Moving to France? What to Know About Healthcare, Schooling, and Affordability—Beyond Paris
While France is celebrated for its charming villages, prestigious cities, and enviable lifestyle, there are some essential realities expats need to consider—especially when it comes to affordability, healthcare access, and international schooling.
Whether you’re dreaming of the Parisian buzz, the relaxed rhythms of the countryside, or something in between, here’s what you need to know before packing your bags.
🏥 Healthcare Access: Excellent—but Not Always Equal
France’s public healthcare system is among the best in the world—but where you live can impact how you experience it.
In Paris and major cities:
You’ll find excellent access to hospitals, specialists, and English-speaking doctors.
Private clinics are plentiful, but they may charge above the national reimbursement rates, which means higher out-of-pocket costs unless you have a comprehensive mutuelle (supplemental insurance).
In rural areas:
Access can be more limited. Many areas are classified as medical deserts, where finding a local GP or specialist involves waitlists or long travel distances.
However, fees tend to be lower, and many rural doctors stick to the state-regulated rates, making care more affordable overall.
Bottom line: Choose your region carefully—and always research local facilities before you move. Even great coverage won’t help if the nearest dentist is an hour’s drive away.
🎓 International Schools: Big Cities vs. Limited Options
If you have school-aged children and you’re planning long-term relocation, international schooling may be essential.
Paris & major metros (Lyon, Nice, Toulouse):
Offer the widest range of international and bilingual schools, with curricula ranging from IB to British and American systems.
However, tuition can range from €8,000 to over €30,000 per year, and competition for places is fierce—early applications are a must.
Rural areas & small towns:
Often have no international schools at all.
French public schools are free and high-quality, but adaptation can be a challenge, especially for older children without strong language skills.
Some public schools offer “sections internationales”, but they are rare and selective.
Tip: If education is a top priority, proximity to a major city may outweigh charm-factor when choosing your new French hometown.
💶 Affordability: Know Where Your Euros Will Go
The cost of living in France varies dramatically depending on the region:
Paris is the most expensive—housing, dining, childcare, and healthcare extras all cost more.
Regional cities like Lille, Nantes, and Montpellier offer better value while still providing access to services.
Rural France can be far more affordable in terms of property and daily living—but comes with trade-offs in access and convenience.
Additional costs expats often overlook:
Translation and notary fees
Administrative services and consultations
Commuting costs in rural areas
International school tuition or tutoring
Private insurance or “mutuelle” premiums
🗼 Paris: Fast-Paced, Cosmopolitan, and Formal
Life in Paris moves quickly. It’s the center of administration, finance, fashion, and culture. People are often described as reserved—not rude, just less inclined toward small talk.
Professionalism matters: Emails are more formal, dress is sharper, and punctuality is key.
Social circles can be harder to break into, but once you’re in—you’re in.
The cost of living is high, and space comes at a premium.
You’ll find access to international communities, world-class culture, and excellent transport.
If you thrive on energy, diversity, and structure, Paris may suit you well—but expect a steeper climb when it comes to feeling at home.
🏙️ Other Cities: Lyon, Lille, Toulouse, and Nice
Outside Paris, life in France’s regional cities offers a refreshing balance.
Lyon is culinary, calm, and elegant, with a warm but respectful local culture.
Toulouse is laid-back and sociable—ideal if you’re craving southern sun with a student-town energy.
Lille, up north, feels more Flemish in character—friendly, proud, and industrious.
Nice and the Côte d’Azur are relaxed, but with seasonal crowds and Mediterranean flair.
What they often share: affordability, friendliness, and a deeper connection to local tradition. Expats here might find it easier to form friendships—especially if they make the effort to speak French.
🏡 Rural Life: Tradition, Tranquility, and Tight-Knit Communities
If you’re drawn to village life or countryside charm, prepare for a different pace altogether.
Days move slowly, shops often close for lunch, and community life is king.
People may seem shy at first—but are usually helpful and generous once trust is built.
Local dialects, customs, and regional pride run deep, from Brittany to Provence to Normandy.
