This post will be longer than usual, but we have a very specific and important agenda here: to answer a burning question from a reader’s comment last week, which may be a question quite a few of you have (especially since America seems to be sinking into polarization, ill manners, and gun violence. Sigh). I also know many of you will have good answers to Carol's questions: you've been there. So readers, here are my thoughts and I hope some of you expats and immigrants will share yours.
Our reader Carol asks: I’m originally from the South and thinking about retiring to France in a few years with my Wyoming husband. We live in Colorado, but the house prices here have more than tripled. And with the violence here, we want to leave. Each year, we visit France, and have grown to love it and the people. We’ve passed the French A1 language exam. Not very good with French, but we’re trying to learn. Any words of encouragement? We’re scared of being left out of life there for lack of knowing much French. We can order at a restaurant fairly well but that’s about it. I’ll be 61 when we retire. We’re both engineers, so math inclined but shy and not very social. Comes with being engineers – as the hubby says – Good with numbers, not so good with people. But we love France. Any thoughts on a fulltime life in France for newbie older shy Americans?
Oui, we have thoughts!
Carol, you are dealing with a question that so many of us face when we retire: Are we up for an adventure? Jump right in, or play it safe? Should we follow our dream?
Your question echoes some of the concerns we had when we up and moved full-time to France (also with minimal language skills). I love that you are thinking this through carefully and I love that you contemplating an adventure that will push you both a bit. There is no question, it’s a bold move. It will pop you right out of your comfortable box and into a new world, full of challenges, rich experiences, an education you couldn’t get any other way, and a fabulous new lifestyle.
So let’s break down your questions. First of all, you have a great head start: you love France, you’re motivated, and you’re obviously committed to learning French. If you continue your language learning (which will get a huge boost when you get there) and find someone in France to help you a bit, you should be fine. We did fine, even though we moved deep into the countryside, where bi-lingual French speakers are not as common as in big cities.
Let me say up front that our experience has been so incredibly wonderful, the best move we ever made, that I will be full of words of encouragement. I'm clearly biased. But I will also say that, after 20 years and meeting a gazillion expats and immigrants, I only know one (British) couple who could not adjust, and turned around and went home.
It may help to ask yourselves these questions: What’s the worst that can happen? Can I bail out if it doesn’t work? When we moved, we decided we would stay as long as we were having fun, that was our only commitment.
It may help ease your mind if you make your move a little bit gradually. Rent a gîte (a French vacation rental) for a month in an area you like, and pretend to be locals, not tourists. Then pick another area and rent for a month, and so on. It’s also a great way to figure out which region is right for you, if that’s an issue.
Then, when you finally make the big move (as we did—we sold our house and furniture, packed the cat, and off we went), we rented a longer-term place instead of buying right away. We ended up buying a house after a year, then spending two years on renovations, so we rented for three years total. Renting also helped us pinpoint the exact place we wanted to buy. And by the time we were ready to start the renovation, we had friends to advise and help us along.
Now let’s talk about being “newbie shy Americans”.
The French are reserved too, especially compared to Americans. So you are going to have to put yourself out there a bit, to get started, but you may find that your reserved personalities mean that you fit in nicely. The French love to be helpful, and they are especially pleased when folks make the effort to learn their language. The French in our small village were incredibly patient and supportive, we were quite touched by it all.
Your commitment to learning the language is going to serve you well, and speaking French will vastly enrich your life there. Living there is the best immersion experience there is, but keep studying. Becoming fluent is a lifelong challenge for most of us.
But how to manage until your French is up to speed? Our answer, is to find an ANGEL. That is, a kind person to take you under their wings. We’ve found that most expats who move here manage to find one or more, usually serendipitously. It might be a friendly local shopkeeper, or a bookstore owner, or a French neighbor who speaks English, or an expat neighbor. We were blessed to find several generous French friends and expats to help us. These folks can help you navigate daily life until you’re settled in, and introduce you to others. Be kind to them, they really are les anges.
One thing that was not on our planning list when we chose an area, but it should have been: Where and how and with whom, can we make friends? We were super lucky: we happened to pick a region where the French are especially friendly and there are expats from all over Europe. Expats, far from home, tend to develop a special bond.
One tip to get started: once you move there—or even on one of those month-long séjours—find a French teacher who has a conversation group or a group French class. With luck you’ll find a sympathetic French person plus some expats/immigrants to befriend.
So let's talk more about meeting people. You can plan ahead for this, in a way.
There are many beautiful rural properties that are what the French call isolée: sitting all alone in the countryside. That’s fine if that’s your thing, but it won’t help your French much, or help you find friends. We chose a house that was in the heart of a village, with neighbors passing by to chat with. We got out on the street, and we got involved. If you go to a bigger town, you may find established expat groups (there is one in Beaune, for example, a mix of French and expats).
Expat communities vary by region. Nearly all European expats speak excellent English. In Burgundy we are close to a number of borders, and the gorgeous countryside attracts other Europeans. Our village of 40, which was essentially 2 blocks long, is a case in point. On our street there were French folks of course, and also: Italians, Dutch, Brits, Belgians, and Germans. It was a wonderful international mix which made for some great dinner parties!
