Living and working in France

Cultural traits in France you need to know

Family is valued highly in French culture, and it’s common to see family gatherings on weekends and going for a coffee during the day with a brother or sister. The motto of the French community is “Liberty, Equity and Fraternity” resembling their most important values: to see each other as family, and keeping the rights of everyone to do what they want to as long as they don’t disturb others. French people value sophistication and artistic traits til the point that is not only part of their architecture but also it is part of their way of life, their way to talk,  walk, eat and their existence.

French cuisine: The unique gastronomy

The gastronomy in France is known for its variety and diversity of flavours as a result of centuries of cuisine evolution between their many villages. Each village has unique traditions and tastes, which has composed what is today a patrimony of humanity since UNESCO listed the French gastronomy in the intangible heritage of humanity in 2010.

This is possible thanks to the cultural traditions in the French families and sharing this ancestral information to the little ones. This goes for everything from seasoning, the order of which each plate must be served, how to put the different cutlery, fold the towel, and to know the use of each glass.

Finding accommodation in France

The difficulty of and recommendations to finding a place to live in France will depend on the city you will be working in. Use your employer, rental websites or social media to find accommodation in France. You can expect this about the average rental costs in France:

• 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,200-€2,000 in Paris, €650-€800 outside Paris
• 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €700-€1,000 in Paris, €500-€650 outside Paris
• Room in a shared apartment: ~€700 in Paris, €350-€700 outside Paris 

Cost of living in France

We list you the most important costs of living in France for expats:

• Groceries: €300-€420 a month
• Basic meal in a restaurant: €10-€25
• Coffee in a café: €2-€5
• 0.5L beer in a bar: €4-€8
• Gym membership: €20-€60 a month
• Cinema ticket: €8-€15

Still not convinced about France?

A French lifestyle includes celebrating joie de vivre, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. From lively café conversations to the joy of sharing a bottle of wine with friends, you’ll find yourself deep insided a culture that appreciates connections and meaningful experiences.

The French savoir-faire extends to fashion, where Paris is considered the global fashion capital. Immerse yourself in the glamorous world of haute couture, stroll along the fashionable Champs-Élysées, and embrace the effortless elegance that permeates the French lifestyle.

Furthermore, France is home to the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites? From the historic beauty of Mont Saint-Michel to the breathtaking palace of Versailles, you’ll be surrounded by centuries of history and architectural wonders. Additionally, exploring the French Riviera, visiting historic castles in the Loire Valley, and enjoying the art and culture of cities like Lyon and Bordeaux are also highly recommended.