Family life in France is much more formal and informal than in the UK, with a focus on formal eating habits and mealtimes. The French nuclear family is the most common type of family, with approximately 66 out of 66 children dying before they reach one year. In contrast, the UK has 3. 8 children per 1, 000 live births.
Family life in France may not suit everyone, and the distances between activities and friends can be an adjustment. However, it has its perks, such as a stronger job market and a more relaxed lifestyle. The cost of living in France is lower due to the country’s unique architecture, with heat insulation being a better option.
The French social system aims to compensate all families for the cost of raising children, regardless of their socio-economic profile or family status. The main difference in the cost of living between France and England lies in housing and food. Rent and property prices are generally higher in England, but France is a land of freedom, where people can stay close to friends, family, and lovers.
One of the biggest cultural differences between France and England is in people’s eating habits. France’s food is internationally renowned, and expats can find good pastoral care and local assistance. The French system discourages mothers from deep bonding with their children, leading to well-behaved children at school and minimal bullying or aggression. Most French women value the traditional feminine role in the family and may be reluctant to assume greater responsibility at work.
In conclusion, family life in France is more formal and informal than in the UK, with a focus on formal eating habits and mealtimes. While the distances between activities and friends can be an adjustment, the benefits of living in France outweigh the drawbacks.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Family structure in France and the UK PAA EPC 2014 | The French social system aims to compensate all families for the cost of raising children, irrespective of their socio-economic profile or family status ( … | paa2014.populationassociation.org |
| Living in France vs the UK: A Comparison for Expats and … | The main difference in the cost of living between France and England lies in housing and food. Generally, rent and property prices are higher in England, … | vanone.co.uk |
| Why British families are choosing France and its schools | According to data from the Office for National Statistics, France is the most popular country in Europe for British families with school age … | propertyguides.com |
📹 6 Reasons our Family Moved To France
Why did we choose France initially, and how do those reasons hold up after a year in France? Join our family adventure and …
Is Quality Of Life Better In The UK Or France?
In HSBC's 2021 Expat Explorer survey, France secured the ninth position for quality of life among 46 countries, while the UK fell to 44th, just above Turkey and Bermuda. The overall ranking placed France as the 21st best destination for living and working abroad. Living in the UK offers advantages like English-speaking environments, rich history, and a large expat community, but comparisons reveal that life in France often has the upper hand.
Expenses in France can differ significantly, but generally, the euro goes further than the pound in many French cities, especially regarding rent. The Better Life Index highlights France's superior performance in work-life balance, safety, and social aspects compared to the UK. Many expats noted advantages in French living conditions, including space, climate, and higher quality food. Notably, the cost of living varies, with housing being more expensive in the UK.
France is recognized for cleanliness and affluence relative to the UK, which influences perceptions of living standards. Both countries provide social safety nets, yet research indicates that the UK's quality of life ranks among the lowest in Europe due to escalating living costs. Overall, while personal preferences vary—some might favor London over Paris—the data suggest that life in France tends to be more favorable than in the UK for many aspects.
What Is The Difference Between Family Life In France And Other Countries?
Family life in France shares many similarities with that in other countries, despite some cultural differences, such as the preference for dunking croissants in hot chocolate instead of typical breakfast cereals. A formal approach to mealtimes and the strong tradition of families dining together sets French family life apart. Most commonly, French families are nuclear, with about 68% of children living with both parents. Single-parent families constitute about 21%. French families value close-knit relationships; they often maintain connections into their late 20s.
When comparing family life in France and the U. S., distinct parenting techniques emerge, reflecting cultural norms around discipline and upbringing. The structure of family life in France is significantly influenced by the country's cultural heritage, which emphasizes unity, equality, and the beauty of life. Furthermore, the French enjoy generous vacation policies, with 30 days of paid leave and extensive parental leave, in contrast to the U. S. Where only 10 days are typical.
As traditional family models have evolved, family life in France remains a crucial aspect of social and community life, merging modernity with cherished traditions. Despite the differences, the underlying principles of family values, happiness, and quality of life remain central, making French family life enjoyable and fulfilling amidst a rich cultural backdrop.
Are Extended Families Common In France?
