When I packed up my life in the US and moved to France — dog, suitcases, and optimism in tow — I thought I was prepared. I’d studied French for nine years, visited before, and had read every “what to know before you move” article out there.
I really believed I’d hit the ground running.
Spoiler: I did not.
Some lessons I learned the hard way. Others, I wish someone had told me upfront. So here’s my honest list of 25 things I did wrong when I first moved to France — so you can (hopefully) avoid doing the same.
1. I overestimated my French.
Nine years of classroom French doesn’t prepare you for a real conversation with a delivery driver speaking heavily accented French at full speed. Or stop you from becoming paralyzingly tongue-tied while the guy at the phone store stares at you with a mixture of contempt pity as you struggle to explain that you need a phone plan. It takes time — and a lot of repetition — to get comfortable.
2. I underestimated how formal daily life is.
“Bonjour” isn’t optional here. Whether you’re buying bread or mailing a package, greetings matter. Skip it and you’ll get a chilly interaction.
3. I didn’t respect lunch hours.
Shops and offices close between 12 and 2, sometimes longer. I learned this while standing outside the mairie with a stack of paperwork and no one in sight.
4. I arrived without enough copies of my documents.
France loves paperwork. You need copies of everything — even things you didn’t think needed copies and sometimes copies of those copies (no joke). Make friends with your printer.
5. I expected administration to move quickly.
It doesn’t. There’s no “expedite” button. Bring patience (and snacks).
6. I assumed my efficiency would translate.
It didn’t. The French approach is slower, but deliberate. Things get done, most of the time — just not on your timeline.
7. I thought everyone would appreciate my French accent.
They didn’t. Some people switched to English the moment they heard it. But that made the day that I got asked if I was Belgian all the sweeter when that day finally came. Don’t take it personally — just keep practicing. It’s a hard language.
8. I smiled too much.
In California, smiling is default. In France, it’s reserved for genuine warmth, not just passing politeness. Or, an open invitation. I realized that explained the looks of genuine concern I received (read: is she crazy?) as I flashed my smile while walking down the sidewalk.
9. I didn’t realize how long it takes to open a bank account.
It’s not a one-stop errand. It’s a process — meetings, paperwork, and sometimes waiting months for approval. They don’t much like to open accounts for Americans, but it is possible. Persistence is key!
10. I tried to understand the healthcare system on my own.
I was so excited about finally having decent healthcare. But I decided to just “figure it out” on my own. Bad idea. CPAM, mutuelle, numéro de sécurité sociale, TIERS PAYANT — it’s a maze. Find someone to walk you through it.
11. I forgot that official documents need to be translated.
You’ll need certified translations of things like birth certificates. It’s expensive, and it adds up.
12. I didn’t learn metric right away.
How much is 200 grams of cheese? Still not sure.
13. I misunderstood “customer service.”
French customer service isn’t about being accommodating — it’s about being in the right mood. Once you accept that, interactions make more sense.
14. I ignored mandatory insurance.
In France, even renters need assurance habitation. Handle it early — it’s not optional.
15. I didn’t always have cash.
Some shops, cafés, and markets still don’t take cards, especially in smaller towns. Keep a bit of cash on hand.
16. I didn’t realize how different each region is.
France isn’t one-size-fits-all. Alsace, where I live, has its own pace, traditions, and even architecture. Learn the local rhythm.
17. I underestimated how hard housing would be.
Renting here means proof of income, guarantors, insurance, and a lot of paperwork. Start preparing before you even start looking. Many landlords are wary of foreigners.
18. I mixed up tu and vous.
It seems small, but it’s cultural gold. Use vous until someone invites tu. This is serious business.
19. I didn’t realize how early appointments fill up.
Dentists, doctors, even hairdressers — plan ahead or you’ll wait weeks or even months.
20. I underestimated the loneliness and culture shock.
No one talks about how disorienting it can feel at first — even if you “love France.” Everyday things feel unfamiliar, and the cultural differences run deeper than you expect. It can be exhausting and overwhelming some days. You can no longer rely on your “autopilot” mode. Making real connections takes time. Give yourself grace.
21. I tried to do everything alone.
Big mistake. Locals, neighbors, and even your pharmacist can help you navigate daily life. You just have to ask.
22. I wasn’t prepared for grocery logistics.
Bag your own groceries, weigh your produce, and move fast — checkout lines here are an Olympic sport.
23. I didn’t read between the lines.
French communication is polite but indirect. Listen for tone and phrasing — it often says more than the words themselves.
24. I assumed Uber existed everywhere.
It doesn’t. In many smaller towns, taxis need to be reserved in advance.
25. I resisted slowing down.
Everything here moves at a slower pace — meals, service, life. Once you stop fighting it, it’s actually pretty nice.
26. (Bonus) I thought I’d feel “settled” quickly.
Integration isn’t about time; it’s about consistency. One day you realize you’re no longer translating in your head and that your baker knows your name. That’s when it starts to click.
Moving here taught me patience, humility, and a whole new kind of independence. It’s also what inspired me to start Chez Moi Alsace — to help others relocate without the same confusion and stress I went through.
If you’re planning a move to France (or already here and overwhelmed), I can help you navigate everything from paperwork to housing to bringing your pets safely home — because I’ve been there, and I know what it’s like to start from zero in a new country.
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