Moving to France, whether for a short stay or the long term, is a big decision. It is a change that calls for adjustments as you settle into a new daily life, and that is especially true when it comes to your safety.
For you and for your family, knowing the right resources and the trusted services already in place will help you make the most of your new life. Here is everything you need to keep yourself and your family safe as an expat in France.
Healthcare: how to access treatment
France has an extensive healthcare system. To use it effectively, there are a few steps to take:
Registering with social security. Once you have arrived, you can apply to join the system through your local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie). You can also top up your cover with private health insurance (a mutuelle) to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Choosing a GP and specialists. To make access to care easier and get appointments faster, it is worth registering a regular GP (médecin traitant), who will follow your health over time. Demand is high, so we recommend starting your search soon after you arrive. More and more appointments are now booked through the Doctolib platform.
Emergency numbers:
- 15 — SAMU (medical emergencies)
- 112 — the Europe-wide emergency number
- 114 — emergencies by text message, for deaf and hard-of-hearing people
A word of caution: many services, such as paediatrics, often have long waiting times, so plan your appointments as far ahead as you can.
Managing your home in France
As you settle in, several home-safety points are worth keeping in mind, for your own wellbeing and your children’s:
Smoke detector. This device is mandatory in every home in the country.
Locks and access. To limit the risk of break-ins, look for properties with secure doors, all the more so in urban areas.
Electrical systems. Have a professional confirm that your wiring meets current standards, particularly in older properties.
Home insurance. Depending on your policy, home insurance covers damage from theft, fire, water damage and more. It is compulsory for all tenants.
Safety at school
In France, school is compulsory from the age of 3. The type of establishment varies with your child’s age, but some general steps apply across the board and are worth anticipating:
Choosing a school. You can enrol your child in a state, private or international school. International schools are popular with expat families, though they often have waiting lists.
Vaccinations. France has 11 compulsory vaccinations that a child must have before being admitted to school.
Parental consent. Certain events, such as outings or trips, may require your written authorisation.
Nurseries and childminders. Stricter standards may apply. You can find out more from your local PMI (Protection Maternelle et Infantile), the maternal and child health service.
Children’s mobility: safer journeys with KidCab
One of the most sensitive issues for an expat family is getting children around day to day. Whether it is the trip to school, the journey home or getting to after-school activities, the constraints of time and organisation can be a real source of worry.
KidCab is a French company specialising in children’s transport, operating in many major cities. For more than six years, we have supported families, expat families in particular, with reliable and safe school journeys. Our driver-companions are experienced professionals, trained to understand children’s needs.
How does a KidCab journey work?
- The child is picked up outside their home at the agreed time.
- The driver provides door-to-door support, helping them walk, cross the road and get safely settled in the vehicle.
- On arrival, the child is accompanied right to the school gate or the entrance to their activity.
Road safety
In France, the rules may differ from those in your home country:
- Strictly enforced highway code: automatic speed cameras and a 50 km/h limit in towns.
- Seatbelts are mandatory, including in the back seats.
- Carrying children: an appropriate car seat is required up to age 10 or 135 cm in height.
- Pedestrians and cyclists: shared zones and cycle paths are common, but staying alert is still essential.
Living in France and keeping yourself safe as an expat is partly about adapting to a new life, and partly about discovering useful, effective resources for the whole family. From healthcare to transport and education, every area has its own requirements.
When it comes to getting children around, a service like KidCab means journeys that are supervised, regular and stress-free, while making daily organisation easier for parents.
