10 Reasons Why I love Living In France

I have visited several countries in the world and although I have learned a whole lot during these trips, there is nothing quite like being at home. For many years I lived in New York City until a life changing event made me return to my roots and gave me a new appreciation on living in France. In this blog post I will share with you guys 10 reasons why I love living in France.

I. La joie de vivre or joy of living

I have heard so many negative comments about French people being lazy. Not so fast my friend. We simply rather work less and spend the most of our time with our family. How is that a bad thin? Seriously! If you could spend more time with your family even if that means making less money wouldn’t you do it? In France it is all about “la joie” de vivre mentality. I am pretty sure that you have heard this saying before which translated means “the joy of living”. That is right, we live to enjoy life and not the other way aroud. Lately, many around the world seem to have adopted this way of living since more and more people are choosing to work less and smarter in order to spend quality time with their spouse and children.

2. Free education

In the 10 reasons why I enjoy living in France, education plays a big part of it. Kids start school at the age of 3 or the year they turn 3. I have heard many people telling me that it is to early for kids to be in school. However, I disagree because I think the sooner the kids are in the classroom the better it is for their learning progress. They get to meet other kids from different background, social status and so forth… They also learned to be independent and responsible. Isn’t that awesome!

3. Maternity leave

To continue with what I was saying above regarding children, France provides a generous maternity and even paternity leave for both mothers and fathers. Maternity in France is 16 weeks for the first child, 16 weeks for the second and 26 weeks for the third child. The leave period can begin up to 6 weeks before birth. (source: maternity and paternity leave in France: A guide for overseas employers) I recommend you read the full article here.

4. Beautiful sceneries

From Paris to the hidden villages of the South of France, France is a beautiful country. I am not saying that because I am French. I am saying it because it is the truth. In the summer enjoy the beautiful beaches of the south of France, Normandy and Brittany in the north. In the winter, enjoy skiing in the Alps or in the Pyrénnées. Visit and stay in some of our most beautiful gothic vilages and historic castles that you have seen on TV or in historic books.

5. Beautiful villages

Although Paris is the most well-known and visited city of France, there are lots of small villages that will take your breath away. One such villages is Les Anses d’Arlets. It is located on the French island of Martinique. In 2020, it was voted the second most beautiful and favorite villages of France. This seaside fisherman village known for its loving people, historical church, local market and delicious and authentic dishes won the heart of millions of French who voted for it. Since appearing on TV in 2020 and winning the second place, thousands of French people make the trip from mainland france to see it.

Don’t take my word for it check out this You Tube video produced by one of our main TV stations to get a better idea of what I am talking about. Sorry it is in French but you can still view it as a way to brush up on your French. To get there from France, you will have to book a plane ticket as Martinique is 6,845 km away from Paris. You can book your flight on Air France, Air Caraibes and Corsair.

6. We are friendly

I don’t understand why French people are labeled as rude. I think that in every country you run into people that have no manners, that think that they are better than others, feel entitled etc… The French don’t deserve that reputation. You find people in Paris and around the country that are willing to help you, give you direction, talk to you and even help you if you are having issues with the language. Don’t let people bad experiences with a few bad apples ruin your plans to visit France. Come see it for yourself.

7. Food Culture and the people

France is renowned for its culinary schools that train many local and international chefs. The restaurant culture is big here. We enjoy eating out. One of our favorite things to do is the “appéro” short for “apéritif”. It is ingrained in French culture and we take it very seriously. Most of us love to indulge in it at the end of the day before dinner or just before lunch time. It is a time where we can unwind over a cocktail and a few snacks. Most people aren’t aware that France has many French overseas departments, collectivities and territories that include:

Martinique

Guadeloupe

French Guiana

Saint Martin

French Polynesia

Réunion Island and so forth…

The mixity of the French population wheter here in Mainland France or outside brings so much beauty and richness to the country. The inhabitants there are a mix of African slave descendants like myself, indians from india, indigenous, europeans, chinese, middle estern etc..and that is why France population is as colorful as a crayon box despite what you may have seen in your home country on TV or in books.

8. Vacation time

I cannot talk about 10 reasons why I love living in France France without mentionning the amount of time off we get. We are known as Europe champions when it comes to vacation time. Honestly, I don’t think that we should be ashamed of it. I personally enjoy traveling so I make good use of it. To read a more in depth expianation on why France has the most vacation time and why, check out this online article on the subject here.

9. Cotst of living

Paris like most big cities in the world is expensive. However, although the cost of living is high, it is not as bad as other non European cities. For example expect to pay on average about 1000 euros for a single bedroom apartment for about 30/40 square meters. Price can be higher depending of the neighborhood. Outside of the city, for the same price you can get way more square meters and spaces for your buck.That is why many parisians are leaving the Capital to move to the regions located further from the city where life is cheaper and more affordable.

10.Health care

Last but not least health care. We don’t have to worry about being in debt due to medical costs. I get to see a doctor regularly without having to worry about the cost. Dont have government or private health insurance, not a problem you can still see a doctor. For more on how the French medical system works check out this in-depth article on the subject here.

In conclusion, I hope that you enjoyed reading the 10 reasons why I love living in France. Hopefully it will help you better understand the French culture and our way of life. From our joie de vivre mentality to education, time off and health care to name a few, I invite you to experience France on your next European trip. Do you have something that you would like to share or to add, feel free to do so to help a fellow traveler. Let’s get the discussion started and while you are here , feel free to share this post. Do you love the French and Parisian lifestyle? Sign up for our newsletter here. Simply Robbie is on Twitter and Pinterest. We would love to see you there.