Hi Janice, thank you for sharing your shoestring budget move. Would you please consider doing a video of your daily, weekly and/or monthly expenses while living in France? And thank you for sharing the wonderful company that is helping the Ukrainian refugees. Hugs to you!
Thank you also for showing that kind man helpung the people in th Ukraine. Its great to see so many people giving so much support and goods to help these poor desperate peoplr 🙏✨🕊️
My husband and I are planning to retire in France. Hoping to do so in 3-5 years, but it depends on our financial situation. We don’t want to be on a shoestring budget but we aren’t rich either, and we plan for this move to be for the rest of our lives, so we need to conserve our resources. We have already decided that we aren’t spending $10,000 to $20,000 to ship all of our furniture, etc., to France. But we do want to bring a bit more than what we can fit into suitcases. So, we are planning to ship just a single pallet (about 4’ x 4’ x 4’) filled with some treasured non-furniture items. That will still cost a bit (last time I checked, it was around $1,000, but that was pre-pandemic, so it may be more now). This will be for things like favorite kitchen items, a few treasured books and cookbooks, and similar. Everything else will get sold or donated as our sons have no interest in taking any of our stuff. We have decided to rent an apartment in Rennes, Brittany. It is a good sized city but not nearly as large and expensive as Paris. Yes, it is gray and rainy in the winter, but though we are both native Southern Californians, we have both lived in similar climates in the past (Oregon and the UK) so we don’t mind the weather. Besides, as we will save money in other ways, we will be able to jump on a train and go to warmest sunnier areas in France and throughout Europe when we feel the need. To us, renting an apartment is perfect for us in retirement. After being homeowners for so long here in the US, we know how much time and expense is involved in maintaining a home. We’d rather that be the landlord’s problem. We have just a couple of requirements, which we know will up the rent a bit - a lower floor or elevator, and a real balcony that we can sit on to enjoy our coffee in the morning or wine in the evening. The other bonus of a city apartment is - no need for a car. Cars are expensive - gas, parking, maintenance. In Rennes, we can walk to many places and take the metro or bus as needed. The savings from not having a car will help pay for that slightly more expensive lower floor or building with elevator apartment. Also, once we have been there a few months, we can apply for French health care system, which is so much more affordable than in the US, even than Medicare. All in all, after many visits to France and copious research, we have found that it is possible for us to move to France and have a much more comfortable lifestyle in retirement there than we could in the US, and we are certainly not wealthy, just middle class. We know we will have to compromise on certain things (going from a 2,100 sq Ft house to a small 1-2 bedroom apartment, no car, etc), but it is worth it to us for the lifestyle in France.
Hi, it's my understanding that to get a retirement visa in France you have to show that you can support yourself financially so you are not a burden on the French system. This includes getting your own health insurance to access the French public health system. So I'm confused and curious to know what you mean by we will be able to access the French medical system after a few months? Perhaps you are going on a different visa? Good luck with your move to Rennes, it all sounds very exciting.
Please allow me to just shed some input with reg to my personal experience in the event it might help you navigate your retirement plans accordingly. My husband and I recently retired to France, 8 months ago. It was a well planned move and had involved years of research. We bought a manor house in South West France. I have to say that the romanticized ideal I had is so far from the truth, there have been problems and big concerns at every turn. It is very difficult to adapt to the French way of life, coming from USA. I do regret that we made this move, indeed I have never been so unhappy in my life. This is just my personal experience however, but one common thread that seems to be very obvious (although often overlooked when the excitement of our dreams take over) is that xpats generally have a very difficult time adapting. I had underestimated the difficulty. We are in the process of thinking of selling already and returning (and believe me, we spent 40, 000 to ship our belongings) so a huge investment that we have sadly regretted financially.
Hi Janice! I am a Ukrainian and I am deeply touched with the beginning of your video! Many thanks to you and all the people who help Ukrainian people in our fight to defend our land and our freedom from the occupants!
Well I certainly do appreciate your words because I had a gentleman write to me this morning saying that he was going to unsubscribe from me because that I did post about the Ukrainian and where we could send money etc. then he went into this political rant and then I kindly just told him that you know he had a choice and that’s what most people do have because we have a democracy I like the people in Ukraine at the moment they don’t have a choice. Thank you you made me feel like I made exactly the right choice
Janice, I would love to hear you discuss Visa options and how you received a year-long Visa, and your plans after it is exhausted. Immigration is an important topic when discussing moving abroad. Merci!