In France, particularly in rural areas, extended families are highly prevalent. Many families have occupied the same property for generations, with those who have moved out typically residing only a short distance away. Close relatives like grandmas, aunties, and godparents remain nearby, contributing to the close-knit family structure. As of 2021, over 7. 5 million families were categorized as couples without children, making this the most common family type in France. In contrast, smaller family units are more typical across Europe and North America, where households often consist of three or fewer members.
A significant portion of children in France live in blended families, and weekend gatherings with extended family members are common, highlighting the importance of familial ties in navigating cultural values and economic support. While the traditional family structure still plays a central role, newer trends indicate a shift toward nuclear families. Approximately 66% of families are traditional, while blended families represent about 9%.
Furthermore, a shift in marriage rates and living arrangements reflects changing societal norms. On average, French families contain around 1. 9 children, with larger families defined as having three or more children, emphasizing the complexity of modern family dynamics in France.
Is Healthcare Better In France Or UK?
Countries with social health insurance systems such as France, the Netherlands, and Germany outperform the UK on various health indicators, including avoidable death rates, life expectancy, and infant and maternal mortality. Recent evaluations of the NHS suggest it ranks neither as a leader nor as a laggard when compared to 18 similar countries. To explore the best healthcare models, a "tournament" was created among several nations, including Canada and Singapore, revealing that while the UK excels in some areas, it lags in others.
The analysis utilized multiple measures, such as long-term health outcomes and patient safety, comparing the UK's healthcare performance against other developed nations. Articles in a recent journal issue delve into universal healthcare systems in Canada, France, Germany, and the UK, elucidating the structures and efficiencies of each system. Notably, the French healthcare system, primarily funded by national insurance, is praised for its access and quality despite higher expenditure than the UK.
The NHS offers free healthcare at the point of access, whereas France's system, though comprehensive, requires patients to contribute to costs. The discussions indicate that while the NHS shows commendable efficiency in certain respects, improvements could be made by assessing elements from superior models. Overall, healthcare comparisons reveal significant variations, inviting further examination and potential reforms in the UK's approach.
Do Grandparents Have Rights In France?
In France, grandparents and great-grandparents possess legal rights to visit their grandchildren, as established by the French civil law code 371-4, which designates grandchildren as being of double descent. Under this law, children have an entitlement to maintain relationships with their grandparents, and only serious concerns can impede this right. Furthermore, specific provisions allow step-parents and grandparents to petition the courts for visitation rights. The European Court of Justice has upheld that these visitation rights extend to grandparents under the Brussels II bis regulation.
French law clearly supports the notion that children should have the opportunity to connect with their extended family, reducing the likelihood of legal disputes. The French legal framework affirms that grandchildren have the right to choose to maintain relationships with their grandparents. In cases of divorce or separation, grandparents have the ability to request reasonable visitation rights, which cannot be arbitrarily denied by parents.
While national legal definitions of grandparents’ rights may vary in other countries, in France, these rights are well defined, ensuring the preservation of family bonds across generations. Nonetheless, circumstances can influence the enforcement of these rights, allowing for court interventions if necessary. The debate on the extent of these rights continues, reflecting the importance of familial connections in society.
What Is Family Life Like In France?
La vie de famille en France se caractérise par des relations rapprochées et chaleureuses, avec des réunions régulières incluant cousins, oncles et tantes. Les parents valorisent l'indépendance et la politesse de leurs enfants, insistant sur le respect des règles et des autres. Environ 66 % des foyers français sont accueillants pour les enfants, qui sont encouragés à jouer à l'extérieur et à participer aux événements familiaux, tels que des festivals ou des repas au restaurant.
En 2020, plus de 7, 8 millions de familles en France étaient des couples sans enfants, tandis que 68 % des enfants vivaient avec leurs deux parents. La structure familiale évolue, avec une augmentation des familles monoparentales et des familles recomposées. Les Français goûtent à la vie en partageant des moments ensemble, tels que des repas formels. Les relations familiales restent solides même à l'âge adulte, soulignant l'importance de la famille dans la vie quotidienne.
La France offre un bon équilibre entre vie professionnelle et familiale, permettant aux familles de profiter pleinement de leur temps libre. Avec un accès à des soins de santé de qualité et à l'éducation gratuite dès l'âge de trois ans, élever des enfants en France est une expérience enrichissante et valorisante.
Which European Country Has The Best Quality Of Life?
