Don’t let a minor inconsistency delay your access to healthcare. Many expatriates face unexpected delays with their French Social Security (CPAM) registration — and often, the cause is something as simple as an accent, a name order mismatch, or a poorly translated birth certificate. In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common birth... Continue reading→

Exchanging a foreign driver’s license in France – a real obstacle course for expats Are you a foreign national who recently moved to France? You might think that exchanging your driver’s license for a French one is just a simple administrative formality. Unfortunately, the reality is often far more complicated. In recent months, I’ve received... Continue reading→

There’s still time to register your children for school! As we mentioned in our May article about the French school system, don’t wait too long to register your children — the process can take time, especially during the summer months. But maybe you’ve just learned about your relocation? Don’t worry — it’s still possible to... Continue reading→

✈️ Is your family moving to France soon? September is just around the corner… and you may be wondering how to enroll your children in school. Here’s a helpful overview of the French education system: 👉 In France, school is mandatory from the age of 3. The public education system is structured into several cycles:... Continue reading→

The French healthcare system is often ranked among the best in the world — but for newcomers, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first 🌀 Here are 4 key steps to get started: 1️⃣ Register with the French Social Security (Assurance Maladie) As soon as you are settled in France, either your employer or...

If you’re an expatriate parent in France, you may have already heard the word “bac” whispered nervously in school corridors or around the dinner table. The baccalauréat — or bac — is the final exam that students take at the end of high school (lycée), usually around 17 or 18 years old. It’s a major... Continue reading→

It’s probably the most beloved month of the year for the French… but also one of the most confusing for newly arrived expats! With multiple public holidays, extended weekends (called “ponts”), local traditions and a slower national rhythm, May in France has its own set of rules. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy... Continue reading→

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it can also feel lonely at first. Building a network — whether professional or social — is essential for making the most of your expatriation and truly feeling at home. Here are some practical ways to get started: 🤝 Join expat associations and groups. Take...

🌸 Spring — and especially April — is often when future expats begin their housing search in preparation for a move to France in the fall. It’s the perfect time to get a head start and build a solid application… but only if you understand the unique characteristics of the French rental market! 🤔 But...

If you’ve recently moved to France, you may have noticed that spring school holidays—often referred to as the Easter holidays—are in full swing. This time of year is cherished by French families as a chance to reconnect, enjoy the outdoors, and savor the first signs of spring 🌸 📆 The French school calendar is divided... Continue reading→