Module 1
Getting set up in France
Starting life in France is an exciting journey, but settling in can feel daunting. From getting a phone plan to finding a place to live, this module breaks down the five key steps to help you get your life sorted.
1. Accommodation
​​​​​​​​​​​ How is it Different?
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It's Paperwork-Heavy: Landlords in France require a detailed rental application (dossier), which includes proof of income, identity, and often a guarantor (garant).
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Tenant Protections: The reason for all the paperwork is that French rental laws heavily favour tenants. Eviction is difficult unless clear legal grounds are established, making landlords extra cautious about who they rent to.
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Rental Costs: Paris and large cities are competitive, and rents may be higher than in the UK, but many rural areas offer more affordable housing options.
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​ ​What You Need to Do...
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1. Start Your Search on Trusted Platforms:
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The main real-estate listings sites are SeLoger and LeBonCoin (which is also general listing platform for, well, anything). There is also a platform for renting between individuals called PAP – which can be a way of getting around some of the red tape involved in renting through an agency.
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If you're just looking for a room to rent, there are many Facebook groups for people looking for housemates.
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2. Prepare Your Rental Dossier:
A standard dossier when renting through an agency includes:
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ID: Passport or residence permit.
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Proof of income: Three recent payslips, work contract, or tax return.
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Proof of residence: Utility bill or lease agreement.
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Guarantor documents: Landlords generally require you to have a French guarantor (garant), which is someone who pledges to cover your rent if you fail to pay it. If you don’t have a French guarantor, some companies, such as GarantMe, offer paid guarantor services .
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3. Check the Terms of the Lease
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Check if the property is furnished (meublé) or unfurnished (non-meublé). Furnished leases typically last one year, while unfurnished ones are for three years. But this can also be negotiated.
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You'll generally have to pay a bond (caution) of one month's rent to the landlord. An agent will take a fee that's usually around one month's rent as well.
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When you move in there will be an état des lieux (condition report) with the agent or landlord, where you assess the state of the property together. Make sure to review this thoroughly to avoid disputes when you move out.​
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Useful Links... ​
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SeLoger – the main real-estate site in France for leasing or buying property.
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LeBonCoin – the French equivalent of Gumtree or Craigslist, with listings for property as well as everything else under the sun.
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PAP – A real-estate listing site for private individuals, where you can rent without agency fees. But extra caution is required, as it can contain scam listings.
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​How I found a flat in Bordeaux...
Adam, 37,
originally
from Bristol
How I found a flat in Bordeaux...
Adam, 39, originally from Bristol
When I decided to move to Bordeaux from Bristol, I knew finding a flat would be challenging, but I wasn’t prepared for just how different the process is in France. Back in the UK, I could usually secure a rental with a quick reference check and a deposit. In Bordeaux, though, it was all about the dossier.
I had to pull together my passport, three months of payslips, my work contract, and proof of a guarantor. I didn’t know anyone in France who could vouch for me, so I used GarantMe, which made the process much smoother. Still, I had to scan everything, translate my documents, and make sure the dossier was perfectly organized.
I searched on SeLoger and LeBonCoin but also reached out to a couple of estate agents. The competition was tough – properties would disappear within days of being listed. After a few weeks of searching, I found a cozy one-bedroom in the Chartrons district, perfect for exploring the city.
One tip I’d give is to ask a lot of questions before signing the lease. I almost missed that utilities weren’t included! It was a learning curve, but once I moved in, it all felt worth it.
2. Phone & Internet
​​​​​​​​​​​ How is it Different? ​
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Separate Services: Internet, TV, and phone are less commonly bundled in France compared to the UK.
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Long Installation Times: Internet setup can take weeks, especially in rural areas or older buildings without fiber connections.
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Cheaper Mobile Plans: SIM-only plans (sans engagement) are widely available and more affordable than in the UK.
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​ ​What You Need to Do...
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1. Choose an Internet Provider:
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The major providers in France include Orange, Free and SFR. Fibre coverage is increasing, and is available in major cities, but not all rural areas have access.
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2. ​​Set Up Mobile Service:
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Prepaid SIM cards are available without contracts, but long-term residents will benefit from monthly plans with unlimited calls and data starting at €10/month.
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Free has pioneered the use of SIM card vending machines in their shops. This allows you to get a SIM card in a few minutes, streamlining the process significantly.
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3. Plan for Delays:
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If your internet setup is delayed, the major providers can provide you with a temporary 4G router or hotspot device.
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​ Useful Links...
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Orange – a wide range of internet and mobile options, including fiber connections and prepaid plans.
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Free – known for their innovative SIM vending machines and low-cost plans starting at €2/month.
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SFR – competitive broadband and mobile packages, including 4G and 5G services.
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Mon Réseau Mobile – allows users to compare mobile network coverage and quality across different operators in France.
3. Banking
​​​​​​​​ How is it Different?
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Additional Requirements: French banks often require proof of income, residence and visa status.
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Fees for Services: Expect monthly fees for account maintenance, which are less common in the UK. International transaction fees may apply when transferring money from abroad .
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​ ​What You Need to Do...
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1. Select the Right Bank
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For traditional banks, BNP Paribas and Société Générale are widely trusted.
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La Banque Postale is based at French post offices, offers basic banking services and is often accessible in rural areas where other banks might not have branches.
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Online options like N26 or Revolut are expat-friendly, with fewer fees and faster setup.
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2. ​Prepare Your Documents
Required documents typically include:
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Passport or national ID.
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Proof of residence in France (a utility bill, lease).
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Proof of income (e.g., work contract).