In 2023, Finland and Switzerland stand out as leaders in life satisfaction, reflecting a healthy average score above 7 across European nations that indicates general contentment. Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland are notable for their excellent quality of life, attributed to robust education and health systems, dynamic job markets, income equality, and family-friendly environments. Recent rankings show Luxembourg claims the title of the best country to live in Europe for 2024, surpassing last year's leader, Spain.
The Netherlands follows closely in third place. The continent boasts a rich tapestry of countries that enhance living standards and overall well-being, with Norway also recognized for its high Human Development Index (HDI). Sweden consistently ranks among the top European destinations, celebrated for its embrace of Nordic minimalism and sustainability. A 2022 survey positioned Austria at the apex of quality of life in Europe with a score of 7. 9, while Finland, Poland, and Romania scored 7.
7. A demarcation is observed in countries like Bulgaria, Germany, and Greece, which reported lower satisfaction levels. Continued exploration of expat-friendly countries is essential for residency considerations.
What Does The Average Family Look Like In France?
En 2021, le type de famille le plus courant en France était composé d'un couple sans enfants, avec plus de 7, 5 millions de ménages. La taille des ménages diminue progressivement depuis les années 1960, rendant les familles de plus de deux membres de plus en plus rares. En 2020, cette tendance s’est également manifestée, avec 7, 8 millions de couples sans enfants. Le foyer français compte aujourd'hui en moyenne environ deux enfants, un changement attribué à l'évolution des mentalités, à l'accès à la contraception et aux coûts de la vie.
Les familles monoparentales représentent environ 21 % des ménages, tandis que les familles recomposées constituent 9 %. En France, la structure familiale la plus répandue demeure la famille nucléaire, avec 68 % des enfants vivant avec leurs deux parents. En 2021, la taille moyenne des ménages français était de 2, 18 personnes, un chiffre stable par rapport à 2020, mais en baisse par rapport aux années précédentes. La vie familiale en France se distingue par un équilibre entre travail et vie personnelle, permettant davantage de temps pour les loisirs, les repas, et les échanges sociaux.
L’importance de la famille dans la société française se manifeste à travers des liens intergénérationnels forts, des valeurs partagées et des traditions, soulignant combien la famille est un pilier central de la vie sociale en France. Le mariage a également évolué, avec un âge moyen en hausse pour les premières noces.
How Do The French Treat Their Children?
French parenting techniques emphasize a unique approach that fosters independence and responsibility in children. Parents encourage kids to tackle difficult tasks themselves, promoting resilience and self-control. From an early age, children are taught effective sleeping habits, the importance of greetings like "bonjour," and to share meals that mirror adult diets, avoiding the common practice of serving them separate or simpler dishes.
Instead of excessive praise, French parents maintain structured mealtimes and clear behavioral expectations, treating children more as adults-in-training. This model encourages maturity and respect, as children learn to socialize and manage their own finances by early adolescence. Expressing affection and engaging in their interests is common, ensuring kids feel cherished.
Discipline is instilled through calm yet firm expectations about behavior in social settings, teaching virtues like patience and delayed gratification. Additionally, French culture imbues children with politeness, using essential phrases like "please," "thank you," and "goodbye." Overall, French parenting celebrates a balance of discipline and independence, resulting in children who are well-behaved, respectful, and capable of navigating the world confidently, supported by state-subsidized childcare and generous maternity leave policies.
Is Maternity Leave The Same In France?
France is advancing gender equality in parental leave, though significant disparities remain between the duration of maternity and paternity leave. Women typically receive 16 weeks of maternity leave, which is divided into a prenatal period of six weeks and a postnatal period of ten weeks, with extensions for additional children and multiple births. For the third child, maternity leave can increase to 26 weeks, and for twins, it may extend to 34 weeks. In contrast, fathers are entitled to only four weeks of paternity leave, a change recently updated in 2021 to enhance paternity benefits.
Employers must remain compliant with evolving laws surrounding maternity and paternity leave, and expectant mothers must legally take a minimum leave of eight weeks. Social security membership is required for at least six months to qualify for daily allowances associated with these leaves. Although maternity leave has evolved significantly since 1909, when it was unpaid and only lasted eight weeks, current provisions ensure job protection and financial support for expectant parents.
