Moving to France
Planning a move to France – to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, the Côte d’Azur or Corsica? Hartmann International has been organising international moves since 1856: with a permanent, trained team, our own fleet and reliable direct transport to our neighbouring country.
Your move to France – everything from a single source
Whether it is a city flat in Paris, a townhouse in Lyon or a holiday home on the Mediterranean coast – we plan your move to France from the first consultation to furniture assembly at your destination. As a member of AMÖ, FIDI and move alliance we handle packing, transport, insurance and, on request, the complete relocation service from a single source.
- International private removals – flat, house, full service
- Company and employee relocations worldwide
- Sea, air and road freight incl. container loading
- Customs clearance & export/import documents
- Part-load shipments & storage in our own facilities
- Moving boxes, packing material & furniture dis-/assembly
- Disposal of items you no longer need
- AMÖ-, FIDI- & FAIM-certified international standards
One-stop move
From packing to customs clearance – one dedicated contact for your move abroad.
International expertise
France is one of our most requested European routes: to the mainland by direct truck transport with no customs, to Corsica by ferry and sea freight – we know the routes.
Your belongings in safe hands
Professional and sea-worthy packing and insured transport all the way to the destination.
Your move from Germany to France
From the first consultation to setting up your new home, we take care of everything: we plan your move, supply packing material and moving boxes, pack professionally, organise transport and reassemble your furniture at the destination.
On request we handle the transport only or the complete full service – including part-load transport, storage in our own facilities and relocation service. That way your move to France becomes plannable and stress-free, whether you are moving to a metropolis or a rural region.
Transport routes to France
Sea freight plays no role for the French mainland – we handle that by road. For Corsica, however, the sea route is decisive: we carry your goods by truck to the Mediterranean and ship them by ferry or sea freight from Marseille, Toulon or Nice to the island. We pack securely for transport and organise the crossing and delivery to your door.
Air freight is usually not necessary for a move to neighbouring France. It only makes sense for very urgent individual shipments – for example if a few important items need to be in Paris or on the Côte d’Azur immediately. We advise you whether the extra effort is worthwhile.
Direct truck transport is the best choice for France: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux and Strasbourg can usually be reached within a few days depending on the departure and route – plannable, gentle and without reloading. For smaller volumes a part load reduces the cost. For Corsica we combine the road route to the Mediterranean with the ferry crossing.
Move stress-free with Hartmann International
Since 1856 we have accompanied you at every step – from the personal consultation through the binding fixed-price quote to furniture assembly at your destination. Your goods are covered by the statutory carrier liability; on request we arrange extended transport insurance at replacement value. We work with permanent, fairly paid staff and our own fleet instead of subcontractors.
With our relocation service we take the official paperwork off your hands – for job-related moves as well as for private customers. We support you with, among other things, finding a home, registering at the local mairie, your tax number and health insurance (Carte Vitale), bank account, insurance and connecting electricity and internet. That way you arrive in France relaxed from the very start.
Your international move in 5 steps
Enquiry
Free of charge by form, e-mail or phone.
Consultation & survey
We record volume, transport route and customs requirements.
Fixed-price quote
Transparent & in writing, incl. transport and customs.
Transport
Packing, loading and shipping by sea, air or road.
Delivery & assembly
Delivery, unpacking and furniture assembly at the destination.
Customs & documents for your move to France
France is part of the EU: the free movement of goods applies to your move to the French mainland and to Corsica – there are no customs duties and the transport is possible without customs clearance. This saves you the inventory lists and customs declarations that would be required for moves outside the EU.
What matters more are the steps on site: registering at your new place of residence, your tax number, health insurance (Carte Vitale) and, where applicable, re-registering a vehicle on French plates. We advise you on which documents to have ready and support you on request through our relocation service.
What does a move to France cost?
The cost of a move to France depends mainly on the volume, the distance and destination region (e.g. nearby Strasbourg or the more distant Côte d’Azur), the effort at the destination (floor level, carrying distances, narrow old-town lanes in Paris or Lyon) and the services you choose. For Corsica the ferry crossing is added. A further lever is the part load: you share the loading space and pay only your portion.
Flat-rate guide prices are of little value for international moves. After a short assessment – by phone, video or on site – you therefore receive a binding fixed-price quote with no hidden costs, including transport, packing and, where applicable, the ferry.
Calculate your moving costs online
Use our online moving calculator to get a non-binding first estimate for your international move in just a few minutes – volume, distance and services step by step.
Prefer a personal touch? Request a free quote ›
Good to know about your international move
Container sizes
A 20-foot container holds about 30 m³ (roughly a 2–3-room flat), a 40-foot container about 60 m³ (a whole house).
