1 - Don’t be shy! Once you’ve moved into your new home invite your neighbours and friends over for an apéro dinatoire – drinks and nibbles. It’s a great way to satisfy their curiosity and make new friends
2 - Don’t assume you’ll pick up the language just by living in France; keep listening to French radio, buy a newspaper and carry a notebook to note down any French words you don’t understand then look them up each day
3 - If you arrive in France with kids, they’ll probably pick up the language quickly, but what about their English? Consider sending them for supplementary English lessons to ensure they become truly bilingual
4 - If you’re thinking of setting up a business, find out if the local chamber of commerce runs courses to help you get started. Visit www.cci.fr to find your nearest one
5 - Joining a club or society is a great way to make new friends. Find out at the mairie when the next foire des associations takes place so you can sign up for a new hobby and meet people
6 - If you’re retired, doing part-time work can be a good way to make friends and supplement your income. The chèque emploi service universel simplifies the paperwork for those considering light casual work. Visit www.cesu.urssaf.fr for more information
7 - Make the most of your mairie. It will be your first port of call for finding out more about everything from gaining planning permission to when the next market takes place
8 - Keeping in touch with family and friends is easier and cheaper than ever thanks to the wealth of options available, from Skype to low-cost calls, so check out the options
9 - Get to know your new country: plan a weekend away to a neighbouring department or set aside a day every month for a day trip to discover a new destination
10 - Make sure you subscribe to Living France to keep up-to-date with the best advice about French life, inspiring travel features and all the latest news
Eleanor O’Kane
Editor
Living France magazine
Eleanor O’Kane has lived and worked in France and still visits whenever she can