July 14th, France’s national holiday, is an opportunity to get together, celebrate French culture and strengthen ties within the community. For French nationals living abroad, it’s an unmissable highlight.
This year, Francaisdanslemonde.fr proposed a unique 2-hour live show, broadcast simultaneously on La radio des Français dans le monde and YouTube, to take viewers on a journey to 10 major cities where France is intensely alive abroad.
10 ports of call, 10 atmospheres for an international July 14th
New York, USA
Head for the city that never sleeps! The French community here is one of the most dynamic in the world, with nearly 60,000 French residents in the New York area. For July 14th, part of 60th Street is transformed into the Bastille Day Street Fair, with pétanque, wine tasting and concerts. Gauthier met with entrepreneurs and students, proud to wear the blue-white-red in the Big Apple.
Montreal, Canada
In Montreal, the 150,000 French citizens of the province of Quebec turned out for a popular ball in a warm Francophone atmosphere. Between accordion chords and patriotic songs, Gauthier gathered the testimonies of expatriates who chose Canada for its quality of life… without forgetting France for all that.
Mexico City, Mexico
Did you know that the French community in Mexico exceeds 30,000 people? In Mexico City, July 14th was celebrated in a colorful and festive setting, blending Mexican flavors with French traditions. A fine example of cultural blending, to be discovered in the rebroadcast.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In Rio, Brazilian rhythms are hard to resist… but the French know how to mix samba and Marseillaise! With a breathtaking view over Copacabana beach, Gauthier spoke to some of the French chefs who are making French gastronomy shine under the Brazilian sun.
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
In West Africa, Abidjan is home to the largest French community in the region. Here, July 14th is a highlight, especially for families, who come to attend the official speeches, share a meal and dance the night away.
Dakar, Senegal
In Dakar, there are almost 25,000 French nationals on the consular register. To celebrate the national holiday, a Republican cocktail party brought together local personalities and expatriates in a Franco-Senegalese musical atmosphere. A rich exchange on daily life, professional opportunities and solidarity between compatriots.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is Southeast Asia’s largest French community. Here, the Chamber of Commerce and the Embassy organize a prestigious gala dinner for expatriates, entrepreneurs, diplomats and friends of France.
Singapore
Singapore, an economic hub, attracts many French people on assignment or expatriate contracts. Here, July 14th is an opportunity to gather around a gourmet buffet and network, in a chic, tropical setting.
Sydney, Australia
On the other side of the world, Sydney ‘s French meet up at Circular Quay to admire the Opera House and Harbour Bridge while celebrating France. The French community in Australia continues to grow, with almost 80,000 French people in the country.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
In Dubai, the national holiday takes on a spectacular dimension in this city of excess. Cocktails, fireworks and meetings with French entrepreneurs testify to the dynamism of this booming community.
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The French diaspora in figures
The French community abroad continues to grow and diversify. These figures bear witness to this, and illustrate the extent to which the French presence in the world is a real strength.
A growing community
Today, there are more than 2.5 million French nationals on the register of French nationals living outside France. This figure, which has risen steadily over the past ten years (+25% since 2010), reflects the appeal of expatriation to the French, whether for professional or family reasons, or simply for a taste of adventure and discovery. And there are actually even more of them: global estimates (including those who are not registered) are in the region of 3.5 to 4 million people.
France’s major metropolises… abroad
The 10 cities highlighted in our live report – New York, Montreal, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Abidjan, Dakar, Bangkok, Singapore, Sydney and Dubai – are home to several hundred thousand French nationals, an impressive number!
- In Montreal, the French community exceeds 150,000 people, including the province of Quebec.
- In and around New York City, some 60,000 French nationals have settled, many of them in the finance, arts and new technology sectors.
- In Sydney, nearly 80,000 French people live in Australia, and their numbers continue to grow every year.
These clusters testify to the economic and cultural vitality of the French abroad.
A global diaspora
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of French expatriates do not live in Europe.
In fact, almost 1 in 2 French people living outside France reside outside the European continent, which perfectly illustrates the global dimension of the French presence.
The most popular host countries, however, remain :
- The United States
- The United Kingdom
- Switzerland
- Canada
- Germany
The rise of communities in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Gulf is noteworthy. This confirms a rebalancing towards more distant but economically dynamic zones.
Expatriate health: a major challenge for a worry-free life abroad
Expatriation means discovering new horizons… but it also means coming face to face with healthcare systems that are very different from those in France.
Access to care, quality of infrastructures, cost of consultations: these are all issues that need to be anticipated to protect your health and that of your loved ones.
As an official partner and sponsor of the “July 14th around the world” live event, Santexpat.fr provides day-to-day support to thousands of French people living in the four corners of the globe, offering them health insurance solutions tailored to their destination and situation.
Whether you’re on assignment, have a local contract or are a contractor, our advisors can help you find the most suitable cover so you can live with peace of mind.
💡 Discover all our health insurance solutions for expatriates and benefit from tailored support at: www.santexpat.fr
