France

Learn how to play hockey in
France

France might not be the first country that comes to mind for hockey, but the league is growing with teams from the Alps to the Paris region.

World-class cuisine, diverse landscapes from Mediterranean beaches to Alpine peaks, and a lifestyle that prioritizes enjoying life's pleasures make it appealing for players. If you want to develop your game while experiencing one of the world's great cultures, France offers something special.

Ex-pat Friendliness:

Moderate
English proficiency varies, with larger cities and younger people speaking it better. Learning basic French goes a long way in making connections, and import players who make the effort are much better received.

Cost of Living:

Moderate to High End
The cost of living in France will range quite a bit depending on where you're based (are you in the center of Paris or a smaller city). Day to day costs for players is a bit higher here, but many clubs help cover the core expenses for imports here from living situations to transportion and more.

Weather/Climate:

Diverse (Regional)
Diverse regional climates. Northern regions have cooler rainy weather while the Mediterranean south is warm and sunny. Alpine regions have cold winters (28-38°F/-2 to 3°C) with snow.

Proximity of Travel:

Central Hub

France is centrally located in Western Europe to reach a number of different areas whether it's London and Amsterdam, East into Germany, or heading south into the Alps. High-speed trains make European travel effortless.

Hockey Culture:

On the Rise

France's hockey scene continues to strengthen.

The top leagues here have improved significantly over the years, attracting quality imports and developing local talent, and the sport is gaining more visibility nationally.

Leagues

The top ice hockey league in France is called Ligue Magnus, followed by Division 1 (France2), Division 2 (France3), and Division 3 (France4).

France also has several youth and junior levels such as U18, U20, etc.

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