Moving from USA to France: Southern France’s 10 Most Beautiful Destinations for American Families (2026)

The South of France has captivated American hearts for generations—and for good reason. If you’re searching for international movers to France, you’re likely dreaming of sun-drenched coastal villages along the French Riviera or tranquil countryside estates in Provence. This region offers a quality of life that prioritizes beauty, balance, and genuine connection to place. For American families considering this move, Southern France presents not just a destination, but a profound lifestyle transformation..

Over 100,000 Americans currently call France home, with many choosing the Mediterranean warmth and slower pace of Southern France over the bustle of Paris. If you’re dreaming of azure waters, lavender-scented hillsides, and morning markets filled with fresh produce, this comprehensive guide explores ten exceptional destinations where American families are building new lives.


Why American Families Are Choosing Southern France for International Relocation

The appeal of relocating to France—specifically the South—extends far beyond postcard-perfect scenery. American families making this move consistently cite several compelling factors:

Exceptional Quality of Life
The Mediterranean lifestyle prioritises what truly matters: leisurely meals with family, afternoon walks through historic streets, and genuine community connections. The pace is decidedly slower, the priorities refreshingly human-centred.

World-Class Healthcare System
France’s healthcare system consistently ranks amongst the world’s finest, offering comprehensive coverage and exceptional medical care at a fraction of American costs. For families with children or retirees planning to retire in France, this provides invaluable peace of mind.

Outstanding Educational Opportunities
International schools throughout the French Riviera and Provence offer American, British, and International Baccalaureate curricula, whilst French public schools provide immersive language learning in welcoming environments.

Natural Beauty and Mediterranean Climate
With 300+ days of sunshine annually, Southern France offers a climate that encourages outdoor living year-round. From Mediterranean beaches to Alpine foothills, the natural landscapes inspire daily wonder.

Rich Cultural Heritage
Roman amphitheatres, medieval villages, Renaissance châteaux—history isn’t confined to museums here. It’s woven into daily life, visible in architecture, traditions, and the very stones beneath your feet.

International movers to France Southern France French Riviera coastal harbor
The stunning French Riviera coastline attracts American families relocating to Southern France

Understanding French Visa Requirements for Americans Relocating to France

Before exploring destinations, it’s essential to understand the practical requirements for long-term residence in France.

Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS)

For Americans planning to stay longer than 90 days without employment in France, the Long-Stay Visitor Visa (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour) is the primary pathway for international relocation to France.

Key Requirements:

  • Financial Means: Applicants must demonstrate stable income of approximately €1,400-€1,800 per month for individuals, with additional amounts for dependents. This can come from pensions, investment income, rental properties, or savings—but not from French employment.
  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive long-term health coverage is mandatory (travel insurance is insufficient).
  • Accommodation Proof: Documentation showing where you’ll live in France.
  • Clean Background: No criminal record that would pose security concerns.

Application Process: Applications are submitted through France-Visas.gouv.fr and processed at the French consulate in your state of residence. Processing typically takes 15-30 days, and you should apply 2-4 months before your planned move.

Upon Arrival: Within three months of entering France, you must validate your visa online (€200 fee). This validation transforms your visa into a full residence permit, allowing free movement throughout the Schengen Area.

Renewal and Long-Term Residency: The visa is renewable annually through your local Préfecture (€225 fee). After five years of continuous residence, you become eligible for a 10-year residence permit or French citizenship.

Important Note: Visa requirements and financial thresholds can change. Always verify current requirements directly with official French government sources (France-Visas.gouv.fr) or the French consulate before making relocation plans.

The 10 Most Beautiful Destinations in Southern France for American Expats

1. Nice: The Jewel of the French Riviera

Why International Movers to France Recommend Nice

Imagine morning coffee on a terrace overlooking the impossibly blue Baie des Anges, where the Alps meet the Mediterranean in a stunning convergence of mountain and sea. Nice offers this daily reality—a sophisticated coastal city where 19th-century elegance blends seamlessly with contemporary Mediterranean living.

