16 Reasons You Should Move To France.

16 reasons why you should move to France. We are currently on confinement, what we call here a lockdown. Despite being on lockdown until December 1, 2020, my friends back in the US have their sight set on coming to Paris as soon as travel resumes. In this blog post I will share with you 16 reasons why Americans should move to France.

16 reasons you should move to France.

Take for example my friend Anita (name has been changed to preserve her privacy). She works for the Board of Education in New York City. She came to visit me last summer for 2 weeks. At the end of her 2 weeks vacation, she had set up her mind about moving to Paris for good and leave the tiny room she rents in Brooklyn. As she was getting ready to make the move working as a teacher, the pandemic started. France had to shut down its borders to Non EU citizens and residents. Although devastated at first, she is remaining positive about moving to Paris and plan on doing so as soon as it is safe to travel. Now enough talking and let’s go over the 16 reasons you should move to France.

Work

Employees work 35 hours a week. However, exceptions do exist under some collective agreement within a company and some managerial staff who might be required to work longer hours. Contrary to what many say, French people aren’t lazy. We just think that working less hours make us more productive.

Health care

My friend Mike (name has been changed to preserve his privacy) came last November for a visit. He was sick due to an ear infection that he didn’t properly treat before leaving New York. He was sick during his flight and upon arriving had to be rushed to see a doctor. His bill was 25 euros which is at current market rate is about $30. He couldn’t believe how cheap it was and still talks about it today. Even going to the ER is affordable.

Schools and universities

No need to take several loans to send our kids to universities. There are great public schools in Paris that will not cost you an arm and a leg. There are also great private schools for those that prefer that route.

Gluten free, vegan, organic and non dairy shops

We love our bio (organic) products. It is not a trend for us. Eating clean is not only good for the body and the mind but it also keeps us in shape while supporting our local farmers. Yes it cost more money to eat organic but for many of us, it is a personal choice. Many non organic supermarkets even have an organic food section with gluten free options. Additionally, view my post on where you can shop for vegan products here.

Vacation time

We are the champions in Europe when it comes to vacation. In France people get about 5 weeks vacation time plus public holidays. Most usually spread them out throughout the year.

La joie de vivre

La joie de vivre means “the joy of living” in English. What it means is family life and quality of life before anything else.

Good wine

France is known around the world for producing some of the best wines. Red, wine, rosé, we got this. You can enjoy it with moderation bien sûr. You have to be 18 years old to drink legally.

Pastries

Pastries are an institution in itself here and I am not only talking about the croissants. How about the mighty baguette which many of my American friends can’t get enough of. Please try the éclair (see photo above), the millefeuille, the tarts and macarons just to name a few.

Maternity leave

Maternity leave in France is 16 Weeks for the first and second child. 26 weeks for the third child. Mothers can choose to take a few weeks before delivery and the rest afterwards. However, it can be shifted according to a woman’s health and personal situation. You can read more on it here.

Paternity leave

Currently fathers get 14 paid days off. The government would like to extend it to 28 days. It will be mandatory for them to take some days off. Here is what a recent New York Times article wrote about paternity leave recently here.

Pretty safe

There are petty crimes happening in the city especially on public transportation. In recent years, there have been sadly many terrorist attacks. However, Paris is still a safe city.

RESTAURANT AND COFFEE SCENE

French cuisine is widely renowned. France’s top culinary schools have trained many top chefs around the world and are still attracting new students. We love to cook with quality and fresh ingredients, however, we love to eat out. Eating out is a way to socialize with family and friends around a nice meal and spend some quality time with our children as well.

BEAUTIFUL SCENERIES AND ARCHITECTURE

Paris looks like an outdoor museum. You will feel like you are walking back in time. Whether single or taken, you won’t help but to fall in love with its romantic sceneries.

Here’s a few posts that might come in handy and that you might have missed:

• First time traveler’s guide to Paris: Top things to do
• When is the best time to visit Paris
• 10 things to do in Paris under 10 eruos

Are you interested in seeing a different side of Paris? Subsribe to my newsletter to get info regarding upcoming street are tours in the 19th arrondissement. Do you like to stay busy while traveling? Feel free to grab my coloring book here or on Amazon here.

GREAT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

With metro, buses, trams, trains and bicycles, you can get from point A to Z. Covid-19 has increased the sale of bicycles as more and more Parisians afraid to catch the virus prefer to use them instead of the metro.

DIVERSE POPULATION

Contrary to what you may have seen in movies, magazines and advertising, Paris has a mix population including a thriving black French population. You are bound to find someone from the four corners of the world.

GET OVER YOUR FEAR

Last but not least, you need to go over your fear. Write down on a notepad what is stopping you from making the big move. Stop doubting yourself. Keep in mind that time flies and that you may never have the opportunity to do it again if you don’t seize the moment.

In conclusion, now that I gave you 16 reasons why you should move to France, you don’t have any more excuses to not to. From our working hours to getting over your fear whatever that is, France although not perfect is an option that you should consider. There are so many things to add to this post, however, this will suffice. Got something you would like to add, feel free to leave a comment.

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