This is a great guest, who shows there is no expiration date to follow your dreams. It is incredibly heartening. I don't know you but I'm so happy for you, Connie!
After 3 week vacation in France, I’ve started having an idea of moving to France in my retirement, like in 10 years… so plenty of time to ponder over, and would experience it with more vacations in different cities, have been learning French for almost a year now, at A2 level currently
Hello and Bonjour Colleen and Antoin. You have recently had 4 or 5 videos about living, moving and retiring to France. Thank you for all you both and your guest's information. Very helpful!!
I love that Connie moved at 69! I will be taking a recon trip in Feb./March. I studied French in high school and am starting studying again. I’m looking forward to a new adventure.
Hi Connie! I'm a retired American that moved to a village just outside of Strasbourg at 62 almost 1 year ago. Strasbourg is beautiful! Thanks Colleen for the great interview. I can attest to it all!
I must say you ‘guys’ have a very fresh approach to your vlogs… I truly enjoy your content and approach! Congratulations and best wishes for your future success!
22:04 France is in the Schengen zone, so American citizens can be here up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a special visa. (That’s the Schengen Visa Waiver.) If you want to stay more than 90/180, plan on getting a VLS-TS (visitor visa), or have a second, non-Schengen country planned for half of the six months you’d like to stay in Europe. Otherwise you could find yourself overstaying.
My unsolicited advice: Give it two or three years if you really want to try it. The first year or even 18 months can be a bumpy ride, especially with all the bureaucratic paperwork hurdles and the challenges presented by living day-to-day in a new language. (Of course after three years, you’re more than halfway to being able to apply for citizenship! Which will make life so much easier.)
@@shinyshinythings I agree with you. It takes at least one year to get adjusted to a new place (red tape, making friends, finding one's bearings, getting used to another way of life, etc.). But it would also take one year if you moved to the other end of your own country.
I moved to England, like I said in a previous vlog of yours, some 31 years ago. I must say, i love having the NHS, as opposed to the American medical! I love the idea they will never turn you away from the doctor’s or hospital. Do not have to pay for prescriptions aged 60 and older, pregnant, or children under 18, unless a full time student. Children don’t have to pay for dental, either. Makes it easier to travel to other countries in Europe, or not as far. Just got back from visiting Disneyland Paris and I must say, loved it. Would like to travel to other parts of France in the future, since I’ve just recently retired about 3 weeks ago! Love it so far!
It's good to hear the positives of the NHS. There are so many people who speak so negatively about it. I'm a dual US/UK citizen that lives in the U.S. I've never had the NHS because I grew up in the U.S., but I'm considering a move to the UK at some point in my life. And the amount of negative comments about NHS have given me reservations, but it still sounds like a better deal than what we get here in America. Honestly, Brits can talk as badly as they want about their healthcare but I can guarantee none of them would choose U.S. Healthcare over the NHS.
@ I feel the same way, the NHS has unfortunately gone downhill, because of underfunding, and too many administrators and not enough doctors and nurses. BUT, when it works it’s brilliant! You’re right, when I talk to the Brits about moving back to America, I tell them I can’t afford it anymore, they have no idea, or concept about all of my pension and savings would be eaten up with medical insurance and who’s to say they would pay it before the deductible, or find a loop hole! No, I think I’m fine where I’m at, thank you very much!
This is a real gem of a video, great job. 😊 All the common questions are answered here! Just be aware of the visa requirements, and if you want to stay, the worldwide tax and inheritance laws.
❤❤❤ your Vlog guys ! fun and informative all at the same time maybe someday soon you can talk about places like local groceries even pharmacies like how do you get your maintenance medications for senior citizens who plan on retiring in France something like that more power to your Vlog!
PLEASE clarify: the tourist visa allows 90 days of each 180 days, so you can stay for 90 days, then leave for 90 days before returning. It's NOT 6 months.
LOL am I the only person who isn't 'in love' with France? I just like the lifestyle opportunities, the cost of living and the weather is to my taste in the South. I love to travel in Europe and it will be easier and cheaper from France than the US. I also don't drive (Manhattanite) so I am all in on the Public Transport. The whole quality of life thing is what draws me.