The Promenade des Anglais stretches along seven kilometres of pebbly beaches, named for the wealthy British expatriates who discovered Nice’s charms in the 1800s. Today, this palm-lined boulevard remains the city’s beating heart, where locals and visitors alike stroll, cycle, or simply sit watching the sunset paint the sea in shades of amber and rose.

What Makes Nice Special for American Families:
Beyond its natural beauty, Nice boasts exceptional cultural richness. World-class museums dedicated to Matisse and Chagall celebrate artists who found inspiration in the region’s extraordinary light. The Vieux Nice (Old Town) enchants with ochre-painted buildings, bustling markets, and narrow streets that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Many international movers to France report that Nice is their clients’ top choice for French Riviera living .For Americans relocating to Nice from the USA, the city offers practical advantages alongside its beauty: excellent international schools, direct flights to major US cities, and a well-established English-speaking community. The city is large enough to provide urban amenities yet maintains a distinctly Mediterranean pace and warmth.

Climate: With 300+ days of sunshine annually and mild winters where January temperatures average 13°C (55°F), outdoor living is year-round. Summer heat is tempered by sea breezes, making even July and August comfortable.

Why International Movers to Nice Choose This City:
Nice combines French Riviera glamour with liveable authenticity. It’s sophisticated without pretension, cosmopolitan without losing its Niçois soul—perfect for American families seeking European elegance with Mediterranean ease.

International movers to France Nice French Riviera Promenade des Anglais aerial view
Nice, the jewel of the French Riviera, is the top destination for American families relocating to Southern France

2. Antibes: Historic Charm Between Cannes and Nice

Tucked between its more famous neighbours, Antibes reveals the essence of Riviera living at a gentler pace. This ancient port town—originally a Greek trading post—preserves an authentic maritime character often lost in more tourist-focused destinations.

The medieval ramparts still embrace the old town, with honey-coloured stone buildings climbing narrow streets that open unexpectedly to sea views. The morning market at Cours Masséna overflows with local produce: sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant herbs, artisanal cheeses, and the day’s catch displayed on beds of ice.

The Artist’s Light:
Picasso lived and worked in Antibes in 1946, and the Château Grimaldi—now the Musée Picasso—houses works he created whilst captivated by the town’s luminosity. That same quality of light, crystalline and ever-changing, continues to draw artists and photographers.

Family Life in Antibes:
For American families seeking international movers to Antibes, the town appeals particularly to those seeking community connection. The town is walkable, with beaches, markets, schools, and amenities within easy reach. The peninsula of Cap d’Antibes offers some of the Riviera’s most spectacular coastal walking paths, where pine forests meet azure waters. International movers to France frequently recommend Antibes for families seeking authentic community.

The town maintains strong nautical traditions—sailing schools, beach clubs, and the second-largest yacht harbour in Europe create a distinctive maritime atmosphere. Yet Antibes remains grounded and liveable, without the ostentatious glamour that can make nearby Cannes feel performative.

International movers to France Antibes Cap d'Antibes coastal walking path Mediterranean
The spectacular coastal walking paths of Cap d’Antibes, where pine forests meet azure Mediterranean waters

3. Cannes: Sophisticated French Riviera Living Beyond the Film Festival

Yes, Cannes hosts the world’s most famous film festival each May. But for the other eleven months, this elegant coastal city reveals itself as a sophisticated yet surprisingly relaxed place to call home.When international movers to France discuss the Riviera, Cannes represents sophisticated yet liveable elegance.

La Croisette and Beyond:
The famous Boulevard de la Croisette curves along Cannes’ coastline, lined with palm trees and belle époque hotels. But venture just a few streets inland to discover the authentic Cannes: neighbourhood bistros, local markets, and tree-shaded squares where residents gather for afternoon pétanque.

Le Suquet District:
The old quarter of Le Suquet climbs the hill overlooking the harbour, its winding cobblestone streets offering both historical charm and spectacular panoramic views. At its summit, the 11th-century church watches over terracotta rooftops descending to the Mediterranean.

