Moving to France is one of life’s big adventures. Whether you’re chasing the sun, a different pace of life or a more affordable lifestyle, relocating abroad is as exciting as it is daunting. When the boxes are still stacked in the corner and your croissant order comes out wrong, you might wonder if you’ve done the right thing. The whole prospect of settling into France can seem too much.
That’s completely normal.
The secret to a smoother transition into your French life? Planning – and lots of it. Combine that with a dose of open-mindedness and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, and you’re already well on your way. At Your Overseas Home, we’ve helped thousands of people move successfully – and here we share our most practical, honest and up-to-date advice to help you settle in with confidence.
Contents
- Do your homework before you go
- Expect the early weeks to feel weird
- Slow down and reconnect
- Say yes to local life
- Break the ice with an apéro
- Share experiences with other expats
- Make education transitions smoother
- Speak French – even badly
- Nurture your UK connections
- Frequently asked questions
Settling into France after moving abroad takes a lot of work – but it’s well worth it
Do your homework before you go
Research might not be the most glamorous part of your French dream, but it is the most powerful. Spend time learning everything you can about your new area – housing, healthcare, transport links, weather patterns and even supermarket opening hours.
If you’ve got children, involve them too. Look at schools, extra-curricular options and everyday life in the local town or village. Understanding how your new community works will build your confidence, reduce surprises and make settling into France much easier.
Don’t be shy about asking questions on online forums or social media. From local Facebook groups to forums like Survive France, you’ll find a wealth of info from people who’ve walked this path already. You could even make a friend before your plane leaves the tarmac.
If you’ve narrowed down a location but haven’t bought yet, make sure to download your free copy of our France Buying Guide:
Expect the early weeks to feel weird
Let’s be real – the honeymoon period doesn’t come straight away for everyone. You might cry over banking bureaucracy, miss a UK biscuit brand or feel overwhelmed by the language barrier. And that’s fine. This is all part of settling into France.
Moving abroad shakes up your identity. You’re no longer “local”, and that can feel unsettling. Knowing that this feeling is totally normal – and temporary – will help you weather the adjustment.
Give yourself permission to feel homesick, culture-shocked and tired. Then, take small steps to build routines: go for a morning walk, head to the same boulangerie, chat with the butcher. These familiar things help create a sense of daily rhythm and place.
You don’t need to have everything figured out by week two. Just stay open, stay curious and remind yourself why you made the move in the first place.
Slow down and reconnect
One of the biggest lifestyle shifts in France is pace. Things take time – from house repairs to admin appointments. Living here means embracing a culture where the post office still closes for lunch and tradespeople say they’ll come “next week” with no fixed day.
It can be frustrating, but it’s also freeing.
Take this as an invitation to slow your own pace. Unpack gradually. Wander your new neighbourhood – maybe take it in on two wheels. Chat to the market stallholder even if your grammar falls apart halfway through. Soak up the routine details that make life here richer. It will make settling into France much more enjoyable.
Many people move to France for a reason – quality of life. That means meals are longer, days are measured by local rhythms and time for yourself is prioritised. So give yourself permission to enjoy the very lifestyle you moved for. Life’s better outside the rat race.
Say yes to local life
Joining in is one of the fastest ways to feel at home. Whether it’s pétanque with the neighbours, an art class, or volunteering at the village fête – say yes.
Do something that connects you to others. It could be an extension of an old hobby or something brand-new – yoga, hiking, choir singing, craft beer clubs… the options are near endless.
If you’re more introverted, start small. Attend a local event as an observer. Visit the town hall noticeboard. The more you show up, the easier it becomes. Plus, locals will see you making an effort and often go out of their way to help you integrate.
You never know which small “yes” might lead to a lifelong friendship or unexpected opportunity. And if you happen to come across fellow expats along the way, you might gain an instant support network.
Break the ice with an apéro
Moving into a new village or neighbourhood? Hosting a casual drinks evening – or apéro, as the French say – can be a brilliant way to meet your neighbours and settling into France without pressure.
You don’t need to throw a fancy party. Just offer a few nibbles, open your doors and extend a warm welcome. It’s a lovely way to show goodwill – and may trigger reciprocal invites, which is one of the fastest routes into community life.
Your French neighbours might be curious about your decision to move – and very proud of their local area. Often, they’ll offer tips on where to find good bread, share local contacts… or even teach you the odd phrase in patois.
