Disclaimer: I'd like to remind you that the power in France and Europe is 220V at 50Hz instead of 110V in Japan and the USA. Some devices might not have an auto-switch. Make sure you have double-checked before plugging anything.
1. Internet and Digital Infrastructure
High-Speed Broadband and Fiber Optics
- Urban Areas: Major cities in southwestern France—such as Bordeaux, Toulouse, Montpellier, and Perpignan—boast reliable, high-speed internet. Most providers offer fibre (fibre optique) connections of up to 1 Gbps.
- Rural Regions: Availability can be more hit-and-miss. Some small towns or countryside areas may still rely on ADSL with slower speeds. However, the government’s “Plan France Très Haut Débit” expands fibre coverage nationwide, including rural zones.
- Satellite connections: Starlink https://www.starlink.com/fr is also available in France.
Mobile Data and Hotspots
Moving to a local carrier is key, as previous experiences demonstrate https://www.my-webspot.com/blog/data-roaming-bill-shock-europe/
France has several main carriers: Orange https://www.orange.fr , Sosh https://www.sosh.fr/.SFR (40% owned by Vodafone) https://www.sfr.fr/ , Bouygues https://www.bouyguestelecom.fr/ , Free https://www.free.fr/ that offer comprehensive 4G/5G coverage in cities and many rural areas. Mobile data plans can be reasonably priced, with unlimited data options starting around 20–30 euros per month., they all have agencies and will also be able to sell portable wifi devices.
Practical Tips
- When renting a flat or house, confirm internet speed in advance by checking the address on provider websites (e.g., Orange, Free) to see if fibre is available.
- You may need to schedule a technician visit to install a fibre connection in smaller towns. Plan this a few weeks ahead of your arrival.
- McDonald's https://www.mcdonalds.fr/ has unlimited free Wi-Fi in each of its restaurants. And they are very different from the ones in the USA.
2. Co-Working Spaces and Cafés
Co-Working Hubs in Southwestern France
- Bordeaux: With a thriving tech start-up scene, you’ll find numerous co-working spaces (e.g., Mama Works https://www.mamaworks.com/bordeaux/, WIGI https://wigi-coworking.com/). Prices typically range from €150–€300/month for a flexible hot desk or around €20–€30/day for a daily pass.
- Toulouse: As Europe’s aerospace capital, Toulouse has modern co-working spots like Etincelle https://www.coworking-toulouse.com/, often located near engineering or tech clusters. I'd personally recommend Eurekafe in the center of the city https://www.facebook.com/EurekafeTLS/ , la cantine has a great reputation too https://lacantine-toulouse.org/coworking/ , and local https://www.olocal.fr/ .
- Montpellier: Spaces such as Cowork’ https://coworkinmontpellier.org/ in Montpellier or La Maison https://www.lamaisonberthelot.com/ cater to entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers, which are great for networking in a city known for innovation.
- Perpignan: Co-working options are fewer but growing. we find coworking perpignan https://coworking-perpignan.fr/ , or Bureaux and Co https://bureauxandco.fr/perpignan/centre-del-mon/
Cafés and Libraries
- Many cafés in France encourage a leisurely coffee, though not all are work-friendly for long laptop sessions. Look for “coffee shops” that advertise Wi-Fi and a more casual atmosphere (often opened by younger entrepreneurs or expats).
- Public libraries (médiathèques) often have free Wi-Fi and quiet study areas, albeit with limited hours.
Practical Tips
- Try a few co-working spaces via day passes before committing to a monthly plan.
- Look for spaces with community events or networking sessions—great for making friends and professional connections.
3. Legal Considerations and Visa Options
Visa Requirements for Remote Workers
Short Stays (up to 90 days): Americans can visit France visa-free for tourism or business (limited activities), but legally, you can’t “work” for a French entity without the correct permit. If you’re purely doing remote work for a non-French employer and plan to stay under 90 days, this is a gray area but is often considered permissible for short visits.