If you want to be around lots of Brits, the west and the southwest are the most populated. Google searches can help you here, as there are maps of where the expats tend to flock, and by which nationality.
Ron's tip for making friends: hang around French weekly markets! The locals will linger over a coffee, it's very much a social event and a way to meet neighbors.
Carol, I hope this has been helpful. In a future post, we’ll go over some of the practicalities of moving—taxes, insurance, and so on. But for now, I’ll turn your question over to our readers. What advice do you have for Carol and her husband?
In the Comments: our guest blogger Natalia responds to your comments: "Lynn, thank you again for giving me the honor of writing a guest post, and now(!) for the opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to the kind people who made such wonderful comments. Their words meant so much to me."
Favorite READS: Suzanne loves Cara Black's Aimee Leduc series becuase it’s almost as good as being in Paris. And that says a lot. Su has a book for us, Not So Wild a Dream, with Eric Sevareid writing about his experiences as a young journalist in WWII. And speaking of the expat life, cruise over to Kristi's French Word-A-Day blog to read about filing expat taxes, the easy way.
In this new age of outrage and hate that seems to be seeping into the culture–what better book than one on old-fashioned hospitality and good manners! Everyday Hospitality is a sweet little book with big things to say. It's written by my dear friend Thea Jarvis. I keep a stack on hand for host/hostess gifts. What better way to thank friends for their warm hospitality! The Gift of Grandparenting is another lovely book by Thea.
63 thoughts on “Should You, Could You, Move to France?”
Indeed, the million dollar question! Five years ago, I made the decision to move. I had been considering it for more than 20 years, and had done my research traveling around various parts of France to decide where I wanted to live. In the process, I created a spreadsheet with my housing wishlist that was constantly updated the more I saw. The only drawback I have found is missing my family and friends. I don’t like to think about it too much, because I am single. But it does concern me as I get older about how I will manage. Fortunately, the French healthcare system works well to assist the aged and keep them in their homes. Still, I hope social isolation, despite the fact I live in a village, won’t be an issue. I must be honest in saying it scares me. I have discussed this with my French neighbors and have been told that my neighbors will take care of me. From the beginning, they have been awesome and very welcoming. They work with me to acquire additional vocabulary and expressions. I count my blessings.
Regarding French, I had five years between high school and college, and then had a global career where I worked with people who spoke French. So I’ve been working on it for most of my life. Regardless, I wanted to take classes when I got here and discovered in those classes Anglophones who had no background whatsoever in grammar. Without that, French is really hard. So, I began teaching. I’m on my fourth class, and the first class has now advanced to pure conversation with a native French woman to whom I turned it over. I took them as far as I could working through a series of texts on grammar, conjugations, vocabulary, and communications. Once we finished the A1/A2 level, we were at a point where a native speaker was an imperative. It’s worked really well. One of the women in the initial class, an American, recently took an exam for her five year visa and achieved the B1 level. She is proof that what we have done has worked. I teach via the AVF organization in Carcassonne which stands for Acceuil Village Français. It is the equivalent of Welcome Wagon in the United States. In addition to social offerings, they offer classes provided by volunteers like myself. All it costs is €40 a year for membership. There are branches all over France. I have made many friends, French, Irish, English, Australian etc via this program.
I also sit on the advisory council for our village church, a medieval historical monument. It has a famous pipe organ currently under restoration that will be reinstalled by the end of the year. As a one-time organist, this organization is of particular interest but has made me additional friends including the mayor of our village and demonstrates my willingness to be involved.
Next year I can not only apply for a 5 or 10 year visa, but also citizenship. My voluntary activities will stand in my favor as this is an important factor in the discernment process. It was my dream to move to France based on my mother’s French Canadian heritage. Exposure to this culture as a child created a burning desire to learn the language. Travel (business and personal) increased my love and I finally decided I need to be here. I have no regrets and expect I will be here for the long-haul.
Should any readers come to this part of France, I would be happy to meet with you to integrate. There is a lot to do initially, but one finds that once in the system, things work very well. Life in France is thrilling for many reasons. Two that stand out for me are the “politesse” of society, even down to the children, and equality. Since the French Revolution in 1789, the country’s slogan of “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood) permeates all aspects of daily life. People here are not ostentatious. The focus is on family, respect, and quality of life. It is a generous nation for we expats with regard to social benefits like healthcare (guaranteed after three months with permanent resident status). Taxes are low as is housing. It is perfect for retirees who have a reasonable cushion and income to pass the initial assessment.
Life is an adventure and in these my “golden years”, I am grateful for the opportunity to have such a great existence. The possibilities are endless as I explore the region, read its history and learn its language. In the expat community I have also met some very interesting people, all driven like me for a new adventure. I encourage anyone whose souls burns for this experience to plan carefully. As Lynn has suggested, come s d check it out. Travel around to identify where you might like to live. Don’t rush in without due diligence. Tap into the wisdom of the Facebook groups like Americans Living in France to get answers to your questions. With careful planning, you will have no regrets.
