We've had a number of people through the forum recently who are looking to relocate to France. France is a beautiful country, but from personal experience I can assure you that living here and getting yourself installed and integrated as a resident is very different from just spending a few weeks here on holiday. Here are a few tips on making the most out of a move to France:

1. LEARN THE LANGUAGE - preferably before you go!

The French are immensely proud of their language, and outside the tourist areas, it can be difficult to nearly impossible to find someone who will admit to speaking English. Part of this is because the French educational system doesn't teach languages very well, so although most French people have studied English at school, few feel confident enough to use the language in public (especially in front of a native speaker). If you're thinking of living in France, take a French class or get yourself some tapes or CDs so that you'll have at least a few basic phrases before you go. (Even if all you can say is "I'm sorry, but I don't speak French very well" it's always better to start in French.)

The French resent the swarms of Brits who (as they put it) "refuse to learn the language" and who "expect us to speak English." Even if your French is bad, you'll do much, much better if you start out with "Excusez-moi de vous déranger..." (excuse me for bothering you) than if you have to go around asking "Do you speak English?"

2. Take a French class on arrival.

OK, I know I said the French don't teach languages very well - and they don't. But take a language class once you get to France - no matter what your level. (If you require a carte de séjour, you are now required to take 400 hours of French classes offered free by the State unless you can demonstrate a basic level of fluency on arrival. Completion of the classes is a requirement for renewing your carte after the first year.) It's a super way to meet other foreigners, and if your classmates don't speak English, so much the better. It's far easier to practice your French with someone who is also just learning the language. If you want to chat with your classmates and they don't speak English, you'll have to use your French to make yourself understood. And after all, communication is the whole reason you're trying to learn the language in the first place.

The big advantage of practicing with other foreigners is that they won't correct every grammatical mistake you make or be too fussy about your pronunciation. If they understand you, you've done good. If they don't then you have to find a clearer way of saying what you're trying to say. Very often you'll find that the French correct you as you speak, and that can be very inhibiting. Learn French with other foreigners in France, and you'll have lots of chance to practice your French, even if it's only to complain among yourself about what a dork your teacher is!

3. Use the resources of your local mairie (town hall).

We anglo-saxons (what the French call Brits, Americans and other anglophones) tend to avoid interactions with local governmental agencies like the plague. In France, this is a big mistake. The French go to the mairie for just about any problem they encounter. And, it's a good idea to go into the mairie in person the first few times, to get yourself known and to try and cultivate a clerk or two who is willing to help you when you have questions. (Maybe even someone who will help with your halting French!)

The mairie is the center of any town, and in the mairie you will find all sorts of useful information, including brochures about the various clubs and associations in town, information about the schools, building regulations and how to register for most of the stuff you have to register for in France. (If you don't actually register for it at the mairie, the clerks will be happy to tell you how and where to register. They will often look up addresses and phone numbers for you and write down the requirements.) Many mairies sponsor free or low-cost French classes, or they can find you French classes within the district or departement. (See #2) And the mairies run cultural and sporting events in town. But you have to ask for information (in French, preferably). The French aren't ones to make big publicity campaigns, and they don't usually volunteer information if you haven't asked for it.

4. Find a club or association to join.

Ask at the mairie about AVF, an association called Accueil des Villes Françaises, which is a sort of welcoming group for newcomers to town. If there isn't an AVF, ask if there is any sort of "association d'accueil" or one for "les nouveaux arrivants." Sometimes the mairie runs a reception for newcomers (usually shortly after school starts in September) or a "Forum des associations" where the various clubs and associations present themselves and trawl for new members. If there is no newcomers group, then find a group that matches an interest of yours - photography, yoga, a hiking group or flower arranging. It's much more fun practising your French when you're really interested in the subject. If your town doesn't have any clubs or activities that interest you, try the next town over, or the closest larger town.

Expat groups are another source of friends, especially those who speak your language, but it's also important to reach out and make friends within the French community around you. A little effort often goes a long, long way.

Cheers,
Bev