For many Brits, moving to France is a dream come true.
What’s not to love — incredible cities, beautiful countryside, mountains, exquisite food and wine, a plethora of interesting characters and just a short hop over the English channel.
Sure, you might need to learn a little French — but, hey, you still remember your lessons at school, right? — and the economy isn’t the brightest beacon for job seekers, but for those looking to retire or with a self-sustaining income, a move to France is a move to paradise.
Let’s take a look.
1. Paris is one of the world’s most incredible cities
The gargoyles of Notre Dame are always keeping watch over the city.
Paris’ skyline is remarkable for the lack of skyscrapers crowding out the atmosphere.
2. And home to one of the world’s most iconic buildings
The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and served as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair.
Design experts have long snobbishly derided the tower’s aesthetic, but there’s no doubt that it’s the most enduring figure of France.
3. It’s a hub for art and culture
The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum — so popular because it’s home to the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci, as well as many other classics.
5. And an exquisite place for romance
Paris is the city of love.
Visiting lovers should take a trip to the Pont des Arts — the so-called Love Lock Bridge, which is weighed down by hundreds, if not thousands, of padlocks. People typically write their initials on the locks before attaching them to the bridge, throwing the key in the River Seine beneath.
6. The Alps are the perfect setting for some après–ski
France is full of incredible ski resorts and is home to Europe’s largest mountain — Mont Blanc — sharing it with Italy on the border.
7. And the beaches are picture perfect
Frances beaches are best in the South of France, particularly in the seaside resort of Nice, around Brittany in the North-West and on the Vendée in the West.
8. It can be a calm and serene place
9. Or stormily dramatic
Mont St Michel in Normandy is a popular tourist attraction in Northern France.
10. The villages are quaint
11. And home to some delightfully local shops
France is known for its incredible array of cheeses.
Anyone for brie and emmental?
12. The food is exquisite
Lunch in France is always a good thing.
13. Whether it’s fresh from the fishmonger
14. Or bought at the farmer’s market
Farmers’ markets power the local village grocery economy in France and are the envy of Brits across the border with their boring supermarkets.
15. And the wine isn’t half bad either
Cheap, delicious and plentiful!
16. It’s almost other-worldly in its prettiness
17. But it always feels like home in France
Are you tempted to move to France?
