A long-distance move between Berlin and France requires thorough planning, clear communication and proven organisation. Lion Umzüge is based in Berlin and guides you expertly from here through the entire preparation and execution. We work from Berlin throughout.
Individual long-distance moves between Berlin and France – transparent and personal
Your benefits with Lion Umzüge
You benefit from one central contact person, clear processes and a pragmatic approach. We value clear arrangements so that you always know which steps are coming up and which services will be provided.
Preparation in Berlin
In advance, we clarify together which furniture and boxes need special protection or dismantling. We advise on suitable packing materials and check access conditions, parking options and any special requirements for building access.
How your long-distance move works
Our goal is a structured process that gives you predictability and an overview. The following steps form the basis of our organisation and are geared towards efficient, safe transport:
- On-site survey and inventory in Berlin to determine the scope.
- Agreement on the scope of services and packing and assembly requirements.
- Professional packing, labelling and securing of your belongings.
- Coordination of the transport and careful loading.
- Arrival, unloading and professional handover at the agreed location in France.
- Final review and clarification of any open points after the move.
Transport and handover in France
At the destination, we ensure careful unloading and a handover organised according to your instructions. Where access is difficult, we plan alternative procedures so that furniture and fragile items arrive safely and are in place as quickly as possible.
Additional services and flexible options
Depending on your needs, we offer additional services such as professional dismantling/assembly, careful packing for fragile items and the organisation of extra services that make the move easier. We discuss in advance which options make sense for you.
Moving from Berlin to France: distances and planning
France is a large country, and you notice that when moving. From Berlin it is around 750 kilometres to Strasbourg, about 1,050 to Paris, around 1,100 to Lyon and well over 1,400 kilometres to the Côte d’Azur. The planning varies accordingly: a move to Strasbourg can be completed in two days, while for destinations in the south of France we reckon with three days or more.
Within the EU – but with its own rules
There are no customs formalities for your household goods between Germany and France. Nevertheless, you should clarify a few things in advance. In Berlin you deregister at the Bürgeramt (citizens’ office) when you give up your residence. France has no residence registration system like Germany’s, but there are obligations regarding health insurance, taxes and re-registering your car. Check with the French authorities which deadlines apply to you.
Living in Paris and other cities
In Paris, many flats are in Haussmann buildings with small lifts and narrow stairs. Often a wardrobe will fit neither in the lift nor easily through the stairwell. In such cases, French removal companies frequently use an external lift through the window. We clarify together in advance whether this is necessary at your address. In French cities, a permit from the city is generally required to park the lorry.
Preparation
- Get the dimensions of the lift, stairwell and doors at the new address
- Keep large furniture dismantlable wherever possible
- Important documents, certificates and contracts in your hand luggage
- Change of address with your bank, insurers and pension insurance
Costs
For France, distance, motorway tolls and overnight stays play a major role. Because an empty return journey is expensive, a part load can be the cheaper option for smaller households. You can read more about our cost factors on the page Moving Company Berlin Costs, and about other countries under International Moves Berlin.
Border region: Alsace and Lorraine
Many moves to France go to the border region, to Strasbourg, Metz or Mulhouse. Some people continue to work in Germany and live in France, or vice versa. Special tax and social security rules apply to cross-border workers – find out from the relevant authorities in advance.
French rental flats
In France, flats are often let without a fitted kitchen, but frequently with built-in wardrobes. Check beforehand what is already there. A kitchen from Berlin does not always fit the new rooms; sometimes buying new locally makes more sense than transporting it.
Toll roads
Most French motorways are subject to tolls. These costs are already included in our quote, so there are no surprises.
Moving to France: planning, route and settling in
France is Germany’s direct neighbour and a popular destination for a job change, studies or retirement. As both countries are in the EU, there are no customs formalities for household goods. Nevertheless, many things differ in everyday life, and the distances are long. Here you can read what you should know about moving to France.
Paris, Lyon or the south
From Berlin it is around 1,050 kilometres to Paris, about 1,100 to Lyon and considerably more to the Côte d’Azur. For a lorry that means two to three days, with an overnight stop on the way. Most French motorways are toll roads, and lorries are subject to driving bans at weekends and on public holidays. We take this into account when scheduling.
