The 15 Worst Things About Living in France

Four years ago, I did something that, in retrospect, could either be called brave or utterly insane – I packed my bags, bid farewell to my comfy life in the United States, and hopped on a plane to France.

Bonjour, new life!

I arrived without knowing a soul, without a clue about the language, or even how to correctly pronounce ‘croissant’ (still working on it).

Fast forward to today, I’m living the French dream, surrounded by art, culture, fantastic French food, and more types of cheese than I thought possible. I’ve fallen head over heels for this beautiful country, its charming towns, and even its chaotic, traffic-filled major cities. The Eiffel Tower has become my new “Empire State Building”, and my French friends are nothing short of magnifique.

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But let’s get real here.

As much as I love living in France, it’s not always a walk in the park (even if that park is next to the Louvre). Like a good French cheese, life here has its strong, not always pleasant, flavors. But hey, that’s part of the charm, right? 

So, without further ado, here are some of the not-so-great things about living in France. 

1. Bureaucracy

Oh, French bureaucracy! It’s like a suspense movie from the middle ages, the plot thickening with every form you fill. Now, let’s go behind the scenes of this historical drama.

Unlike the United States where bureaucracy tends to be more streamlined, in France, the red tape can feel as tangled as a French knot. In the U.S., a lot of services have been digitized for convenience, but France seems to hold onto a nostalgic love affair with paper. Whether it’s registering for social security, getting a driver’s license, or even subscribing to a phone plan, expect to fill out forms, and lots of them.

First time I tried to open a bank account, I felt like a rat in a maze. Documents, proof of address, more documents… and did I mention documents?

And these aren’t tasks you can often complete during your lunch break, either. In France, it’s not unusual for government offices and banks to take a long lunch break too or close early in the evening. So managing these tasks becomes a job unto itself.

To be frank, the French government isn’t the bad guy here; it’s just the paperwork – a relentless monster that eats away your free time. And don’t even get me started on the healthcare system. Navigating the French healthcare system involves a whole new level of bureaucracy. There are documents to submit, and often communication is done through the post rather than email.

But hey, amidst all this, there’s some good news too. Life expectancy is high in France, perhaps a testament to the quality of healthcare once you get past the red tape. So, take a deep breath, brace yourself, and remember, the paperwork is a beast, but it’s not unbeatable.

After all, the rich culture, the food, the beauty of the country – they all make the bureaucratic runaround worth it.

Or so I keep telling myself every time I see a new form to fill.

2. Language Barrier

The French language is beautiful, but if your vocabulary begins and ends with “Bonjour” and “Merci,” you’ll have a hard time in La République. When it comes to languages, the French are, let’s say, very committed to their own. Sure, English is taught in schools, but it’s not as widely spoken as in other European countries.

Most French people are amiable, but they also appreciate efforts to speak their language. It’s part of their culture and respect for the French way of life. Unlike in the US where diversity of languages is more common, in France, French is the lingua franca, the uncontested language of everyday life.

Remember that time I asked for directions to the Eiffel Tower and ended up on the outskirts of town? Yeah, not a fun day. It’s not just about getting lost; simple tasks like grocery shopping or asking for help in a store can turn into games of charades.

If you’re planning to live in France, a French phrasebook or language app will be your new best friend.

As well as this guide with my advice on the best methods for learning French from scratch that helped me become fluent in French in a little over a year.

3. Lower Salaries

For a country with such good food, salaries can be a tad thin. French companies, on average, pay lower than those in the United States. Part of this is due to the different economic structures of the two countries. France has a strong welfare state, higher taxes, and more social services, which all influence wages.

One might argue, “Oh, but the quality of life is better,” and while that may be true, your bank account might not agree as quickly. Especially if you’re in a big city like Paris, where the cost of living here can make New York look like a bargain sale.

It’s not all sad news, though. The cost of living outside the city center, especially in smaller towns, is significantly less, which is a small comfort. Plus, healthcare in France is more affordable compared to the US, so there’s a silver lining to the lower salary cloud.

4. Limited Job Opportunities

Unless you’ve mastered the French language or are Daft Punk in disguise, landing a job can be a tough gig. It’s not just about language, either. Many jobs, especially in sectors like finance or law, require specific French qualifications, which can be hard to translate from your US credentials.

Major cities like Paris and Lyon do offer opportunities, but being a unilingual anglophone in the French job market is like being a vegetarian at a steakhouse – there’s not much on the menu. If you’re in tech or fashion, you might have better luck, but otherwise, brace yourself for a challenging job hunt.

Moreover, networking is crucial in France, just as it is in the US. But here, it’s about more than just making connections. It’s about fitting into the French working culture, understanding the nuances, the unspoken rules. So, dust off your French, update your CV, and embrace the challenge.

After all, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.

5. Expensive Housing

Housing in Paris is like an elegant croissant – enticing but pricey. Real estate in the city of lights is a prime commodity, and the prices reflect that. The average price of an apartment in the city center would make a New Yorker feel at home.

Unlike some major cities in the US where there are cheaper neighborhoods interspersed with the expensive ones, in Paris, cheap is a relative term.

My first encounter with a real estate agent here reminded me of the time I tried to buy a snack at a movie theater – a case of sticker shock. Not to mention the apartments themselves can be on the smaller side, especially compared to the spacious homes and apartments that are common in the US.

So, between the high prices and the compact living spaces, finding the right home in Paris can be quite the journey. However, there are certainly more affordable places to live in France outside of Paris and the major cities, so you’ll have more luck if you look in smaller towns.

6. Weather

France is a beautiful country, don’t get me wrong. But remember, the City of Lights is not just a stone’s throw away from the sunny Mediterranean Sea. Unlike some parts of the US, where you can drive a few hours to escape the cold, France’s climate varies drastically.