Additionally, the maximum period for postnatal leave can extend to three years, though most of this leave is compensated at a lower rate. While adoptive mothers are entitled to 10 weeks of paid leave, the overall structure of maternity leave seeks to balance job security with family needs in France. Thus, understanding the precise rights and obligations can facilitate smoother transitions for both parents during these significant life events.
📹 Moving to France Q&A: Cultural differences between UK/France
This video explores cultural differences between France and the UK, focusing on the pace of life, social interactions, and leisure activities. The speaker shares personal experiences and observations, highlighting the slower pace of life in France, the importance of community, and the unique ways people entertain themselves.
Hi from Switzerland! Found your website randomly and decided to take a look. In this particular episode, just had to stop when you got to healthcare to share my experience here. I married a swiss 33 years ago, I am originally from Oklahoma, but moved here, also, sight unseen. Before moving I had a kidney transplant so also, have and need medical services. Yes, I still have family in the US and miss them still, but the ONE thing that has kept me (and will keep me here) is the good healthcare I receive! I have been truely blessed with super doctors and all are my „friends”. I am seen directly by them(not a nurse praktioner), they take time to talk to me about my health, but also about my well being, family, vacation, etc. It is soooo nice! I could never return to the US where I would be waiting in an overfull waiting room and then be shuffled in and out. Again, healthcare over family is keeping me here! Continued good luck and joy to you and your family!!
Anywhere you go in the world you’ll find something good or bad to say, I’m french and I have a lot to complain about but I saw many places in the world and I know France is maybe the best. Soon you’ll be able to speak fluently and enjoy more. Keep living French style, good food, friends, culture etc I wish you all the best.
So happy you like my adopted country. I moved to France from the UK 36 years ago and never went back. Married a French lady and now have dual nationality (post-Brexit). As a keen cyclist and hiker there is so much to do in the glorious French countryside. I have seen the comments about Annecy which is indeed nice but quite busy and expensive. We have chosen a somewhat cheaper and more low-key option in Savoie, not Haute-Savoie in a village close to Chambéry. 2 railway stations with TGV’s serving Paris in less than 3 hours – Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains. 2 airports 1 hour away – Lyon and Genève. Motorways in every direction and high mountains visible from our house. The area between Montpellier and Toulouse is also pretty nice. I am sure that Italy and Spain offer nice options too – but they do get rather hot in summer. To properly benefit from an extended stay in France learning the language to a reasonable level is pretty much essential but Internet does now offer many tools to complement the real-life practice opportunities. Enjoy to the full your brave lifestyle choice!
Just want to add one thing a visa is not renewable it is what you get in your home country and then once here you get a Carte (Titre) se Jour which is then renewed either every year or every several depending upon which type of visa you come over on. We have a few months ago applied for our CDR (Carte de Résidence) which will then give us 10 years before having to renew again. We came over in 2017 and would never go back, we do love it here, not that the US was not wonderful, we just wanted to experience the difference. We also have never had a problem submitting our paperwork, it seems to be hard for some, but if you do like you said, give them what they ask for – all is clear sailing. Bonne Chance!
Hello Rina and Jason. I came across your vlog by chance, and I love it. I can relate to the difficulty and challenge of moving to a place where you don’t speak the language: I moved the the Netherlands some 20 years ago 🙂 Keep it up! even if sometimes the French language, administration, delivery … and people, may give you a hard time 🙂
I’m so happy that you love living in my country, and in my region too (I live in Bordeux) . I find it amazing that you adapted so well givent the cultural and linguistic differences between our 2 countries. I take a real pleasure perusal your posts on You Tube and the cool way you analyze your new life here. I wish I knew you in real life! Vous êtes géniaux!
Very interesting! The visa reason and the health care reason made a lot of sense. To be honest, the thrill of the delicious bread, food, market food, restaurant/cafe experience, mastering a new language, immersing yourselves in a new culture, convenient travel options, all could have been found in places like Spain, Portugal or Italy. In fact, the Bordeaux area is about as remote as you can get if getting to other European capitals is a priority. I think you just had it in your head that France was your place, and it became a self-fulfilling prophecy! Which is fine. I’m delighted to be in France, but would probably choose Portugal if I were to do it all again, just for the winter weather.
