Your trusted space for clarity, confidence, and connection.
Welcome to The Arrival Guide, the MamAssur blog dedicated to helping you navigate every step of your journey to France.
Here, we share clear information, expert advice, and real stories designed to make your move smoother — from understanding visa requirements and choosing the right insurance, to adapting to daily life as an expat.
Our goal is simple: to give you the insights and confidence you need to start your new chapter in France fully prepared and stress-free.
Whether you're planning your first trip, applying for your visa, or already settling in, we're here to guide you — every step of the way
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Bringing a pet to France involves specific legal requirements, which vary depending on your country of origin. For dogs, cats, and ferrets, the general steps are as follows:
If there's one word that makes even the most confident retiree hesitate before moving to France, it's "paperwork." And yes — the reputation is deserved. Between prefectures, tax offices, health authorities, and banks, there's a steady flow of forms, appointments, and requests for documents you've never heard of before.
Healthcare is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parts of retiring in France. The truth is, the system here is excellent, but getting from your first visa to full coverage isn't automatic. That's where a little preparation makes all the difference.
If you've just arrived in France, your first trip to a supermarket can feel like a small adventure — and not always the relaxing kind. Let's be honest even if it's not your first trip it's still takes time. Items often don't appear where you expect. Anchovies? Don't head to the tinned fish aisle; look near refrigerated saumon fumé....
When you imagine retiring in France, it's easy to picture yourself sipping coffee on a sunny terrace or strolling through a weekly market filled with baskets of local produce. But before that dream becomes daily life, there's a very real question to answer: where exactly should you settle?
Moving to France isn't just about paperwork — it's about feeling at home in a completely new rhythm of life. Even small everyday tasks can feel unfamiliar at first: opening a bank account, understanding local healthcare and insurance processes, registering for utilities, or simply knowing which local services are reliable.
