Planning a move to the land of wine, cheese, lavender and everlasting style? At Bishop’s Move, we provide removals packages for those looking to move to any European destination, including France.
With decades of experience in moving families, individuals and businesses across the English Channel, our international removals team understands exactly what is required to ensure your move to France is seamless and free of stress.
Whether you’re headed to Paris or Provence, Normandy or Nice, Bishop’s Move has a heritage of over 170 years of experience in the removals industry, so you can rest assured your removal is in reliable hands.
Moving to France
Over the years, France has become an increasingly popular destination for thousands of expats in search of a sunnier, more relaxed lifestyle. The beautiful country has much to offer, including divine agricultural scenery and a broad range of culinary delights. France, especially Paris, has some of the most renowned museums in the world, including the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. It is also home to the tourist destination of the French Riviera in the southeast, which benefits from an immense 300 days of sunshine a year.
Thanks to France’s proximity to the UK, it’s a particularly common choice for Brits seeking a more relaxed, sun-drenched lifestyle. We’ve carried out countless removals from the UK to France, from large family homes to chateaus and city flats.
Prior to Brexit, Brits enjoyed freedom of movement between their homeland and the rest of the EU, including France. Now, those moving from the UK to France will need to ensure they have secured the correct visas post-Brexit. For detailed information on visas, costs, regional comparisons, and cultural integration, read our complete guide to moving to France.
Our Comprehensive Removals to France Services
At Bishop’s Move, we can provide a personalised quote which is tailored to your move. We have a proven process that we follow to ensure that every aspect of your move is planned and efficient. With every move, you can always expect the highest level of detail and service from our team. Here’s what you can expect:
Free moving survey and consultation
Professional packing services using only the highest-quality materials
Secure loading and transportation
Specialist handling for antiques, art, and fragile items
Short and long-term storage solutions to make the whole process easier
Unpacking and furniture assembly in your new home, if required
Disposal and recycling of packing materials, so you can settle in without the mess
The Bishop’s Move Process for Removals to France
Years of hands-on experience have allowed us to hone our removals process into a proven science, making every move as painless as possible for our customers. Here’s how it works:
1. Initial Survey and Consultation
The process begins with a visit from one of our removals consultants, or a video survey, if you prefer. This allows us to discuss your move and requirements, assess your belongings, and answer any questions you may have at this stage about your move to France.
2. Quote and Planning
Once we have all the details required after your initial survey, we can provide a clear and comprehensive quote. This will cover all aspects of your removal so that further down the line, there won’t be any surprises. Once you’ve agreed to the quote, we’ll get to work on our end with detailed planning, from scheduling to crew assignments for the day of the big French move.
3. Pre-Move Confirmations
In the days leading up to your move, our team will be in touch to confirm all arrangements and lay out a clear timeline for the day with you. If you’ve chosen to include our packing service, we’ll also handle scheduling for that to ensure everything is packed and ready to go ahead of the move.
4. Removals Day
Once the big day arrives, our expert team will be on hand to manage every detail of the move so that you can focus on yourself and your family. We see it as our personal mission to ensure that you can get through the day without stress – that’s for us to worry about.
The team will be with you at the agreed time with all the necessary equipment, appropriate packing material, and energy to make sure your move goes off without a hitch.
Once your items are packed and ready to go, everything will be loaded securely onto our vehicle, ready for safe transport to your new home in France. With everything in place, the journey can begin.
5. Transit to France
All of your items will be transported straight to France, using our high-tech and fully modern fleet of safe and trustworthy removals vehicles. Any elements like ferry or tunnel arrangements will be carried out by our team, so you don’t have to manage them yourself. All you need to do is open the door at your new home, and we’ll deliver your items safely there.
6. Unpacking and Settling In
Upon arrival, we’ll carefully unload your belongings and place them in the correct room. If you’ve opted to use our unpacking services, the team will unpack boxes, unwrap dishes, assemble furniture, and take away all the packing materials – one less thing for you to worry about as you settle into your home in France.