I find your articles very entertaining. Thank you. It would be nice if you upped the specifics a little bit. Instead of just saying we looked at several countries, say: We considered Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, … I am an American who has lived in Ireland, Québec (Canada), and now Switzerland. Place does make a difference. I am so happy in Switzerland.
I teavel to the Champagne region a few times a year from the Netherlands (one of the most expensive countries in the EU) and regularly go to restaurants where you can have an excellent three course lunch for €33,-, in the Netherlands that would be around €60 – €70. More and more people speak English as they have discovered (a bit late) that almost all foreigners speak English as a second language and not French.
Please do a article about finances. How were you able to afford to move internationally, do you still work (did you need a work visa,) how do you pay for health insurance, were you bi-lingual when you moved to France, Did you buy or rent, is it more or less expensive to buy/rent in France? Do you maintain a house in the USA? What is your monthly budget like in France vs the USA?
The problem with the train is that you can’t get to another city once, you walk outside the city, the advantage of the car, you can discover a new scenery around a bend! There is a magnificent place to see, the Tarn Gorges, it’s magnificent! Another trip to France, it’s the Canal du Midi, you rent an electric boat, you can stop near a village and do your shopping there!
Bonjour. I’ve been to France over 30 times usually twice a year and i know it’s cultural, what it has to offer, nice people etc. I’m now retired living in an historic farm house in Cape May. I am returning to France October 32 for 17 days and will be basing in the western Brittany, Loire river valley, Tours and Limoges areas. I have connected with a Leggette agent for that area and will be visiting several houses for possible purchase in the areas of Rochechouar, Saint Mathieu and Les Salles-Lavauguyon as a start. I think you are in the Bordeaux area and there are some options there too. I live alone with my 6 year Frenchie Gigi who won’t be joining me for this trip. Your thoughts are welcome. A bientôt. Josef.
Just stumbled on your article by accident! I really enjoy your energy and vibe. Very true about the transport being centered around Paris. We live in Niort (maybe not too far from you?) and part of the appeal was that there’s a direct TGV to Paris so we can easily get other places. It’s kind of a bummer what a pain it is to get to Bordeaux by train from where we are (no direct trains, long ride), even though it’s really not that far. I will also second what you said about health care, in particular with respect to the long-term disease. I have a rare autoimmune disease and I have a specialist in Paris (one of the best in the world). He is maybe the best doctor I’ve ever had, so thorough, so kind. And the costs are low like you said.
You should talk about fear of moving and getting work. Should you get a job before going? A work visa before moving is a good idea. Temporary work if you extend a vacation? We’ve let America become boring. I don’t care about celebrities or sports at all. But, an enriching life is rewarding. The Europeans understand that life is wonderful and try to create that in their societies.
If you plan to move and travel (for leisure or work) is high in your priorities list, then southwestern France might not be the best option. Unless you plan to go a lot to Portugal/Spain (then it’s the best place to be). And while cities like Bordeaux (or Nantes) are important by French standards, their airports have limited direct flights options. You can either get closer to Paris as mentioned in the article. Or Lyon and Marseille (still smaller than Paris, but better connected than other cities). Or, get somewhere close to the border on the southeast/east/northeast, within a range of French AND foreign airports. I usually take flghts/trains out of Geneva which is closer, but Lyon is about an hour drive away. This nicely complements my options (and different country = different flag airlines = different connections). Yop of my mind combos: Lyon/Geneva, Lilles/Bruxelles, Strasbourg/Basel/Stuttgart.
Thank you for all this fantastic information! Question about the baguette and breads in general. I don’t have celiacs, however I have an RA type of reaction from eating too much wheat based breads. We have often wondered if it isn’t so much the bread but the GMOs or pesticides they use in the US that I am sensitive to. Do you know of anyone that has any similar sensitivity and seen it disappear when eating breads abroad? I do love a good crusty baguette and will suffer swollen fingers for a bit but it would be great not to have a flare up each time.
As a diabetic, how do you know you’re not getting sugar in the bread there? Curious if bread in France is something completely different than here in the states. I’m not even diabetic, yet due to family history i eat almost no bread at all, and even then homemade only with almost no sugar. Take care!