Island Escapes:
A short ferry ride transports you to the Îles de Lérins—two peaceful islands where time seems suspended. Saint-Honorat, home to an active monastery since the 5th century, offers forest walks and remarkable tranquillity just minutes from the mainland bustle.

Practical Appeal for American Families:
For those seeking international movers to Cannes, the city provides excellent schools (including international options), outstanding healthcare facilities, and a year-round cultural calendar that extends far beyond cinema. The town’s compact size and comprehensive public transport make car-free living entirely feasible.

Moving to France Cannes Le Suquet old quarter French Riviera historic church tower
Le Suquet, Cannes’ old quarter, climbs the hill overlooking the harbour with 11th-century church and spectacular views

4. Grasse: The Perfume Capital’s Tranquil Heights

Perched in the hills above Cannes, Grasse offers something increasingly rare on the French Riviera: authentic, affordable tranquillity coupled with extraordinary natural beauty. This medieval town has been the world’s perfume capital since the 16th century, and the surrounding countryside still blooms with jasmine, roses, lavender, and mimosa—the raw materials of luxury fragrances.

A Town of Flowers and Fragrance:
Walking through Grasse’s old town, you’ll encounter perfume museums and historic perfumeries where you can learn the art of scent creation. The surrounding countryside, with its terraced flower fields, resembles a perpetual garden—especially stunning in spring when mimosa trees cover the hillsides in brilliant yellow.

Mountain Views, Coastal Access:
Grasse’s hillside position provides spectacular vistas: the Mediterranean glimmers to the south, whilst Alpine foothills rise to the north. The coast is just 20 minutes away, yet Grasse maintains cooler temperatures and cleaner air—particularly welcome during summer.

Authentic Provençal Living:
Unlike coastal towns transformed by tourism, Grasse remains predominantly residential and genuinely Provençal. The twice-weekly markets, neighbourhood festivals, and community life reflect generations of tradition. For families seeking immersion in French culture without the Riviera’s sometimes inflated lifestyle, Grasse offers an ideal balance.

The town’s elevation also means more affordable property, with possibilities ranging from village apartments to countryside villas with gardens—a rarity closer to the coast.

International movers to France Provence lavender fields Southern France Valensole plateau
Iconic lavender fields bloom across Provence’s countryside, creating the fragrant, tranquil landscape that draws Americans to Southern France

5. Mougins: Village Perché with Culinary Heritage

Just inland from Cannes, the hilltop village of Mougins embodies the classic “village perché” (perched village) of Provence—a medieval settlement clustered atop a hill, with circular streets following the ancient fortifications.

A Village Frozen in Time:
Entering Mougins’ historic centre feels like stepping back centuries. Narrow passages wind between stone houses adorned with climbing vines and window boxes overflowing with geraniums. Small squares open unexpectedly, each with its fountain and centuries-old plane trees providing dappled shade.

Culinary Excellence:
Mougins has earned renown as a gastronomic destination, with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and the legacy of legendary chef Roger Vergé, who helped define modern Provençal cuisine here. Yet alongside haute cuisine, you’ll find authentic village bistros where locals gather for simple, perfectly prepared regional dishes.

Art and Culture:
Picasso spent his final years in Mougins, and the village celebrates this artistic heritage with galleries, sculpture gardens, and the Musée d’Art Classique. The creative spirit persists—you’ll encounter working artists’ studios tucked into medieval buildings.

Family Appeal:
Despite its sophistication, Mougins remains refreshingly authentic. Children play in village squares, neighbours greet each other by name, and the pace is decidedly unhurried. The village sits within easy reach of beaches, international schools, and Nice airport, yet maintains peaceful countryside character.

International movers to France Mougins village perché hilltop Provence medieval village
Mougins, a classic Provençal village perché (perched village) just inland from Cannes, where medieval charm meets culinary excellence

6. Valbonne: Modern Amenities in Medieval Setting

Valbonne presents a fascinating duality: a 16th-century planned village (rare in France) that has evolved into a thriving modern community whilst preserving its historical integrity and relaxed atmosphere.

