7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to France ???????? | Expat Mistakes to Avoid

Hi everyone, I’m Rob ???? and together with my wife Lisa and our two children, we made the life-changing decision to move to France in 2023. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a new life abroad, then you’ll know that it’s equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Our journey to France was even featured on Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun ????, a TV show that helps families like ours take the plunge and chase their dream of a new life overseas.

But here’s the honest truth: while the TV cameras captured the glamour and excitement, what they didn’t capture were the mistakes we made along the way—mistakes that have cost us dearly in terms of time, money, and stress. And that’s exactly why I’ve made this video. I don’t want you to repeat the same errors that we did.

In this video, I’ll be sharing 7 key lessons that I wish I had known before moving to France. Whether you’re thinking about relocating, already in the middle of planning your move, or just curious about expat life in France, these insights will help you avoid pitfalls and start your new chapter on the right foot.

???? What You’ll Learn in This Video
Furniture shopping pitfalls ????️ – How we fell victim to nefarious sellers when buying furniture, and how you can avoid the same trap.

Heating your French home ???? – The surprising realities of ordering wood for log burners, including how much you actually need versus what sellers will try to convince you of.

French driving culture ???? – What it’s really like driving in France, from road rules to unexpected quirks that will shock newcomers.

The hidden costs of moving abroad ???? – Things that don’t get mentioned on glossy TV shows or moving guides but will hit your bank account hard.
Cultural surprises ???? – What we didn’t anticipate about French bureaucracy, traditions, and day-to-day life.

The importance of language ????️ – Why even a little French goes a long way and how struggling with the language can create bigger challenges.
Real-life tips for families ????‍????‍????‍???? – Moving abroad with kids isn’t just about you—it’s about them too. How our children adapted, and what we wish we had prepared for better.

???? Our Story in Brief
In 2023, Lisa and I (with our kids in tow) decided to make our dream of living in France a reality. After being featured on A Place in the Sun, we thought we were prepared. The truth? No amount of TV preparation can fully get you ready for the reality of moving to another country. From buying the wrong furniture to completely misjudging how much wood we’d need to keep our log burners going through winter, we’ve learned some tough lessons.

But living in France has also been the most rewarding experience of our lives. The lifestyle, the people, the food, and the slower pace of life have transformed our family’s world. This video is about giving you the honest, unfiltered version of expat life—so you can be better prepared than we were.
???? Why You Should Watch This Video
If you’re:
✅ Planning a move to France
✅ Already living in France but struggling with day-to-day life
✅ Curious about the reality behind the dream of moving abroad
✅ A fan of A Place in the Sun and wondering what happens after the cameras stop rolling
✅ Looking for real-life advice from a family who has been there and done it
…then this video is absolutely for you.
???? Join Our Journey
We upload videos three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) about:
Expat life in France ????????
Tips for families moving abroad
The ups and downs of rural French living
Honest reviews of services, systems, and culture in France
If you like honest, down-to-earth advice, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss our next video.
???? Let’s Chat!
We love hearing from viewers. Have you ever thought about moving abroad? What’s your biggest worry about starting a new life in France (or anywhere else)? Drop us a comment below—we reply to as many as we can!
#MovingToFrance #ExpatLifeFrance #LifeInFrance #FamilyLifeInFrance #APlaceInTheSun #ExpatMistakes #MovingAbroad #LivingInFrance #FranceExpatLife #FrenchCulture #ExpatFamily #FranceTips #ExpatAdvice #FranceLife #LivingAbroad #ExpatStories #FranceWithKids #FrenchLifestyle #ExpatProblems #FranceRelocation #LifeAbroad #DreamHomeFrance #MoveToFrance #ExpatCommunity #FranceWithFamily

???? Final Thoughts
Moving abroad is never as easy as TV shows make it look. But with the right preparation, advice, and community, it can be the best decision you ever make. We’re living proof that despite mistakes, setbacks, and challenges, moving to France can be life-changing in the most positive way.
So grab a cup of coffee ☕ (or a glass of French wine ????), sit back, and join me as I share the 7 things I wish I had known before moving to France. Trust me—you’ll want to hear these before you pack your bags!
✅ Don’t forget to Like | Comment | Subscribe – it really helps our small channel grow and helps more families like yours find the information they need.
Merci beaucoup et à bientôt,
Rob & Lisa ????????