I love France and considered retiring there, but I've decided to go 3 months a year instead. I've stayed in Paris for 1+ month a few times with family, and when you're there for longer than a week, you eventually realize that life in central Paris in particular is not easy, especially as you age. There are so many stairs! Most metro stations require you to go up and down multiple staircases, and anyone with wheelchairs or any walk aides should probably rethink going there.
That’s an important consideration, especially for wheelchair users. I don’t know if you’ve tried the bus system, but it’s generally better adapted for wheelchair users. For others, I’d say that as long as you’re fit enough to climb stairs without actual pain, the fitness payoff (vs the relatively sedentary life I had in the US) of having to walk and climb stairs so much has been great.
Tax situation of "US perspns" with "foreign source income" is completely different! You will have very complicated US return (costly), need to file in France (normal for French-sourced income). And due to Fatca laws, you will have seriuos issues with the French Banks. Not to mention difficultés with retirement accounts. Beware!
Oh yes, this universal health coverage is great, but don't forget that it's the hard-working French people who pay for you to benefit from it. I'm not saying this to be unpleasant, just so you have it in mind, nothing falls from the sky.
Excellent presentation! You provided practical answers to practical questions. I hope you continue to provide more information about all of the questions we Americans have as we make plans to move to France and start executing them. I’m planning to move to Provence, although I don’t know where until I do a scouting trip next spring. Do you have thoughts or plans on how to prepare for and execute a scouting trip?
It’s unfortunately not the case. The Schengen visa waiver gives Americans 90 days out of 180. The 90 days don’t have to be contiguous, but travel in/out of France is counted as being “in” Schengen, so you need to be careful to avoid overstaying.
I believe Colleen is, or might be soon, by virtue of being married to Antoine. Connie hasn’t been living in France quite long enough for that. (You can apply for French citizenship after five years of full-time residency.)
It all depends on your financial means and where you want to live. Apartments in Paris for less than a million euros are rare, those for more than 20 million are easier to find.😂😂
Why is it such a great area for people when it comes to working while you’re living in France? I’ve talked to a immigrations attorney and they say it’s quite all right to work while you’re in France as long as your work is remote and offshore, your income is coming froman American company or whatever and you’re not doing doing business in France. Am I missing something?
I love all these videos you guys are producing after the Trump win, lol! It is appreciated, I know a lot of older US Americans all the sudden looking for options and even without politics France seems like a great place to retire. I'd be moving there next year but Spain beat it out due to our language skills, though I'll prob make my way to FR at some point, because those tax benefits for us US Americans! :)
Once you’ve been here long enough you’ll realize that the whole “without politics” thing is an illusion. (I moved here right after the Macron retirement-age rise, in the midst of a city-wide garbage and transport strike, which was sandwiched in between Le Pen nearly winning the presidency and Macron’s calling of snap elections after his party’s EU parliament loss. Politics aren’t nonexistent here, it’s just a different landscape.)
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This is a great guest, who shows there is no expiration date to follow your dreams. It is incredibly heartening. I don't know you but I'm so happy for you, Connie!
After 3 week vacation in France, I’ve started having an idea of moving to France in my retirement, like in 10 years… so plenty of time to ponder over, and would experience it with more vacations in different cities, have been learning French for almost a year now, at A2 level currently
Hello and Bonjour Colleen and Antoin. You have recently had 4 or 5 videos about living, moving and retiring to France. Thank you for all you both and your guest's information. Very helpful!!
I love that Connie moved at 69! I will be taking a recon trip in Feb./March. I studied French in high school and am starting studying again.
I’m looking forward to a new adventure.
I speak both German and French. I attended and graduated from the University of Heidelberg back in the 1980s. Alsace would be perfect.
Hi Connie! I'm a retired American that moved to a village just outside of Strasbourg at 62 almost 1 year ago. Strasbourg is beautiful! Thanks Colleen for the great interview. I can attest to it all!
How to find an apartment in Paris ?
In France, we often joke that Nice is the largest open-air EPADH (retirement home) in France.😊
I really appreciate the open & straight forward conversation. Thank you!
you are very welcome
I must say you ‘guys’ have a very fresh approach to your vlogs… I truly enjoy your content and approach! Congratulations and best wishes for your future success!
