Moving to Lorraine

Even though Lorraine is today one of the 27 regions that make up France, it wasn’t always a French province, or at least not on a permanent basis. It is this discontinuity that accounts for its marked German character, one of the many consequences of being a land the boundaries of which were established rather haphazardly by various events of history. As it stands today, the administrative province is bordered by Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Franche-Comté, as well as Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany.
In fact, the name Lorraine itself maintains a certain ambiguity, as it may refer to either a unit of political administration or a less clearly defined entity of traditional, cultural, and national unity. The administrative unit comprises a total of 2337 localities, both urban and rural, organized into four departments, which are as follows: Meurthe-et-Moselle, with the impressive city of Nancy as informal capital; Meuse, a landmark of World War I history as it was the place of the famous battle of Verdun; Moselle, which contains the city of Metz, the actual capital of Lorraine; and Vosges, famous especially for being the home of Joan of Arc, who was born there, in the small town of Domrémy.
As mentioned above, the history of this north-eastern province was one of endless upheavals. The first major conflict to go through was the Franco-Prussian War, which resulted in almost all of Lorraine forcefully becoming part of the German Empire. The end of World War I brought a reversal of this situation, with the Lorraine being re-assigned to France, only to be occupied again in 1940, before finally becoming a definitive province of France.
Given this turbulent history, it is no wonder that the province of Lorraine now has a mind-boggling mix of cultures, ethnicities and languages, or rather dialects, some of which have survived and are still being spoken by many of its inhabitants, despite concerted efforts of the officials to impose only one language by offering formal education only in French. Differences aside, the province retains a modest, understated charm that attracts both locals and tourists to enjoy the quiet of its mostly rural landscape.

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Author: M.M.Minderhoud

Moving to Martinique

Martinique is one of the Windward Islands that are part of the Lesser Antilles, an archipelago in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea. Having been settled by French colonists as early as 1635, the island has also seen its share of British occupation, but eventually became a French territory, as acknowledged through the 1946 vote of the French National Assembly that established Martinique as one of the Overseas Department of France, part and parcel of the French Republic. As such, its entire land area of 1,128 km² is considered to be part of the European Union, with its official currency, the Euro, being used there.
Administratively, the island of Martinique, just like that of Guadeloupe, consists of only one department, further subdivided into four arrondissements. It is rather scarcely populated, a 2007 estimate indicating a total of about 403 thousand inhabitants, with an additional 260 thousand people believed to be living in continental France, concentrated mainly in and around Paris.
From a cultural point of view the island of Martinique is a very lively melting-pot that brings together people of several different ethnicities and even dialects, the consequence of its rather turbulent history, which included being used as a place of exile for French Huguenots, several stints of British occupation, and the application of the rather enlightened Black Code, a 1685 law that established certain limitations for slave-owners and certain rights for black people. To this day, most of the population of the island is composed of descendants of African populations brought here forcefully as slaves, with the white population accounting for only 5% of the total number.
Much like the neighbouring islands of St. Lucia, Barbados and Dominica, Martinique has a rather mountainous landscape, with its most impressive peaks concentrated mainly in the north. In fact, the island itself is the result of high volcanic activity that started over 400 thousand years ago. The highest altitude on the island is reached on Mont Pelée, an active volcano that last erupted catastrophically in 1902. While the north is dramatically mountainous and covered by lush rainforests, the south often attracts tourists with the lure of its white sand beaches, numerous facilities that allow visitors to try the local cuisine, as well as an overall ease of travel.

