Barcelona ticks nearly every box: the sea in the city, a directly managed French lycée of almost 2,800 pupils, and a way of life where children have dinner on terraces. The challenges: housing, and choosing between Spanish and Catalan.
Currency
Euro (€)
Languages
Spanish and Catalan
Time vs Paris
None
Emergencies
112
FIAFE network
The Accueil for French-speaking families
In each city, a volunteer-run association from the FIAFE network welcomes, informs and helps French-speaking families settling in.
Barcelone Accueil
Since 1961
Heir to the Cercle des Français, Barcelone Accueil has kept the community alive since 1961: welcome coffees, afterworks, a food and wine club, sports and the "Si Barcelone m'était contée" cultural walks.
Where to meet them
Fridays from 10am to 12pm at the Institut français de Barcelone (Carrer Moià 8).
The local French chamber of commerce (CCI France International network) is a real asset for work: networking, job offers and help to restart a career or start a business locally.
CCI France International
CCI France Espagne, Barcelone
The Franco-Spanish chamber in Barcelona, Spain's oldest foreign business association, brings together over 500 companies: events, introductions and support to work or start a business in Catalonia.
To follow local life in French: news, what's on, good addresses and, often, a directory of French-speaking professionals.
lepetitjournal.com Barcelone
MediaIn French
The Barcelona edition of the online daily for French expatriates: news, community, events, and Living in Barcelona sections (housing, education, health, settling in, jobs), with a 'Settling in Barcelona' dossier and a regularly updated list of French-speaking doctors.
The Barcelona expat directory, by service category, complemented by the article listing the city's French-speaking doctors (GPs, paediatrics, dentists, therapists, speech therapists), updated in March 2026.
The independent media of the French in Barcelona, with its newsroom on site: news and tips, outings and events, Catalonia getaways, a practical section (settling in, housing, finance, health), podcasts, videos and a newsletter; a Madrid edition also exists.
No formal directory, but a 'French residents' favourite addresses' section and regular list-articles of French-speaking doctors, dentists and specialists.
The French-language business news site on Spain (property, hospitality, logistics, tax, companies) with a Catalonia section and two newsletters: useful for parents working or starting a business in Barcelona, less so for family life.
Before you even land in Barcelona, Facebook groups are the best shortcut: ask your questions, find a flat, a nanny, a second-hand stroller, and often your first friends.
Very active Public In English
🌎Barcelona Expats - International BCN (All Metropolitan Area)🌎🌍🌏
151,800 members · ≈ 74 posts/week
Welcome to https://barcelonaexpats.com/ Facebook Group!
This is a community for expats aka as immigrants aka foreigners and international-minded locals living in Barcelona city and Barcelona Metropolitan area (Maresme, Sitges, Garraf, Valles).
For Catalonia: Girona, Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Tarragona, Lleida, Catalan Pyrenees you can join our new
group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/catalunyaexpatsgroup/
The main purpose of the group is to ask/answer questions to get/give help and advice about Barcelona life to other Expats, share and confront opinions about life in Barcelona.
Please read carefully ALL the GROUP RULES published here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/barcelonaexpatsgroup/permalink/2360392710672791/
All posts should respect the Group Rules and therefore will be checked and approved by the Admin before being accepted. Please note that any use of the group as a social media marketing platform in comments or posts is allowed only for accredited professionals. If you are interested to collaborate as a company or professional with the group please contact the group admin at [email protected].
Bienvenue sur Francais A Barcelone !!!!
N'hésitez pas à poser vos questions et aider les autres membres dans leurs recherches 😉 Bcp de questions ont déjà été posées (NIE, où voir les matchs de l'équipe de France, salon de coiffure, tattoo, médecin...), la loupe 🔎 peut vous être d'une grande utilité! 💡
⚠️INFOS⚠️
📝 Avant de publier veuillez consulter les Règles d'utilisation -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/francaisabarcelone/about/
✅ Vous cherchez ou proposez un emploi, rejoingnez le groupe: TRAVAIL/EMPLOI/JOB/STAGE: FRANCAIS À BARCELONE
✅ Vous cherchez ou proposez un logement, rejoingnez le groupe:
LOGEMENT/APPART/CHAMBRE/COLOCATION/ACHAT/ROOM: FRANCAIS À BARCELONE
@ bientôt !
