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Moving to France

With the global population becoming increasingly mobile, more and more non-French natives are coming to live in France. France has an attraction for many people: the language, the food, the culture, the variety of what the country has to offer, and its perfect location to also explore the rest of Europe. There is a growing trend for British people to want to move to warmer clients and more attractive locations and this has led to a whole industry developing around this re-location of expats.

Moving for the season: ski/summer

Many people start with spending a small amount of time in their chosen country to see how it feels to live there, before taking the plunge and making the move permanent! Thousands of people take the opportunities of seasonal employment in the summer and winter in France to test the water. There are many jobs available in the Alps and the Pyrenees during the ski season doing anything from cleaning or cooking to transfer driving. In the south of France and along the west coast during the summer, there are plenty of opportunities in the summer holiday resorts.

Moving forever

Many people find that once they have spent a season in France, they don’t want to leave! And then take the bigger step of a permanent move. This in itself has wide-reaching implications and so many things to consider….

How to find out about French tax and inter-country taxation
How to find somewhere to live in France
How to find out about French schools for children
How to learn French to be able to integrate fully
How to find employment in France or how to set up your own business in France
How to choose an area to live in
How to find a French property

The list is endless! But fortunately, like we already mentioned, this has become somewhat of a large industry nowadays with many websites (eg easyexpat), magazines, companies and consultants popping up to help the large numbers of people looking to move to France!

There are accountancy firms who have dedicated English-speaking advisors to help with taxation matters and company set ups. Specialist estate agencies are springing up all over France to help expats find and manage properties and often also offer many additional services to help ease the transition into life in France. Magazines like The Connexion, Living in France, The Voice (Geneva), Source Magazine (Morzine) all contain useful articles and information plus links to many local businesses who support this growing expat community.

Finding a job or setting up your own business in France can be either quite straight-forward or quite complicated depending on your profession or level of ambition! Seasonal jobs are quite easy to come across and some professions aren’t as strictly regulated as others. However, it is becoming increasingly common to have to get your qualifications transferred into the French system which can be a lengthy procedure and many people have to attend French courses to complete their business registration. Many accountancy firms offer help with this and we at Alpine French School can also lend a helping hand.

The other thing to consider of course, is how to learn the language! And that is what we are really experts at. Since 2003, Alpine French School has been offering French courses of many kinds to help people learn French. We now have a school in the centre of Morzine and offer many French courses and activities for locals and students from all over the world. From French Intensive Courses to French Conversation Classes while dog-walking and French Summer Camps, we try to offer something for everyone to help all of our students improve their French to be able to work in French, or just chat to their neighbours and order in local restaurants!

February 8th, 2024
Activities Courses

The Best French Podcasts for Language Learners

Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging, but with the right resources, you can make the journey enjoyable and effective. For French language learners, podcasts are an excellent tool to enhance your listening skills, expand your vocabulary, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the language.…

February 1st, 2024
News Things to do

Thrills and Chills: Junior World Ski Championships 2024 Descends Upon Morzine

The picturesque town of Morzine, nestled in the French Alps, is set to become the epicenter of youthful skiing prowess as it hosts the Junior World Ski Championships in 2024. With its stunning mountainous landscapes and world-class ski facilities, Morzine provides the perfect backdrop for this exhilarating competition, where the…

May 12th, 2023
Activities Things to do

Your French Summer Holiday in Morzine – Bucket List!

Summer in the mountains is a completely different holiday experience to your normal all inclusive beach holiday, in fact, it’s better! Imagine – gorgeous views surrounding you, long days in the sun spent swimming in Alpine lakes or exploring the mountains on foot or bike, and finishing the day with…

May 4th, 2023
News Things to do

When is the Tour de France 2023 coming to Morzine?

On Saturday 15th July the Tour de France will arrive in Morzine. The Tour will depart from Annemasse on Saturday morning and head towards Samoëns. From there, the riders will have to conquer the winding road to the Col de Joux Plane, at 1691 m altitude, that separates the valleys…