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We provide a cost effective and reliable service to you. Be it a small or a large number of boxes that needs moving, we can arrange collection of your belongings and relocation, as well as Storage, all only under the best conditions and with highly Qualified Professionals Removers.
You can even leave the Packing to us. We will make sure everything will be Packed Securely with only the best Packing Supplies available. If you’re not convinced just use our Free Quote service.
You can contact us for any questions you might have. +44 020 3150 2668

Author: Bartosz Wietrzyk

Moving to Midi-Pyrénées

While most of the 27 regions of France are history laden places, each with a story of its own, Midi-Pyrénées constitutes an exception, as it is, just like the name suggests, a strictly administrative and geographical entity created in the 1970s during the regionalization of France. Given that it incorporates parts of what were previously the historical provinces of Guyenne, Languedoc and Gascony, as well as smaller territories and counties, it comes as no surprise that it ended up being both the largest administrative unit of metropolitan France and a place with no unitary regional awareness to speak of.
The eight departments that make up this province – Ariège, Aveyron, Haute-Garonne, Gers, Lot, Hautes-Pyrénées, Tarn and Tarn-et-Garonne – span over an area of 45,348 km²and are inhabited by a total of 2,865,000 people, most of them concentrated in the few regional towns and cities of this wide, otherwise rural, area. In fact, it’s worth mentioning that the very reason this province was established as such was in order to set up an official region around an oversized urban agglomeration – namely the metropolis of Toulouse. The population is distributed accordingly, with about one third of it residing in Toulouse and in the surrounding area. The gigantesque proportions of Toulouse become obvious when it is compared with the second largest urban settlement in this region, the city of Tarbes, which is actually ten times smaller.
Except for these two cities and another three towns that manage to contain populations of over 40,000 residents – namely Montauban, Albi and Castres – the rest of the province is mainly countryside, and a rather productive one at that, having established itself as the number one agricultural region in France. In addition to large expanses of land cultivated with wheat, maize and sunflowers, the area is also favourable to growing vine, even though the region has never made it amongst the most famous wine producers in France. What has earned it some celebrity, though, at least amongst the connoisseurs of French cuisine, is the famed Roquefort cheese, a gourmet food made from ewe’s milk.
In addition to large scale farming, the region also benefits economically from tourism, with the main attractions being concentrated in its southern part, where the spectacular Pyrénée Mountains, reaching upwards of 3000 m in altitude, are a permanent destination for mountain enthusiasts, whether they come here to ski, to hike, or to simply enjoy the superb scenery created by nature, the beauty of which was officially acknowledged by the state by establishing here one of the rare National Parks in France.

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We provide a cost effective and reliable service to you. Be it a small or a large number of boxes that needs moving, we can arrange collection of your belongings and relocation, as well as Storage, all only under the best conditions and with highly Qualified Professionals Removers.
You can even leave the Packing to us. We will make sure everything will be Packed Securely with only the best Packing Supplies available. If you’re not convinced just use our Free Quote service.
You can contact us for any questions you might have. +44 020 3150 2668

