Moving from the UK to France
France is the most popular European destination for UK movers — short crossings, frequent removal routes and large British communities in Paris, the Dordogne, Provence, Brittany and the Côte d'Azur. Because the Channel is so close, France is also one of the cheapest international moves you can make from the UK.
How Much Does It Cost to Move from the UK to France?
| Home size | Shared load (part of a lorry) | Dedicated vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed | £1,200 – £2,600 | £2,200 – £3,800 |
| 2-bed | £1,800 – £3,400 | £2,800 – £4,800 |
| 3-bed | £3,000 – £5,500 | £4,500 – £7,500 |
| 4+ bed | £4,500 – £8,000 | £6,500 – £11,000 |
Prices include professional packing, loading, Channel crossing, transport and delivery. They are indicative — your final quote depends on volume, exact destination and access at both ends.
What affects the price
- Volume — you pay for the cubic metres you ship, so decluttering is the single biggest saving.
- Destination — the north (Calais, Lille, Normandy, Brittany) is cheaper than the south (Provence, Côte d'Azur) which adds 1,000+ km of driving.
- Shared vs dedicated — sharing a lorry is cheaper but slower; a dedicated van gives you a fixed delivery date.
- Access — narrow village streets or upper-floor flats with no lift add shuttle or carry charges.
How Long Does It Take?
| Service | Typical transit |
|---|---|
| Dedicated vehicle | 2 – 5 days |
| Shared / part load | 1 – 3 weeks |
Northern France can be reached in a single day's drive via the Eurotunnel or a Dover–Calais ferry. The south takes longer simply because of the distance.
Customs & Paperwork After Brexit
Since Brexit, a UK–France move is treated as an import into the EU, so you need the right paperwork:
- Detailed inventory — a valued list of everything you are shipping, in French or bilingual.
- Transfer of Residence relief — if you are moving your main home to France you can usually import used household goods free of duty and VAT. You must have owned and used the items for at least 6 months and be establishing your primary residence.
- Proof of residence — long-stay visa, rental contract or property deeds for your French address.
- Passport and supporting ID.
A removal company experienced with post-Brexit EU moves will prepare the customs declaration for you — confirm this is included before booking.
Visas & Residency
UK citizens can visit the Schengen area for 90 days in any 180. To live in France you generally need a long-stay visa (VLS-TS), applied for before you leave, then validated online after arrival. After settling you register with the local mairie and health system. Check the latest rules on the official French government and UK GOV.UK pages.
Popular Destinations
- Paris & Île-de-France — work, study and city life.
- Dordogne & Lot — the classic British countryside choice.
- Provence & Côte d'Azur — sun, but the priciest to ship to.
- Brittany & Normandy — closest to the UK and cheapest to reach.
The Moving Process Step by Step
- Book a survey — most movers do a free video survey to measure volume.
- Get 3 quotes — compare itemised, fixed prices, not vague "from" figures.
- Sort your paperwork — inventory, visa and proof of residence.
- Declutter and pack — or pay for a professional packing service.
- Collection in the UK — your goods are loaded and sealed.
- Crossing & transport — via Eurotunnel or ferry, then onward by road.
- Delivery in France — unloading, and unpacking if booked.
How to Save Money
- Declutter ruthlessly — shipping a sofa is often dearer than buying one locally.
- Choose a shared load if your dates are flexible.
- Move off-peak (October–March) when routes are quieter.
- Combine your move with others heading the same way ("groupage").
- Pack non-fragile items yourself, but check the insurance implications.
Choosing an International Remover
Look for BAR Overseas Group or FIDI membership, proven France experience, transit insurance and a clear written quote. For a benchmark on the UK collection leg before you commit, use our calculator, and read our international moving costs guide for the bigger picture.