Myth 1: “The French are rude—especially to Americans.”
Our reality: Once we led with a warm Bonjour (and sprinkled in a few s’il vous plaît/merci), doors opened—literally and figuratively. A restaurant owner in Provence even dragged the chalkboard menu to our table and walked us through it in English; the neighboring table joined our conversation and we ended up swapping dessert tips. If you feel “coldness,” it’s usually just respect for personal space and a different conversation rhythm (greet first, then ask). See more on greetings and cultural cues here. (Oui In France)
Try this:
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A1/A2: Practice a 10-second opener: Bonjour, excusez-moi, est-ce que vous parlez anglais un petit peu ?
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B1/B2: Add a softener: J’essaie d’améliorer mon français—vous pouvez m’aider ?
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Advanced: Mirror the register—start vouvoiement (vous) until invited to tutoyer (tu).
Myth 2: “France is too expensive.”
Our reality: Paris can be pricey (big global city, big global prices). But compared to Los Angeles, the South of France felt familiar climate-wise and kinder on rent/food if you’re outside the tourist cores. Data backs it up: prices in Paris are markedly higher than in cities like Marseille/Aix; moving 30–40 minutes out can drop housing costs significantly. (Numbeo)
Try this:
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A1/A2: Learn housing words (un T2, charges comprises, caution).
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B1/B2: Call a rental agency and ask about les charges, taxe d’habitation (when applicable), and transit to town.
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Advanced: Read local notaire market bulletins and compare communes on rent indices.
Myth 3: “France will tax all my U.S. retirement money twice.”
Our reality (nutshell): There’s a U.S.–France tax treaty. The gist for many retirees is:
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U.S. Social Security: generally taxable only by the U.S., even if you live in France. (IRS)
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Most private pensions/retirement distributions (e.g., IRA/401(k)): often taxable in your country of residence (i.e., France) under Article 18(1)(a), with mechanisms to avoid double taxation. Your exact result can vary with the treaty’s “saving clause,” credits, and your facts—so speak to cross-border pros. (IRS)
Important: I’m not a tax or finance expert. Please confirm your situation with a France-U.S. tax attorney/CPA who knows the treaty. Start by reading the treaty yourself (Article 18 + Article 24). (IRS)
Try this:
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B1/B2/Advanced: Prepare a one-page summary of your income types (SS, IRA, Roth, pension) and bring it to a cross-border advisor; ask how Article 18 and Article 24 apply to you.
Myth 4: “Getting a long-stay visa is impossible.”
Our reality: Not for us. We assembled the documents carefully and received our >12-month visa quickly. Processing times vary by consulate and season, but the official pages clearly outline categories and steps: VLS-TS (often your first year’s residence permit), or VLS-T for extended stays without settling. Read the French government’s pages first, then watch expert walk-throughs (we like Baguette Bound on YouTube). (France-Visas)
Try this:
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A1/A2: Learn your visa vocabulary: justificatifs, attestation, VLS-TS, OFII/ANEF.
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B1/B2: Draft a cover letter in French that explains your ties/plan.
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Advanced: Create a checklist with dates and tracking numbers; practice a polite French email template for follow-ups.
Myth 5: “Healthcare is out of reach for foreigners.”
Our reality: After legal residency, many people can access France’s public system (PUMa) by applying at their local CPAM. You may need private coverage during your initial period, but once registered, the carte Vitale streamlines reimbursements. Start with official resources. (Ameli)
Try this:
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A1/A2: Practice asking for forms at CPAM: Bonjour, je voudrais déposer un dossier pour la PUMa, s’il vous plaît.
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B1/B2: Call your mutuelle and compare coverage.
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Advanced: Read your attestation de droits and reconcile reimbursements in ameli.fr.
Myth 6: “You must be fluent before you come.”
Our reality: We arrived with classroom French and nerves. Locals appreciated any effort. Routine phrases and a smile carry you far; progress happens fast when you live in the language.
Try this (any level):
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Keep a pocket script for markets, cafés, pharmacies.
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“Shadow read” receipts and signs you bring home.
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Set one daily micro-mission (Demande une table en français).
Myth 7: “French bureaucracy will break you.”
Our reality: It’s… paperworky. But it’s also step-by-step: forms, supporting docs, appointments. Think DMV meets binder therapy. If you scan, label, and breathe, you’ll be fine. Official portals are improving; bring printed copies anyway (your future self will thank you).
Try this:
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A1/A2: Learn the polite ask: Serait-il possible de… ?
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B1/B2: Build a “Doc Pack” with French file names.
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Advanced: Keep a running log (date, bureau, person, outcome) in French.
Bonus Myth: “People outside Paris aren’t cosmopolitan.”
We’ve met artists, engineers, farmers, retirees, and students from everywhere. Small towns can be wonderfully social—markets, festivals, and café terraces are built for conversation.
Quick links to start right:
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Visa basics (official): France-Visas overview + long-stay details. (France-Visas)
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Health coverage: Ameli’s English pages; PUMa application guidance. (Ameli)
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Costs: Paris vs. Aix/Marseille comparisons. (Numbeo)
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Tax treaty (primary source): U.S.–France Convention—see Article 18 (Pensions) & 24 (Relief from double taxation). (IRS)
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Cultural rhythm: Why bonjour matters. (Oui In France)
Your turn 👇
Which myth did you hear—and how did reality compare? Post your story, add a helpful link, or drop a question for newcomers. A1/A2 learners: share your go-to greeting script. B1/B2/Advanced: what’s your best admin or budget hack near Aix/Marseille (and which village surprised you on price)?
P.S. If you’re deep-diving taxes, visas, or healthcare, please work with qualified professionals. This post is a friendly nudge, not professional advice.