To immerse yourself in french, switch to a french playlist background music, and you will make a personal connection with the culture French music from 20 to 40 years ago is terrific. Jean Jacques Goldman, France Gall, Balavoine, Mylene Farmer, Michel Berger, Gainsbourg, Johnny Halliday, Michel Polnareff, Zazie, Patricia Kaas, MC Solaar, Francis Cabrel, Celine Dion, Nicoletta are overall solid proven choices. You’ll adore some of their songs. Copy paste this list and you’ll thank me later.
Hi Folks! Found your website through Tommy @ Traveltirement. I’m Billy, a cook from Nova Scotia, Canada with good French language skills. Does France allow volunteers from other countries to work there, like in a religious capacity where there is no exchange of monies? Great info…I subscribed. Yeahhhh
What about #7= cost of living ?? In new england, the cost of heat is insane, the cost of electric is highest in the country except Hawaii. Food, gas, phone, internet, taxes( federal, state, real estate), insurances ( home, car, health) is all insane. In comparing costs, i am expecting my expenses to be about half what i am payng here. Cant wait. Have about 15-17 months to fully move. Downsizing and researching what areas i feel might be best for me. I am thinking mainly about climate ( less rain and low summer humidity) and some english speaking expatriots nearby. Thinking brittany, normandy and provence, but provence may be a bit too expensive. Doesnt Nice have an internation airport with flights to the US ??
Nice article. I’m a retired american living the last 26 yrs in Germany. Wanna talk about learning a language!? I worked every day in English, so it took me 5 yrs before I began to feel able to let my personality out some… French food slams German food any day of the week! Lucky you guys!!! Travel… that extra step to take can be a pain, but the payoff is killer! You are only in your 1st year! And also for us Americans, any new quaint place nearby is like crazy cool! You’ll be pinching yourself for yrs to come. Everything closed on Sundays? Took me for ever and sometimes still pisses me off. Private health care of social healthcare in France? Dental in Germany is sort of like having no dental insurance in the USA $$$$ otherwise social healthcare here is dang good. Total hip replacement cost me 300 euros out of my pocket. 2 stents, nearly nothing out of pocket. Are you working for a French firm or self employed? Working for a German company puts one on the social healthcare system automatically. YES… FREASH BREAD IN EUROPE IS AWESOME… BUT HAS TO BE EATEN SAME DAY!!! Good luck guys!!! Welcome to “across the pond”. Oh and what do your friends and family in the USA think about your French adventure!?
Great vlog again… maybe a random question but: do you think it would reasonable for a vegetarian? From what I know about french cuisine, lots of meat options and apparently delicious and lot of variety…. curious to know what if there are much vegetarian/vegan options on menus etc. thanks and best wishes!
On your first criterion: language. If you want to speak French (or any other language for that matter) you have to become toddlers again. I explain; I hear you pronouncing “bonnjoor” and “murcee” like all anglophones but if you want to SPEAK French and not mimic it poorly, you have to forget about the spelling and LISTEN to the sound and imitate it. This is how French toddlers learn; spelling comes much later and in the case of an allophone, it is a major impediment to pronunciation. Great adventure and I wish you many more fascinating discoveries. Thank you.
Good article, like the others. 1. Baguettes: It’s a lovely bread, but it’s white. Try some darker pan au levain or other dark breads for great taste and better health especially for gut health and diabetes. 2. Visas: It’s much easier to move to France if you’ve sold a house and have plenty of money from it. There is a minimum income that immigrants to France must make in order to qualify for a visa and/or residence especially if you don’t have the proceeds from selling a house. They want to know that you won’t depend on the state for assistance. Bon appetite!
As a long time expat (originally from California, now a French citizen), I agree with most of these points. The French love to complain about their country and fellow citizens, but hate it when foreigners join in. The country is extremely centralized, with many decisions being taken in Paris that affect the people in the provinces. My wife is a French MD (surgical pathologist) and was rather alarmed by what she saw in the U.S. (Boston and then Rochester, NY). With the exception of a few militarily strategic towns, most of France’s historic towns and buildings have remained intact.
You’re lucky you’ve been able to find a doctor and a diabetes specialist to register with. Many places in France are medical deserts. Specialists don’t take any new patients, people have to wait weeks for an appointment with a general practitioner… France used to have the best healthcare system in the world but sadly, this is no longer the case. Too much capitalist encroachment, too many botched reforms!