France is one of the most cultured countries in the world and the French are renowned for their insatiable appetite for gastronomy, art, literature, philosophy and music. Paris houses some of the world’s greatest museums, monuments and architectural treasures and is one of the world’s most attractive and romantic cities. And France is no longer an island unto itself, its traditional insularity having been replaced by a highly developed sense of international responsibility.
While doing battle with French bureaucracy is enough to discourage anybody, if you’re willing to meet them halfway and learn their language, you will invariably be warmly received by the French, who will go out of their way to ‘educate’ you in the finer points of good living. In fact, French civilisation has been described as ‘an exercise in enlightened self-indulgence’, providing what many believe is one of the world’s best lifestyles.
Medical treatment is not subsidised but there are exceptions, particularly if you require hospitalisation. Most doctors and hospitals have an agreement with Social Security (conventionné) to charge fees at a standard rate. It’s wise to check whether your health professional is conventionné - if not, even additional private insurance (mutuelle) may not cover you.
Opening a bank account is easy - simply present your personal adviser with the usual passport, driving licence and utility bill to get started. You’ll be issued with account details necessary to set up standing orders and direct debits and a chequebook and bank card will be sent to you within a fortnight.
The internet is used more and more by people looking to rent a property in France, with popular sites listing the most up to date properties on the market.
Your monthly salary must be more than 3 times the rental value of the property. If you used an estate agent they will charge you a month’s rent for administration fees.
The deposit is usually 2 months’ rent and is refundable dependent on wear and tear at the end of the lease. Both the tenant and landlord must give 3 months notice. The tenant is protected by a law that forbids eviction in the months between October and March. Utilities are usually covered by the rent.
A new tenancy agreement must be registered at the local town hall as you will be eligible for an annual taxe d’habitation. You are also obliged to insure the property, providing the valid documents when you’re given the keys and each subsequent year on the landlord’s behest.
The rail network in France is called the SNCF, an acronym of ‘suburban, regional and national trains’. The SNCF is also the umbrella group responsible for international lines, including the Eurostar to London and the Thalys service to Amsterdam. Larger cities have a Metro, or underground system, typified by that of Paris and many towns enjoy the benefits of a Tram network.
Although not cheap (it is after all a European capital) you’ll get more for your money in Paris than in Zurich, Tokyo or Milan.