First impressions count. Starting off sociably can set the tone for years to come.
Share experiences with other expats
Connecting with others who’ve also moved from abroad can be a lifeline, especially in the early days. They understand the culture shocks, paperwork hurdles and homesick curveballs. Their advice (and empathy) often comes from first-hand experience.
You may find local English-speaking meetups via community websites, school groups or Facebook. Even if you only meet for coffee occasionally, that shared understanding can bring a lot of comfort.
Don’t just limit yourself to fellow Brits. Expats from around the world have their own stories and tips to share – and you’ll likely find yourself having deeper, more open conversations than you might have had back in the UK.
Swapping cheese tips and admin disasters with someone who gets it? Instant friendship.
Make education transitions smoother
If you’re moving with children, timing can make a huge difference to how well they settle. Try to plan your move to coincide with the summer holidays. This allows them a little breathing space to get used to their new environment – and gives them a fresh start in September along with their new classmates.
French schools can vary quite a bit from British ones – in routine, structure and expectations. It’s helpful to prepare your children gently ahead of time and, where possible, arrange a visit to the school before the first day.
Children are often more adaptable than adults – friendships can form quickly over football, cartoons or shared snacks. But remember that the transition can be intense. Check in with how they’re coping. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, chances are they are too.
Watch out for school gate introductions. They’re one of your best tools for meeting other local parents and starting those all-important friendships.
Speak French – even badly
Let’s be honest – learning an\other language as an adult takes effort. But if you learn French when you’re moving to France it will totally transform your experience of living here.
Locals can spot effort a mile off. You don’t need to be fluent to get a warm smile of encouragement. Even a chatty “bonjour” or stumbling through a bakery order opens doors.
Start small. Download language apps, join beginner classes, or even hire a tutor. Many towns run subsidised French lessons for newcomers – check with your mairie (town hall) when you arrive.
The more you speak, the better you’ll feel navigating daily life. But the real reward? When you suddenly understand a conversation in the hairdresser’s – or manage to crack a bad joke in French and get a laugh back. It’s magic.
And remember: everyone makes mistakes. That’s how we learn.
Nurture your UK connections
Being in France doesn’t mean losing touch with your life back home. In fact, staying connected to family and friends can make adjusting easier, not harder.
Set up regular video calls, keep a group chat alive or invite loved ones to visit. Showing them your new world – even if virtually – makes you feel less far away.
Over time, you’ll build new relationships where you are. But it’s comforting to know that there’s a support network just one message away. Regular check-ins are particularly helpful on days when things feel tough. You’ll be reminded why you moved – and that you’re not alone.
Your new life doesn’t replace your old one. It adds to it.
Start your French journey with confidence
Relocating takes guts – and real determination – but it’s also one of the most enriching adventures you can have. If you’re dreaming of turning your plans into reality, our team at Your Overseas Home is here for you every step of the way. Book a call with one of our consultants to get tips for how to settle into France or make your move go more smoothly.
From understanding how to buy safely to specialist help with finances, property searches and logistics, our network of vetted professionals and bilingual experts has you covered.
Frequently asked questions about settling into life in France
Is it difficult to settle into life in France as an expat?
Settling into France can feel overwhelming at first, especially with bureaucracy and language barriers. But with research, realistic expectations and an open attitude, most expats find the transition becomes easier and more rewarding over time.
How important is speaking French to integrate in France?
Speaking French, even at a basic level, is key to feeling confident and connected. Locals appreciate the effort and it helps with daily life tasks, from shopping to handling paperwork. Don’t aim for perfection—just start practising and build from there.
How can I make friends after moving to France?
Join local clubs, attend community events, volunteer, or take language classes. Hosting a casual apéro or attending school gate chats if you have children can also lead to lasting friendships. Don’t forget expat networks—they’re a great source of support too.
What paperwork do I need to handle when I arrive in France?
Key tasks include registering your residency, obtaining a French tax number, setting up healthcare, switching your driving licence if applicable, and arranging utilities. Keeping printed and digital copies of all important documents is essential for smooth administration.
How can I manage homesickness after moving to France?
Homesickness is common. Stay in touch with friends and family through video calls and messages. Create new routines, focus on small wins, and give yourself time to adjust. Sharing experiences with fellow expats can also ease the transition.
