As many magnates in the Commonwealth, after a period of education at home he toured Europe. Józef Kanty spent most of his time abroad in France, where he became involved with the pro-French faction in Polish politics supporting king Stanisław Leszczyński.
Józef Kanty's experiences were typical of many influential individuals in the Commonwealth, who followed a similar path after their initial education at home. He then spent most of his time abroad in France, where he became associated with the pro-French faction in Polish politics supporting king Stanisław Leszczyński.