Popular Destinations for Expats Moving from the UK to France
We support households and organisations relocating across France, with frequent moves to:
Paris – Global capital for business, culture, and international careers
Lyon – A major economic centre with great transport links
Marseille – Mediterranean lifestyle with a busy port and growing industries
Toulouse – Aerospace and tech hub with a strong quality of life
Bordeaux – Famous for food and wine, with a thriving business scene
Lille – Well-connected to the UK and Benelux, ideal for cross-border living
Wherever you’re moving in France, we’ll help you plan the details locally and manage the relocation end-to-end for a smooth arrival.
During the removal process, you may require additional storage to house your items on either a short or long-term basis. At Bishop’s Move, we have secure storage solutions throughout the UK which provide the perfect solution, all of which are clean, dry, and monitored 24/7 for security and safety.
Plus, we have a network of approved partners in Europe that we can utilise too. So whether you need to store just a few items or the entire contents of your house, in France or the UK, we have the storage solution for you – whether you need long-term or short-term storage options.
Removals to France FAQs
Do I need a visa to move to France from the UK?
If you’re planning to live in France for more than 90 days, you’ll generally need to apply for a long-stay visa before you travel, but the exact visa depends on your reason for moving. It’s important to research this thoroughly before moving forward with planning your move.
How much does it cost to move to France from the UK?
The cost of a removal to France varies depending on factors such as the volume of your belongings, collection and delivery locations, the level of service you choose (for example, full packing), and any additional requirements like storage or access constraints. We provide clear, itemised quotes after your free moving survey, so you know what’s included and what to expect with no surprises.
How long does a removal to France take?
Timeframes vary based on your UK and French locations, load size, and planning requirements. Many UK-to-France moves are completed within a few days, but delivery can take longer if you’re using part-load services, need storage, or require a fixed delivery date. We’ll confirm a realistic schedule during the planning stage and keep you updated throughout.
Do I need special documentation to move my belongings to France?
Yes. Since the UK is outside the EU, moving household goods to France typically involves customs requirements. The exact paperwork depends on your circumstances (for example, whether you’re relocating your main residence or making a second-home move), but it commonly includes things like a detailed inventory, proof of identity, and supporting documents linked to your move (e.g., address or residency evidence). We’ll guide you through what’s needed and help you prepare the documents as part of the removal process.
Can you move my car to France?
Yes, we can arrange vehicle transportation to France as part of your move. If you’re bringing a vehicle to France long-term, you’ll usually need to register it locally and meet any relevant French compliance and tax/fee requirements. We can talk you through the practical steps and point you to the right official resources based on your situation.
What items cannot be moved to France?
There are certain items we can’t transport for safety and legal reasons. These typically include hazardous materials, flammable liquids, firearms and ammunition, illegal substances, perishable food, and some plants/plant products that may be subject to import restrictions. During your survey, we’ll flag anything that can’t be shipped and suggest safe alternatives. Most standard household goods, like furniture, clothing, books, and personal effects, can be moved without issue.
Is removals insurance necessary for my move to France?
While not legally required, removals insurance is strongly recommended for international moves. Even with careful packing and handling, unexpected events can happen in transit. We can arrange cover that protects your belongings for their replacement value, giving you peace of mind from collection through to delivery. Insurance cost is typically a small percentage of the overall move value and can be tailored to the level of cover you want.
Why Choose Bishop’s Move for Your Removal to France?
Moving abroad can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be with the help of Bishop’s Move. Our team undertakes weekly trips to France, and with years of combined experience, we can move you to the country with ease. Our first move to France was undertaken by a horse-drawn pantechnicon and railway.
Today, our highly recognisable yellow removal vans will transport your belongings directly to the door of your new home, safely and securely. As proud members of the British Association of Removers, we have the necessary expertise in handling your removal with utmost care and precision.
If you’re ready to start, contact your local Bishop’s Move branch today to arrange your free home survey.
