About the national features of France that we managed notice during our independent travel in Europe on car, I wrote in a previous article. And in this I will try share our observations about what life is like France, or rather what is the standard of living here.
To say that the level and living conditions in France are different from our – it’s almost nothing to say, to be honest. Reading not forget that I am not comparing with Moscow and the Moscow region, which they seem to be separate states in our country; and with the rest of Russia. In our mother country, we traveled a lot and a lot that they have seen, so there is something to compare with.
We were happy to find that even in small towns in almost all houses have Wi-Fi, and in large cities they immediately catch a huge number of networks. And the internet is good!
On the streets of France there are such brands of cars that we do not, see, our brother is not able to pull something. Everywhere there are automatic gas stations, which are not cash, people pay with a special fuel card or cash right next to the column in the terminal.
Personally, I have not seen this in Russia 
Although many Frenchmen prefer more eco-friendly transport.
Parisians on the streets
And the towns, even very small and remote, all well-groomed, the streets are clean, nice to walk in such places.
Ordinary toy streets of a typical French town
Typical well-groomed streets of small towns
There are, of course, features not entirely clear to our brother. France, for example, that almost no supermarkets in a city be parking lots. No bridal salons like ours. All dresses are sewn to order, and what is on display is just an example and zavlekalochka
What exactly is the standard of living in France different from ours? Well, Here is a simple example. The procedure for the removal of housing is not the same as we have. Everything is done through an agency, which then has a monthly percentage of each payment. But you do not need to pay remuneration agent immediately in the amount of the monthly cost.
This house can be rented, but you can also buy it for the whole family.
Modestly but comfortably furnished room in a french one home
The kitchen of one of our friends is simple but tasteful.
In these houses live local people
In general, the system is designed in such a way that all rights to side of the tenant. During the term of the contract in fact, he is the owner of the apartment and can do everything with it anything: paint the walls, do repairs, etc. Moreover, there is a certain period of time (from November to March), in during which the landlord has no right to expel the tenant, even if he does not pay for housing. Therefore eat apartments or houses throughout life in France is quite frequent phenomenon.
Typical courtyard of a typical local
Toy house in one of the towns in the South of France
Strange as it may seem, but in almost all the houses where we have been, in to save money, very few people use central heating. AT mostly trying to heat the most residential part of the apartment or house to heat radiators (or light a fireplace, if there is one), but in general in the house is always pretty cool.
The house where the fireplace is heated
What is the standard of living in France is best understood by watching the life of ordinary people. Here is an interesting example. We are familiar with one middle-aged french family who live in a small town (by our standards – this is a village, because France simply has no such thing as a village, even two or three houses will be all the same city). This family has its own small theater, which they lead and play in it themselves, the head of the family with this still teaches acting, his wife sings in various concerts, engaged in needlework and sells its crafts. They rent a big house with a vast workshop and a rather big yard have three, though not new, but in good condition machines, are traveling. And the rent of all such living space as theirs, It is cheaper than renting a one-room apartment in Moscow!
Very cozy house of our french friends
Very cozy house of our french friends
Very cozy house of our french friends
In the courtyard of our french friends
I do not know whether it is possible to say about the following that it is also indicator of the standard of living, but the fact that these are certain features France and Europe – that’s for sure. If the car is old, it is not at all It means that she barely walks and falls apart, as we do. Everything cars in France (I assume that throughout Europe too) undergo a thorough technical inspection, and the earnings are sent to rest, on the roads they are forbidden to appear. Therefore, the owners of old cars interested to keep them in good condition. Which means that even buying an old car, you will not get a bucket on wheels, but normal car, which is nice. If the Frenchman say that Us inspection is just bought, he will not believe!
These are the rarities go through the streets of France
Well, to laugh at you: can you imagine that you come to the market, and there are smiling behind the counter, say so softer, people of your own nationality! Local farmers. And to you were completely having fun – these smiling citizens are cute after talking with you, are interested in whether you will pay card or cash? Card! On the market!!! Of course it is not at all points of this, but the very fact that it is generally leads me to complete delight!
Market in Grenoble
Amazingly smiling and affable farmer in the market
And how nice, going to the store, say hello smiling, and know that they will answer you the same way. And with knowledge French can also talk for a living. Often watched such a situation where a spontaneous conversation between the seller and, apparently, a regular customer.
But God forbid you postpone the march to the holy of holies Sunday shop for clothes, shoes or anything else! Freedom, equality, fraternity. If a day off, then for all! Everything is closed, even grocery stores only work in the morning and that Not everyone. But what a variety of food there! I was sincere surprised how many varieties of potatoes, it turns out, happens in this world! And cereals are, and which we did not know anything before.
Enviable food variety
Electronic price tags in a regular store
Electronic price tags in a regular store
A separate topic is the roads in France, social support citizens and the price of life. Everything is relative, as they say. Just remember our retirees, and look at what what older people in France are active, well-to-do and excellent feeling themselves—
Roads of France
Traveling in France by car
Older generation in france
Older generation in france
The older generation of France
The older generation of France
Life hacking 1 – how to buy a good insurance
Choosing insurance is now unrealistically difficult, therefore, to help everyone travelers, I make a rating. To do this, constantly monitor forums, I study insurance contracts and use insurance by myself.
Insurance Rating
Life hacking 2 – how to find a hotel 20% cheaper
First, choose a hotel on Booking. They have a good base offers, but the prices are NOT the best! The same hotel is often possible find 20% cheaper in other systems through the RoomGuru service.
Discount hotels
