Retire in France: 4 Essential Steps

Step 1: Location, Location, Location

Choosing where to live is your first big decision. Each region offers something different, so consider what matters most to you.

Retire in South of France: Provence

Provence consistently ranks among the best places to retire in France. You’ll get year-round sunshine, proximity to the French Riviera, and those famous lavender fields. Aix-en-Provence offers city amenities, while smaller villages provide authentic French charm. The Mediterranean climate means mild winters and warm summers.

Retire in Brittany France: Coastal Living on a Budget  

Brittany appeals to retirees seeking affordable coastal living. The summers are pleasantly mild, property prices reasonable, and the coastline spectacular. You’ll find charming fishing villages, excellent seafood, and a strong expat community. It’s one of the most budget-friendly options among the best places to retire in France.

Retire in Bordeaux Region: Wine Country with Connections

Wine lovers gravitate toward Bordeaux, but there’s more than just vineyards. The region offers easy train access to Paris, proximity to Spain, and a slightly warmer climate than northern France. The city itself is beautiful, with excellent restaurants and cultural offerings.

Retire in French Countryside: Rural Tranquility

Small villages throughout France offer peaceful retirement living at lower costs. You’ll experience authentic French culture, know your neighbors, and enjoy a slower pace of life. Rural areas represent some of the best value for your retirement budget.

With its warm mediterranean climate and picturesque lavender fields, the Provence region of France is a top destination for expats. Photo by Alexey Fedenkov.

Step 2: France Visa Requirements

Your visa needs depend entirely on your passport. Here’s what you need to know:

European passport holders: You’re all set. Your passport serves as your residence permit.

Married to an EU citizen: Your spouse can apply for your residence permit once you arrive.

Everyone else (including Americans): You’ll need a long-stay visitor’s visa. This requires advance planning and proper documentation, but it’s absolutely doable. The process typically takes 2-3 months, so start early.

Can Americans retire in France? Absolutely. The visa process is straightforward if you follow the requirements and submit complete documentation.

For help with France retirement visa requirements, contact us at yuval@thefrenchway.eu.

Step 3: Get Expat Health Insurance

A big draw for retiring to France, is its socialized healthcare. So how does it work? 

It takes some time to be accepted into the French healthcare system. Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko.

France’s healthcare system is one of the world’s best, but accessing it takes time. During your first year, you’ll need your own private health insurance. This is called “global” or “expat” insurance. Popular options include:

1. ACS
2. Allianz 
3. April
4. AXA
5. BUPA
6. CIGNA Global 
7. IMG Insurance
8. Pacific Prime
9. Pepite-Courtage
10. MOND assure

After the first year, you can apply for your French social security number and join the national system. The government covers most costs, though many retirees add supplemental “mutuelle” insurance for complete coverage. Healthcare costs are significantly lower than many countries, especially compared to the US system.

Step 4: Learn French

Can you retire in France without speaking French? In major cities like Paris or Nice, you might manage with English initially. But learning French dramatically improves your experience, especially in smaller towns or rural areas.

Before You Move: Start with online French classes. We offer courses specifically designed for future expats, focusing on practical vocabulary you’ll actually use.

Once You Arrive: Local municipalities run affordable French classes where you’ll meet other expats and locals. Contact your city hall for information about available programs.

It’s important to have some knowledge of the local language before making the move to another country, and online classes are a great way to learn before you come. Photo by Kampus Production.

Further Reading

Thinking of making a scouting trip to France? Find out here whether or not you’ll need travel authorization before you come.