Author: Liak

Removals to France - Removals to Centre- Removals Companies London UK

Moving to Centre

The Centre region is located southwest of Paris and it contains a rather big part of the Loire Valley along with areas in the north and south.
The Centre region is considered the centre of northern France and it has as neighbours Normandy, Poitou and Pays de la Loire to the west and Burgundy along with the Paris region to the east. The regional capital of Centre is Orleans.
The Centre region is the heart of historic France and is divided into six departments, namely the Loiret, the Loir et Cher, the Cher, the Indre, the Indre et Loire and the Eure et Loir.
One of the historic breadbaskets of France is at the north of the region, named Beauce. The Beause is a great plateau adorned with vast fields and a picturesque landscape. Its main city is called Chartes and it is the home of a grandiose cathedral built early in the history of France with a Gothic architecture. In the middle of the region one can find the valleys of the Loire River. During the Middle Ages and the Reinasance the area was populated by many of the dukes and kings of France which came and built grand castles out of which the most famous one is the Chateux de la Loire. Other such beautifully constructed castles are the Blois or Chenoceaux, Chambord and Azay le Rideau.
In the space between Blois, Orleans and Vierzon is located a large area of heathland and forests named La Sologne. This was the place where the nobility came and went hunting. Today it is well known for what it has to offer to hikers and nature lovers as well as hunters.
The valley under the name of Loire has various vineyards where white wines are produced, these includes the sparkling white of Vouvray and Touraine. Other such vineyards are the Valencay, the Pouilly-Fume and the Sancerre. These are all well-known wines and are famous around the world for their exquisite taste.
The Centre region rises towards the hills Auvergne and Limousin in the south and south-east. This area is named le Berry and has various agricultural areas where farming takes place. Having a historic centre, the capital is of the area is called the city of Bourges and it is one of the most famous wetlands in France.
The northern part of the region is influenced by its proximity to Paris and has had various economical benefits. This part of the Centre region has developed great transport links to the capital which only helps in its economical development. The transportation links are well-known for their express trains to major cities and direct motorways that lead to Paris. The cities located in the Loire valley have development and are now major centres of high-tech and pharmaceutical industries, and in the north of the region there was a bloom in the cosmetics industry, making it one of the important centres of cosmetic manufacturing in France.
The centre of France is said to be at a spot in the commune of Saint Armand- Montrond but it is always debatable between the north of the Auvergne and the south of the Centre region.
There are many places to visit when in the Centre region of France, out of which some are the regional capital, Orleans, which is a historic city, along with Blois on the northern shore of the Loire. Blois has a grand Renaissance castle which is renowned for its beautiful architecture.
Other great locations to visit are the historic centre in the Bourges and the one in Tours. There is also a gothic cathedral that is famous in France, located in Chartres. A walk near the vineyards and on the banks of the Loire River can make any day better.
If you’re into architecture, then visiting the many castles the region has to offer is a must. The most beautiful and famous ones are in the Loire area and besides them there are also many others which you can admire, such as Ambroise, Langeais and Rigny-Usse among others.
There is also La Brenne where you can visit especially if you’re a fan of lakes and various birds that inhabit the area.
There are various other points of interest in the Centre region of France and it’s impossible to see it all when you’re just visiting. Now if you decide to move to Centre it’s another story. You can take your time and enjoy the wonders and landscapes the Centre region has to offer. Here is where we can help.

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We provide a cost effective and reliable service to you. Be it a small or a large number of boxes that needs moving, we can arrange collection of your belongings and relocation, as well as Storage, all only under the best conditions and with highly Qualified Professionals Removers.

You can even leave the Packing to us. We will make sure everything will be Packed Securely with only the best Packing Supplies available. If you’re not convinced just use our Free Quote service.
You can contact us for any questions you might have. +44 020 3150 2668

