The largest city and also the capital is Paris. This is probably the most expensive part of France to live in. The city has been raided and pillaged many times in its history but today you wouldn’t think that. It is one of the biggest tourist destinations of the world with so many beautiful sights. You need a good week to get round and see everything. Art lovers will enjoy the Louvre museum as it holds the famous Mona Lisa and lots of other famous paintings and sculptures. Architecturally the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame are must sees as is the Champs Elyesee.
Planning is essential when moving to France as is moving anywhere else. When it comes to the dreaded paper work it is very important not sent send the original documents only photocopies. Originals should be stored safe and securely. If you are not a citizens of the European Union you will need to apply for a French Visa and know what one you will need.
There are 3 basic visa types:
• Student visa
• Long-stay visa
• Work permit visa (2 Types of permits – Temporary Secondment and Full Work Permit)
Each of the visas have slightly different rules so it would be worth talking to an immigration officer to find out what type you will need and how to go about obtaining one
Moving to any country where a different language is spoken is very difficult unless you are prepared to learn the language. The locals will respect you far more if you talk French as they take serious pride in their language. There are plenty of French language schools that offer courses to foreigners.
The best way to get about in France is by car, however be warned. Most of the French drive very erratically. If you are planning on taking your car to France then it can be done but it is very difficult as you will have to conform to French restrictions. To find out what documents you will need you should contact the local DRIRE office, )Diurction Regionale de L’Industrie, de la Recherche et de I’Environnement). They will then send you a list of documents you will require. Some of the documents you will need are
• Manufacturers certificate of conformity or Attestation de Conformite.
• Proof of origin. the car from. A receipt or bill of sale can be used for this.
• VAT evidence.
• Registration Documents.
• Proof of identity and residence in France.
• Registration request form.
Getting all these in order is all well and good but remember the French drive on the right hand side of the road. The best bet in my opinion is to sell your British car before you go and buy a car from a French dealer over in France.
These are just a few things to think about when planning on a move to France but there is a lot more. It really is worth doing lots of research before you go. Speaking to British expats would be the best thing to do. Someone with experience of moving to France is obvioulsy the wise thing to do. You can find many different sites and blogs which English people have written about their experience of living in France.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Carolyn is the webmaster of Over’s International, specialists’ in Removals to France, Removals to Portugal and Removals to Spain.