The Perfect Square:
At Valbonne’s heart lies a perfect square arcade—symmetrical, arcaded, and utterly charming. Cafés and restaurants line the covered walkways, their terrace tables spilling onto the central plaza where markets, concerts, and festivals occur throughout the year. The geometric precision of the village layout, unusual for its era, creates an orderly beauty that somehow enhances rather than diminishes the village’s warmth.

Sophia Antipolis Connection:
Just down the hill lies Sophia Antipolis, Europe’s largest science and technology park. This proximity has brought an international, educated population to Valbonne, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere whilst the village itself remains charmingly Provençal. For families with parents in technology, research, or corporate roles, this offers rare employment possibilities whilst maintaining quality village life.

Green Surroundings:
Unlike many developed areas on the coast, Valbonne is surrounded by forests and protected green spaces. Walking and cycling paths thread through pine forests, and the village feels distinctly rural despite being minutes from urban amenities.

Community Spirit:
The international population has created excellent English-language resources—international schools, English-speaking medical professionals, expat organisations—whilst the village’s French character remains intact. It’s an ideal compromise for families wanting cultural immersion with some familiar support structures.

Moving to France Valbonne medieval village stone archway Provence architecture
Medieval stone architecture in Valbonne, a 16th-century planned village that blends historical charm with modern amenities near Sophia Antipolis

7. Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Where Art Meets Medieval Beauty

Saint-Paul-de-Vence may be small, but its cultural significance and sheer beauty are outsized. This perfectly preserved medieval village has attracted artists, writers, and celebrities for nearly a century, yet it retains an authenticity that makes it feel like a living community rather than an open-air museum.

Artistic Legacy:
In the 1920s, artists including Chagall, Matisse, and Picasso discovered Saint-Paul-de-Vence, often paying for their meals at the famous Auberge de la Colombe d’Or with artwork. Today, that restaurant remains, its walls adorned with priceless masterpieces, whilst the village continues to nurture dozens of art galleries and ateliers.

Medieval Perfection:
The village’s 16th-century ramparts remain intact, encircling a maze of narrow streets where bougainvillea cascades from ancient stone walls. Walking these passages, you’ll encounter hidden courtyards, artists working in doorways, and viewpoints offering spectacular panoramas across the valley to the Mediterranean.

Fondation Maeght:
Just outside the village, the Fondation Maeght houses one of Europe’s finest modern art collections in a building that is itself a masterpiece. The sculpture gardens, with works by Miró and others, blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.

Living History:
Despite tourist day-trippers, Saint-Paul-de-Vence maintains genuine residential life. Families inhabit the ancient buildings, children attend the village school, and residents gather at the square’s fountain—the same fountain that has served the community for half a millennium.

International movers to France Saint-Paul-de-Vence medieval village ramparts Provence artistic heritage
Saint-Paul-de-Vence’s perfectly preserved medieval ramparts and stone buildings, where artists including Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall found inspiration

8. Vence: Authentic Provençal Market Town

Vence sits just minutes from Saint-Paul-de-Vence but offers a completely different experience: a working market town where authentic Provençal life continues largely unaffected by tourism, despite remarkable beauty and cultural riches.

Market Town Traditions:
Tuesday and Friday mornings, Vence’s grand market transforms the old town into a sensory feast. Vendors arrive before dawn to arrange pyramids of produce, wheels of cheese, fresh-caught fish, and stalls laden with lavender soaps, olive oils, and the thousand small necessities of Provençal living. This isn’t for tourists—this is how residents shop, maintaining traditions centuries old.

Matisse’s Chapel:
The Chapelle du Rosaire, entirely designed by Matisse in his final years, represents a spiritual and artistic pinnacle. The interplay of light through stained glass onto white-tiled walls creates an ever-changing meditation on colour and illumination. It’s intimate, moving, and profoundly beautiful.

Medieval and Modern:
Vence’s old town preserves Roman foundations and medieval character—narrow passages, ancient doorways, hidden courtyards. Yet the town has adapted gracefully to modern life with excellent services, healthcare facilities, and schools, all whilst maintaining its essential character.