Indeed, the million dollar question! Five years ago, I made the decision to move. I had been considering it for more than 20 years, and had done my research traveling around various parts of France to decide where I wanted to live. In the process, I created a spreadsheet with my housing wishlist that was constantly updated the more I saw. The only drawback I have found is missing my family and friends. I don’t like to think about it too much, because I am single. But it does concern me as I get older about how I will manage. Fortunately, the French healthcare system works well to assist the aged and keep them in their homes. Still, I hope social isolation, despite the fact I live in a village, won’t be an issue. I must be honest in saying it scares me. I have discussed this with my French neighbors and have been told that my neighbors will take care of me. From the beginning, they have been awesome and very welcoming. They work with me to acquire additional vocabulary and expressions. I count my blessings.
Regarding French, I had five years between high school and college, and then had a global career where I worked with people who spoke French. So I’ve been working on it for most of my life. Regardless, I wanted to take classes when I got here and discovered in those classes Anglophones who had no background whatsoever in grammar. Without that, French is really hard. So, I began teaching. I’m on my fourth class, and the first class has now advanced to pure conversation with a native French woman to whom I turned it over. I took them as far as I could working through a series of texts on grammar, conjugations, vocabulary, and communications. Once we finished the A1/A2 level, we were at a point where a native speaker was an imperative. It’s worked really well. One of the women in the initial class, an American, recently took an exam for her five year visa and achieved the B1 level. She is proof that what we have done has worked. I teach via the AVF organization in Carcassonne which stands for Acceuil Village Français. It is the equivalent of Welcome Wagon in the United States. In addition to social offerings, they offer classes provided by volunteers like myself. All it costs is €40 a year for membership. There are branches all over France. I have made many friends, French, Irish, English, Australian etc via this program.
I also sit on the advisory council for our village church, a medieval historical monument. It has a famous pipe organ currently under restoration that will be reinstalled by the end of the year. As a one-time organist, this organization is of particular interest but has made me additional friends including the mayor of our village and demonstrates my willingness to be involved.
Next year I can not only apply for a 5 or 10 year visa, but also citizenship. My voluntary activities will stand in my favor as this is an important factor in the discernment process. It was my dream to move to France based on my mother’s French Canadian heritage. Exposure to this culture as a child created a burning desire to learn the language. Travel (business and personal) increased my love and I finally decided I need to be here. I have no regrets and expect I will be here for the long-haul.
Should any readers come to this part of France, I would be happy to meet with you to integrate. There is a lot to do initially, but one finds that once in the system, things work very well. Life in France is thrilling for many reasons. Two that stand out for me are the “politesse” of society, even down to the children, and equality. Since the French Revolution in 1789, the country’s slogan of “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood) permeates all aspects of daily life. People here are not ostentatious. The focus is on family, respect, and quality of life. It is a generous nation for we expats with regard to social benefits like healthcare (guaranteed after three months with permanent resident status). Taxes are low as is housing. It is perfect for retirees who have a reasonable cushion and income to pass the initial assessment.
Life is an adventure and in these my “golden years”, I am grateful for the opportunity to have such a great existence. The possibilities are endless as I explore the region, read its history and learn its language. In the expat community I have also met some very interesting people, all driven like me for a new adventure. I encourage anyone whose souls burns for this experience to plan carefully. As Lynn has suggested, come s d check it out. Travel around to identify where you might like to live. Don’t rush in without due diligence. Tap into the wisdom of the Facebook groups like Americans Living in France to get answers to your questions. With careful planning, you will have no regrets.
Indeed, the million dollar question! Five years ago, I made the decision to move. I had been considering it for more than 20 years, and had done my research traveling around various parts of France to decide where I wanted to live. In the process, I created a spreadsheet with my housing wishlist that was constantly updated the more I saw. The only drawback I have found is missing my family and friends. I don’t like to think about it too much, because I am single. But it does concern me as I get older about how I will manage. Fortunately, the French healthcare system works well to assist the aged and keep them in their homes. Still, I hope social isolation, despite the fact I live in a village, won’t be an issue. I must be honest in saying it scares me. I have discussed this with my French neighbors and have been told that my neighbors will take care of me. From the beginning, they have been awesome and very welcoming. They work with me to acquire additional vocabulary and expressions. I count my blessings.
Regarding French, I had five years between high school and college, and then had a global career where I worked with people who spoke French. So I’ve been working on it for most of my life. Regardless, I wanted to take classes when I got here and discovered in those classes Anglophones who had no background whatsoever in grammar. Without that, French is really hard. So, I began teaching. I’m on my fourth class, and the first class has now advanced to pure conversation with a native French woman to whom I turned it over. I took them as far as I could working through a series of texts on grammar, conjugations, vocabulary, and communications. Once we finished the A1/A2 level, we were at a point where a native speaker was an imperative. It’s worked really well. One of the women in the initial class, an American, recently took an exam for her five year visa and achieved the B1 level. She is proof that what we have done has worked. I teach via the AVF organization in Carcassonne which stands for Acceuil Village Français. It is the equivalent of Welcome Wagon in the United States. In addition to social offerings, they offer classes provided by volunteers like myself. All it costs is €40 a year for membership. There are branches all over France. I have made many friends, French, Irish, English, Australian etc via this program.
I also sit on the advisory council for our village church, a medieval historical monument. It has a famous pipe organ currently under restoration that will be reinstalled by the end of the year. As a one-time organist, this organization is of particular interest but has made me additional friends including the mayor of our village and demonstrates my willingness to be involved.
