Video Of The Week: How To Retire To France (And What Life Is Really Like Here)

Intro

Hi, I’m Kat Kalashian for Live and Invest Overseas, coming to you from my home in Paris, France. Today we’re talking about what it’s really like to move to France.

For many people, France is a fairytale destination—full of romance, world-class cuisine, beautiful architecture, and incredible wine. Thanks to movies and stories set in Paris or charming French villages, many people imagine France as an idyllic place to live.

From my own experience, that ideal isn’t far from reality. France is one of the most visited countries in the world, and I’ve been living in Paris since 2018, after previously spending four years here earlier in my life. For me, it truly feels like home.

Of course, no place is perfect. Later in this guide we’ll look at some of the downsides of living in France as well.

Is France as Good as You Think?

France offers many advantages for people considering a move overseas or to Europe. The country has some of the best healthcare systems in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Infrastructure is excellent, with extensive rail networks, public transportation systems, and well-maintained highways.

France is also known for its café culture, art, history, fashion, and culinary traditions. Living here can feel like being in an open-air museum. The country offers sophisticated cities, charming villages, and peaceful countryside landscapes.

One of France’s biggest advantages is the diversity of lifestyles available. Whether you prefer urban living, rural tranquility, mountains, or coastal towns, there’s likely a region that suits your preferences.

Why Should You Consider Moving to France?

Obtaining residency in France can be relatively straightforward. Many expats qualify simply by proving they have sufficient income to support themselves. While the process involves paperwork, many people choose to work with an immigration lawyer to make the process easier.

Healthcare is another major draw. Residents have access to France’s highly regarded public healthcare system regardless of nationality. Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs are also often significantly cheaper than in the United States or Canada.

France is also one of the easiest European countries to access internationally. Paris offers numerous direct flights to North America, while low-cost airlines and high-speed trains make it easy to travel throughout Europe.

Pros of living in France

The biggest advantage of living in France is the quality of life. French culture places a strong emphasis on enjoying life, spending time with friends and family, and appreciating food, wine, and leisure.

Healthcare is world-class and often affordable. In some cases, retirees may have most of their healthcare costs covered, depending on their residency status and income sources.

France is also an excellent base for travel. Its central location in Europe makes it easy to explore neighboring countries by train or short flights.

The country’s geography is incredibly diverse. France offers mountains, beaches, countryside, and vibrant cities, along with an active outdoor culture that includes hiking, cycling, and skiing.

Another highlight is the food and wine. High-quality ingredients, regional specialties, and world-famous wines are widely available—and often surprisingly affordable.

Cons of living in France

Like any country, France also has its challenges. Bureaucracy can be complex, and administrative procedures often involve significant paperwork and waiting times.

Customer service can also feel very different from what many North Americans expect. The customer is not always treated as “king,” and businesses often operate on their own schedules.

Older buildings add charm to many neighborhoods, but they can also lack modern conveniences. Many apartments have no elevators, outdated plumbing, or poor insulation.

Social policies and taxes can also be expensive, particularly if you are contributing to the French social system.

Strikes and public demonstrations are relatively common in France and are often considered part of normal political life.

Culture Shocks

One of the biggest cultural adjustments for many newcomers is the French approach to work and life balance. In France, people generally work to live rather than live to work.

Long lunches, generous vacation time, and strong boundaries around working hours are common. Overtime is less typical, and businesses often close promptly at the end of the day.

The French also tend to value quality over quantity. Rather than owning many inexpensive items, people often prefer fewer, higher-quality possessions.

Language can also be a barrier. While English is widely spoken in Paris and tourist areas, it is less common in smaller towns and rural regions. Learning at least basic French can make daily life much easier and help you integrate into local communities.

Social dynamics can also feel different. Making close friendships with locals may take time, although France has many active expat communities that make it easier for newcomers to settle in.

What Life in France is Like

France is the largest country in Western Europe and offers an enormous variety of lifestyles. You can experience the fast pace of metropolitan Paris, relaxed countryside living, mountain life in the Alps or Pyrenees, or glamorous coastal living along the Côte d’Azur.

The climate also varies depending on the region. Southern France offers warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, while northern regions provide cooler weather and more defined seasons.

France is steeped in history stretching back thousands of years. Roman ruins, medieval villages, and historic architecture can be found throughout the country.

The cultural scene is equally rich, with museums, galleries, theaters, universities, and festivals taking place year-round.

Daily life in France often revolves around enjoying simple pleasures—meeting friends for coffee, sharing meals, and taking time to appreciate food, wine, and conversation.

The Cost of Living in France

France is not considered a low-cost destination, but living here can be more affordable than many people expect.

Paris is the most expensive city in the country, particularly when it comes to housing. However, prices drop significantly once you move outside the capital into smaller cities, towns, or rural areas.

Taxes are relatively high in France, but they help fund the country’s excellent healthcare system, infrastructure, and public services.

Day-to-day expenses such as groceries, locally produced food, and dining out can be very reasonable compared with North America. Public transportation is efficient and reliable, although train travel can sometimes be expensive compared with other European countries.

Overall, while France may not be the cheapest place to live, many expats find that the high quality of life more than makes up for the cost.