Year-Round Community:
Unlike coastal towns that empty in winter, Vence maintains consistent population and activity. The climate at this elevation (325 metres) is slightly cooler than the coast—a blessing in summer, mild in winter—and the surrounding countryside offers exceptional walking through olive groves and pine forests.

For families seeking authentic immersion in Provençal culture without tourist crowds, Vence provides an ideal base: deeply rooted in tradition, yet welcoming and practical for modern life.

Moving to France Vence Provence stone architecture bougainvillea flowering plants medieval village
Flowering bougainvillea adorns ancient stone walls in Vence, a charming medieval town beloved by artists including Matisse and Chagall

9. Biot: Glassblowing Heritage and Village Charm

Biot’s history as a glassblowing centre stretches back to the 1950s, but the village itself is far more ancient—a hilltop settlement dating to Roman times, with medieval architecture and winding streets that reveal unexpected vistas at every turn.

Living Artistic Tradition:
Unlike many villages where crafts exist primarily for tourists, Biot’s glassblowing remains a serious art form. La Verrerie de Biot, the town’s most famous glassworks, continues traditional techniques whilst creating contemporary pieces. Watching master craftsmen transform molten glass into delicate vessels connects visitors to centuries of artisan tradition.

Village Life:
Biot’s compact old town clusters atop its hill, accessed through ancient gates. Inside, you’ll find the essential elements of Provençal village life: a fountain-centred square where elders play pétanque, a church with centuries of community history, narrow streets where neighbours call greetings from windows, and neighbourhood shops that have served families for generations.

Fernand Léger Museum:
Just outside the village, the Musée National Fernand Léger houses an extensive collection in a purpose-built setting. The museum’s ceramics, mosaics, and paintings celebrate colour and form with exuberance that seems perfectly suited to the surrounding Mediterranean landscape.

Natural Setting:
Biot sits amidst rolling countryside dotted with cypress and olive trees, offering walking paths and cycling routes through quintessentially Provençal scenery. The coast is close enough for beach days, yet the village maintains peaceful countryside character.

For families seeking smaller-scale community living with artistic soul and authentic charm, Biot offers a beautiful option—intimate, culturally rich, and genuinely welcoming.

Moving to France Biot village colorful facades Provence artisan workshops glass-blowing
Vibrant orange and ochre facades line Biot’s medieval streets, where artisan glass-blowers and ceramicists maintain centuries-old craft traditions

10. Tourrettes-sur-Loup: The Violet Village

Dramatically positioned on a rocky outcrop, Tourrettes-sur-Loup earns its nickname “village des violettes” from the flowers that have been cultivated here since the late 19th century. But violets are just one element of a village that captures the essence of medieval Provence with rare purity.

Spectacular Setting:
Approaching Tourrettes-sur-Loup, you’ll first see it from a distance: ancient houses forming the village’s outer walls, perched impossibly on cliff edges, creating a vertical settlement that seems to grow from the rock itself. The effect is magical—a village suspended between earth and sky.

Medieval Integrity:
Inside the village, time truly seems suspended. Cobblestone streets barely wide enough for two people wind between stone houses unchanged for centuries. No shops selling tourist trinkets here—instead, you’ll find working artisan studios, neighbourhood shops, and residents going about daily life much as their grandparents did.

Violet Traditions:
Each March, the Fête des Violettes celebrates the harvest with the village streets carpeted in violet petals, creating a purple pathway through medieval stone. The tradition persists not for tourists but as genuine celebration of local agricultural heritage.

Artisan Community:
Tourrettes-sur-Loup has attracted artists and craftspeople drawn to its beauty and tranquillity. You’ll encounter painters, sculptors, weavers, and jewellers working in studios tucked into ancient buildings, maintaining traditions of artisan excellence.