Yes, I would love to move abroad...but I'm not leaving everything behind and spending time and money..only to have an issue with immigration, visas, etc. I am not a "digital nomad," although I am considering tutoring online and having that base before I move.
@@CynthiaAva You might want to hold off then, because you need to live in France for 5 years before they'll give you citizenship. You can still buy land there, though, and keep stringing out your long-term visas, but it's not a good plan for someone that needs a modicum of security surrounding such details.
Super super helpful and as always wonderfully positive. It's so important to really think about what you need and want against what you can afford. Our village in Bourgogne/Burgundy has apartments much cheaper. It's quite easy to find a 1 bedroom place for around 400 -500. One tip - is visit the Mairie (Town Hall) in the village. They often manage apartments within the village or town centre. And their rents are always very good.
@@JaniceInFrance No it's not necessary. We chose it for that reason. We have all we need within the village (which has been especially wonderful during the pandemic). So we can walk to everything: shops, laundry, bank, hair dresser, post office, boulangerie, restaurants tabac, wineries and even a chateau. But it is still a small place, maybe 2000 people including outlying villages. We do have a bus that travels through 3 times a day, and links to trains in a village 5 kilometers away. TGV to Paris 16km away, which would get us into Paris in just over an hour. As you say, so much is about knowing what you want and then looking for those things. It truly helps in deciding where to settle on.
Oh goodness I love it. That’s the main thing is to have doctors and stores and veterinarians etc. etc. within walking distance. You guys have a hospital there.
I live near the beach in a nicer area, so I had to sacrifice space and more rent but love it! I also lived in the city, in a 2 room apartment and had to give up a lot but I wanted to be there so badly and enjoyed every moment!
You’re a treasure Janice, and the information you’re giving out is going to smooth the path for those looking to relocate. I’m new here and loving your journey! Thank you so much!🙏💫
Just to clarify for people going to other parts of France: the Navigo pass you featured works in Paris and the surrounding Île de France - ie Fontainebleau. You can top it up with single journey tickets as you go.. Alternatively you can get a purple Navigo that you top up weekly or monthly at fixed prices, and have unlimited travel during that period. That, really, is better value. The Navigo isn't a pass you can use elsewhere in France, although other major cities will have their own versions.
Nice to see, I volunteer with an organization here in the Czech Republic for women and children refugees from Ukraine. We moved to Czech Republic and shipped a pallet/crate of our stuff (It was about $3500), and our little Jack Russell Terrier "Auggie" :) But we already had a flat that we owned there, so we needed our stuff. But we did cut a lot of stuff out! We are so much happier here.
Thank you so much Janice-we’re all praying for Ukraine and so wonderful to see a ‘boots on the ground’ support operation in France. And always love your videos on living in France…still my dream!
I love your channel Janice!💕Would really love any tips you have on living and dressing well on a budget and maybe a little peek at the apartment you are renting 😊 You are a natural in front of the camera and your videos are so fun to watch💕💐😊 Looking forward to following your adventures 💐💐💐
What a very sensible lady ! There is much good advice here. I love France, We bought a small house in a rural town in 2002. Prices have gone up since then, but there are areas which are very reasonable. The French really like modern houses and old /very old houses are sometimes quite cheap. But don't buy to 'flip' as the tax is very high. After 15 years the tax (I hope) is reduced. I am writing this during the massive strikes over the retirement age..strikes are a pain in France and very often upset travel plans, so be prepared! There are masses of paperwork to be completed , it seems about every mortal thing. Taxes can be a problem too. There isn't the freedom for small business enterprises in France as social payments are high. France is so many people's dream destination, but if you live in the USA then life cand be very frustrating in France. My travel journals usually start with "Why does nothing work in France !!!", but they end with sad farewells to the most beautiful, cultured place on earth, where even the little local newsagents shop in a very minor little town, sells all the great classic French books .
Thank you! I love how candid and truthful you are; you have a great personality! I just found your YT channel and enjoy your story telling. It all reminds me of when I studied in Paris and the whole journey.
