Communities · Free guide
Newcomer Guide
What would you like to do?
Your first year in a French city: paperwork help, language, and the people who welcome.
4Chapters
8Printed pages
2Places
8Activities
4Cities
Inside this guide
1. The first month
Register where needed, find your France Services desk for paperwork help, and join one welcome event.
2. Language
Language cafés and free French classes run by associations are also the fastest way to make friends.
3. Neighbours and regulars
Become a regular somewhere — a market stall, a library, a club. France rewards repetition.
4. Giving back
Six months in, show the next newcomer around — it is the best way to feel at home.
Films about these places
Published by their creators on YouTube.
People storyBraderie de Lille : au royaume des bradeux et des chineurs
Destination filmDécouvrez Strasbourg, capitale de NoëlOfficial information
Dates, access rules and opening times change — check these sources before you go.
Guide download
Download this guide
Free PDF with maps, places, activities and QR codes back to the platform.
- The first month
- Language
- Neighbours and regulars
- Giving back