If you’re planning to visit France soon, it’s best to start your visa process now to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Applying for your French visa at this time of year is a smart decision for these reasons:
🧭 Applying now ensures your application is processed faster with less competition. Some French consulates have limited appointment slots, and early application ensures you get a convenient date without hassle.
🧭 A fixed address is a requirement for your French visa application and at this time of year, accommodation in France is much cheaper and easier to find!
🧭 Arriving before the French tourism season will allow you to get settled in and get everything in order before the tourists arrive, and before the French administration services become too overwhelmed.
🧭 Securing your visa early gives you the freedom to plan and book flights at much better prices! Saving you lots of €€€ to spend on more important things 🍷 🥖 🧀
🧭 Coming to France during this quiet time of year will help with your French! You can practice getting to know your neighbours and the locals before other tourists arrive and everyone starts speaking in English!
If you would like any help or advice on applying for your visa, contact us by PM or email us at [email protected]
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Here are five nuances in French culture that we think you should know as an expat in France:
✋🏼 Mealtimes are sacred in France! You don’t see much snacking or grazing in France. The French love to enjoy quality food and take their time to sit down, socialise and appreciate their food at every mealtime throughout the day.
✋🏼 The word “Bonjour” is the cornerstone to politeness in France. When you enter a shop, a classroom, or greet someone, always ensure that you say ‘Bonjour’ before anything else, otherwise you will appear as being rude.
✋🏼 La bise! The ‘bonjour’ is usually followed by a handshake in a formal context or ‘la bise’ (kiss) one on each side of the cheeks. How many kisses?
In Brittany, one kiss on each cheek is considered enough, while in other parts of France it is considered normal to give three bises on each cheek, in some regions even four! But you usually can’t go wrong with the standard two! 😘
✋🏼 Faire le pont (making the bridge)! The French created the practice of connecting a mid week public holiday to the weekend, by taking the days in between off work. This creates a four day weekend, or even longer depending on the public holiday’s position in the week!
✋🏼 In France, it’s considered bad luck to wish someone Happy Birthday or Happy New Year before the actual date, but don’t worry you can say it as many times as you want up until the end of that month!
So…Bonne Année from Ask the Expat Girls 🥳
For more information, send us a PM or contact us by email : [email protected]
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If you’re thinking about making big changes in 2025 like moving to France or you’re an existing expat in France who is struggling with the French administration system, let us help you start 2025 on the right path! Why choose our service? See below ⬇️
👭 We’re both bilingual so can help with translating complicated documents and confusing French administration applications.
👭 We have fantastic contacts to help in all areas of setting up life in France, such as certified translators, architects, bank managers, tradesman and many more.
👭 We understand that there are many hidden expenses when becoming an expat in France, so we pride ourselves on offering affordable fees for our services.
👭 With over 20 years of experience between us, we know the French administration inside out. We have the expertise and knowledge to guide you through all areas of the complicated French bureaucratic system.
👭 We are quick, efficient and know what we’re doing! We understand how stressful it can be being living in a foreign country. Our clients always thank us for our reactiveness and professionalism during stressful situations.
If you would like any help or advice, please contact us by PM or email us at [email protected]
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If you’re thinking about applying for French citizenship, it’s important to approach it correctly to avoid delays or rejections. Here are some key things to avoid:
🇫🇷 Before submitting your application, get your finances straight. Make sure your debts are paid and make sure your taxes are filed and paid correctly.
Having unpaid debts or taxes is a red flag for the authorities and being behind on your French taxes or failing to demonstrate compliance with French tax obligations can harm your application.
🇫🇷 Even if your personal situation is regular, that of your spouse or members of your household can work against you so make sure everyone has the correct residency/visa status.
🇫🇷 Your professional stability may impact the outcome of your application. If you’ve been fired from multiple jobs, out of work for long periods of time or have been in and out of many different jobs, you will need to show reasons and evidence for all of this.
🇫🇷 Financial stability is also very important. Authorities want to see that you have the means to support yourself and your lifestyle in France, so make sure this is in order before applying.
🇫🇷 Even though your file might look perfect, the naturalisation interview is extremely important and a lack of preparation may lead to your application being refused.
Review the values of the Republic thoroughly and prepare yourself well for this interview!
If you would like any help or advice on the application process, contact us by PM or email us at [email protected]
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French winter holiday traditions blend festivity, gastronomy, and family, with a strong emphasis on regional diversity and cultural heritage. Here are our favourite French traditions to enjoy during the holidays:
🎄 Traditional Christmas markets - These markets, especially famous in cities like Strasbourg and Colmar, sell festive goods, mulled wine, and traditional foods.
🎄 Extended Christmas celebrations - The main celebration occurs on the evening of December 24th but the fun and festivities continue on the 25th and 26th!
🎄 No Christmas speech but a New Year’s speech - In France, the New Year’s speech by the President of the Republic (Allocution de la Saint-Sylvestre) is a significant tradition. The speech is broadcast on December 31st, at 8pm before the New Year’s Eve festivities begin.
🎄 New Year’s Eve - In France, they call this “Le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre”. The evening revolves around a shared festive feast with family or friends. This meal often features luxurious foods, such as: Foie gras, seafood and champagne.
Extended Hours: Some bars, pubs, and nightclubs will stay open until early morning or even dawn to keep the party going party 🎉
🎄 Epiphany (La Fête des Rois) - This takes place on January 6th, a celebration of the Three Kings. On this day, people will eat a Galette des Rois (King’s Cake). This cake contains a hidden figurine (fève), and the person who finds it becomes the “king” or “queen” for the day. Traditions vary by region: in northern France, the cake is puff pastry with almond cream, while in the south, it is brioche with candied fruit.
Bonne fêtes à vous 💫
If you would like any help or advice on the application process, contact us by PM or email us at [email protected]
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