Removal to France - Removals to Champagne Ardenne- Removals Companies London UK

Moving to Champagne-Ardenne

Located in the northeast of the country is another one of the 27 regions of France named Champagne-Ardenne. The region has as a neighbour the border to Belgium and has four departments named Marne, Ardennes, Aube and Haute Marne. The regions has three rivers that flow west, the Marne, the Aisne and the Seine and one that flows north named Meuse. Champagne-Ardenne is well known for its sparkling white wine and its capital is Chalons–en–Champagne.
The Langres Plateau is situated south of the Champagne-Ardenne region and it reaches an elevation of more than 450 metres. This area is part of the department of Haute Marne and together with other limestone highlands is considered to be top ranked in regards to forested areas in France. In the west one can find the platform of Champagne-Ardenne which is transverse by the Seine and Aube river valleys. These valleys cut though the limestone hills called Cote de Bars Also, in the same region there is the Argonne Massif in the north which is drained by the river Aisne.
The Champagne-Ardenne region is not vastly populated unlike other areas mainly because many have emigrated to Lorraine and Paris back in 1901 and until 1946 due to employment search in the coal and steel industries. Until the end of the century the growing population flattened bellow a national average due to a new wave of migration.
In the Champagne-Ardenne region there are many farms as it is a rich and vast agricultural area. The farms are capital-intensive and the cultivation is made in a mechanized fashion on a wide scale. The region main crops that are cultivated are cereals, like barley and wheat, along others such as legumes, sugar beets, oleaginous plants and alfalfa. The Champagne-Ardenne is famous for its table wine and white sparkling wine of which large quantities are produced every year. The champagne industry is a major employer in the areas around Reims and Epernav and the white sparkling wine industry is rather famous as well as economically important. In the Epernav region, just east of it the famous Dom Pierre Perignon was born in 1638. He was born in Sainte-Menehould and was the one to invent the process of making champagne sparkle.
There are several traditional industries like the textiles around the Troyes and in the Meuse valley that have seen a steady decline. Also in the same category is metalworking which is centred in the Haute Marne and Ardennes departments and whose importance got lower over the years. Although some industries declined there are also new industries that started which in turn helped the economy of the Champagne-Ardenne region, such as food and beverage processing along with automobile components and plastics industries.
Nevertheless, because of the great amount of champagne production, several other industries flourished in the Champagne-Ardenne region, for example the packing, glass and chemical industries along with the printing industries. There are directly tied to the white sparkling wine production and it allowed the economy to stay strong despite the decline of the traditional industries.
In spite of the fact that the region is widely used for industry related tasks, there is still some pull for tourists, thanks to several beautiful and grand constructions. Some examples of famous locations where one could visit are the Reims Cathedral, the fortified city of Langres and the basilica of l’Epine. The Reims Cathedral was constructed in the 13th century using Gothic architecture and it is considered one of the most exquisite churches in France. The fortified city of Langres has been situated in the Champagne-Ardenne region from around the second century and it still stands proud as a monument to the history of the region.
Because of the high traffic of industry related items and the charm the region displays to the tourists and the locals, new motorways have been constructed that pass across the Champagne-Ardenne region which has in turn increased accessibility throughout the region.
During its long history the Champagne-Ardenne region was the central stage of multiple battles since the French Revolution and it was even the place where the Battle of the Bulge took place, which was the final action back in 1944 on the offensive side by the Germans. Other famous battles include the Battle of Ardennes in World War I along with those in the Franco-German War and in the campaign back in 1794.
The Champagne-Ardenne region offers to show those who are interested a part of history with its impressive constructions but it doesn’t stop there. If you ever think of moving to the Champagne-Ardenne region you can be sure there will be opportunities for employment along with various possibilities for those who want to succeed in the industries that are blooming there. If after a day at work you like to enjoy yourself with what this region has to offer then it is recommended to move to Champagne-Ardenne. We can help you get over there fast and without much of a fuss.

Europe Remove is specialised in Removals to France with door to door deliveries. We offer Storage and Removal Services at attractive prices and will ensure your moving will take place as a fast paced and secure operation.
We provide a cost effective and reliable service to you. Be it a small or a large number of boxes that needs moving, we can arrange collection of your belongings and relocation, as well as Storage, all only under the best conditions and with highly Qualified Professionals Removers.

You can even leave the Packing to us. We will make sure everything will be Packed Securely with only the best Packing Supplies available. If you’re not convinced just use our Free Quote service.
You can contact us for any questions you might have. +44 020 3150 2668

Moving to Île-de-France

The most populated and wealthiest region of France is Ile-de-France meaning “Island of France”. The region was created back in 1961 as the “District of Paris Region” and then renamed in 1976 as Ile-de-France. At the same time, the administrative status that the region had has been aligned by following the guide of the other administrative regions in France created back in 1972. Although the name is now recognized officially, some lingering feelings still remain attached to the name from before, and as a result of that, people still refer to Ile-de-France sometimes at Region Parisienne or Paris Region. The region mainly consists of the Paris metropolitan area and that is another reason why the old name still sticks to the region.
Ile-de-France as stated before is the most populated region in France, reaching to a total of 11.7 million inhabitants and rising. This rise is referred to as “Franciliens”. This word has been used since the 1980’s when it was created to refer specifically to this kind of situation. The number of inhabitants Ile-de-France has is easily comparable to that of the state of Ohio in U.S. The population number even exceeds other countries such as Finland, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, Austria, Sweden or Norway. The massive population is ranked as third in the European Union in regards with country subdivisions right after Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia.
If you’ve ever wanted to move to Ile-de-France and you didn’t have any reasons to do so, just think of all the economical and social opportunities are waiting for you there. Don’t hesitate any more, relocate to Ile-de-France to start a new life!

