Living in France as an expat offers a unique blend of cultural discoveries, and North Americans often experience a few surprising differences. From direct communication styles to unexpected quirks in daily life, adapting to the French lifestyle can be both fascinating and challenging. Here’s a look at some cultural differences, as told by expats from America, that might surprise newcomers to France.
Table of contents
Directness in communication
North Americans are known for their politeness and indirect communication, often avoiding confrontation or strong opinions. When you ask a North American ‘How are you?’, a typical response might be ‘Not bad’, even if they’re feeling the exact opposite. In France, this is not the case. French people are known for their directness and they won’t hesitate to tell you exactly how they feel. Whether discussing preferences, feelings, or work, the French expect honest and clear communication without the usual sugarcoating or hesitation common in North America.
Household appliances and practicalities
There are some real surprises for North Americans when it comes to household appliances. For example, while nearly every home in America has a dryer (essential in cold climate), in France, dryers are far less common. Due to the milder weather, it’s easy to hand clothes to dry overnight, something many North Americans are unaccustomed to. However, washing machines in France are much smaller and can be awkward to transport in Parisian apartments that often lack elevators, making laundry day quite an adventure.
Cost of living differences
North American expats are often shocked by the affordability of mobile plans in France. While an American might pay around $150 per month for a phone plan, French phone plans offer much more value, around 20 € a month for a 150GB data plan with international calling. Additionally, while renting an apartment in Paris requires proof of a job and passing a six-month probation period, the rental prices can be comparable to large North American cities. For instance, 1,100 € for a one-bedroom apartment 30 minutes outside of Paris may not seem to different from what you’d pay in big cities.
> You might be interested in this article: Cost of Living in France in 2024
Everyday interactions and habits
When entering a doctor’s office or any waiting room in North America, most people avoid eye contact and keep to themselves. In France, it’s customary to greet everyone in the room with a polite ‘Bonjour’. Failing to do so is seen as impolite, and this simple exchange can feel quite foreign to North Americans who are used to keeping their heads down in public spaces.
Work-life balance and vacation time
One of the perks of living in France is the generous vacation time. French workers start with 7.5 weeks of vacation, a dream for many North Americans. However, French work culture is intense, with workdays stretching from 9 am to 8 pm, and meetings often being scheduled as late as 7 pm. In contrast, in North America, it’s more common to finish the workday by 5 or 6 pm., and late meetings are rare.
Food culture and dining habits
French food culture is something many expats come to love, but it’s full of nuances. The French don’t sip coffee all day like many Americans do. Instead, they take their coffee in short, concentrated bursts. Breakfast in France doesn’t consist of eggs and bacon; a pain au chocolat, or some bread and butter is more common. Lunch, on the other hand, is a grand affair—think rack of lamb rather than a quick sandwich.
Navigating daily life in Paris
Paris has its own set of unique quirks. For instance, in many older buildings, the first floor is actually considered the ‘second floor’ which can confuse North Americans used to the traditional naming of floors. Even leaving your apartment can be a challenge—doors often require a key to exit, adding a layer of complexity to something as simple as leaving the house.
> You might be interested in this article: Things to know before relocating to France (tips from real-life expats)
Final notes
Despite these cultural differences and daily challenges, many expats find that living in France enriches their lives. Whether it’s adjusting to new social norms, embracing the slower pace of life, or enjoying the beautiful French cuisine, there’s always something to appreciate in this vibrant country. For many Americans and Canadians, France offers an exciting opportunity to explore a different way of life, complete with its own set of rewards and surprises.
