How is France organized
Regional Division and Governance
In France, motorists are regularly treated to information signs with the names of regions and departments. The division into regions and departments makes France governable. Time to explain this phenomenon in more detail. This will be a brief explanation, as the French administrative structure is complex. France is a large country, with an area approximately fourteen times the size of the Netherlands. It has 60 million inhabitants, four times as many as in the Netherlands. France is governed from Paris, where the government is located. In France, there are three main administrative levels below the government.
1. The regions
have replaced the traditional provinces. The size of the 13 regions makes governing this large country easier. In terms of powers, French regions resemble Dutch provinces. The regions primarily have economic responsibilities. It is often confusing that in France itself, the names of the abolished provinces are still used, such as ‘Berry’ in central France.
2. Departments:
France is divided into 95 departments . Each region therefore has multiple departments. French departments are responsible for enforcing French law, but also develop their own policies for their specific area. For agriculture, each department has a “Chambre d’agriculture,” a kind of mini-ministry of agriculture. This “chamber of agriculture” makes decisions about subsidies and agricultural structures.
3. The municipality (commune).
This is where the government and the population interact. The elected mayor (usually a farmer) meets at the town hall at fixed times. The mayor is responsible for ensuring the proper implementation of French law in his municipality. Rural municipalities often have a part-time secretary who serves several municipalities.
For agriculture, the town hall is important for applying for permits and for information about government plans and regulations, as well as proposed land transactions.
Tips for emigrating to France
Establishing a Farm:
To establish a farm in France, a permit is required. The country welcomes young farmers with subsidies. To be eligible to farm in France, the “young farmer” must meet certain requirements regarding education, knowledge, and age. AVS-France staff can assist you with applying for the necessary permit. It is also important that they can discuss with you which area of France is suitable for you to establish yourself as a farmer.
Emigrating and Integrating
: If, after thorough preparation, your farm is relocated to France, you’ll naturally be living there yourself. Perhaps you haven’t always dreamed of living in France? The French aren’t always welcoming to the Dutch. But if you show initiative and adapt to French customs, you’ll be fine.
Below are a few tips to make it easier to integrate with the local population if you plan to farm in France.
Tip 1: Learn French.
French people rarely speak a language other than the one they grew up with. On French public television channels, foreign films are dubbed into French. As a result, the French aren’t used to, for example, English pronunciation. Dutch people in France can easily receive all European TV channels, in addition to French channels, via internet or satellite.
Try taking a language course before you leave. Your French doesn’t have to be perfect. The French appreciate it when you make an effort to speak their language!
Tip 2: Do your grocery shopping in the village.
Of course, that large hardware store down the road is cheaper than the local shop. The French themselves do their bulk shopping at large supermarkets like Leclerc or Carrefour, and for the past few years, at Lidl and Aldi. But don’t forget the local baker and butcher. You’ll build goodwill there and make yourself known in the village as “those Dutch people from Monsieur Blabla’s farm.” Always handy.
Tip 3: Meet the mayor
. Being a mayor in France, especially in small villages, is a part-time job. Often, it’s someone who works at the town hall for a few hours a week in addition to their regular job. It can be really helpful to keep the mayor and the secretary on good terms. Besides the AVS France emigration service, the mayor can often be helpful. So, stop by the town hall sometime to tell them who you are, where you live, and what your plans are.
Tip 4: Typically French
Sometimes you come across truly typical French scenes; don’t be annoyed by them, but try to enjoy them instead.
There are all sorts of clichés about the French, some true, others exaggerated. It’s simply not true that the French are unfriendly. However, what most French can’t stand is overly direct behavior, which they quickly consider rude. And yes, that language… They’re not very good at speaking slowly either!