The weather in northern France has moods. In winter, it can be colder than a penguin’s icebox. It’s not the fun kind of snow day cold either, it’s the biting, wet, windswept kind.

Plus, rain can spring up as suddenly as a Daft Punk reunion. So, while you’re packing your beret and stripes, don’t forget a good umbrella and a sturdy winter coat.

7. Cultural Differences

Adjusting to the French way of life is like learning to dance; you step on a lot of toes at first.

French culture is rich and complex, with customs and etiquette that are quite different from the US. For instance, dinner parties in France are almost ceremonial.

You don’t just show up and eat; it’s a whole event.

Like that time I showed up at a dinner party straight from work, not realizing that in France, it’s an occasion, not just a meal. Everyone was dressed up, the table was a work of art, and there I was in my office clothes.

But hey, who can complain about an excuse to dress up?

Related read: What NOT To Do in France: 36 Cultural “Faux Pas” to Avoid

8. Homesickness

Sure, living in France is exciting, but it’s also a long way from home.

Moving to a new country is always a challenge, and France, with its distinct culture and language, can feel like a different world. Missing family members back in the United States is a common side effect.

Even with all the amazing French cuisine, there are times when all you want is the comfort of the familiar. I’ve had moments when I’d have traded the finest French cuisine for Mom’s home-cooked meal. That familiar sense of belonging, the ease of being in a place where everything is as you expect it to be, is hard to replicate.

But don’t worry, it gets easier with time. And in the meantime, there’s always Facetime and French wine to help ease the homesick blues.

9. Missing American Convenience

Ah, the land of 24/7 convenience, where late-night cravings are a quick drive away. Who knew I’d miss 24/7 grocery stores so much?

France, with its refined culture, takes a slower approach to life. Here, shops close earlier, and if you’re thinking of a late-night ice cream run, well, your cravings will often go unfulfilled.

For an American used to quick fixes and fast food, this could be a shock. I mean, in the US, I could have a pizza at my doorstep faster than you can say “Eiffel Tower.” A small price to pay for the charm of the French lifestyle, but a price nonetheless.

Related read: What living in Paris as an American is *actually* like

10. Limited Customer Service

Customer service in France sometimes feels like a game of hide and seek. It’s not that the French don’t care about their customers; it’s just that the concept of service is a bit different here. In the U.S., the customer is king.

But in France, it’s a bit more…democratic.

Remember when you could return anything, no questions asked, in the US? Well, let’s just say in France, it’s like asking a French chef to hurry up with your order – good luck with that.

11. Adjusting to Smaller Spaces

The French are big on culture, food, and wine, but when it comes to living spaces, they prefer things petite. Your French apartment will likely be smaller than your American one, which might mean getting creative with your use of space. It’s like New York, but with fewer skyscrapers.

And don’t get me started on the cars; they’re practically bite-sized. Just think of it as life in miniature – or as an opportunity to embrace minimalism.

12. Less Variety in Stores

If variety is the spice of life, then French grocery stores are a bit bland. Here, you won’t find aisles dedicated to every conceivable flavor of potato chip or 17 different kinds of cereal. Instead, the choices can be limited compared to American supermarkets.

Sure, they’ve got a cheese section that puts the dairy aisle in the US to shame, but when it comes to other goods, the selection can feel a bit lean.

But look on the bright side – fewer options mean fewer decisions to make. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to embrace the local cuisine.

Related read: The 46 most famous French dishes you must try while in France

13. Less Air Conditioning

Air conditioning in France is like a unicorn; you’ve heard it exists, but spotting it is a whole different ball game. It’s not common in French homes, so be prepared to get acquainted with your old pal, Mr. Fan, during the summer months.

This might not be a big deal in the northern parts of France, but in the south, closer to the Mediterranean Sea, the summers in Paris can be quite scorching. Imagine New York in July, but without the sweet relief of AC. Let’s just say, it makes you appreciate every little breeze that comes your way.

Related read: What to wear in Paris in summer? Tips + outfit guide

14. Public Transportation Strikes

The French, bless them, have turned striking into an art form. Public transportation in France is reliable until it’s not. Strikes are as French as a baguette, and when they hit, they often disrupt the metro lines.

Picture this: You’re ready to head out to Gare du Nord, baguette in hand, only to find out the trains are on strike. Now, instead of a leisurely commute, you’re in for a frantic scramble to find an alternate route.

It’s all part of the French way of life, like traffic jams in LA or crowded subways in New York.

15. Different Social Norms

Last but not least, living in France means learning a whole new social rulebook. The French are more formal and value their privacy more than folks back home. They’re not being aloof; it’s just how things are done here.

So, remember to give your French friends their space – after all, everyone likes their baguettes a little different. And don’t be surprised if they kiss you on the cheek instead of a casual hug. You might feel like you’re in a high school drama, but trust me, you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.

Final thoughts

And there you have it, folks – the good, the bad, and the occasionally ugly parts of living in France.

But let me tell you this: despite these so-called “downsides,” I wouldn’t trade my French life for anything else, not even a lifetime supply of New York-style pizza.

Sure, the bureaucracy can be a nightmare, the language barrier is a constant challenge, and my encounters with the French healthcare system could fill an entire sequel to this post.

But amidst all of this, there’s a certain je ne sais quoi that makes life here worthwhile.

My journey in France has been filled with more excitement and adventure than I ever found back in the States. From seeing the Eiffel Tower light up the Parisian night to savoring the best French cuisine in a quaint bistro, the magic of France is undeniably real.

So, for those of you contemplating a move to this beautiful country, I say go for it! Sure, take my stories with a grain of salt, but don’t let them deter you. The French way of life, for all its quirks and complexities, is truly worth experiencing. Au revoir for now, and may your French adventure be as thrilling as mine has been!