Moving to France is often painted as a dream, but there’s one thing that few people warn you about before you make the move: the real pace of life in France.
If you expect things to happen instantly, as they might in countries like the U.S. or the U.K., you’re in for a culture shock. Things in France move delightfully slowly, and while this can be frustrating at times, embracing it can transform your experience.
The Beauty—and Frustration—of the Slow Life
France operates on a rhythm that prioritises quality over speed. This applies to everything from bureaucracy and customer service to daily life. If you’re used to efficiency and quick turnarounds, adjusting to the slower pace can be a challenge.
- Waiting for administrative processes: Whether it’s getting a visa, signing up for healthcare, or registering your vehicle, French bureaucracy is notoriously slow and complex. There’s a reason why “patience” is an essential virtue for expats in France.
- Customer service is different: If you’re expecting a “customer is always right” attitude, think again. In France, customer service tends to be less about speed and more about formalities. Transactions take time, and politeness goes a long way.
- Shops and services have different hours: Many businesses close for long lunch breaks, and Sundays are still sacred in many areas, with most stores and services shutting down completely.
This unhurried pace can be infuriating at first. But once you accept it, you’ll start to see why people fall in love with the French way of life.
How to Adapt to the French Pace of Life
Expect Delays and Plan Accordingly
Whether it’s setting up a bank account, waiting for an internet installation, or getting a residence permit, things will take longer than expected.
- Start any administrative process as early as possible.
- Follow up persistently but politely.
- Bring every possible document to appointments—French bureaucracy loves paperwork.
Embrace the Art of Waiting
Rather than getting frustrated, lean into the experience. Long meals, extended conversations, and slow-moving paperwork are all part of the culture.
- Enjoy the two-hour lunch breaks—they’re there for a reason.
- Take your time at restaurants and cafés. Rushed meals are not part of the French experience.
- Learn to go with the flow rather than resist it.
Build Relationships and Use Local Networks
In France, things often move faster when you have connections. A personal recommendation can help you get an appointment sooner or navigate a tricky administrative process.
- Get to know your neighbours, local shop owners, and community members.
- Join expat groups or French social circles to learn from others’ experiences.
Shift Your Mindset
Instead of fighting the slower pace, try seeing it as an advantage. The French believe in enjoying life rather than rushing through it.
- Appreciate the work-life balance—France is known for its strong labor protections and generous holidays.
- Learn to prioritise quality over speed in your own daily routine.
- Recognise that slowing down doesn’t mean inefficiency—it means taking the time to live well.
Why Slowing Down Can Improve Your Life in France
Once you embrace the rhythm of French life, you start to see the benefits.
- Less stress: There’s something liberating about not constantly chasing efficiency.
- More meaningful interactions: Conversations are deeper, meals are longer, and relationships are built over time.
- A better work-life balance: The French value leisure as much as work, and this balance can lead to a higher quality of life.
What might feel frustrating at first can actually become one of the most rewarding aspects of living in France. The key is to stop resisting and start embracing the pace. So, if you’re planning to move to France, be prepared for things to take time. But once you accept it, you’ll understand why so many people fall in love with life here.