Europe Remove is specialised in Removals to France with door to door deliveries. We offer Storage and Removal Services at attractive prices and will ensure your moving will take place as a fast paced and secure operation.
We provide a cost effective and reliable service to you. Be it a small or a large number of boxes that needs moving, we can arrange collection of your belongings and relocation, as well as Storage, all only under the best conditions and with highly Qualified Professionals Removers.
You can even leave the Packing to us. We will make sure everything will be Packed Securely with only the best Packing Supplies available. If you’re not convinced just use our Free Quote service.
You can contact us for any questions you might have on +44 020 3150 2668

France – Something For Everyone

If you have looked into relocating to Europe there is a good chance that you will have looked into all options from moving to Germany right through to Spain. However, whilst moving to Germany or Spain might offer you vastly different experiences, one country that can bridge the cultural divide and offer something for almost everyone is France.

Moving to France offers you the chance to settle in one of the most interesting countries in the world, one which has a charm very much all of its own. However, one of the great things about moving to France is the great range of experiences you can have all in one country.

Whilst the conditions needed for surfing and skiing are vastly different, just a few hours apart you can go from the wonderful ski resorts of the Alps to the fantastic sun and waves of places such as Biarritz and Hossegor.

So whether you love the sun or the snow, you can experience both without too much time in between. You can also experience a wide range of cultures as France has one of the most diverse societies in the world. There is also a wide range of more specialised interests too, offering the highest quality of everything from art and architecture through to food as well as the amazing variety of scenery it has to offer.

So if you are looking to move abroad, then France really does have something for everyone and may just well be your perfect choice.

Some Advice on Moving to France

Moving house can be a stressful experience, even if you are moving a couple of miles away. So if you are moving to France, moving to Belgium or another European country, and you can multiply that stress several times over. This is why you need a company who are experts when it comes to moving to France – or indeed, any location within the UK and Europe – a company which has years of experience which means that your house move will go as smoothly as possible.

Once you have booked the company – and many people choose European Removal Experts because of their enviable reputation for excellence in the world of house moving – you can relax and let the professionals take over.

All you have to do is make sure that, on the day you are moving, you ensure that everything which is to be moved have been placed in the vehicle. It is your responsibility to make sure nothing is left behind, so be sure to cover everything.

Go inside the house and check behind doors, in cupboards and on the walls. You will be surprised how often people keep looking at a clock, and then forget to take it with them! Some companies ask you to sign an inventory list which should be checked carefully so that you are happy that all your belongings have been loaded. Relocating to France is the start of a new chapter in your life, so let the professionals do their job while you relax and look forward to your new begining!

Advice for an Emigre in France

France and England have had a stormy relationship in recent centuries; however, like quarrelling brothers, we know how to make up! Nowadays we enjoy a particularly strong relationship, and cultural solidarity. However, differences still exist between the two nations; therefore moving to France can be a little complicated at times!

Perhaps the most pertinent difference that anyone moving to France will notice is that it is a culture that is pretty much obsessed with legislation; therefore purchasing a property over there can be a lot more difficult than it would be in the UK. This is confounded by the language barrier; therefore it might be a good idea to seek the aid of a translator – or better yet, learn the language! On a related point you should ensure you keep a copy of all of your paperwork, or anything that looks as though it might be important!

While there is a lot of cultural similarity between England and France, there is still bound to be a bit of a culture shock for anybody moving to France. For example, drinking habits are a little different in France, with alcohol being consumed mainly during meals. Of course encountering the idiosyncrasies of a new culture is one of the best things about relocating to a brand-new country; therefore you should take pleasure in getting involved in your new community, and sampling local fare etc.