Next year I can not only apply for a 5 or 10 year visa, but also citizenship. My voluntary activities will stand in my favor as this is an important factor in the discernment process. It was my dream to move to France based on my mother’s French Canadian heritage. Exposure to this culture as a child created a burning desire to learn the language. Travel (business and personal) increased my love and I finally decided I need to be here. I have no regrets and expect I will be here for the long-haul.
Should any readers come to this part of France, I would be happy to meet with you to integrate. There is a lot to do initially, but one finds that once in the system, things work very well. Life in France is thrilling for many reasons. Two that stand out for me are the “politesse” of society, even down to the children, and equality. Since the French Revolution in 1789, the country’s slogan of “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood) permeates all aspects of daily life. People here are not ostentatious. The focus is on family, respect, and quality of life. It is a generous nation for we expats with regard to social benefits like healthcare (guaranteed after three months with permanent resident status). Taxes are low as is housing. It is perfect for retirees who have a reasonable cushion and income to pass the initial assessment.
Life is an adventure and in these my “golden years”, I am grateful for the opportunity to have such a great existence. The possibilities are endless as I explore the region, read its history and learn its language. In the expat community I have also met some very interesting people, all driven like me for a new adventure. I encourage anyone whose souls burns for this experience to plan carefully. As Lynn has suggested, come s d check it out. Travel around to identify where you might like to live. Don’t rush in without due diligence. Tap into the wisdom of the Facebook groups like Americans Living in France to get answers to your questions. With careful planning, you will have no regrets.
Bonjour Lynn
You make excellent points.
I think it would be interesting also to know about banking and getting US retirement wired to French banks. I am a French citizen so I can own a bank account but not sure about foreign nationals. I have heard all kinds of stories. Thanks.
Francine Martinie Chough
Bonjour Lynn
You make excellent points.
I think it would be interesting also to know about banking and getting US retirement wired to French banks. I am a French citizen so I can own a bank account but not sure about foreign nationals. I have heard all kinds of stories. Thanks.
Francine Martinie Chough
Bonjour Lynn
You make excellent points.
I think it would be interesting also to know about banking and getting US retirement wired to French banks. I am a French citizen so I can own a bank account but not sure about foreign nationals. I have heard all kinds of stories. Thanks.
Francine Martinie Chough
Phew! All good information for someone interested in moving to France. It doesn’t seem to be in the cards for me despite the fact that I have hankered for it most of my life starting in high school. Now that we’re beyond the Covid crisis (not that I’m fooled into thinking it’s completely behind us), we will resume our annual visits starting in two days, in fact. I would agree that French language learning is critical. I work at it every single day–watching French news, weekly get togethers with my French-speaking friend, reading French books, watching French t.v. But I’ve worked at it in varied concentrations of effort since I was very young with conversation groups, the US foreign service language training tapes that I borrowed from the public library (I even wore them out), then the same raining recorded on CDs, which I purchased. I will always appreciate France and wish Carol the best in pursuing her adventure. Bon courage. Chris
Phew! All good information for someone interested in moving to France. It doesn’t seem to be in the cards for me despite the fact that I have hankered for it most of my life starting in high school. Now that we’re beyond the Covid crisis (not that I’m fooled into thinking it’s completely behind us), we will resume our annual visits starting in two days, in fact. I would agree that French language learning is critical. I work at it every single day–watching French news, weekly get togethers with my French-speaking friend, reading French books, watching French t.v. But I’ve worked at it in varied concentrations of effort since I was very young with conversation groups, the US foreign service language training tapes that I borrowed from the public library (I even wore them out), then the same raining recorded on CDs, which I purchased. I will always appreciate France and wish Carol the best in pursuing her adventure. Bon courage. Chris
Phew! All good information for someone interested in moving to France. It doesn’t seem to be in the cards for me despite the fact that I have hankered for it most of my life starting in high school. Now that we’re beyond the Covid crisis (not that I’m fooled into thinking it’s completely behind us), we will resume our annual visits starting in two days, in fact. I would agree that French language learning is critical. I work at it every single day–watching French news, weekly get togethers with my French-speaking friend, reading French books, watching French t.v. But I’ve worked at it in varied concentrations of effort since I was very young with conversation groups, the US foreign service language training tapes that I borrowed from the public library (I even wore them out), then the same raining recorded on CDs, which I purchased. I will always appreciate France and wish Carol the best in pursuing her adventure. Bon courage. Chris
We were lucky and found people with whom we could connect, retired professionals from Lyon and, as I come from a farming family, farmers.
There was a British couple from London living in the village and they tried to buy their way in, inviting people to lavish parties and too much alcohol. The French do not entertain in this way and they couldn’t reciprocate.
Also, living in the country, la France Profonde, is not for everyone. Our nearest supermarket is 20 minutes away and there are no shops in our village.
We are lucky that we no longer live in UK as the French Health Service is looking after us very well.
There are, however, medical deserts, where there is a lack of GP’s.
We would never go back to UK.
We were lucky and found people with whom we could connect, retired professionals from Lyon and, as I come from a farming family, farmers.
There was a British couple from London living in the village and they tried to buy their way in, inviting people to lavish parties and too much alcohol. The French do not entertain in this way and they couldn’t reciprocate.