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
#BIENVENUE #AIDEBARCELONE #BCN #BARCELONA #BARCELONE #NIE #INSTALLATION
Barcelona Networking, Property, Expats, Jobs & Study Abroad Community
67,600 members · ≈ 72 posts/week
JOBS VIA: www.absolutebarcelona.com
***************** BARCELONA *****************
There is definitely something about Barcelona... Something magnetic, something special, something unique, perhaps even magic... 99 out of 100 people that come to Barcelona for a visit fall in love with someone, something or just fall in love with the city...
And this is how a year abroad becomes the beginning to a lifetime abroad or perhaps a half a dozen visits per year or a second year abroad. In any case its a fact: Barcelona is one of the best cities in the world!
This group is for all those that LOVE BARCELONA! #Jobs #Events #Property #Rentals #Flatmates #Fun #Networking.
Invite your friends and enjoys!
Groupe des Français et de tous les francophones vivant à Barcelone destiné à aider les nouveaux arrivants à connaitre du monde, trouver un logement ou un boulot, faire marcher le "networking" entre français, faire la fête, rencontrer des partenaires pour faire des affaires, se tenir au courant des évènements interessants, partager des infos utiles, etc.
**RÈGLES DE CE GROUPE**
Dans l'idée de maintenir un contenu qualitatif et vu le nombre grandissant de membres nous avons décidé d'interdire la publicité. Les particuliers pourront bien entendu continuer de publier leurs offres (je vend un canapé, je loue un appart, etc.). les entreprises et autres entités à fins commerciales devront nous contacter au préalable pour que nous validions la communication.
Voici donc les quelques règles (simples) de courtoisie à suivre :
1. Ne sont admis que les "vrais" profils. Merci donc d'utiliser votre profil perso pour communiquer dans ce groupe. Les profils qui portent des noms de marques, produits, établissements ou soirées/évènements ne sont pas autorisés.
2. Tous les posts concernant des infos utiles, demandes ou offres de particuliers, conseils, astuces sont évidement bienvenus. En revanche les posts ou commentaires offensifs ou insultants ne sont pas autorisés et seront éliminés.
3. La publicité ou les posts ou commentaires à caractères promotionnels sont interdits. Les particuliers peuvent faire, de façon modérée, la promotion de leur événement ou de la vente de leur produit (canapé en vente, machine à laver, etc.). Les entreprises ou autres entités à fins commerciales qui souhaitent communiquer vers la communauté francophone de Barcelone peuvent nous contacter à l'adresse suivante : [email protected]. Nous serons ravis de leur proposer des solutions performantes via des outils adaptés à leurs besoins (Website, Page Facebook, Newsletter, Sponsoring, Collaboration, Mécénat...)
4. Afin d'aider les autres membres à trouver une publication antérieure nous recommandons de commencer votre publication avec la thématique ou sujet abordé entre parenthèses. Par exemple pour une collocation : (collocation) Je recherche pour le mois de Juin..
5. Ce groupe est administré par l'Association des Français et Francophones de Barcelone, association à but non lucratif, enregistrée au registre des associations de Barcelone sous le N° 54823, CIF : G66375775.
Merci d'avance pour votre collaboration.
Les admins.
http://www.lesfrancaisdebarcelone.com/
Bonjour à toutes et à tous...
Ce groupe est là pour favoriser les rencontres et l'entraide entre les français/francophones habitants, ayant habités, ou prévoyant d'habiter a Barcelone.
Bonne humeur au rendez vous, n'hésitez pas à participer à l'animation avec vos bon plans, propositions sorties, questions-réponses.
A bientôt !
