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Category: France

Where is France? 

 

France map

 

France is located in Western Europe, neighboring Spain to the southwest, and Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Italy to the northeast and east. To the north is the English Channel, which separates it from the United Kingdom. The south of the country has a long and beautiful coastline on the Mediterranean Sea, known as the French Riviera or Côte d’Azur.

France is one of the top three largest countries in Europe, with a surface area of over 200,00 square miles, larger than the US state of California. In addition to continental France, the country includes several other territories overseas that are part of the European Union, such as Saint Martin and Martinique, located in the Caribbean.

France is a diverse country with interesting differences in lifestyle, culture, architecture and climate between its regions. From the sunbathed beach resorts of the south to charming villages characterized by German-inspired architecture in the north, and a sprawling wine-country all over, France is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Its crowning jewel is the capital city of Paris, located in the central northern region, also known as the fashion world capital and without a doubt the most famous city on the globe.

Top 3 reasons to move to France: 

  1. High quality of life
  2. Geographical beauty and diversity
  3. Work-life balance
children in soccer uniforms
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Moving to France with Kids: Education and School Holidays in France

by Chrissie Stephen on April 7, 2024
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Moving to France with school age children does not need to be a challenge if you do your homework about the French education system. The school year in France runs from September to the end June, early July and there…

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Public Holidays in France and How the French Celebrate Them

by Chrissie Stephen on March 24, 2024
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France celebrates eleven public holidays each year, which is the second highest number of annual holidays in Europe after Austria. Additionally, two other holidays are observed in certain regions in France. The French public holidays include both civil holidays –…

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These 8 Countries in Europe Have a Higher Minimum Wage than the U.S.

by My Dolce Casa Team on March 10, 2024
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When it comes to earning a living, the stark differences in minimum wage laws can be a deciding factor for people contemplating a move abroad. For Americans looking to work overseas, salary comparisons with European countries shed light on how…

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Cafe in France
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Tipping in France: When, Whom and How Much You Should Tip

by Chrissie Stephen on March 10, 2024
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Tipping is not as common in France as it is in many other countries, including the US or the UK. In fact, tipping in France is very relaxed for all concerned. This is because service charges are usually included in…

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Provence France
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Can you get a mortgage in France as a U.S. citizen?

by Chrissie Stephen on March 4, 2024
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France is one of the most popular places in the world with Americans to live either for a short time or permanently. The American Embassy in Paris estimates that there are about 150,000 Americans currently living in France. Given that…

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Retiring in France: What is the Official Retirement Age in France?

by My Dolce Casa Team on February 25, 2024
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The retirement age in France has recently undergone significant changes, being raised from 62 to 64 years of age, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s social and economic policy landscape. This adjustment has not only sparked considerable debate within…

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How to Land a Good Job in France as an English-Speaking Foreigner

by Chrissie Stephen on February 3, 2024
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Getting a good job in France as an English-speaker from a non-EU country can be quite a challenge, because French and European citizens typically have priority in employment. The good news is that the French job market is very strong.…

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Nice France
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How Much Does It Cost to Rent in France?

by My Dolce Casa Team on January 24, 2024
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The average monthly rent in France, in US dollars, for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,200 in 2024, while a three-bedroom house for rent costs on average $2,200 per month, nationally. In Euros, the monthly rent of an average apartment in…

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An Insider’s Guide to Living in Paris

by Chrissie Stephen on January 6, 2024
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How you view Paris as a tourist and living in Paris a resident are two very different things. Paris is the most visited city in the world, welcoming more than 40 million tourists every year. During the summer months there…

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Versaille Paris
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France Changes Immigration Laws Impacting UK Retirees, Second-Home Owners

by Chrissie Stephen on January 6, 2024
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In 2024, France will be implementing significant changes in its immigration laws and border rules, affecting individuals traveling from the UK, whether for short visits or long-term stays, reports The Connexion. These modifications come as France aligns itself with the…

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Your complete guide to renting an apartment in Paris

by Chrissie Stephen on January 6, 2024
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“To be a Parisian is not about being born in Paris, it is about being reborn there.” (Sacha Guitry) Paris is a vibrant and much-loved capital city, a popular place to live in for many expats planning a new life…

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Nice France
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Nice, France from January to December: What to expect every month of the year

by My Dolce Casa Team on November 26, 2023
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Are you planning a visit or moving to Nice, France, and wondering what the weather is like and what events are taking place during your visit? Nice, France is a widely known tourist destination in the South of France and…

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Lyon France
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Weather in Lyon, France: What it’s like and what to do every month

by My Dolce Casa Team on November 21, 2023
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Planning to check out the beautiful city of Lyon, France, and wondering what the weather will be like? Look no further. Lyon enjoys relatively warm temperatures throughout the year, with July being typically the hottest month, with an average high…

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La Cite du Vin Bordeaux France
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Top 10 unique things to do in and around Bordeaux France

by Chrissie Stephen on November 7, 2023
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More and more people are choosing to visit or even relocate to Bordeaux in southwest France, as the city has an impressive reputation for having a good balance and quality of life. Bordeaux is an elegant, large and mainly flat city…

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Paris France at Christmas at night
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Visiting Paris in December: The complete guide for a trip to remember

by Chrissie Stephen on October 26, 2023
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Smart travelers always choose the lesser popular months to explore expensive destinations, and December is an ideal month to enjoy Paris, not only because it’s the off season, but it’s that time of the year when the French capital turns…

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Paris France November
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Visiting Paris in November 2023: Great tips, events and things to do for an amazing trip

by My Dolce Casa Team on October 22, 2023
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Is November a good time to visit Paris? Absolutely! Paris in November is a great deal. Airfares during this time of year are often more budget-friendly, according to experts in the tourism industry. November, as seasoned travelers know, tends to…

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Winter in France: 12 favorite warm places to visit and fun things to do

by Chrissie Stephen on October 20, 2023
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France is a great place to visit all year long and a wonderful country to live in. Winter in France is an exciting time of year because there are so many amazing places to see and fun things to do.…

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Carte Vitale medicine France
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How to get your prescription medication in France

by Chrissie Stephen on October 17, 2023
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One of the big concerns you might have about moving to France is how you will continue to get the medication prescribed to you by your doctor in your home country once you have relocated. To start, it is important…

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More Americans than British citizens are now moving to France

by Chrissie Stephen on October 5, 2023
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The biggest increase in the number of Americans moving to France to date was registered in 2022, according to newly released Eurostat data reported by MyDolceCasa.com. The number of US citizens who relocated to France permanently has tripled since the…

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Living in Paris France
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Paris weather by month: what it feels like to live in Paris, France year-round

by Chrissie Stephen on September 28, 2023
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Paris weather is rather predictable and typical for a temperate climate with four distinct seasons and no harsh extremes. The average annual temperature in Paris, France ranges from 37 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, per holiday-weather.com. Annually, there are…

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