The Secret’s Out: 7 Reasons Why Americans Are Moving to France

Last updated on January 31st, 2025 at 09:58 am

Is the American dream no longer what it once was? Are you wondering if the grass is greener somewhere else? You won’t be alone. But where to go, that is the question. France is one of the top choices, and Americans have been moving there in droves over the last decade, and it has nothing to do with the election.

France is the third most popular destination for Americans living abroad, after Canada and the UK. According to the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP), approximately 153,000 adult Americans live in France, and the number is growing. 

As a Brit living in France for the last eight years, I understand the appeal. A country with over 365 cheeses would always get my vote. But if the food and wine weren’t enough to convince you, what about these seven reasons Americans are moving to France?

Statistics on Americans Moving to France

One of the questions I get most about moving to France from the US is about how hard it is to get a visa or residency card. While there is definitely a lot of form-filling, red tape, and bureaucracy, it is very doable, especially with the right help.

In 2023, 12,153 Americans received their first French residency cards, proving it’s not as impossible as everyone thinks. These figures show the increasing appeal of France as a destination for Americans seeking a change in lifestyle and environment. So what is so great about life in France? 

7 Reasons Americans Are Moving to France

No 1 – Lifestyle in France 

Without a doubt, lifestyle is first on the list. I’ve never lived anywhere with such a wonderful lifestyle, and I’ve lived on three continents now. Granted, I live in rural France, not in a big city, but the French know how to live life to the fullest. 

I know it’s cliche, but it’s true: The French work to live, not live to work. They prioritize leisure and personal time. Full-time employees receive a minimum of five weeks of paid vacation annually, encouraging a healthier work-life balance. 

Life in France is all about slowing down and savoring each day. People here know the value of a relaxed pace, whether lingering over a meal or taking a quiet afternoon walk through the village. Cafés fill up in the mornings with locals chatting over strong coffee and fresh pastries, and lunch breaks are seen as an essential time to unwind, often stretching over an hour or two. 

This isn’t about excess; it’s about balance. From family dinners around the table to weekly visits to the local market, life here prioritizes connection and quality, making every meal, every conversation, and every small moment feel intentional.

No 2 – Cost of Living

While France has its pricey spots—especially in Paris—the cost of living in much of the country is surprisingly affordable compared to many parts of the U.S. Housing, in particular, can be a great deal cheaper in rural areas and smaller cities. You’ll find gorgeous old stone houses or apartments in historic buildings for less than you might pay for a basic suburban home back in the States. Renting is also typically more affordable, with tenant-friendly laws that offer security and stability.

Daily expenses like groceries and dining out also feel more reasonable. Farmers’ markets are everywhere, providing fresh, seasonal produce at lower prices, and small local bakeries, butchers, and cheesemongers make shopping an enjoyable and cost-effective experience. Eating out is affordable, too, with many restaurants offering set lunch menus (menu du jour) that let you indulge in quality French cuisine without breaking the bank. 

No 3 – The French Healthcare System

France’s healthcare system is often cited as one of the best in the world, and I can attest to this. Unlike in the U.S., healthcare in France is largely funded by the state, meaning residents benefit from extensive coverage without sky-high premiums. A standard doctor’s visit, for example, costs around €25, with most of that reimbursed by the public system. 

Prescriptions, too, are subsidized, making medicine and treatment far more affordable. This setup relieves the constant financial worry associated with medical expenses that many Americans face, even for routine care. Private insurance options are also available to supplement public coverage, but they come at a fraction of the U.S. costs. 

No 4 – Rich Cultural Heritage

If you love history, as I do, then you’ll find it on every corner, from medieval castles to Roman ruins and beautifully preserved Renaissance towns in France. Each region has its own unique traditions, legends, architecture, and cuisine, with local customs that make exploring France endlessly fascinating. 

Whether you’re wandering through the cobblestone streets of a Provençal village such as Saint-Paul de Vence, visiting the châteaux of the Loire Valley, or exploring the Abbey that was home to many French Queens, you’ll never be short of history.

Many towns hold annual fêtes that date back centuries, letting residents and visitors experience local life up close. Museums and galleries, both famous and small, are affordable and often free on the first Sunday of the month, apart from July and August.

No 5 – The Food and Wine

We all know French food is heavenly. The bread is amazing, and we visit the boulangerie daily to get our bread and pastries. It’s a wonder I’m not the size of a house, but I simply can’t resist.

However, that’s not all. In France, it’s all about the seasonality of food. If it’s not in season, you won’t get it unless, of course, you go to a specialty store. But here, we go to the market to pick up our fresh produce from the local farmers. The French don’t import unless they have to; they grow and source locally, and the food tastes so much better because of it.

As for the wine, well, I could wax lyrical all day about it. But it’s not all about the wine. I live in the Charente, where you’ll find the town of Cognac. Then we have the Champagne region. I mean, who can resist a glass of bubbly from the country in which it comes from?

No 6 – The Social Aspect

France loves to celebrate. They celebrate anything and everything. If you can think of it, there’ll be a festival for it. There are some fantastic food festivals celebrating everything from truffles to lemons and turkeys to omelets.

Then there are the more traditional festivals, such as the wine festival in Bordeaux or the Light Festival in Lyon. And don’t get me started on the fabulous Christmas markets here. From the more German-style markets in the Alsace to the magic of Metz in Lorraine.

The expat communities are good as well. I try not to spend all my time with English speakers; otherwise, you miss out on so much. To help me become part of French life, I joined a French-speaking line dancing group, and it’s done me the world of good. I now feel like a part of the community.

No 7 – Transport & Travel

I would say that living in rural France, you need a car. We recently got a second car as my husband is out at work all day, and I didn’t like being stranded for ten hours a day and unable to go anywhere. There is no public transport in the small villages and communes and taxis don’t exist.

However, apart from that, travel in France is affordable and accessible. With the high-speed TGV trains, you can reach cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux in just a few hours. It makes weekend getaways a breeze, compared to the U.S., where long-distance travel often means flights or lengthy drives.

Public transportation within cities and towns is efficient and affordable, too. Most urban areas have well-connected metro, tram, or bus systems, and bike-sharing programs are widely available for those who prefer to cycle.

Even driving here has its perks—French roads are well-maintained, and scenic routes through the countryside are among the most beautiful in Europe. Plus, with France’s central location in Europe, countries like Italy, Spain, and Portugal are just a short train or flight away, making France an ideal base for European travel.