Part-loads save money
With a part-load you share the cargo space with other shipments and pay only your share – ideal for smaller volumes and some flexibility on timing.
Plan ahead
Plan your move ideally 2–3 months in advance, or 3–6 months for overseas – for customs applications and sailing/flight schedules.
Insurance
Every transport is covered by carrier liability; for international moves we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value.
Import restrictions
Not everything may be imported – certain foods, plants, medicines or weapons are restricted. We tell you in advance what can go on the inventory list.
Pets & vehicles
Cars, motorcycles and pets can come along too – pet transport is handled by specialised partners; we tell you which documents are required.
Tip: our moving checklist helps with planning. Transit times depend on destination and transport route – mainland Europe usually a few days, overseas several weeks; we state the exact timeframe in your quote.
Our reference projects
Real international moves, real results – a selection of our international and European projects.
Full-service move from Frankfurt to Vitrolles
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Move from New York to Mainz – full service with a Harley-Davidson
Mehr erfahren ›
Move from New York to Mainz – full service with a Harley-Davidson
Your personal contact for international moves
International moving team · Hartmann International
From the first enquiry to your arrival in France you have a dedicated contact – no call centre. We advise you personally on transport route, the ferry crossing to Corsica and scheduling, and coordinate everything from a single source.
Move well prepared – with our checklist
Keep every step in view: our free moving checklist guides you from planning to move-in through all the key to-dos – deadlines, re-registration, no-parking zones and packing.
Request your free quote now
Ready for your move to France? We will get back to you promptly with a fair fixed-price quote – by phone on +49 5251 87500-0 or directly via our form.
Frequently asked questions
What does a move to France cost?
It depends on the volume, destination region (e.g. Strasbourg or the Côte d’Azur), the effort at the destination and the services you choose; for Corsica the ferry is added. After a short assessment you receive a binding fixed-price quote with no hidden costs. A part load can save you even more.
How long does a move to France take?
To the French mainland – Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux or Strasbourg – your goods usually arrive by truck within a few days, depending on the departure and route. For Corsica the ferry crossing is added, so allow a little more time. We state the exact timeframe in your binding quote.
Are there customs duties for a move to France?
No. France is part of the EU and the free movement of goods applies – there are no customs duties for the mainland or Corsica, and the transport is possible without customs clearance. A customs inventory list is not required.
How does a move to Corsica work?
We reach Corsica via the sea route: we carry your goods by truck to the Mediterranean and ship them by ferry or sea freight from Marseille, Toulon or Nice to the island. We pack securely for transport and organise the crossing and delivery to your door.
Do you also move to Paris, Lyon or the Côte d'Azur?
Yes. We organise moves to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux and Strasbourg as well as to all regions of France – from a city flat to a house on the Mediterranean coast.
What should I consider with narrow old-town lanes and parking in France?
In city centres such as Paris, Lyon or Nice the lanes are often narrow and parking is scarce. We plan suitable vehicles, arrange a no-parking zone for the moving truck where needed and use an external lift where necessary – we discuss this in advance based on your destination address.
Can I also transport furniture only partly (part load) to France?
Yes. With a part load you share the loading space with other shipments and pay only your portion – the most economical option if you are somewhat flexible on timing.
Are my belongings insured on the way to France?
Yes. Every transport is covered by the statutory carrier liability. For international moves we recommend extended transport insurance at replacement value, which we arrange on request.
Do you also handle the official paperwork in France?
With our relocation service we support you with finding a home, registering at the mairie, your tax number, health insurance (Carte Vitale), bank account, insurance as well as electricity and internet – on request including on-site support.
How do I recognise a reputable company for international moves?
By certifications such as AMÖ, FIDI and FAIM, a transparent written fixed-price quote, in-house staff and adequate insurance cover. Hartmann International has been operating since 1856 and is rated 4.86 out of 5 stars from 297 reviews.
What our customers say
„Excellent guidance and support with the move to Great Britain.”
„The staff handled our household goods carefully and professionally.”
„Great team, excellent move! Very reliable, friendly and professional.”
„I can wholeheartedly recommend Hartmann International to anyone who needs a removal company.”
„The staff were absolutely outstanding. An absolute recommendation!”
„After our practice relocated a year ago and that went excellently too, I have now also moved privately with Hartmann.”
Hartmann International is rated 4.86 out of 5 stars from 297 reviews on ProvenExpert.
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regionally, across Europe and worldwide
From Paderborn we organise your move to France, throughout Europe and worldwide.