Long-Stay Visitor Visa (Visa de Long Séjour): If you plan to stay more than 90 days and work remotely for a foreign employer, this might be an option. While you’re not allowed to work for a French company under a visitor status, many remote workers use it to live in France while working for businesses abroad. You must show proof of sufficient income and health insurance.
French Talent Passport: If you’re highly skilled, an entrepreneur, or a freelancer with specific qualifications (and clients in France or abroad), you may qualify for this multi-year permit. Requirements vary depending on your field.
Auto-Entrepreneur Status: For remote freelancers, applying for micro-entrepreneur (auto-entrepreneur) status in France can be an option—though it’s primarily designed if you have French-based clients and are billing in France. You’d also need the correct visa/residency to operate legally.
Tax Obligations
U.S. Taxes: Americans owe taxes on their worldwide income. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) can offset double taxation, but you still must file an annual return with the IRS.
French Taxes: If you’re deemed a tax resident in France (spending over 183 days per year in the country), you’ll file French taxes as well. France and the U.S. have a tax treaty to reduce double taxation, but it’s wise to consult an international tax advisor.
Employment Law and Compliance
If you’re working as an employee for a U.S. company, confirm they support remote work from France; some may require local contracts or have legal constraints about payroll in another country.
Always keep documentation of your legal status (visa, permit) and your foreign employment contract to show you’re not employed illegally by a French company.
4. Practicalities of Working from France
Work-Life Balance
France is known for its strong work-life balance ethos—enforced lunch breaks, generous vacation policies, and a cultural appreciation for downtime. This can be a pleasant surprise for Americans who are used to more extended hours.
On the flip side, if you work for a U.S. employer, you may need to adjust your schedule for meetings in different time zones.
Setting Up Bank Accounts and Phone Plans
- Many remote workers use an online bank (e.g., N26, Revolut) or a French bank if they need local services. Opening a French bank account is a bureaucratic challenge that will be an article.
- French mobile carriers (Orange, SFR, Free, Bouygues) offer competitive SIM-only plans. Validate coverage in rural areas if you plan to live outside major cities.
Healthcare
- France has a high-quality healthcare system. Expats on long-stay visas are typically required to have health insurance (private or via the national system once eligible).
- If you’re staying under three months, travel insurance is advisable.
5. Tips for Success as a Remote Worker in France
- Research Your Visa Path Early
- Check French consulate websites for the latest guidelines. Start the application process several months before your intended arrival.
- Network with Other Expats
- Join local Facebook groups, Meetups, or LinkedIn communities in Bordeaux, Toulouse, etc. These connections can help you find accommodation, learn about local co-working spaces, and navigate bureaucratic steps.
- Optimize Your Workspace
- Test internet speeds and reliability https://www.speedtest.net/ if you plan to work from home.
- Schedule site visits at co-working spaces or explore library work areas.
- Manage Time Zones Strategically
- If you have U.S.-based clients or colleagues, plan your day around overlapping business hours, typically mid-afternoon to evening in France. use world time buddy to double check https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/.
- Stay Informed About French Admin
- Keep all paperwork (visa, health insurance, rental contracts) in physical and digital copies.
- If you intend to extend your stay, carefully track your visa renewal deadlines.
Conclusion
Working remotely in France can be an appealing way to experience the country’s culture, lifestyle, and high standard of living without giving up your U.S.-based career. High-speed internet is readily available in major southwestern hubs like Bordeaux, Toulouse, Montpellier, and Perpignan, co-working spaces cater to digital nomads, and the region’s relaxed pace helps balance work with leisure.
However, it’s crucial to ensure you comply with French visa rules, tax regulations, and employer requirements. With proper planning—and a bit of French language practice—you’ll be well on your way to a productive and fulfilling remote work life in the land of wine, rugby, and stunning Atlantic-to-Mediterranean landscapes. Bon courage!