Walking Paradise:
The surrounding countryside offers some of Provence’s most beautiful walking, with paths threading through olive groves, past ancient mills, and alongside rushing streams. The nearby Gorges du Loup provides dramatic natural beauty—waterfalls, swimming holes, and rock formations carved over millennia.

For those seeking the most authentic, untouched Provençal experience—genuine village life preserved in amber-coloured stone and lavender-scented air—Tourrettes-sur-Loup represents something increasingly rare: a place where time hasn’t simply slowed, but has found a perfect equilibrium between past and present.

Moving to France Tourrettes-sur-Loup village perché cliff edge Provence medieval village violet cultivation
Tourrettes-sur-Loup’s medieval stone houses form the village’s defensive ramparts, dramatically perched on the cliff edge overlooking violet-covered terraces

Choosing International Movers to France: What American Families Need to Know

Working with Experienced International Movers to France

Relocating internationally involves complexities that extend far beyond packing boxes. From customs documentation to understanding French import regulations, from coordinating transatlantic shipping to ensuring your belongings arrive safely at your new Mediterranean home—every detail matters.

BLUEmove International specialises in helping American families navigate these complexities. Based in the Washington D.C. metro area, with 21+ years of experience and membership in the International Association of Movers (IAM), we understand both the practical logistics and the emotional significance of international relocation to France.

Comprehensive Moving Services from USA to Southern France

As experienced international movers to France , our complete door-to-door relocation services include:

Professional International Packing and Shipping:
Expert packing at your current home, international shipping via sea or air freight, French customs clearance, and delivery to your new address—all coordinated seamlessly.

Visa Documentation Support:
Whilst we’re not immigration lawyers, we guide you through the paperwork process, helping ensure all documentation is properly prepared for your French visa application.

Pet Relocation to France:
France welcomes pets, but specific requirements must be met. We coordinate veterinary documentation, airline-approved carriers, and all logistics to ensure your furry family members travel safely.

Vehicle Shipping Services:
If you’re shipping a car overseas from the USA to France, we handle the specialized documentation, maritime transport, and French import procedures.

Temporary Storage Solutions:
If your French home isn’t quite ready, we offer secure storage whilst you finalise arrangements.

Customs Clearance Expertise:
Our experience with French customs regulations ensures smooth clearance of your household goods, avoiding common pitfalls that can delay delivery.

Local Partner Network in France:
Our established relationships with French moving companies, customs brokers, and service providers ensure smooth transitions on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ongoing Support:
From initial consultation through final delivery and beyond, we’re available to answer questions and address concerns—because we understand that peace of mind matters as much as physical logistics.

Embracing the French Art of Living in Southern France

Moving to Southern France represents more than changing your address—it’s an invitation to reimagine how you live. The French concept of “art de vivre” (art of living) isn’t abstract philosophy; it’s embedded in daily life here. It’s the two-hour lunch with neighbours. The evening walk through medieval streets. The market morning that becomes an exercise in sensory appreciation. The slower pace that allows you to actually taste your food, notice architectural details, engage in conversation.

American families who’ve made this transition consistently describe not loss of what they left behind, but discovery of what they didn’t know they were missing: time for family, connection to place, engagement with beauty, and a sense that life is meant to be savoured rather than rushed through.

The ten destinations explored here—from Nice’s sophisticated elegance to Tourrettes-sur-Loup’s untouched medieval charm—each offer different expressions of this Mediterranean lifestyle. What they share is commitment to beauty, community, and the belief that quality of life matters more than quantity of possessions.

If you’ve been dreaming of lavender fields and limestone villages, of morning espresso overlooking the Mediterranean, of raising children who speak multiple languages and understand that the world is vast and welcoming—perhaps 2026 is your year to stop dreaming and start planning.

The South of France awaits, with its sun-drenched days, its ancient stones warming in Mediterranean light, its markets overflowing with abundance, and its profound belief that life is meant to be lived fully, beautifully, and with deep appreciation for every moment.

Your new chapter is waiting. Let’s make it extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to France from USA

What visa do Americans need to live in France long-term?