Also, living in the country, la France Profonde, is not for everyone. Our nearest supermarket is 20 minutes away and there are no shops in our village.
We are lucky that we no longer live in UK as the French Health Service is looking after us very well.
There are, however, medical deserts, where there is a lack of GP’s.
We would never go back to UK.
We were lucky and found people with whom we could connect, retired professionals from Lyon and, as I come from a farming family, farmers.
There was a British couple from London living in the village and they tried to buy their way in, inviting people to lavish parties and too much alcohol. The French do not entertain in this way and they couldn’t reciprocate.
Also, living in the country, la France Profonde, is not for everyone. Our nearest supermarket is 20 minutes away and there are no shops in our village.
We are lucky that we no longer live in UK as the French Health Service is looking after us very well.
There are, however, medical deserts, where there is a lack of GP’s.
We would never go back to UK.
As always, Lynn, your advice and comments are so kind, generous, and encouraging to those considering this question! As a part-time resident of Burgundy since 2005, I’d like to also emphasize the power of learning the language, especially if your goal is anything like ours was: To immerse ourselves in this beautiful culture we had come to love so dearly. Otherwise, there is a strong tendency to default to only making friends with other English-speaking expats who may cross your path. When we first bought our 2nd home, I already spoke fairly decent French, though my husband’s skills at that time were way more on the fundamental side. Even for us, we occasionally became overwhelmed with the learning curve and sometimes kind of “defaulted” to hanging out with native English speakers, some of whom we, came to learn, didn’t interact with their French neighbors much at all. What we discovered in the process is that sometimes it turns out that a common language is the ONLY thing you truly share in common! 🙂 So, hats off to you, Carol, for your commitment to learning French. Whether you decide to move to France or just decide to be a frequent visitor in your retirement, I can promise you that you will never regret the time you put into this endeavor!
Toujours avec mes meilleurs voeux,
Carolyn Thompson
Albuquerque, New Mexico USA and Pommard, France
As always, Lynn, your advice and comments are so kind, generous, and encouraging to those considering this question! As a part-time resident of Burgundy since 2005, I’d like to also emphasize the power of learning the language, especially if your goal is anything like ours was: To immerse ourselves in this beautiful culture we had come to love so dearly. Otherwise, there is a strong tendency to default to only making friends with other English-speaking expats who may cross your path. When we first bought our 2nd home, I already spoke fairly decent French, though my husband’s skills at that time were way more on the fundamental side. Even for us, we occasionally became overwhelmed with the learning curve and sometimes kind of “defaulted” to hanging out with native English speakers, some of whom we, came to learn, didn’t interact with their French neighbors much at all. What we discovered in the process is that sometimes it turns out that a common language is the ONLY thing you truly share in common! 🙂 So, hats off to you, Carol, for your commitment to learning French. Whether you decide to move to France or just decide to be a frequent visitor in your retirement, I can promise you that you will never regret the time you put into this endeavor!
Toujours avec mes meilleurs voeux,
Carolyn Thompson
Albuquerque, New Mexico USA and Pommard, France
As always, Lynn, your advice and comments are so kind, generous, and encouraging to those considering this question! As a part-time resident of Burgundy since 2005, I’d like to also emphasize the power of learning the language, especially if your goal is anything like ours was: To immerse ourselves in this beautiful culture we had come to love so dearly. Otherwise, there is a strong tendency to default to only making friends with other English-speaking expats who may cross your path. When we first bought our 2nd home, I already spoke fairly decent French, though my husband’s skills at that time were way more on the fundamental side. Even for us, we occasionally became overwhelmed with the learning curve and sometimes kind of “defaulted” to hanging out with native English speakers, some of whom we, came to learn, didn’t interact with their French neighbors much at all. What we discovered in the process is that sometimes it turns out that a common language is the ONLY thing you truly share in common! 🙂 So, hats off to you, Carol, for your commitment to learning French. Whether you decide to move to France or just decide to be a frequent visitor in your retirement, I can promise you that you will never regret the time you put into this endeavor!
Toujours avec mes meilleurs voeux,
Carolyn Thompson
Albuquerque, New Mexico USA and Pommard, France
How old is too old to move to France? My plans were delayed as my parents began their decline, then they were gone, and COVID arrived. Was going to move in my 60’s, am now in my 70’s.
How old is too old to move to France? My plans were delayed as my parents began their decline, then they were gone, and COVID arrived. Was going to move in my 60’s, am now in my 70’s.
How old is too old to move to France? My plans were delayed as my parents began their decline, then they were gone, and COVID arrived. Was going to move in my 60’s, am now in my 70’s.
Lynn, thank you for this wonderful and informative post–one filled with so very many helpful (and useful) suggestions.(not to mention those pictures!)_Though we are now past the age of considering a move, one tip you mentioned is especially spot on(one we’ve also used): rent a gite for an (extended) time and try out life in that area before moving lock,stock and barrel(!)
Thank you also for allowing me to thank the kind people who took the time to send their comments on my guest post!I so appreciated it!