Hello dear expats and Barcelona residents/visitors :)
You can also find us here - http://instagram.com/bcn.xpat
My name is Teodora Sklayne - personal trainer with 10+ years experience and event organizer.
I was born in Bulgaria and lived in US, UK, Australia, Argentina and now call Barcelona home.
I have created this group is for us expats and locals to share, organise and give tips on different free activities as can do together in Barcelona such as outdoor group classes, gym classes and free event promotions, beach volleyball, hiking, running or anything else sporty or non sporty we want to do.
Please feel free to post, share ideas and organise meet ups, the idea is for us to get to meet more often in person and create a nice positive-minded active community.
Thank you 🙏
Expats living and working in Barcelona: Expats, digital nomads and remote workers helping each other!
Because of the climate, the beaches, and the cultural heritage, Barcelona has become a hub for digital nomads and remote workers in recent years. But most of these people can use a little bit of help settling in. Language problems, slow bureaucracy and cultural differences can make a smooth integration challenging.
We encourage all foreigners living in Barcelona to join the group and share useful information regarding living and working in Barcelona. Our philosophy is that foreigners who are moving to Barcelona, and who are doing an effort to integrate can and should help each other and create a positive community.
What is going on in Barcelona? Culture, concerts, sports events, language exchange, networking events, new cool coffee bars / coworking spaces, etc... We want to read about it! Let the expats know what is going on in Barcelona: where to eat, learn, sing, have fun, etc.
Who is who in Barcelona? Where can expats get the services they need? Who can help them with their challenges and answer their questions. Business owners that offer relevant services or products are welcome to submit a post. We accept company pages as members.
Housing ads: We accept post from individuals offering a rental (apartment or room), and of course we accept posts from expats looking for a place to stay. We encourage the member to share their experiences and thoughts about the different neighborhoods in Barcelona.
Job ads: People looking for a job, and companies with openings, you are most welcome to use this platform.
Investment opportunities: We are open for interesting opportunities in Barcelona: real estate, startups, etc.
The rules: Every post will be moderated. We only accept post that are relevant for the expat community in Barcelona. We embrace global mobility and we accept the same from our members.
Welcome to "Expats living and working in Barcelona", the helpdesk from and for expats living and working in Barcelona!
Bienvenue dans notre communauté francophone de Barcelone !
Ce groupe a pour mission de rassembler les expatriés, les nouveaux arrivants et les résidents locaux pour s’entraider, partager des informations pratiques et recommander des services fiables.
Ce que les membres partagent généralement :
– Échanges & entraide : les membres posent des questions sur la vie en Catalogne (logement, démarches, emploi, culture) et partagent leurs propres astuces et découvertes.
– Recommandations de services : chacun publie ses retours d’expérience sur des prestataires locaux afin d’aider les autres à trouver des services de confiance.
– Moments conviviaux : des rencontres ou activités informelles organisées par la communauté sont parfois annoncées.
Parrainage et publicité :
– Ce groupe est parrainé par Locallista, une plateforme qui met en relation les meilleurs prestataires de services et les expatriés . Vous pourrez donc voir de temps en temps des annonces de Locallista.
– Les membres peuvent aussi présenter leurs propres services ou ceux de leurs proches, à condition que ce soit lié à Barcelone/Catalogne et que la relation avec le prestataire soit clairement indiquée.
voici le lien: https://locallista.com/?invitation-code=GR0RBDRMG
Règles essentielles :
Respect et courtoisie : pas de propos discriminatoires ou agressifs. Des règles claires permettent de maintenir des échanges de qualité.
Rester dans le sujet : les publications doivent concerner Barcelone ou la Catalogne. Les annonces de services et offres commerciales sont autorisées mais doivent être claires et pertinentes.
Pas de spam :Publiez une seule fois et attendez des réactions avant de republier.
Transparence : si vous avez un intérêt dans un service recommandé (en tant que prestataire ou bénéficiaire), merci de le préciser pour que chacun puisse juger en connaissance de cause.
