My first newsletter on this topic outlined five reasons why every woman should live in France for a year. The five reasons I mentioned included elegance, resilience, natural beauty, work-life balance, and artistic inspiration. This letter will highlight more tangible reasons to live in France for a year.
When one thinks about Paris the first thing that comes to mind is expensive. While it is expensive to travel here it isn’t that expensive to live here. France is a socialist country. There are social protections put in place by the government to protect residents and citizens of this country. Let’s get into those social protections.
1. Free healthcare
State health insurance covers public and private hospitals, doctors, and other specialists who provide medical care to both citizens and internationals. The French healthcare system is considered one of the most progressive in the world because it covers everyone despite income level.
I remember when President Obama was lobbying for the Affordable Care Act. During one of the town hall meetings a man stood up and asked why should he be forced to pay for someone who doesn’t work. That selfish, egotistical sentiment regarding access to healthcare doesn’t fly in France. The French believe that everyone regardless of their station in life should have access to healthcare.
2. French Cuisine
French culture does not rely on preservatives and artificial flavorings in their kitchens. In fact, the French government regulates the production of certain food and beverages, ensuring they meet specific standards based on their origin. France protects traditional methods of production and guarantees the authenticity and quality of products like wine, cheese, and other regional specialties. France has very stringent regulations regarding food production, safety and labeling, which help maintain high standards and consumer confidence.
Every time I travel to the states, I gain ten to fifteen pounds and it’s a travesty. It happens for a myriad of reasons. The main reason is all the preservatives and additives in the food. Another reason is that my family and friends do not live in walkable cities so I’m less active there.
I’m convinced that the U.S is killing its population through the food. This last go round after a stint of eight weeks in the states I returned fifteen pounds heavier with GERD and a chronic cough. I was a mess. After one month of being in France I lost ten pounds. To date I’ve lost fifteen. I didn’t undergo any major lifestyle changes the food is simply healthier. Everyone that visits France loses weight.
3. Rent Control
As of January 2022, the average rent for a one-bedroom flat in Paris was around 1200 to 1500 euros per month, while in other cities and more rural areas it could range from 600 to 1000 per month. My first flat here was a studio that I subleased for 600 euros a month. Compare that to cities like San Francisco and New York where the average rent for a one bedroom is 2500 to 3500 a month. In fact one would be hard pressed to find a one-bedroom flat in The Bay Area for less than 2000.
All private and public housing is subject to rent control meaning there is a cap on rent increases. Landlords are prohibited from raising rents above the designated cap. Landlords found to be in violation of rent control laws may face penalties or legal action.
4. Cheap Utilities
Another great thing about France is that I don’t have to worry about exorbitant utility bills. Furthermore, my utilities do not fluctuate month to month. As of January 2022, the average electricity / gas bill in France is around 80 to 150 euro per month depending on family size of course. Since I live alone my bill is roughly 75 euro per month. The best savings are for internet and phone which averages 30 to 50 euro per month for a basic package. I literally have every cable channel and my bill is about 69 euro a month. My cell phone is about 75 euro per month. Please keep in mind that what I pay for utilities is considered expensive. Many residents have a plan for less than 100 euro which includes, home phone, Wi-Fi, cable, and cell phone. Because what I pay is so much cheaper compared to what I paid in the states I don’t even bother with looking for a cheaper plan. I remember when I lived in New York my cell phone was 150 and cable was like 300. I’m overjoyed that those days of trying to decipher those absurd bills are behind me now.
The Pleasure in Taking a Lover
Okay so this last reason may be a bit controversial but if I do nothing else I’m going to keep it real. After living in France for eleven years I’ve been under the tutelage of the French and their culture. One of their culture traits that I’ve learned to appreciate is how they choose to express love, notably when choosing to “take a lover”.
When one uses the phrase to take a lover infidelity is what usually comes to mind. The French do not seem to view it that way. For them to take a lover simply means just that. It is the act of bestowing and receiving love with another person without making things unnecessarily complicated.