Destination Guides
Lifestyle and Leisure in France: What Americans Can Look Forward To
Explore food markets, regional culture, coastal and mountain activities, cycling and international rail travel as part of everyday life in France.
Life in France offers many ways to enjoy your time, whether that means shopping at a neighborhood market, sharing a long meal with friends or spending a weekend by the sea.
The country’s geography makes it possible to choose among very different lifestyles. You might be drawn to skiing in the Alps, cycling through the Loire Valley, surfing near Biarritz or walking along the Mediterranean coast. For people who enjoy city breaks, high-speed trains also make travel to other parts of France and neighboring countries appealing.
The key is to think about what you want to enjoy regularly—not just during a vacation. A region’s food, climate, activities and transport connections can all shape your experience of living in France.
Food and Dining as Part of French Life
Food is often one of the first things Americans look forward to when moving to France. Markets, bakeries, neighborhood restaurants and regional specialties can make everyday shopping and eating an enjoyable part of the week.
France’s food culture is recognized by UNESCO, which lists the “gastronomic meal of the French” as intangible cultural heritage. The recognition focuses on a social tradition: choosing and sharing a meal, selecting ingredients, setting the table and enjoying food and drink together. It is about the experience surrounding the meal as well as the dishes themselves.
That does not mean every meal in France is a formal occasion. It does suggest an appreciation for taking time over food—whether that is a special celebration, lunch with friends or a visit to a local market.
Discovering Local Markets
Markets can be a good way to become familiar with the food and character of a town. Depending on the market and season, you may find fruit and vegetables, cheese, bread, prepared foods and other local products.
If you are considering a move, visit the market in the town where you might live. Look at the opening days, the range of products and how it fits into your routine. A market can also be a comfortable place to practice a little French.
Exploring Regional Food and Wine
France’s food and wine traditions differ from region to region. Living in one area gives you the opportunity to become familiar with its local products, while travel within France lets you discover others.
You do not have to dine at expensive restaurants to enjoy French food culture. A bakery, a neighborhood restaurant or ingredients bought for a meal at home can all be part of the experience.
Work and Vacation Time in France
For Americans who plan to work for a French employer, France’s approach to working hours and paid leave may be an important lifestyle consideration.
The legal full-time working week is generally 35 hours, but that is a reference point—not a rule that every employee stops working after exactly 35 hours. Hours beyond the legal duration may be treated as overtime, and arrangements vary by job, contract and applicable agreements.
Employees generally accrue paid leave equivalent to five weeks for a full year of work. Some workers may receive additional time off under their employment arrangements. The amount and timing of leave available to an individual depend on their circumstances.
If you will work remotely for an overseas employer or operate your own business, do not assume that the same schedule or vacation arrangements automatically apply to you. Check your employment terms and applicable rules before planning around them.
For retirees, the question is different: where would you like to spend the time you have available? France’s range of regions makes it possible to choose a home base around the activities and pace of life you enjoy.
Skiing in the French Alps and Pyrenees
For Americans who enjoy mountain activities, France offers skiing in both the Alps and the Pyrenees.
The Alps may appeal to people who want access to mountain resorts and a broad range of winter activities. The Pyrenees, along France’s border with Spain, offer another mountain setting to explore.
If skiing is a major reason for your move, think beyond the resort itself. Consider whether you want to live in a mountain community year-round or prefer a town from which you can make occasional trips.
A year-round home in the mountains may bring different winter considerations from a short vacation, including heating, road conditions and the distance to everyday services. Check how busy your preferred location is outside the ski season as well.
Surfing and Atlantic Coast Living Around Biarritz
Biarritz, on France’s southwest Atlantic coast, is known for surfing and may appeal to people who want to spend time near the ocean.
Whether you are an experienced surfer or simply enjoy watching from the shore, living near the coast can make beach walks and water-based activities part of your routine rather than an occasional holiday.
When considering the area, visit beyond the peak summer period if possible. Think about the weather you enjoy, how close you want to be to the beach and what your daily life would look like throughout the year.
Cycling in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley offers opportunities to combine cycling with visits to towns, villages and historic landscapes.
The Loire à Vélo network includes a main route between Nevers and the Atlantic coast, along with additional loops and variations. You do not need to ride the entire route: it can be explored in shorter sections, whether you want a leisurely outing or a longer cycling trip.
Before setting out, check the route, distance and surface for the section you choose. Some portions use shared roads, so consider your comfort with traffic and the abilities of everyone in your group.
For someone considering a move to the region, cycling can be a way to explore beyond the most visited towns and discover the surrounding countryside.
Sailing and Coastal Walking on the Côte d’Azur
The Côte d’Azur offers a Mediterranean setting for people who enjoy being on or near the water. Sailing, coastal walks and time at the beach are among the activities that attract visitors and residents to the region.
If coastal walking appeals to you, check the length and difficulty of a route before setting out, as well as weather and any local access notices. Summer heat can make shade, water and the time of day important considerations.
For sailing, think about whether you want to participate occasionally or make it a regular activity. Lessons, boat access and marina arrangements can involve very different costs, so research the options near the place you are considering.
How Easy Is It to Travel From France to Other Countries?
Living in France can make trips to neighboring countries an appealing part of your leisure plans. Paris has direct international rail connections, although journey times depend on the service and travel date.
Paris to London by Eurostar
Eurostar lists its fastest London-to-Paris journey at approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes. Paris-to-London services are also around this length on the fastest trains, but schedules vary. Allow additional time for getting to the station, check-in and border procedures.
Paris to Barcelona by Train
A direct high-speed train can connect Paris and Barcelona, but allow longer than the often-quoted six hours. SNCF Connect currently lists the fastest journey at approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes, with times varying by service and date.
These are station-to-station journey times. If you plan to travel regularly, include the time and cost of reaching the station from your home and check the schedule for your preferred dates.
How Do You Choose a Region for Your Lifestyle?
The best place to live in France depends on how you want to spend an ordinary week.
If you love food markets and restaurants, look at what is available within easy reach of your potential home. If you want to ski frequently, consider the actual journey to the mountains. If you hope to travel by train, check the services from your nearest station rather than assuming every town has a direct connection.
A few questions can help narrow your search:
- Do you prefer a city, a smaller town or a rural setting?
- Which activities would you enjoy regularly?
- Are those activities available nearby throughout the year?
- Would you rather live close to the coast, mountains or countryside?
- How important are train and airport connections?
- Does the area fit your housing and everyday budget?
It can be helpful to visit in different seasons before making a long-term decision. A lively summer destination may have a different rhythm in winter, while a mountain community may change considerably outside its busiest season.
Making the Most of Leisure Time After Moving to France
Moving to France gives you the chance to develop new routines, but you do not need to do everything at once. Start with activities that already interest you, then leave room to discover what is available locally.
A weekly market visit, a cycling group, a language class or a walk along the coast can be a way to get to know your surroundings. Over time, those familiar activities may also help you meet people and feel more connected to your community.
Planning Your Life in France
Lifestyle and leisure in France can look very different from one region to another. The most rewarding choice is likely to be the place where the activities, surroundings and everyday pace match what matters to you.
If you’re planning to move to France and want help exploring the practical steps toward living in your preferred region, contact Vantage Point Europe to discuss your plans and possible introductions to independent relocation providers.