Protection des données personnelles : ne partagez pas publiquement vos coordonnées (adresses, documents officiels, etc.).
Notre objectif est d’offrir un espace accueillant et utile pour toutes celles et ceux qui souhaitent s’installer à Barcelone. Présentez‑vous, participez aux discussions et aidons‑nous mutuellement à profiter au mieux de la vie en Catalogne !
LOGEMENT/APPART/CHAMBRE/COLOCATION/ACHAT/ROOM: FRANCAIS À BARCELONE
22,700 members · ≈ 13 posts/week
Bienvenue aux nouveaux membres sur le groupe des Français à Barcelone !!! 🇫🇷
N'hésitez pas à poser vos questions et aider les autres membres dans leur...
Compiled from Facebook's public search, links checked in July 2026. Group sizes change all the time.
AEFE network
Accredited French schools
Schools accredited by the French Ministry of Education follow the French curriculum: your child can continue their schooling seamlessly, abroad and back in France.
Source: official AEFE directory, verified June 2026. aefe.gouv.fr
Tutoring and private lessons
To support your children's schooling across two systems, two solutions designed for expat families.
Axiom Academic
Private lessons and tutoring for expat families: French curriculum, IB and British curriculum, at home or online, with teachers who know the schools in your city.
The Lycée français de Barcelone, directly managed by the AEFE in Pedralbes, is the flagship. Ferdinand-de-Lesseps (primary, right in the Eixample) and Bon Soleil in Gavà complete a dense network.
Good to know
The LFB (direct management) is in high demand: file the application as soon as the move is confirmed.
Ferdinand-de-Lesseps is the family-sized primary option in the city centre.
Bon Soleil, in Gavà, attracts families settled south, by the beaches.
Catalan public school is free and immersive, but teaching is primarily in Catalan.
French-speaking community
The French community of Barcelona is one of the oldest in Spain, from the smart Pedralbes-Sarrià area near the lycée to the bohemian families of Gràcia.
Good to know
Barcelone Accueil (FIAFE network) welcomes every Friday at the Institut français.
Sarrià, Les Corts and Pedralbes are the lycée neighbourhoods; Gràcia and the Eixample charm urban families.
UFE Catalogne and Français du monde complete the associative network.
The Institut français offers classes, a media library and a French film club.
A place has closed, something has changed?
The arrival reflex
The apps to download when you land
Drop your bags, download these and you're set: the apps everyone in Barcelona uses to get around, get things delivered and organise daily life.
Getting around
TMB
The official Barcelona metro and bus app: real-time schedules, route planning and ticket purchase, the one you will open every single day.
Spain's best-loved supermarket chain: order your groceries online and have them delivered, perfect for stocking the fridge without carrying the bags home.
For everything the supermarkets do not stock: household goods, electronics and fast delivery, a practical reflex while you are setting up your new home.
Spain's second-hand marketplace, founded in Barcelona: peer-to-peer classified ads, perfect for furnishing and kitting out your flat without breaking the bank.
What mums ask when they arrive in Barcelona, in short, sourced answers.
Catalan or French school: where do we start?
State school is free from the year your child turns 3 (only meals and outings are charged) and Catalan is the language of instruction; pre-enrolment takes place in spring for September, through a points system in which your address weighs heavily. The Lycée français de Barcelone, directly managed by the AEFE, is in high demand: file the application as soon as the move is confirmed. Our Schools and School fees pages detail both systems: /en/cities/barcelona/school-fees/.
Source ↗How do I enrol my child at a state school mid-year?
Everything starts with the empadronamiento: the town hall issues the volant de convivència, which proves the child lives with you at that address and which the school will require. Then the Consorci d'Educació de Barcelona assigns a place at a school in your area that has one, and state schools welcome newly arrived pupils with language support. Visit the local schools before signing the lease: distance matters.
Source ↗Do we need health insurance for the children?
Not if one parent works and pays contributions: social security registration opens public healthcare to the whole family, and each child gets their own health card (TSI), with a dedicated paediatrician at the local health centre until age 15. Many families add affordable private insurance for direct access to specialists and short waits. It is all explained on our Health page: /en/cities/barcelona/health/.