My book suggestion: Expect A Miracle by Danielle Steele.Her work is always reliably good,with nice endings,but this one is different– she was given an antique book with blank pages by her grandmother,and she filled it with sayings,quotes,Bible verses(whatever struck her fancy at the time).Her entries are interesting anyway but especially so for me because I’ve been doing the same thing for quite a few years now.It’s fun to go back and revisit various times in my life and remember what was then going on to prompt me to choose what I did.In retrospect, the only thing I would’ve done differently is to put a sticker on the front of each book stating the year. Makes it so much easier when I want to revisit past thoughts .
Lynn, thank you for this wonderful and informative post–one filled with so very many helpful (and useful) suggestions.(not to mention those pictures!)_Though we are now past the age of considering a move, one tip you mentioned is especially spot on(one we’ve also used): rent a gite for an (extended) time and try out life in that area before moving lock,stock and barrel(!)
Thank you also for allowing me to thank the kind people who took the time to send their comments on my guest post!I so appreciated it!
My book suggestion: Expect A Miracle by Danielle Steele.Her work is always reliably good,with nice endings,but this one is different– she was given an antique book with blank pages by her grandmother,and she filled it with sayings,quotes,Bible verses(whatever struck her fancy at the time).Her entries are interesting anyway but especially so for me because I’ve been doing the same thing for quite a few years now.It’s fun to go back and revisit various times in my life and remember what was then going on to prompt me to choose what I did.In retrospect, the only thing I would’ve done differently is to put a sticker on the front of each book stating the year. Makes it so much easier when I want to revisit past thoughts .
Lynn, thank you for this wonderful and informative post–one filled with so very many helpful (and useful) suggestions.(not to mention those pictures!)_Though we are now past the age of considering a move, one tip you mentioned is especially spot on(one we’ve also used): rent a gite for an (extended) time and try out life in that area before moving lock,stock and barrel(!)
Thank you also for allowing me to thank the kind people who took the time to send their comments on my guest post!I so appreciated it!
My book suggestion: Expect A Miracle by Danielle Steele.Her work is always reliably good,with nice endings,but this one is different– she was given an antique book with blank pages by her grandmother,and she filled it with sayings,quotes,Bible verses(whatever struck her fancy at the time).Her entries are interesting anyway but especially so for me because I’ve been doing the same thing for quite a few years now.It’s fun to go back and revisit various times in my life and remember what was then going on to prompt me to choose what I did.In retrospect, the only thing I would’ve done differently is to put a sticker on the front of each book stating the year. Makes it so much easier when I want to revisit past thoughts .
I have been wanting to move for years to France,and my husband is French!. We are 72 now! Very healthy. But we would have to rent , since I think it would be so difficult for our daughter to sell a house in France that she inherits. Easier in Taos, NM. I am a citizen of the world and relate to Europe culture more than the USA, esp w/ deteriorating conditions amidst violence. We really must come at least for a trail 3 month stay w/ our dog to really decide.
I have been wanting to move for years to France,and my husband is French!. We are 72 now! Very healthy. But we would have to rent , since I think it would be so difficult for our daughter to sell a house in France that she inherits. Easier in Taos, NM. I am a citizen of the world and relate to Europe culture more than the USA, esp w/ deteriorating conditions amidst violence. We really must come at least for a trail 3 month stay w/ our dog to really decide.
I have been wanting to move for years to France,and my husband is French!. We are 72 now! Very healthy. But we would have to rent , since I think it would be so difficult for our daughter to sell a house in France that she inherits. Easier in Taos, NM. I am a citizen of the world and relate to Europe culture more than the USA, esp w/ deteriorating conditions amidst violence. We really must come at least for a trail 3 month stay w/ our dog to really decide.
It was a huge step when we sold and moved from California to Taos, NM 6 years ago. But we keep going back to France every year, and we really should just move to France. My husband is French too! It is a difficult choice when there is family here, although a small family. We did find that no one comes to visit us in Taos, so that is not an excuse to stay. It is a great place to be retired, but I miss France and Italy, and Portugal and all of the other countries! We need a push! Being 72 is a concern of course, although we are both very healthy and cyclists. Thanks for this great article and responses that folks have made. Someone push us! My needs: , a house, a yard for the dog, an AC even if a mini split, good heating system-our radiant floor heating in our mountain home is superb, a shower-not a bath tub w/ shower head, character & no shiny white floors. Did I ask for much?? Hah!
It was a huge step when we sold and moved from California to Taos, NM 6 years ago. But we keep going back to France every year, and we really should just move to France. My husband is French too! It is a difficult choice when there is family here, although a small family. We did find that no one comes to visit us in Taos, so that is not an excuse to stay. It is a great place to be retired, but I miss France and Italy, and Portugal and all of the other countries! We need a push! Being 72 is a concern of course, although we are both very healthy and cyclists. Thanks for this great article and responses that folks have made. Someone push us! My needs: , a house, a yard for the dog, an AC even if a mini split, good heating system-our radiant floor heating in our mountain home is superb, a shower-not a bath tub w/ shower head, character & no shiny white floors. Did I ask for much?? Hah!
