Moving to France from UK can transform your life in ways you might never have imagined. The brilliant cuisine, beautiful attraction sites, and refined cultural experiences combine to create a luxury lifestyle that many UK citizens are now seeking. If you’re considering making a sophisticated move this year, France is definitely the ideal destination for a treat of sensory delights and luxury living.
Why the French Luxury Lifestyle Appeals to British Expats?
French living isn’t luxurious merely because of the historical sites, it also offers a quality of life that’s pleasing, beautiful, and refined in everyday experiences—a philosophy known as “l’art de vivre” (the art of living).
For many Britons tired of the hustle and bustle of UK life, France presents a perfect opportunity for a change. You literally witness how your life changes as time slows down, meals become events, and beauty is appreciated in the mundane. This transformation isn’t just about changing your address; it’s about embracing a whole new approach to life.
When comparing British and French luxury lifestyles and reasons why you should move from the UK to France, these factors will help inform your decision-making.
1. Food Culture
In France, food isn’t just a routine for survival, it’s deeper than that for the Frenchman. From the lengthy meal time to sourcing fresh market ingredients and cooking meals that prioritize quality over convenience, everyday eating soon turns into an art.
2. Work-Life Balance
The French famously protect their leisure time, with longer holidays and shorter working weeks than their British counterparts. Their commitment to a work-life balance creates space for a more luxurious day-to-day experience.
3. Fashion and Style
The French style has a casual elegance they call “décontracté chic”. It’s a concept that emphasizes quality over quantity, investment pieces over fast fashion, and subtle sophistication over flashy displays of wealth. You certainly can’t run out of inspiration as a fashion lover.
4. Regional Variations
The amusing thing about France is that the luxury experience varies dramatically with locations. Your lifestyle will be largely influenced by where you choose to settle. Paris offers a rare sophistication with its haute cuisine, fashion houses, and cultural institutions. Provence focuses on fresh food, wine, and luxurious outdoor living, while the French Riviera combines glamour with the natural beauty of its famous beaches.
Practical Steps for Anyone Moving To France From the UK
The thought of eating croissants and châteaux every day is delightful, but moving to France from UK requires careful planning, especially post-Brexit. Here are a few practical steps to follow;
1. Learn about The Visa Requirements and Residency Options
Since Brexit, British citizens no longer enjoy freedom of movement within the EU. If you are serious about experiencing the luxury French lifestyle, you would have to consider getting a visitor visa or a long-stay visa.
A visitor visa is perfect for stays under 90 days, especially if you are on vacation. If you want a longer stay, however, you would have to opt for other options like the business owner visa, retirement visa, and talent visa that allow for long-term stays.
If you successfully live in France legally for five years, you can even apply for permanent residency. Please note that each option comes with its own financial requirements, documentation, and application processes, so it might be helpful to consult with an immigration lawyer.
2. Plan Your Finances
Maintaining a sophisticated lifestyle requires careful financial planning. Start by opening a French bank account for smooth transactions, and be well-informed on the wealth taxes that often affect high-net-worth individuals. Especially if you are going to purchase a French property, you would need a lot of local expertise so you don’t make a reckless financial decision.
3. Prepare Your Documents
Gather and organize all the necessary documents and paperwork, such as a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, birth certificates, marriage certificates if applicable, a driving license, and professional qualifications. If your documents are originally written in English, make sure you properly translate them into French before sending them with your application.
4. Arrange for Healthcare
Apply for an EHIC/GHIC card for initial coverage or research private health insurance options for comprehensive coverage. Make sure to gather medical records and current prescriptions into a document translated into French, and be willing to find healthcare providers popular in your new location
5. Settle Your Housing Arrangement
Decide if you are going to rent a property or you’ll be purchasing immediately. You can engage a French solicitor if purchasing property and have them help you decide on the neighborhoods that match your preferred lifestyle. Whatever you decide on, make sure to consider the proximity to amenities important for luxury living
French Luxurious Living -Essential Packing Checklist for Your Next Move To France
It is important to pack thoughtfully when moving to France so you can easily transition to the sophisticated French living you desire. Here’s a list of important items to bring:
1. Important Documents
- Passports
- Birth/marriage certificates
- Educational/professional Certificates
- Medical records
- Insurance policies
- Property deeds/rental agreements
- Bank statements
2. Electronics
- Adapters for French electrical outlets
- Laptop with VPN setup for accessing UK services
- Quality smartphone
3. Wardrobe Essentials
- Quality basics that align with the French minimalist style
- Versatile pieces in natural fabrics
- Smart-casual attire for impromptu social gatherings
- Formal wear for cultural events and fine dining
- Comfortable walking shoes
4. Home Supplies
- Favorite bed linens and towels (French sizes differ)
- Kitchen tools you won’t find in France
- Meaningful art or decorative pieces to personalize your new space
- Quality servingware for hosting French guests
- Favorite wine or teas that may be difficult to find.
Conclusion: Is the French Luxury Lifestyle Right for You?
Moving to France from UK to pursue a luxury lifestyle represents a different philosophy of living. The French approach to luxury centers on appreciation rather than accumulation, quality over quantity, and moments of beauty in everyday life.
While the practical aspects of relocation require careful planning and professional guidance, particularly regarding visas and financial arrangements, the rewards are immeasurable. For those willing to embrace cultural differences and navigate the complexities of visa application, moving to France is one of the most rewarding transformations you’ll ever experience.
