WHY YOU SHOULD RELOCATE
TO FRANCE AND FRENCH RIVIERA?
Better work-life balance
France is well known for its comfortable spot atop the work-life balance index – and that isn’t changing anytime soon. But, fewer working hours and more vacation time to spend with friends and family are just a few of the reasons that make France an amazing place to live.
France is among 10 best places to live in the world.
Whether you’re strolling through a perfectly preserved 13th century cathedral or enjoying a warm, flaky pain au chocolat, the simple joys can found in ever corner of France. The French Riviera is particularly memorable and one of the greatest coasts to live on in the all of Europe.
The French Riviera or “Cote d’Azur” stretches along the Mediterranean coast in the southeast of France, running between Menton on the eastern Italian border and Hyères in the west. This region is hugely popular among tourists and expats, known for its year round sunshine (300 days/yr) and proximity to Italian Ski resorts (approximately 1 hr). Expats working here enjoy a healthy work/life balance; one where you can find yourself going for a swim at lunch, or savoring an exceptional meal on the waterfront. Aside from the allure of beautiful weather, Cote d’Azur plays host to a sprawl of dazzling events each year such as the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix & Monte Carlo Tennis Tournament.
Does your French leave a lot to be desired? No worries! Cote d’Azur’s demographics show 85% of its population are English-speaking. France’s own Silicon Valley is based in Sophia Antipolis and considered to be the best place to work in France, with regard to the IT&C sector.
Paid vacation
France is ranked 5th on the European work/life balance index, according to Conde Nast.
On top of 25 yearly vacation days, the country introduced a legislation in 2017 allowing workers the “right to disconnect” from after work emails.
Not included in the annual 5 week paid leave is something called RTT (Réduction du Temps de Travail ) or Reduction of Work Time in English. This grants workers an additional 10 days of paid leave to take whenever they choose.
Education
Upon relocating to France, you will be expected to enroll your children into the French education system, ranked top 5 in the world.
Education is mandatory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. Each child receives what is called an ARS (Allocation de Rentrée Scolaire ) or monthly allowance for expenditures associated with starting the new school year (clothing, stationary, etc.). This allowance is given to children and teens ages 6-18. Read more here: http://www.caf.fr/
The school year starts in September with a 2 month summer break starting in July. A typical school day starts at 8:30 in the morning and ends at 16:30PM, with students spending between 24 and 28 hours in school per week. When your child is preparing for their BAC (Baccalauréat) they will be expected to spend approximately 40 hours per week in school. The French educational system is structured as follows: Primary School (école), Middle School (collège), High School (lycée).
At the end of high school students must prepare for the BAC, which consists of a series of tests in literature, economics and social sciences/sciences. Upon passing the BAC they will be eligible to apply to a university program.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND BENEFITS
If you are relocating to France with your family it is important to know your rights with regards to claiming CAF benefits.
What is CAF?
CAF or Caisse des Allocations Familiales is a governmental body helping families by offering different services and benefits such as:
- Services for Young Children (PAJE)
- Family Allowance (allocations familiales)
- School Grants (allocation de rentrée scolaire)
- Housing Benefits (allocation logement)
- Moving Grants (la prime de déménagement)
- Supplementary Benefits (RSA)
With a French contract, you also stand to grain from social benefits such as:
- Pension
- Additional Health: This ensures you’re covered in the event of an illness, disability or occupational injury.
- Maternity & Family: Daily allowances for young children, entire families, help with child care and the bulk of housing assistance.
- Employment: Unemployment benefits, job hunting and professional rehabilitation and early retirement.
- Social Affairs & Inclusion: Income provided to the unemployed or those with very low income – known as the RSA or revenu de solidarité active
Transport
France has its bearings in place to support all the attention they receive from tourists year round. CDG, or Paris Charles de Gaulle, the nation’s largest airport has its sits on the list of the world’s largest by international passenger number.
Other airports in France reporting high foot traffic are Nice Airport, Bordeaux Mérignac and Lyon Saint-Exupéry.
Once you get to France, you’ll find more than your fair share of ways to get around such as TGV, known for shattering world speed records when traveling through the country and continent.
You can also use systems like the metro, tram or the extensive bus networks offered in most cities.
Ferries are another, more scenic travelling option when you want to explore the Mediterranean Sea from ports such as Nice, Toulon and Marseille.
When you need to get from point A to point B you can use the train, tram or bus. If you prefer driving, then you should know that 1 liter of gas costs about 1.42. When commuting in major cities, expect traffic during rush hours, from 7 to 9 in the morning, and 17 to 19 in the evening.
LIFESTYLE
Land & Sea
The French Riviera offers residents and visitors a sprawling mix of landscapes. You can take in an oceanside sunset on one side of the land or ski the snowy Alps on the other. Some noteworthy places to visit are the main hubs of St Tropez, Cannes, Antibes, Nice and Monaco. Other beautiful villages include Vence, Eze, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, and Villefranche.
Renting an Apartment
Depending on the city and area you prefer to live in, price points will be different. Rent (on average) will cost somewhere between around 500- 600 euros/mo. Rest assured you will have plenty of options to find the perfect place within your budget.
Food & Wine
Known for their gastronomic finesse and flavor, French food has been influencing all other countries for decades.
It is engrained in French culture so much so that it was added to UNESCO’s world list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
And, what is a great meal without a proper glass of French wine?
Shopping
Known for Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent, France is a country that has a well-earned reputation for couture houses and mile-long shopping streets. Paris is the fashion capital, after all.
History
France is known for their rich history from the French revolution to Napoleon, and its historical sites like cathedrals, caves & museums which are free or charge for students and children.
Theatre
If you want a bit of drama, then we recommend the Theatre National Nice
Cinema
Cinemas are very popular in France and you can find them anywhere. And, I mean anywhere!
Restaurants
If you’re in Nice and feeling hungry then we recommend La Route Du Miam. In 2018, the restaurant won Travelers’ Choice on TripAdvisor. Looking for a burger? Il Etait Un Square is the place to be in Paris. Also, the the seafood from Entree des Artistes in Sophia Antipolis is obligatory! And, how about dinner and a little fun? Don’t forget to book a table at Moulin Rouge in Paris. It’s an experience!
Groceries
Again, this depends on the region and where you prefer to shop. In general, food should punch in at about 300- 400 euros per month.
WHY JOIN SQUAD?
SQUAD is an IT company that offers Cyber security services, consulting and outsourcing services. We were the single IT company invited by French President Macron to the Maritime Connection Days event in Australia. We also won the Great Place to Work award in 2017!
Have a look at what employees think about working with Squad!
SQUAD EXPERIENCE
Temporary Housing
SQUAD will provide you with accommodation your first month in France and provide guidance in your search for an apartment or home.
SQUAD helps you find your next home!
SQUAD will ensure a smooth relocation process with the help of a real estate partner who will guide and assist you to find the house or flat of your dreams in France. Just give them your specs and they will organize program of visits.
Learn French! Improve your level thanks to quality courses
SQUAD offers you a one-month French course with the official Alliances Françaises network. Choose an option between everyday life and business language training.
Be a part of the SQUAD family
Because moving to another city or another country can come with its challenges, you will be accompanied by a “buddy”. Your SQUAD buddy will be available to help and guide you through the administrative processes (opening of a bank account, phone line) and give you advice to make your relocation smooth.