Speaking French is more essential here, especially if you’re outside tourist zones.
You’ll gain a sense of belonging not easily found in cities—but it requires patience, humility, and curiosity.
🇫🇷 What Expats Should Prepare For
Language: Even basic French goes a long way in helping you integrate.
Paperwork & Administration: Processes are often formal and can feel complex—especially in rural areas where digital systems lag behind.
Social Norms: Expect less casual friendliness than Anglophone cultures—but deeper, more loyal friendships over time.
Work Culture: The famous French 35-hour week is real, and work-life balance is taken seriously—especially outside Paris.
Regional Identity: Don’t assume Paris is the standard. Listen, adapt, and appreciate the pride locals have in their own corner of France.
🏥 Healthcare Access & Affordability in France
France is known for its universal healthcare system, which offers excellent coverage through the Sécurité Sociale and complementary private insurance (mutuelle). However, regional disparities and affordability gaps still exist:
Urban Areas (e.g. Paris, Lyon, Marseille)
Access: Easier to find specialists, English-speaking doctors, and private clinics.
Affordability: While basic care is covered, co-payments and balance billing (dépassements d’honoraires) can be higher in cities, especially with private providers.
Wait Times: Shorter for private care, longer for public hospitals.
Rural Areas
Access: Fewer GPs and specialists; some areas are designated as medical deserts (déserts médicaux).
Affordability: Care is often more affordable, and many doctors charge standard rates, but travel costs and delays can be a burden.
Challenges: Elderly and low-income residents are more likely to face unmet medical needs, especially for dental and optical care.
Low-Income Households
Despite reforms like 100% Santé (which covers dental, optical, and hearing aids), out-of-pocket costs still hit low-income households hardest—especially for medications and specialist care.
🎓 International Schools: Cost & Access
France offers a wide range of international and bilingual schools, but affordability and availability vary significantly by region:
Paris & Major Cities
Access: Excellent—Paris alone has over 40 international schools offering IB, British, American, and bilingual curricula.
Affordability: Tuition ranges from €8,000 to over €30,000 per year, with additional fees for registration, meals, and activities.
Demand: High—early application is essential.
Smaller Cities & Rural Areas
Access: Limited—some cities like Lyon, Toulouse, and Nice have a few options, but rural areas may have none.
Affordability: Slightly lower fees in regional schools, but fewer scholarships or subsidies.
Alternatives: Some families opt for French public schools with international sections, which are free but selective.
🧭 What Expats Should Consider
Healthcare: Check if your area has a local GP, pharmacy, and hospital. Consider a mutuelle that covers co-payments and dental/optical care.
Schooling: If international education is a priority, proximity to a major city may be essential—or be prepared for long commutes or boarding options.
Budgeting: Factor in insurance premiums, school fees, and transport costs when choosing your region.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Choosing where to live in France isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about what your family needs.
At Normandy Consultancy, we help you plan with clarity—from understanding healthcare reimbursements to school enrolment deadlines and finding a region that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Need help making sense of your move? Whether you're mid-planning or just daydreaming, we're here to walk you through it with friendly, bilingual support.
📧 Contact us anytime or follow us on YouTube and Facebook for regular tips from someone who's lived the transition.When dreaming of life in France, many people picture charming cafés in Montmartre, wine at sunset along the Seine, and the hustle of Parisian life. While Paris is iconic, it’s just one piece of a richly diverse cultural mosaic. Each region in France holds its own identity—from dialects and cuisine to pace of life and social norms.
For expats planning a move, understanding regional differences can make the transition much smoother—and far more fulfilling. Let’s take a closer look at how Paris, other French cities, and rural areas compare, and what you should be prepared for when considering where to settle.
Choosing where to live in France isn’t just about geography—it’s about lifestyle fit, mindset, and intention. Normandy Consultancy is here to help you not just move, but truly connect—wherever you land, from a cobblestone street in Rouen to a sun-drenched village in Occitanie.
Curious about where you would thrive in France? Let's explore your options together ask Annabelle at normandyconsultancy@gmail.com or fill in the contact form for a quick response. 🗺️
