If you want to move to France in 2 years, this video is literally for you (full guide)

By Richard Hammond | Published 2026-07-05

Planning Your Move to France: A Two-Year Head Start

Are you dreaming of a life in France, perhaps sipping coffee in a charming village square or exploring the vibrant markets of a bustling city? If that dream feels a couple of years away, you're in the perfect position to make it a reality. I often see individuals spend countless hours researching, only to find much of their effort was misdirected. The key to a successful relocation isn't just about visas; it's about starting with the right plan, in the right order. And that journey, more often than not, begins with finding your ideal region.

⏱ Key Moments in This Video

Click any timestamp to jump directly to that section:

  1. 0:00 — Planning a move to France 2 to 3 years out
  2. 0:26 — Too early to speak to a relocation company? Here's what to do
  3. 1:03 — Why early planning leads to successful moves to France
  4. 2:09 — The Region Matcher service explained
  5. 2:24 — Scouting trips service to help you see the real France, not the tourist version
  6. 3:18 — Accompanied scouting trips with Lizzie: how they work
  7. 4:16 — Remote planned trips to France and what they cost
  8. 5:14 — Property scouting trips in France: buying in France before you relocate
  9. 5:49 — Things to know about buying property in France as an expat
  10. 6:08 — How the Region Matcher works and how to get yours
  11. 6:57 — How client feedback shapes our services
  12. 7:28 — Financial planner vs chartered accountant: which do you need?
  13. 8:08 — Introducing Foundations: services for early-stage planners
  14. 9:34 — Top tips if your move to France is 2 years away
  15. 10:28 — Why narrowing down your regions saves you a bunch of stress

In this video, I sit down with Max Borgnis, our Client Relationship Manager, to discuss precisely what you should be focusing on if your move to France is two to three years out. We delve into how early planning can save you stress, time, and even money, ensuring your transition is as smooth as possible.

Key Takeaways from This Video

Why Early Planning is Your Superpower (0:00, 0:26, 1:03)

Many people believe it's too early to engage with a relocation company when their move is two or three years away. However, I can tell you from extensive experience that this couldn't be further from the truth. The relocations that truly succeed are those that begin with a well-thought-out plan, executed in the correct sequence. While visa requirements are undoubtedly important, they often come much later in the process. The initial phase should be about understanding what you want from your French life and where in France that can best be achieved.

Spending 18 months in a research loop without a clear direction can be incredibly frustrating and unproductive. By starting early, you can avoid this common pitfall. Instead of getting bogged down in endless online searches, you can strategically gather information and make informed decisions. This proactive approach not only reduces stress but also ensures you're building a solid foundation for your future in France. Think of it as laying the groundwork for your dream home; you wouldn't start building without a blueprint, would you?

Finding Your Perfect French Region with Our Region Matcher (2:09, 6:08, 10:28)

One of the most significant initial hurdles for aspiring expats is deciding where in France they want to live. France is a diverse country, with each region offering a unique lifestyle, climate, and culture. This is precisely why we developed our Region Matcher service. As I explain in the video, this service is designed to help you narrow down your options based on your specific preferences and priorities. It's about finding the real France that resonates with you, not just the postcard version.

The Region Matcher works by taking into account various factors important to you, from climate and proximity to amenities to cultural interests and community feel. By systematically evaluating these aspects, we can present you with a curated list of regions that genuinely align with your vision. This process is incredibly powerful because, as I highlight at 10:28, narrowing down your regions early on saves you a tremendous amount of stress and wasted effort. Instead of endlessly researching all of France, you can focus your energy on a few truly suitable areas. This targeted approach is far more efficient and leads to much more successful outcomes.

Experiencing the Real France: Scouting Trips (2:24, 3:18, 4:16, 5:14)

Once you have a clearer idea of potential regions, the next crucial step is to experience them firsthand. Our scouting trips are designed to help you see the real France, beyond the typical tourist attractions. As Max and I discuss, these trips can take several forms to suit your needs.

Next Steps

Ready to turn your French dream into a concrete plan? Don't wait until the last minute. Early planning is the cornerstone of a successful relocation.

I invite you to explore our comprehensive guides on French visas and relocation planning. You can also use our visa checker to understand your options.

For a personalised discussion about your unique relocation journey, please get in touch: