If you’re thinking about moving to France with your family, you already know it’s not simply a relocation but a whole new way of life. We asked Calum Harkiss of The French Property Show to talk us through why France is such a great option for families – from education and healthcare to quality of life and a real appreciation of family life and traditions.
Family-friendly France
France consistently ranks among Europe’s most family-friendly destinations – from affordable childcare and excellent healthcare to generous family support payments and a world-class education system, and family life is actively supported.
Family meals remain an important part of daily life and even in schools, lunch is considered a social and educational experience rather than a quick break between lessons and three course lunches are de rigeur!
At The French Property Show we are seeing more and more people who want to move with their families to France, and our experts are happy to help them to understand what’s needed to help with the move and setting up their new life. From finding your dream home to applying for a family visa, registering for schools (including international schools) and or/university, applying for healthcare, setting up a business – anything and everything that’s required to start a new life with your family in France.
Education
Education is structured and highly valued in France. Preschool starts age 3-6, then elementary school 6-11, middle school 11-15 and high school 15-18. The French system requires students to choose topics to study at high school that reflect both their interests and future ambitions for work. Tuition fees at public universities remain relatively low compared with many English-speaking countries, making higher education accessible for a wide range of families. Schools often provide additional assistance with learning French for English speaking children and it’s amazing how quickly kids learn the language and become fluent and fully bilingual. Read our guide to French schools for expats, and about the higher education system here.
Healthcare
Children under 18 benefit from extensive healthcare coverage and the child-care programme is one of the most structured in Europe with compulsory medical examinations between 0-16 to monitor physical growth, cognitive and emotional development, plus free dental and vision check-ups. Read more about the healthcare system here.
Childcare support
For working parents there are a number of options for childcare from state-supported nurseries to registered childminders, known as assistantes maternelles, who care for small groups of children in their own homes and home-based childcare (which may be supported by tax credits to offset against the cost).
Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) is a government organisation responsible for administering a wide range of family benefits and allowances. Depending on family circumstances, residency status and income levels, support may be available for a range of costs including childcare, back-to-school payments and assistance for single-parent households and many expat families who become legal residents discover they are entitled to some level of assistance through CAF.
Family life
In France they say ‘métro, boulot, dodo’ (commute, work, sleep), but it’s not something to aspire to, it’s a gentle criticism of modern life’s endless treadmill, and the French take the quest for a balanced lifestyle seriously. Even in peak visitor months you’ll find that some hotels and restaurants close so that workers and owners can have a family holiday in the sunshine too! And although some shops open part time on Sundays (mainly the bigger supermarkets and in cities), it’s not common for full Sunday opening as it’s seen as a day of rest and for families. Children are welcomed in restaurants and are taught at school how to behave properly at mealtimes and to try to different foods.
Perhaps the greatest thing about France is the love of culture, history and heritage that the French have. Children can spend weekends exploring medieval castles, Roman ruins, prehistoric caves, historic battlefields and world-famous museums – many of which are free for children and young people. Village festivals celebrate traditions that have been passed down for centuries, weekly local markets are normal, and children learn about the value of good food from a young age with family meals a cornerstone of French life.
Then there’s the diversity of the French landscape from skiing in the Alps (many schools offer the chance for ski trips), to beaches, historic cities, picturesque villages, and glorious countryside – and spending time outdoors is a way of life.
Moving to France with your family
At The French Property Show, held twice a year in Cheltenham, we bring together a wide range of experts – from estate agents to removals, visa specialists, administration experts, tax, finance, currency, architects, insurance agents and more – everything you need in one place. You can ask questions, get personalised advice and get the lowdown on what moving to France involves – and the majority of our experts live full time in France.
Tickets are free, there are free seminars, no parking costs, and no ULEZ charges – and yes, you can bring your family!
Find out more, get your free tickets and start planning your new life at: thefrenchpropertyshow.com
