You Get What You Pay For
France would never feature on a list of the world's bargain destinations; still, outside Paris, this country can be much more affordable than you might imagine...and even Paris doesn't have to be hyper-expensive. Plus, you have to remember what you're buying. Paris is, in our opinion, the most beautiful and romantic place on earth. And Paris is only the beginning of this story. There's a reason, after all, why more tourists seek out France each year than any other country on earth.
Furthermore, Paris is also a lifestyle play that can double as a solid investment, as apartment values in some arrondissements continue steadily up. A piece of Paris real estate is a hard asset worth holding.
In addition, beyond Paris, it can be possible still to indulge your French farmhouse renovation fantasies for well under $100,000.
Photo Gallery
| Population | 65.6 million (July 2012 est.) |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | $2.214 trillion (2011) |
| GDP Per Capita | $35,000 (2011) |
| Inflation Rate | 1.7% (20010 est.) |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Exchange Rate Versus U.S. Dollar | 0.7107 euro = 1 U.S. dollar (2011 est.) |
| Language | French |
| Capital | Paris |
| Population of Capital City | 2.211 million |
| Time Zone | GMT plus 1 |
| Seasons | Inland: hot, wet summers; cold, dry winters South: hot, dry summers; cool, wet summers West: wet, mild winters; wet, cool summers |
| International Dialing Code | 33 |
| Electricity | 230V / 50 Hz; Plug Type: E, C |
| Republic | |
| Name and Party Affiliation of Current Leader |
Nicolas Sarkozy, Union for a Popular Movement |
| Income Tax Rate for Residents | 10% to 48.09% |
| Property Tax | Variable |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% to 16% resident or European Union citizen; 0% to 33% non-EU citizen and non-resident |
| Inheritance Tax | 5% to 40% |
| Rental Income Tax | 7% for residents; 7-25% for non-residents |
| Transfer Tax | 3% to 5.08% |
| Sales Tax | 19.6% |
| Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Property |
None |
| Local Chamber of Commerce | www.acfci.cci.fr 45 Avenue d'Iéna BP 3003 75773 Paris Tel: 33 (0)1 4069 3700 |
| American Chamber of Commerce | www.amchamfrance.org 156 boulevard Haussmann 75008 Paris Tel: 33 (0) 1 5643 4567 |
| Primary Exports | Machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, iron, steel, beverages |
| Residency and Visa Requirements | Tourist Visa: automatic 90 days upon entry Residency: visitor, student, employee, self-employed, trader, scientific, cultural/artistic, temporary employee, private/family visas Citizenship: fixed residence for 5 continuous years |
| Special Benefits for Foreign Residents or Retirees | None, Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| National Airline | Air France www.airfrance.com |
Map
Tweet
Connect with Us:
Google+
