The French way of life

Think of France and what comes to mind? Wide tree-lined roads, excellent food in great-value restaurants, a gentle climate and landscape, timeless rural lifestyle, a strong sense of family, great pride in national identity, a secular state and traditions both cultural and social. Then there are the negative clichés - national arrogance, language inflexibility, unprincipled self-interest, impenetrable bureaucracy, slow working practices.

What’s the truth behind all these myths – and could French life work for you? If you plan to buy property and live in France, either permanently or part-time, it pays to be flexible about embracing the culture and keep an open mind and heart. So find out more about the many different aspects of living in France:

Working Life in France

Working in France is very different from the UK, with an emphasis on office courtesies and a rigid structure to the working day.
Find out more about working life in France

Rural Life in France

Living in rural France is the idyllic dream of many and France certainly has much to offer in its villages and hamlets.
Find out what it’s like to live in rural France

Family Life in France

Family is the backbone of French identity and community, and remains a strong influence in society.
Find out more about family life in France

Routines and courtesies in France

Manners and etiquette matter in France, where social niceties are widely observed and appreciated.
Find out more about manners in France

Living in France Blogs

Find out what it’s really like to live in France with our first hand accounts from the French Connections Bloggers.
Read our blogs about French life