Living in Paris
Parisian flats are often in old Haussmann buildings with narrow stairwells and small lifts. Large furniture is frequently brought into the flat with an external lift via the window or balcony. This is common practice in Paris but requires a permit to use the pavement. We clarify in advance whether such a furniture lift is needed and, if necessary, organise it through local partners.
Authorities and registration
In Berlin you deregister at the Bürgeramt. In France there is no general registration requirement as in Germany. However, you will need proof of residence, the justificatif de domicile, for example for your bank, insurance or employer. An electricity or internet bill usually serves as proof. If you work there, also register with the French health insurance system.
Electricity, internet and contracts
In France, electricity and internet contracts are transferred to the tenant. Allow some lead time for this, as activating the internet connection can take a few weeks. Cancel German contracts in good time. You must re-register your German car in France after a certain period.
Packing for the long journey
On a route of more than a thousand kilometres, the packaging must be particularly sturdy. We use double-walled boxes, wrap furniture in blankets and film and secure the load several times over. Fragile items such as glass, porcelain or pictures receive special packaging. That way your household goods arrive in France intact.
Costs
The costs depend heavily on the distance, the volume and the conditions at the destination. If you only have a few belongings, you can save with a part load. More on this on our page International Moves Berlin.
Alsace and the border region
Not every move to France goes to Paris. Many Germans move to Alsace – to Strasbourg, Colmar or Mulhouse – where German is still widely spoken and the border is close. These destinations are easy to reach from Berlin via Karlsruhe, around 750 kilometres away. The old towns are narrow, and the houses are often half-timbered with steep stairs. Here we plan with smaller vehicles and more carrying time. The Côte d’Azur and Provence are also popular retirement destinations. There, access roads to houses on hillsides are sometimes narrow and winding.
Planning a move? We are happy to advise you.
Free on-site survey and a binding fixed-price quote – with no hidden costs.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How does the on-site survey work and is it compulsory?
A survey serves to realistically assess the scope and challenges of the move. You decide whether the survey takes place on site; it often provides the best basis for reliable planning.
How do we stay informed during transport?
We inform you in advance about the schedule for the day and send status updates if you wish. That way you know when loading, departure and arrival are planned, and you receive feedback on important events during transport.
How much does a move from Berlin to France cost?
Paris is a good 1,000 kilometres away, Lyon or Marseille considerably further. In addition to volume and floors, French motorway tolls, overnight stays and the empty lorry’s return journey all add to the cost. You receive a fixed price. More on the cost factors under Moving Company Berlin Costs.
How long does a move from Berlin to France take?
For Paris, Strasbourg or Lille we usually reckon with two days, for the Côte d’Azur or Bordeaux with three. In Paris, extra time is often needed for narrow stairwells and furniture lifts in the courtyard.
How much lead time do I need for a move from Berlin to France?
Six to eight weeks’ lead time is ideal. In Paris, stopping zones for the lorry have to be applied for with the city, and that takes time. If your employer schedules the move at short notice, enquire anyway.
How are my belongings insured during a move from Berlin to France?
On the route to France, liability under the German Commercial Code (HGB) applies: generally 620 euros per cubic metre of loading space. For high-value furniture, paintings or wine collections, additional transport insurance is worthwhile.
Do I need customs documents for a move from Berlin to France?
No, France is an EU member, so your household goods cross the border without customs documents. France has no general registration requirement like Germany’s. However, do deregister in Berlin and inform your bank, insurers and health insurance fund.
If you are planning a long-distance move between Berlin and France, it pays to coordinate early. Lion Umzüge is based in Berlin and supports the entire process reliably and transparently from here.
Contact Lion Umzüge and arrange a consultation or on-site survey – we will prepare a tailor-made quote for you and clarify all details personally.
Moving to France: how to get started
Send us your enquiry with your destination in France and your preferred date, or call us on 030 612 964 73. After the free on-site survey you will receive a fixed price. What we do for you within Berlin can be seen at your moving company Berlin.
