The Grown-Up's Guide to Living in France

Having spent seven weeks in France last year, we are now planning a move there. This little book answered many of the basic questions we have regarding such issues as health care, health insurance, automobile ownership and registration, etc. Because we have been there recently, I recognize that many areas addressed by the author are accurately covered, so I'll be happy to accept her advice about areas with which I have no experience. I enjoyed the upbeat tone of this book. Her attitude makes me all the more anxious to make the move.

In preparation for a three-year tour in Paris with my wife and children, I purchased this book and five (!) others on the subject of living in France from Amazon.com. While all have their merits, none have adequate coverage of the French legal system and how to work with the police. It shouldn't have surprised me that, in a country whose history contains episodes such as the Reign of Terror after the French Revolution and collaboration with the Nazis during WWII, there is an official process, called "main courant" in which citizens can "denounce," or file official complaints, against their neighbors for things such as having a baby that cries. Suffice it to say, this process, apparently embedded in the culture for centuries, can result in tremendous prolonged misery and stress, even for a Francophile like me, with many, many wonderful French friends. It might have been easier to deal with summons to the police station, investigations by the mayor's office, visits from social workers - all in less than three months of living here - with some advance prep. Thank goodness I work for a supportive company. Be forewarned!

Waste of money for those hopeful expats without unlimited bank accounts. Much of the info is also outdated or seen through the proverbial rose-colored glasses. Often deceptive or misleading--I wasted more time trying to use the info during my move, than I would have just trying to figure things out on my own. Just one example, the author says you can open a bank account during a "preliminary visit" and recommends Banque Transatlantique. Then you find out on your own that you HAVE to be living in France with your green card in order to open an account AND that BT's required [high account balance]. Waste of time and money!!

This is real lightweight stuff. Lacks depth and lacks details to be of any help to the serious expat-wannabe. I think many of the reviews full of over-the-top praise must be written by the author's friends or at least by those in the same clique. Skim this book while you're having a latte at Border's and save yourself some money.

This is a really great book -- I wish I'd read it before the first time I went to France as an adult, nearly 5 years ago. Two more trips later, and I can vouch for the accuracy of what's presented in this book.

The writing is straight-forward and the information is well arranged. I also really like the additional comments from other Americans living in France.

This book is useful for anyone planning on spending more than just a few days in France, not just for those planning on living there. The parts about driving and going to the grocery store hit home with me, and now I know why doing laundry there takes *so* long.