What do I need to know before retiring in France?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to France, they said...
"Expats looking to retire in France should be aware that the country has a high cost of living and wages may not match those from their home country. Additionally, due to the language barrier, learning French is essential for effective communication. Retirees should also familiarize themselves with the various visa and residency requirements before embarking on the move. It is also helpful to research and know the cultural norms and customs in France as this will help them better integrate into the French lifestyle. Lastly, expats should consider the healthcare options they will have access to in the French system, and obtain coverage to avoid any medical expenses that are not covered," wrote a member who made the move to France.

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With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.
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"Nice town but speaking French is a big advantage as the most spoken languages are French (suprise, suprise) and German. Very few people speak much English that I have found so far," explained one expat living in Strasbourg, France.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in France?
- How do I meet people in France?
- What is life like in France?
- Is there a lot of crime in France?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in France accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in France like?
- Is the cost of living in France high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in France?
- What are healthcare services like in France?
- Is the cost of living in France high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in France?
- What is the weather like in France?
- Are there good restaurants in France?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in France?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in France?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in France?
- What do I need to know when buying property in France?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in France?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before retiring in France?
If you live in France, newcomers to France would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of InternationalTravel.ai and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and InternationalTravel.ai, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.