Americans staying longer than 90 days need a Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS). This requires proof of financial means (approximately €1,400-€1,800 monthly per person), comprehensive health insurance, and accommodation in France. The visa is applied for through your local French consulate and must be validated within 3 months of arrival. It’s renewable annually and leads to permanent residency after 5 years.

How much money do you need to retire in France from the USA?

For the Long-Stay Visitor Visa, individuals need approximately €1,400-€1,800 per month in stable income (around $1,540-$1,980 USD). Couples need €2,100-€3,500 combined. This can come from pensions, investments, rental income, or savings—but not from working in France. Alternatively, you can show savings of €36,000-€60,000+.

What are the best cities in Southern France for American expats?

Nice offers the best overall combination of amenities, international community, and French Riviera lifestyle. Antibes and Cannes provide sophisticated coastal living. For authentic Provençal village life, consider Vence, Mougins, or Valbonne. For tranquil hillside living, Grasse, Biot, or Tourrettes-sur-Loup offer exceptional beauty and value.

How long does it take to ship household goods from USA to France?

Typical transit time is 6-10 weeks door-to-door. This includes packing (1-2 days), transport to port, ocean freight (2-4 weeks), French customs clearance (3-7 days), and final delivery. Air freight is faster (1-2 weeks) but significantly more expensive.

Can Americans work in France on a visitor visa?

The Long-Stay Visitor Visa does NOT permit employment for French companies. However, remote work for non-French companies IS typically permitted. If you want to work in France, you’ll need a different visa type such as a Skills and Talents Visa or employment-sponsored visa.

What are the best international moving companies for France relocation?

Look for movers with IAM (International Association of Movers) membership, Federal Maritime Commission compliance, and specific France experience. BLUEmove International specialises in USA to France relocations with 20+ years of experience serving American families.

Is healthcare in France good for American retirees?

France’s healthcare system consistently ranks amongst the world’s best. It offers comprehensive coverage, modern facilities, and significantly lower costs than US healthcare. Many American retirees cite healthcare quality as a primary reason for choosing France.

What can’t you ship to France from the USA?

Prohibited items include firearms, certain foods, plants, and medications without proper documentation. France has specific restrictions on alcohol quantities, tobacco, and animal products. Your international moving company should guide you through these regulations.

Do international schools in Southern France teach American curriculum?

Yes, several international schools in Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and other French Riviera locations offer American curriculum, International Baccalaureate (IB), and British systems. These schools serve the substantial expat community.

How much does it cost to move from USA to Southern France?

Costs vary significantly based on volume. A studio/1-bedroom move typically costs $4,000-$8,000. A 2-3 bedroom home ranges from $6,000-$10,000. A 4+ bedroom or full household can cost $8,000-$15,000+ for complete door-to-door service including packing, shipping, customs, and delivery.

Schedule Your Free Moving Consultation

Every international move is unique, with specific requirements, timelines, and considerations. We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation where we’ll:

  • Discuss your specific destination in Southern France
  • Explain the moving process in detail from USA to France
  • Address your questions and concerns about French customs and regulations
  • Provide a comprehensive quote with no hidden fees
  • Share insights from our two decades of helping families relocate to France

Contact BLUEmove International:

📞 Call Toll-Free: +1 (855) 808-4900
🌐 Visit: www.blue-move.com
📧 Request Quote: www.blue-move.com/free-estimate
📍 Location: 10440 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 300, Columbia, Maryland 21044

Important Disclaimer

Visa Requirements: Immigration requirements and financial thresholds can change. Always verify current requirements directly with official French government sources (France-Visas.gouv.fr) or the French consulate in your jurisdiction before making relocation plans. The information provided here is for general guidance only and should not be considered official immigration advice.

Costs and Practical Information: Whilst we’ve endeavoured to provide accurate general information, costs for housing, schools, and services can vary significantly by location and change over time. We recommend conducting thorough research specific to your chosen destination and circumstances.

Moving Services: BLUEmove International is an international moving company providing logistical support. We are not immigration lawyers or advisers. For specific visa questions, consult qualified immigration professionals or French consular services.