What makes the quality of life so special for those living in France
Vacationing in France is considered a dream trip for many. The country offers an ideal getaway: romantic evenings in Paris, ski resorts in the French Alps, relaxing days at the beach, and peaceful time in the country. With its rich culture, hundreds of years worth of history, and one-of-a-kind cuisine, everyone can find something to love here.
As a place to live, France is just as remarkable. This European country ranks high for the quality of life largely due to the plentiful access to art, culture, and history. However, other practical factors ensure that the quality of life is not just about pleasure; affordable medical care, stricter health regulations than other countries, and affordable higher education are among what makes France one of the best places to live in the world.
À Votre Santé
One of the major perks of living in France is the standard of health in the country. Not only is the country on the list of those that provide health insurance to its citizens, but it also enforces stricter regulations on harmful substances than other wealthy countries — including the United States.
In comparison to the U.S., France offers a much higher level of security when it comes to such regulations. For example, asbestos and other deadly chemicals and known carcinogens are not banned and asbestos especially is prevalent in the U.S., while banned in France.
Just as with matters of health, the French are quite strict with matters of the environment. In 2016, France became the first country in the world to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery.
The vast quantity of outdoor activities is another reason to move to France. This is especially true since spending time outdoors can be good for your health. Picnics at a park, hiking the hillsides, skiing down the Alps, or lounging at the beach are only a fraction of the many pastimes you can enjoy outdoors in France.
Un Goût de French Living
If you are looking to get a taste of what it’s like to live in France, then you are in luck. There are many options to do so, including actually moving there, house swapping, studying abroad, and doing a work abroad program for a few months.
As an option, house swapping is a great choice to experience France without having to pay for a hotel for an extended period of time. Once you figure out the details on how to successfully house swap — such as listing your house as available for exchange and fine-tune the legalities — you can enjoy life as a temporary inhabitant of France.
You can also pair your house swapping with furthering your education. Arizona State University reports that travelling while taking online classes is a worthwhile experience: “Embracing new cultures and adjusting to a new way of life is both exciting and terrifying. The experience can be an emotional rollercoaster, and in turn may affect school performance. The greatest defences against culture shock are both knowledge and an open mind.”
However you decide to experience the French way of life, you are guaranteed to enjoy it. Get out your planner, start doing some research, and go find out exactly what makes France such a great place to live.
Article was written by Guest Contributor Devin Morrissey