FRANCE
Country Guide

Have you decided to Move to France?
Whether you’re planning a tourist trip or a business relocation, here’s what you should know before you go.

General Overview

• Official country name: French Republic (République française)
• Location: Europe, Western region
• Capital city: Paris
• Official language: French
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time zone: UTC+1 (Standard Time), UTC+2 (Daylight Saving Time)

Culture & Traditions

• Key customs:
  • French people value politeness and formality in interactions. Greetings usually include a handshake or cheek kisses (“la bise”).
  • Meals are a central part of social life, often lasting several courses.
  • Punctuality is expected in professional settings but is more relaxed in social life.
• Public holidays: 11 official days off
  • January 1st – New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An)
  • Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)
  • May 1st – Labor Day (Fête du Travail)
  • May 8th – Victory in Europe Day (Victoire 1945)
  • Ascension Day (40 days after Easter)
  • Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte)
  • July 14th – Bastille Day (Fête nationale)
  • August 15th – Assumption (Assomption)
  • November 1st – All Saints’ Day (Toussaint)
  • November 11th – Armistice Day (Armistice 1918)
  • December 25th – Christmas Day (Noël)
• Main traditional dishes and local drinks:
  • Popular dishes: Baguette, croissant, coq au vin, ratatouille, boeuf bourguignon, crêpes.
  • Drinks: Wine, champagne, pastis, cider, coffee.
• Languages spoken daily: French is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning basic French is highly recommended.
• Clothing and behavioral norms:
  • Business and social settings favor an elegant and put-together appearance.
  • Loud conversations in public spaces are generally frowned upon.

Demographics & Society

• Total population: About 68 million people
• Major ethnic groups: Predominantly European, with communities of North African, Sub-Saharan African, and Asian descent.
• Main religions: Historically Catholic, but the country is secular with a mix of Islam, Protestantism, Judaism, and non-religious individuals.
• General safety level: Generally safe, but be cautious of petty crime in major cities.
• Attitude towards foreigners and diversity: France is multicultural, especially in large cities, but language barriers can be challenging in smaller towns.

Key Cities & Regions

• Capital city: Paris (2.1 million people) – Known for its historical landmarks, arts, and fashion.
• Major cities:
  • Marseille (870,000 people) – Largest port city, Mediterranean culture.
  • Lyon (530,000 people) – Renowned for gastronomy and silk history.
  • Toulouse (500,000 people) – Aerospace industry hub.
  • Nice (340,000 people) – Coastal city with stunning beaches and Italian influence.
  • Nantes (320,000 people) – A vibrant city with a mix of history and modernity.
  • Strasbourg (290,000 people) – European Parliament headquarters, mix of French and German influences.
  • Bordeaux (260,000 people) – Famous for its wine industry.
  • Lille (240,000 people) – A lively student city with Flemish architectural influence.
• Must-visit regions:
  • Provence (lavender fields, Mediterranean climate)
  • Normandy (D-Day beaches, Mont Saint-Michel)
  • Loire Valley (historic castles and vineyards)
  • French Riviera (luxury lifestyle, beautiful beaches)
  • Alsace (half-timbered houses, Christmas markets)

Weather & Climate

• Type of climate:
  • Temperate in most of the country.
  • Mediterranean in the South.
  • Oceanic in the West.
  • Mountainous in the Alps and Pyrenees.
• Average seasonal temperatures:
  • Winter: 0-10°C
  • Spring: 10-20°C
  • Summer: 20-30°C
  • Autumn: 10-20°C
• Best times to visit: Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Practical Information

• Entry requirements:
  • EU citizens: No visa needed.
  • Non-EU citizens: Visa required for stays over 90 days.
• Local transportation:
  • Efficient public transport: Metro, buses, trams in cities.
  • High-speed trains (TGV) connect major regions.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt) are widely available.
• Cost of living:
  • Housing: Expensive in Paris (€1,200+ for a studio), more affordable in other cities.
  • Food: Affordable if shopping at local markets, dining out is more costly.
  • Transport: Monthly metro pass in Paris costs about €86.
• Electrical outlets and voltage: Type E, 230V / 50Hz
• Emergency numbers:
  • 112 (EU-wide emergency)
  • 15 (Ambulance)
  • 17 (Police)
  • 18 (Firefighters)

Visitor Tips

• Gestures to avoid and cultural taboos:
  • Avoid discussing money or personal wealth.
  • Be mindful of using informal “tu” instead of “vous” when speaking to strangers.
  • Public displays of affection are common but excessive loudness in public is frowned upon.
• Specific regulations:
  • Drinking alcohol in public is allowed but regulated in certain areas.
  • Strict smoking laws: No smoking in indoor public places.
• Tips for integrating locally:
  • Learning basic French greatly improves social interactions.
  • Adapting to local meal times (lunch from 12-2 PM, dinner after 7 PM).
  • Understanding France’s bureaucracy, as administrative processes can be complex.
• Potential risks or important considerations:
  • Healthcare: High-quality system, but registering for social security can take time.
  • Strikes & protests: Can disrupt public transport and services frequently.
  • Petty crime: Be cautious of pickpockets in tourist areas.
  • Extreme weather: Occasional heatwaves in summer.