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3. Keep an eye on fees
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French banks charge for services like overdrafts, ATM withdrawals at other banks, and international transfers. Review account terms carefully.
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​ Useful Links...
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Selectra – a site that compares French banks based on their services, fees, and customer reviews.
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Wise – a cost-effective option for transferring money internationally with low fees.
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​ ​How I transferred my finances to France...
Mariam, 43,
originally from Manchester
​How I transferred my finances to France...
Mariam, 43, originally from Manchester
"When I moved from Manchester to France, I knew sorting out my finances would be a big task. I was used to the UK system, where everything felt straightforward, but in France, things are quite different. At first, it was overwhelming – new systems, unfamiliar terminology, and a lot of paperwork. But with a bit of preparation, I found it was manageable.
To open my bank account, I needed my passport, proof of address, and proof of income, which included payslips and my employment contract. I opted for an online bank, N26, because it was quick to set up, didn’t require me to visit a branch, and offered English-language support. For transferring money from the UK to France, I used Wise. It saved me a lot in fees and gave me a better exchange rate than my UK bank.
The process wasn’t without challenges. For example, it took me longer than expected to set up direct debits for rent and utilities. But once everything was in place, it felt like a huge milestone sorted. My advice? Be patient, shop around for the best services, and don’t hesitate to ask for help along the way."
4. Utilities
​​​​​​​​ How is it Different?
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Multiple Providers: Unlike the UK, where utilities are often bundled, in France, electricity and gas services are usually managed separately. EDF is the largest provider, but there are many alternatives to consider.
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Quarterly Billing: Electricity and gas bills are often issued quarterly and may be based on estimated usage unless you submit meter readings.
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Manual Setup: Utility contracts aren’t automatically transferred when you move into a property –you’ll need to set them up yourself.
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​ ​What You Need to Do...
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1. Contact an electricity and/or gas provider immediately after signing your lease.
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Be ready to provide:
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Your move-in date.
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Meter readings (relevés de compteur).
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Rental agreement details.
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Popular providers include:
EDF – The largest electricity provider in France.
Engie – Offers both gas and electricity services. -
Many providers offer 100% green energy plans. Check out:
Ekwateur – a provider focused on 100% green energy.
Ilek – Allows you pick an energy supplier based on location or preferences, such as supporting a small hydroelectric dam in a specific region.
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​ Useful Links...
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Hello Watt – Compares different energy providers and offers a personalized energy savings plan.
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5. Local Services
​​​​​​​​ How is it Different?
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Centralized Services: Unlike in the UK, where councils typically handle a broad range of services, French town halls (mairies) are highly localized and manage essential services like waste collection, event registrations, and parking permits.
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Community Hubs: Libraries (médiathèques) often serve as cultural and educational hubs, offering more than just books. They provide workshops, language classes, and access to free Wi-Fi, making them invaluable resources for newcomers.
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​ ​What You Need to Do...
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1. Register for local services at your Mairie:
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Waste Collection: In small towns and rural areas, residents often need to register with the mairie for waste collection. The mairie can provide you with a waste collection schedule (calendrier de ramassage) and instructions on recycling, which is heavily enforced in France.
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Resident Parking Permits: Essential if you own a car and live in areas with restricted parking zones.
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Birth, Marriage, or Residency Certificates: Request official documents for legal purposes.
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School Enrollment: For families, the mairie can assist with enrolling children in local public schools.
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​2. Take Advantage of Libraries (Médiathèques)
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Language Classes: Many médiathèques offer free or affordable French language lessons specifically for expats.
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Cultural Events: Attend community events like film screenings, book clubs, or art workshops.
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Digital Resources: Borrow eBooks, audiobooks, or access online learning tools with a free library card.
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Wi-Fi and Workspace: Most médiathèques offer free Wi-Fi and quiet spaces, making them ideal for remote work or studying.​​​
3. Check Noticeboards and Websites:
- Check your mairie’s website or bulletin boards for updates on local festivals, consultations, or free workshops.
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Many mairies also list volunteer opportunities, which can help you integrate into the community.
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Crisis and Assistance Services: Mairies can direct you to social assistance programs if needed, including housing support or subsidies.
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​Useful Links...
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Service-Public – Mairie Information: Learn more about the role of mairies and find contact details for your local town hall.
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Angloinfo – Local Resources for Expats: Acomprehensive guide for English-speaking expats in France.
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Paris Mairie – Services for Residents: Specifically for residents in Paris, this site covers waste, parking permits, and more.
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Médiathèques en France – Directory: Find your nearest library and explore their services.
​ ​How my local town hall helped me learn French...
David, 67,
originally
from Guildford
How my local town hall helped me learn French...
David, 67, originally from Guildford
"When I moved to the Dordogne at the age of 65, I knew I’d need to tackle the language to really feel at home. My French was pretty basic – limited to what I’d learned on holidays – but I didn’t know where to start. An English neighbour suggested I visit the local mairie (town hall) to find out about classes. I wasn’t expecting much, but it turned out to be a game-changer.
The mairie had a list of free or affordable French classes available in the area, specifically designed for newcomers. They recommended a weekly conversational group at the local médiathèque, which was a relaxed way to practice with other expats and locals. The mairie staff were incredibly helpful – they even helped me fill out the application forms for the classes when my French wasn’t good enough.
The classes weren’t just about language; they helped me understand French customs and culture too. Learning alongside others in the same situation created a sense of community, which made the adjustment easier. Two years in, I’m pretty confident speaking French, and I can chat with neighbours at the market. My advice? Don’t hesitate to ask your mairie for help – they’re a fantastic resource!"