of some common visa options for expats:

✔ Visitor Visa

If you’re looking to stay in France for more than 90 days without working, the Visitor Visa (visa de long séjour visiteur) is your go-to. This visa allows you to live in France, but you can’t engage in any professional activities. You’ll need to prove you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay and provide proof of accommodation. Health insurance covering your entire stay is also a must.

✔ Entrepreneur Visa

For those aiming to start or run a business in France, the Entrepreneur Visa (Profession Libérale) is designed for self-employed individuals. To qualify, you must demonstrate the economic viability of your project and show that it can generate sufficient income, at least equal to the French minimum wage.

Additionally, you’ll need to provide evidence of your qualifications and, if applicable, any necessary licenses to practice your profession in France.

✔ Talent Passport

If your work significantly contributes to France’s economic appeal, the Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) might be suitable. This multi-year residence permit is tailored for highly skilled professionals, including company founders and employees of innovative enterprises.

Eligibility criteria vary, but generally, you’ll need to demonstrate a high level of expertise, a substantial investment in France, or an innovative business project recognized by a public entity.

Navigating the French visa system can be complex. Consulting with immigration professionals or using official resources like France-Visas can provide clarity and ensure a smoother application process.

Remember, visa regulations can change, so always refer to official sources or seek professional advice to get the most current information.

The Pros and Cons of Living in France: Conclusion

Living in France as an expat is a mix of dreamy perks and real-life challenges. It’s a country that captivates you with its culture, food, and beautiful landscapes, but it also tests your patience with its bureaucracy and high taxes. The good news? Once you understand the system and adapt to the French way of life, you might find the trade-offs are well worth it.

At the end of the day, moving abroad is about finding what works for you. France offers a lifestyle full of charm, community, and opportunity, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re considering a move, take the time to weigh the pros and cons, visit the places you’re interested in, and most importantly, go into it with an open mind.

Because whether you end up staying for a few years or a lifetime, one thing’s for sure: living in France is an experience you’ll never forget. Bonne chance!