Thanks so much!
Thank You both for doing so much to help us tourists and future retirees!
22:04 France is in the Schengen zone, so American citizens can be here up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a special visa. (That’s the Schengen Visa Waiver.) If you want to stay more than 90/180, plan on getting a VLS-TS (visitor visa), or have a second, non-Schengen country planned for half of the six months you’d like to stay in Europe. Otherwise you could find yourself overstaying.
WONDERFUL Interview! Learned so much! THANK YOU COLLEEN and CONNIE! Thank you!
What a great episode! Thank you both for sharing this conversation.
This is inspiring and helpful! I sure can see myself taking a year to try it out.
My unsolicited advice: Give it two or three years if you really want to try it. The first year or even 18 months can be a bumpy ride, especially with all the bureaucratic paperwork hurdles and the challenges presented by living day-to-day in a new language. (Of course after three years, you’re more than halfway to being able to apply for citizenship! Which will make life so much easier.)
@@shinyshinythings I agree with you. It takes at least one year to get adjusted to a new place (red tape, making friends, finding one's bearings, getting used to another way of life, etc.). But it would also take one year if you moved to the other end of your own country.
I moved to England, like I said in a previous vlog of yours, some 31 years ago. I must say, i love having the NHS, as opposed to the American medical! I love the idea they will never turn you away from the doctor’s or hospital. Do not have to pay for prescriptions aged 60 and older, pregnant, or children under 18, unless a full time student. Children don’t have to pay for dental, either.
Makes it easier to travel to other countries in Europe, or not as far.
Just got back from visiting Disneyland Paris and I must say, loved it. Would like to travel to other parts of France in the future, since I’ve just recently retired about 3 weeks ago! Love it so far!
It's good to hear the positives of the NHS. There are so many people who speak so negatively about it. I'm a dual US/UK citizen that lives in the U.S. I've never had the NHS because I grew up in the U.S., but I'm considering a move to the UK at some point in my life. And the amount of negative comments about NHS have given me reservations, but it still sounds like a better deal than what we get here in America. Honestly, Brits can talk as badly as they want about their healthcare but I can guarantee none of them would choose U.S. Healthcare over the NHS.
@ I feel the same way, the NHS has unfortunately gone downhill, because of underfunding, and too many administrators and not enough doctors and nurses. BUT, when it works it’s brilliant! You’re right, when I talk to the Brits about moving back to America, I tell them I can’t afford it anymore, they have no idea, or concept about all of my pension and savings would be eaten up with medical insurance and who’s to say they would pay it before the deductible, or find a loop hole! No, I think I’m fine where I’m at, thank you very much!
Great interview!
Connie is an inspiration. Great interview.
This is a real gem of a video, great job. 😊 All the common questions are answered here! Just be aware of the visa requirements, and if you want to stay, the worldwide tax and inheritance laws.
I went to Paris in September and plan on coming back in April or May. I am retired and feel the same way about enjoying life in Paris,I loved it
Thank you! This clip is very informative. My daughter and husband live in France and am thinking of splitting time between NYC and Aix. Thanks again.
Thank you for this vlog because I myself would like to retire in France
👍
❤❤❤ your Vlog guys !
fun and informative all at the same time maybe someday soon you can talk about places like local groceries even pharmacies like how do you get your maintenance medications for senior citizens who plan on retiring in France something like that
more power to your Vlog!
Great Q&A.
Thank you for all this information!
PLEASE clarify: the tourist visa allows 90 days of each 180 days, so you can stay for 90 days, then leave for 90 days before returning. It's NOT 6 months.
This was great.
Great video!
Thank you
LOL am I the only person who isn't 'in love' with France? I just like the lifestyle opportunities, the cost of living and the weather is to my taste in the South. I love to travel in Europe and it will be easier and cheaper from France than the US. I also don't drive (Manhattanite) so I am all in on the Public Transport. The whole quality of life thing is what draws me.