Comprehensive Guide To Moving - Rules Of Residency In France

Some Advice if You are Moving to France

Moving to France: A Comprehensive Guide

Relocating to France is a dream for many, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in a country renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-class cuisine. However, moving to a new country involves more than romanticizing the experience. It requires detailed planning, pragmatic decision-making, and a willingness to adapt to a new culture. Here’s a complete guide to help make your transition to France as smooth as possible.

Planning Your Move

The foundation of a successful relocation lies in meticulous preparation. Moving internationally involves unique challenges, so having a well-thought-out plan is essential.

Hiring a Professional Moving Company

Transporting your belongings across borders requires professional assistance. A reputable moving company will handle packing, loading, and transportation, ensuring your possessions arrive safely. When choosing a moving company:

Look for one experienced in international relocations.
Confirm they offer insurance for your items.
Read reviews and get recommendations to ensure reliability.

Managing Logistics and Paperwork

Relocating to France involves administrative tasks, including:

Customs declarations for your belongings.
Arranging a visa or residence permit.
Securing health insurance that meets French legal requirements.

Start this process early to avoid unnecessary stress as moving day approaches.

Choosing the Right Location

When deciding where to settle in France, it’s vital to consider more than just your holiday memories. Living somewhere full-time often differs significantly from experiencing it as a vacationer.

Visit During Different Seasons

That charming village where you’ve spent idyllic summers might feel entirely different in winter. Before committing to a location:

Visit during off-peak seasons to understand its year-round vibe.
Assess whether local amenities, such as shops and restaurants, remain open.
Consider the climate and whether it suits your preferences.

Assess Accessibility and Amenities

Ask yourself practical questions:

Are essential services, like schools and healthcare, within easy reach?
Is public transportation available?
How far are you from major cities or airports?

Understanding the logistics of your chosen area can make day-to-day life easier.

Navigating the French Housing Market

One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is finding a home. France offers a variety of housing options, but diving into the property market without proper knowledge can be risky.

Renting Before Buying

If you’re unfamiliar with the French legal system, renting is often the best choice. This approach allows you to:

Experience life in the area before committing to a long-term purchase.
Learn about the local property market.
Avoid potential legal pitfalls.

Engage an English-speaking lawyer or notary to help navigate rental agreements and property laws.

Helpful Resources

For insights into the French housing market, visit:

French Property

Legal and Administrative Requirements

France’s legal system can be complex, especially for newcomers. It’s crucial to understand the basics or seek professional guidance.

Key Considerations

Hiring a Notary or Lawyer: Work with an English-speaking professional to navigate contracts and understand legal obligations.
Tax Implications: Research property and income tax requirements.
Business Regulations: If you plan to work or start a business, ensure you comply with French labor and business laws.

Adapting to French Culture and Lifestyle

Moving to France means immersing yourself in a unique culture. Embrace the differences to make your transition smoother.

Language Skills

Although many urban French residents speak English, learning French will significantly enhance your experience. Fluency helps with:

Building relationships with locals.
Navigating day-to-day activities.
Integrating into the community.

Consider online language learning tools such as Duolingo or Rosetta Stone.

Cultural Norms

French culture values traditions, especially in dining and social interactions. For instance:

Meals are seen as a time for connection and should not be rushed.
Politeness and proper greetings are highly valued.

Healthcare in France

France boasts one of the best healthcare systems in the world. To access it:

Register for the Carte Vitale, which allows you to use state healthcare services.
Consider private insurance for additional coverage.

Visit Ameli for more information on healthcare registration and benefits.

Final Thoughts

Relocating to France is a journey filled with opportunities and challenges. By planning carefully, staying informed, and embracing the local culture, you can make your transition a rewarding experience. For further insights and resources, visit:

French Property Guide