It was a huge step when we sold and moved from California to Taos, NM 6 years ago. But we keep going back to France every year, and we really should just move to France. My husband is French too! It is a difficult choice when there is family here, although a small family. We did find that no one comes to visit us in Taos, so that is not an excuse to stay. It is a great place to be retired, but I miss France and Italy, and Portugal and all of the other countries! We need a push! Being 72 is a concern of course, although we are both very healthy and cyclists. Thanks for this great article and responses that folks have made. Someone push us! My needs: , a house, a yard for the dog, an AC even if a mini split, good heating system-our radiant floor heating in our mountain home is superb, a shower-not a bath tub w/ shower head, character & no shiny white floors. Did I ask for much?? Hah!
Hello readers of Lynn’s wonderful blog,
I met Lynn and Ron two years ago and I can only say to everyone, follow your dream like they did!
I am not quite in the same situation as you are, I am Dutch, 39 years old, living in France for 14 years now, but I did start my own company too help people from abroad make their dream come true in France.
So I might even be able to help you.
Don’t hesitate to contact me or take a look on my website.
http://www.mp-exclusive.com
contact@mp-exclusive.com
Bon week-end,
Marit
Hello readers of Lynn’s wonderful blog,
I met Lynn and Ron two years ago and I can only say to everyone, follow your dream like they did!
I am not quite in the same situation as you are, I am Dutch, 39 years old, living in France for 14 years now, but I did start my own company too help people from abroad make their dream come true in France.
So I might even be able to help you.
Don’t hesitate to contact me or take a look on my website.
http://www.mp-exclusive.com
contact@mp-exclusive.com
Bon week-end,
Marit
Hello readers of Lynn’s wonderful blog,
I met Lynn and Ron two years ago and I can only say to everyone, follow your dream like they did!
I am not quite in the same situation as you are, I am Dutch, 39 years old, living in France for 14 years now, but I did start my own company too help people from abroad make their dream come true in France.
So I might even be able to help you.
Don’t hesitate to contact me or take a look on my website.
http://www.mp-exclusive.com
contact@mp-exclusive.com
Bon week-end,
Marit
Have known Tom for several years and privileged to visit with him in
his home in France. Have always admired and supported his gutsiness to move to France.
Have known Tom for several years and privileged to visit with him in
his home in France. Have always admired and supported his gutsiness to move to France.
Have known Tom for several years and privileged to visit with him in
his home in France. Have always admired and supported his gutsiness to move to France.
My husband and I moved to France 11 years ago when I was 58 and he was 70. We have lived in Bordeaux, the suburbs of Bordeaux, in the countryside in the Dordogne area and now in a small village in the Charente. My French is quite good and my husband continues to study and improve. Our life here has been filled with wonderful, life changing experiences that we wouldn’t trade for the world. Perhaps because we’ve moved so frequently we have not made a huge circle of friends, but we do have two couples that we are close to. For ten years I thought that we would remain in France forever, particularly seeing what’s happening in the US (we are both American). But with age and some health issues the picture has changed somewhat. Despite the excellence of the French healthcare system, it’s extremely difficult to navigate through a health issue and conjugate verbs at the same time. There are additional medical treatments in store for me so for the first time we’re thinking about moving back to the States, if only for half a year. Life as an expat is not always easy; negotiating French bureaucracy can be a nightmare and I would caution anyone who is thinking of doing this to take off the rosé colored glasses and think about the very realistic downsides..I’m not saying that I wouldn’t do this over again, it’s been fabulous, but with age the issue becomes much more complex.
My husband and I moved to France 11 years ago when I was 58 and he was 70. We have lived in Bordeaux, the suburbs of Bordeaux, in the countryside in the Dordogne area and now in a small village in the Charente. My French is quite good and my husband continues to study and improve. Our life here has been filled with wonderful, life changing experiences that we wouldn’t trade for the world. Perhaps because we’ve moved so frequently we have not made a huge circle of friends, but we do have two couples that we are close to. For ten years I thought that we would remain in France forever, particularly seeing what’s happening in the US (we are both American). But with age and some health issues the picture has changed somewhat. Despite the excellence of the French healthcare system, it’s extremely difficult to navigate through a health issue and conjugate verbs at the same time. There are additional medical treatments in store for me so for the first time we’re thinking about moving back to the States, if only for half a year. Life as an expat is not always easy; negotiating French bureaucracy can be a nightmare and I would caution anyone who is thinking of doing this to take off the rosé colored glasses and think about the very realistic downsides..I’m not saying that I wouldn’t do this over again, it’s been fabulous, but with age the issue becomes much more complex.
My husband and I moved to France 11 years ago when I was 58 and he was 70. We have lived in Bordeaux, the suburbs of Bordeaux, in the countryside in the Dordogne area and now in a small village in the Charente. My French is quite good and my husband continues to study and improve. Our life here has been filled with wonderful, life changing experiences that we wouldn’t trade for the world. Perhaps because we’ve moved so frequently we have not made a huge circle of friends, but we do have two couples that we are close to. For ten years I thought that we would remain in France forever, particularly seeing what’s happening in the US (we are both American). But with age and some health issues the picture has changed somewhat. Despite the excellence of the French healthcare system, it’s extremely difficult to navigate through a health issue and conjugate verbs at the same time. There are additional medical treatments in store for me so for the first time we’re thinking about moving back to the States, if only for half a year. Life as an expat is not always easy; negotiating French bureaucracy can be a nightmare and I would caution anyone who is thinking of doing this to take off the rosé colored glasses and think about the very realistic downsides..I’m not saying that I wouldn’t do this over again, it’s been fabulous, but with age the issue becomes much more complex.