In addition to staying through a winter, also stay during August in Paris. 😅
I love France and considered retiring there, but I've decided to go 3 months a year instead. I've stayed in Paris for 1+ month a few times with family, and when you're there for longer than a week, you eventually realize that life in central Paris in particular is not easy, especially as you age. There are so many stairs! Most metro stations require you to go up and down multiple staircases, and anyone with wheelchairs or any walk aides should probably rethink going there.
that's a great way to do it
That’s an important consideration, especially for wheelchair users. I don’t know if you’ve tried the bus system, but it’s generally better adapted for wheelchair users. For others, I’d say that as long as you’re fit enough to climb stairs without actual pain, the fitness payoff (vs the relatively sedentary life I had in the US) of having to walk and climb stairs so much has been great.
@@shinyshinythingsVous avez le remerciement de votre tension artérielle ❤ vous avez tout compris.
Tax situation of "US perspns" with "foreign source income" is completely different! You will have very complicated US return (costly), need to file in France (normal for French-sourced income). And due to Fatca laws, you will have seriuos issues with the French Banks. Not to mention difficultés with retirement accounts. Beware!
18:24 I’d love to know how this automatic coverage was set up for you. Was it something that you declared to CPAM when you enrolled?
Oh yes, this universal health coverage is great, but don't forget that it's the hard-working French people who pay for you to benefit from it. I'm not saying this to be unpleasant, just so you have it in mind, nothing falls from the sky.
Make video on new version of Notre Dame Cathedral
Excellent presentation! You provided practical answers to practical questions. I hope you continue to provide more information about all of the questions we Americans have as we make plans to move to France and start executing them. I’m planning to move to Provence, although I don’t know where until I do a scouting trip next spring. Do you have thoughts or plans on how to prepare for and execute a scouting trip?
That could be a whole video in itself!
Can you guys do a video on taxes for American citizens moving to France? Maybe interview a tax expert.
Please provide advise on finding an accountant in Paris who is familiar with the USFR tax treaty.
My ears perked up when you said, “You can do 6 months without getting a special Visa”. Please tell me how!!! 😀 I’m from the U.S.)
It’s unfortunately not the case. The Schengen visa waiver gives Americans 90 days out of 180. The 90 days don’t have to be contiguous, but travel in/out of France is counted as being “in” Schengen, so you need to be careful to avoid overstaying.
Yes, I’m familiar with the 90 day rule. The way the sentence was stated made me wonder if there was something new that I didn’t know. Thanks.
This is very helpful!
Are you both dual citizens??
I believe Colleen is, or might be soon, by virtue of being married to Antoine. Connie hasn’t been living in France quite long enough for that. (You can apply for French citizenship after five years of full-time residency.)
Getting somewhere to live in France is the thing. Renting or buying is nightmarish.
It all depends on your financial means and where you want to live. Apartments in Paris for less than a million euros are rare, those for more than 20 million are easier to find.😂😂
le sous titrage en francais serait bien
Trad auto YT gros.
How old is too old for them to give you a long term visa? Is 85 but healthy too old? Any examples you have come across?
Why is it such a great area for people when it comes to working while you’re living in France? I’ve talked to a immigrations attorney and they say it’s quite all right to work while you’re in France as long as your work is remote and offshore, your income is coming froman American company or whatever and you’re not doing doing business in France. Am I missing something?
I love all these videos you guys are producing after the Trump win, lol! It is appreciated, I know a lot of older US Americans all the sudden looking for options and even without politics France seems like a great place to retire. I'd be moving there next year but Spain beat it out due to our language skills, though I'll prob make my way to FR at some point, because those tax benefits for us US Americans! :)
Once you’ve been here long enough you’ll realize that the whole “without politics” thing is an illusion. (I moved here right after the Macron retirement-age rise, in the midst of a city-wide garbage and transport strike, which was sandwiched in between Le Pen nearly winning the presidency and Macron’s calling of snap elections after his party’s EU parliament loss. Politics aren’t nonexistent here, it’s just a different landscape.)
Is there quite a few American experts or English speaking people in Struberg
yes there are
excellent explanation of the health care many txs! ❤ ua-cam.com/video/__KyG3YT0FY/v-deo.html