Source ↗How do I find a paediatrician, ideally French-speaking?
In the public system, the paediatrician is automatically assigned at the CAP for your address and follows the child until 15; you can change freely, and many speak French. Privately, the embassy and consulates publish a list of French-speaking professionals in Catalonia (GP-paediatricians, dentists, speech therapist, psychomotor therapist...), which we reproduce with lepetitjournal.com's list on our Health page: /en/cities/barcelona/health/.
Source ↗Which number do I call if my child is ill at night?
112 only for a life-threatening emergency. For everything else, 061 Salut Respon, open 24/7: doctors and nurses assess the symptoms, direct you to the on-duty CUAP or to A&E, and can send a doctor to your home or an ambulance. The reference children's emergency departments are Sant Joan de Déu (24/7 in Esplugues, daytime branch on Carrer de Numància), Vall d'Hebron and Sant Pau.
Source ↗Which neighbourhood should we settle in with children?
French families follow the schools: Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Pedralbes and Les Corts around the Lycée français, the Eixample around Ferdinand-de-Lesseps, Gràcia for its village spirit, Poblenou for the sea and parks. Outside the city, Sant Cugat, Castelldefels, Gavà (Bon Soleil lycée) and Sitges offer houses and frequent trains. Our Settling in page reviews the neighbourhoods: /en/cities/barcelona/settling-in/.
In order: apply in person for each adult's EU citizen registration certificate (and so the NIE), to be done within three months of arrival; register the whole family on the town hall's padró as soon as you have a lease; apply online for the Social Security number, then for everyone's health card at the CAP; open a bank account; and register with the French consular register, online, free and valid 5 years. Details on /en/cities/barcelona/settling-in/.
No, from 4 to 16: the T-16 is a personal, free card giving unlimited travel on the whole integrated network (metro, bus, tram, FGC, Rodalies) of the zone where the child lives. Apply online with the child's documents and it arrives by post; allow a few weeks before term. For you, the T-usual gives 30 days unlimited, and everything loads onto the T-mobilitat card or phone.
Source ↗Nursery, nanny: how do you get a little one looked after?
Barcelona has around a hundred municipal nurseries (escoles bressol) and a few Generalitat llars d'infants for ages 0 to 3, with income-based fees; places are allocated by points (catchment, income, siblings) through a pre-enrolment in May for September, and are scarce in some districts. Private nurseries take over, at a higher cost. For a nanny (cangur), word of mouth at the schools and French-speaking parents' groups work well, and the municipal espais familiars welcome parents and babies for free.
Source ↗My child speaks neither Catalan nor Spanish: how will they cope?
Very well, and faster than you: Catalan schools are used to newly arrived children, teaching is in Catalan with language support, and Spanish comes by itself in the playground and the street. For parents, the Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística offers Catalan classes and language partners (Voluntariat per la llengua). And to keep French going: the Institut français, the Jaimes bookshop and our addresses on /en/cities/barcelona/family-outings/.
Source ↗Is Barcelona really expensive for a family?
Mainly for one item: housing, the most expensive in Catalonia and fiercely contested near the French schools, even though rents on new leases have been capped since 2024. The rest balances out: free state school, public healthcare with no upfront costs, free transport for 4 to 16-year-olds, lunch menus and groceries comparable to or cheaper than France. Our Settling in page details the budget line by line: /en/cities/barcelona/settling-in/.
Source ↗Where can I meet other French-speaking mums?
Barcelone Accueil holds a Friday-morning drop-in at the Institut français (Carrer de Moià 8) and organises welcome coffees, lunches, clubs and cultural outings. The school gates of the Lycée français and Ferdinand-de-Lesseps, the parents' associations, UFE Catalogne and Français du monde, the French-speaking parish in Sarrià and the Saturday readings at Jaimes do the rest; lepetitjournal.com Barcelone and Équinox list the week's events.
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