Another million dollar question! If you are in good physical health, any age works. Just remember that you will be distant from family and friends. Consider your future and aging in France. Lots to think about!! I was 67 when I bought, now 72. It’s working well as I am very healthy with good genes and expect to have at least another 20 years here. I am setting up my house to age in with stabilizer bars in the shower, toilets, etc., a ground floor bedroom & bath and hopefully a social network that will insure engaged and fulfilling years. Bonne chance!
Another million dollar question! If you are in good physical health, any age works. Just remember that you will be distant from family and friends. Consider your future and aging in France. Lots to think about!! I was 67 when I bought, now 72. It’s working well as I am very healthy with good genes and expect to have at least another 20 years here. I am setting up my house to age in with stabilizer bars in the shower, toilets, etc., a ground floor bedroom & bath and hopefully a social network that will insure engaged and fulfilling years. Bonne chance!
Another million dollar question! If you are in good physical health, any age works. Just remember that you will be distant from family and friends. Consider your future and aging in France. Lots to think about!! I was 67 when I bought, now 72. It’s working well as I am very healthy with good genes and expect to have at least another 20 years here. I am setting up my house to age in with stabilizer bars in the shower, toilets, etc., a ground floor bedroom & bath and hopefully a social network that will insure engaged and fulfilling years. Bonne chance!
My contact info for those of you coming to this part of France and have further questions or would like to meet: tomkazoo@hotmail.com. I also write a blog (but not with Lynn’s diligence): http://www.tomberry.fr. Even retired, I am very busy!!
My contact info for those of you coming to this part of France and have further questions or would like to meet: tomkazoo@hotmail.com. I also write a blog (but not with Lynn’s diligence): http://www.tomberry.fr. Even retired, I am very busy!!
My contact info for those of you coming to this part of France and have further questions or would like to meet: tomkazoo@hotmail.com. I also write a blog (but not with Lynn’s diligence): http://www.tomberry.fr. Even retired, I am very busy!!
Norma, don’t let age deter you. Pack your bags and bicycles and come on. We moved to the Auvergne region less than a year ago and it has been wonderful. Immigrating has been challenging due to the bureaucracy, but we have an angel (as recommended) who had tucked us under her French speaking wings and we are managing. Keep studying French. One major note and recommendation… print everything and keep a notebook with all your dossiers! Use WhatsApp to keep in touch with Tajikistan and fridge around the world. Free and encrypted. Bonne chance!
Norma, don’t let age deter you. Pack your bags and bicycles and come on. We moved to the Auvergne region less than a year ago and it has been wonderful. Immigrating has been challenging due to the bureaucracy, but we have an angel (as recommended) who had tucked us under her French speaking wings and we are managing. Keep studying French. One major note and recommendation… print everything and keep a notebook with all your dossiers! Use WhatsApp to keep in touch with Tajikistan and fridge around the world. Free and encrypted. Bonne chance!
Norma, don’t let age deter you. Pack your bags and bicycles and come on. We moved to the Auvergne region less than a year ago and it has been wonderful. Immigrating has been challenging due to the bureaucracy, but we have an angel (as recommended) who had tucked us under her French speaking wings and we are managing. Keep studying French. One major note and recommendation… print everything and keep a notebook with all your dossiers! Use WhatsApp to keep in touch with Tajikistan and fridge around the world. Free and encrypted. Bonne chance!
Great advice, Lynn! You were so helpful when we were considering our 6-month work assignment. We’re so thankful that we put our nervousness aside…it was absolutely life-changing.
I would definitely consider renting and driving around France until you find the spot that feels like home.
Carol – I also kept a little blog during our time in France, and although I’m not the writer that Lynn is, perhaps you would enjoy reading about our experiences. We also were very limited in our French, so many of the posts have to do with the challenges that it presented. (Just Google “Sixty Steps in the Turret”, it will come up.)
Best of luck to you!
Great advice, Lynn! You were so helpful when we were considering our 6-month work assignment. We’re so thankful that we put our nervousness aside…it was absolutely life-changing.
I would definitely consider renting and driving around France until you find the spot that feels like home.
Carol – I also kept a little blog during our time in France, and although I’m not the writer that Lynn is, perhaps you would enjoy reading about our experiences. We also were very limited in our French, so many of the posts have to do with the challenges that it presented. (Just Google “Sixty Steps in the Turret”, it will come up.)
Best of luck to you!
Great advice, Lynn! You were so helpful when we were considering our 6-month work assignment. We’re so thankful that we put our nervousness aside…it was absolutely life-changing.
I would definitely consider renting and driving around France until you find the spot that feels like home.
Carol – I also kept a little blog during our time in France, and although I’m not the writer that Lynn is, perhaps you would enjoy reading about our experiences. We also were very limited in our French, so many of the posts have to do with the challenges that it presented. (Just Google “Sixty Steps in the Turret”, it will come up.)
Best of luck to you!
Fantastic article. Loved the suggestions and advice
Fantastic article. Loved the suggestions and advice