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Chapter 2 of 15

Regions of France

Paris, Côte d'Azur, Provence, Brittany, Dordogne, Languedoc and more

Summary

France is divided into 13 metropolitan regions (régions), each with its own identity. For Dutch emigrants, the most popular areas are the Dordogne (Nouvelle-Aquitaine), Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Brittany, Languedoc (Occitanie), and the Paris region (Île-de-France). Your choice determines not only your climate and lifestyle but also your costs, social network, and employment opportunities. Below is an overview of the six most popular regions for Dutch emigrants.

Île-de-France (Paris and surroundings)

Characteristics

Paris is the cultural, economic, and political heart of France. The metropolis has 12 million inhabitants and offers everything you'd expect from a world city: museums (Louvre, Musée d'Orsay), Michelin-starred restaurants, France's best public transport (metro, RER, bus), and vibrant nightlife.

Costs

Paris is expensive. A studio in the center costs EUR 1,000-1,800 per month, a two-room apartment EUR 1,400-2,200. Groceries are 10-20% more expensive than in the rest of France. The banlieue (suburbs) are cheaper: in cities like Versailles, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, or Fontainebleau, you pay 30-40% less.

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Knowledge Base

Glossary
  • Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit)

    The French residence permit. EU citizens do not need to apply for a carte de séjour but can obtain one as proof of residence rights. Non-EU citizens must apply for one.

  • Carte Vitale (Health Card)

    The French health card that gives you access to the healthcare system. Medical costs are directly reimbursed with this card. Apply at the CPAM after your PUMA registration.

  • CPAM (Primary Health Insurance Fund)

    The local health insurance institution. Here you register for French health insurance, apply for your Carte Vitale and submit claims.

  • CAF (Family Benefits Fund)

    The French family benefits agency: child benefit, housing assistance (APL), living allowance. If you live and work in France, you are entitled to many of these benefits.

  • Impôt sur le Revenu (Income Tax)

    The French income tax. Progressive rates from 0% to 45%. Calculated per "foyer fiscal" (household). Since 2019 the tax is withheld directly from your salary.

  • Mairie (Town Hall)

    The French town hall. Here you handle registration, marriages, and request various documents. Every village and city has a mairie.

  • Sécurité Sociale (Social Security)

    The French social security system. Covers healthcare, pensions, family benefits and unemployment. Your numéro de sécurité sociale (15 digits) is your key to the system.

  • OFII (French Immigration Office)

    The French immigration office. Non-EU citizens must validate their visa and activate their residence permit here after arriving in France.

  • PUMA (Universal Health Coverage)

    The French universal health coverage system. Everyone who lives stably in France (3+ months) is entitled to PUMA coverage, regardless of employment status.

  • Taxe d'Habitation (Residence Tax)

    A local tax on your main residence. Largely abolished for main residences since 2023, but still applies to second homes.

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