Awesome channel! Glad the algorithm brought this to me This video was full of good information and her energy is so positive! Best of luck on your journey and looking forward to watching!! :)
You are adorable. What a delightful video. It's amazing you could do all of that for under $2500! It must be so freeing to be down to just three suitcases. Do you find it's less expensive to live in Fountainbleu than Atlanta? I'd love to see a video of average monthly costs now that you're in France. I've heard vets are less expensive than in the US. When will we get to meet Buster and your cat? I adopted a senior cat two years ago and decided to move across country with her. Before I traveled from CA to NJ with three house rabbits, now I was reversing the trip with one senior cat. I was surprised at the supposed "pet friendly" hotels who turned me away when they discovered I had a cat! My cat is not destructive at all. She sleeps most of the day and was a wonderful traveling companion. I look forward to your next video. A'Bientot.
Thank you and I did a fb page janice in france video the other day with buster and kitty. Do you belong to Facebook page Janice and France? I go on there sometimes and do random videos. No I don’t think cats are destructive either they’re just as good as a traveling companion as a dog. I’m surprised Beth is pet friendly hotels too. Unless it’s an Airbnb I don’t even mention it. Thank you for your kind words and I look forward to having you as one of my subscribers bye!
@@JaniceInFrance I am a subscriber on UA-cam but I got off FB in December. I imagine you with a fluffy Bichon Frise or Maltese. What kind of dog and cat do you have? My kitty is a 20+ year calico.
Actually those bottom floor apartments are usually the cheapest because most at risk of water damage, thieves, etc... And usually harder to heat. In most buildings you also have an elevator. Just some of the really old ones don't.
Great video Janice! Your editor does a lovely job. This will be my second moving to France fact-finding trip. I really do want to live in Paris and I do know that I'll have to pay more for that luxury. I don't mind living in a smaller place. I will, however, likely have my teenage son with me. So I'd better get making some money! : ) I've been planning to move long distance for quite some time and I'm not really tied to any of my current belongings. My clothes, a few kitchen things, and some favorite books are all I need to take. No furniture. One author I read suggested leaving items behind with a friend and then just taking extra suitcases after the next trip back to the states. So, 3 suitcases the first trip and then 3 suitcases later on of things you don't need all the time. My little dog Dan will be coming with me though and that was a really interesting thought about the stairs! See you soon! I can't wait to meet you. : )
Thank you very much that was very interesting. You are an amazing inspiring brave lady . You look very happy and I am very pleased and excited to read and see and learn about your great adventure. My mother moved to Greece when she was 73 years old and even learned some Greek language to be able to speak to local people. So if you have your health there is no reason not to follow your dreams but I realise one has to be knowledgeable and organized. You are a very interesting, inspiring woman , thank you for sharing your adventure.😊
Would you consider doing a video more in depth on the paperwork you need to make the move? Also, how are you managing with the language? How is your french?
My French is not very good. I’ve been very lazy about it. I would consider doing a video and I think I’ve already done one but I’ll do a small in about it if you want me too
Janice, Thank you for your valuable information, I am going to review your video once again to check and see if you discussed banking information and Social Security checks. Pardon me, if I missed that information, going back to review now. ❤️🇫🇷❤️
No I didn’t because I’m not getting a bank account this year because I only have a temp visa. I go back in October to do this all over again. I really don’t need a banking account, and they are reluctant to open a bank account for an American. My pension and social stay in the states for now. Hope that answers your question, if not let me know!
@@candydonnelly7543 you can have them deposited for sure, but I didn’t want Medicare and social security to know I was living out of the country! Also if I died it would be difficult for my daughter to get my money.
Thank you so much for sharing Janice, I’ve reserved the day to watch all your videos I’m planning to move to France next year and your videos are a great help 🙏thank you
Thanks about answering my question regarding dental care in Hungary. I so enjoy. all your videos. You are honest and clear regarding moving information from US to Europe. I hope to see you in the fall when I take my visit looking for a European home.
Thank you! This was very informative and additionally It warmed my heart so much to see all that the man you interviewed has coordinated for the orphans of the Ukraine💖
Yeah she is quite creative isn’t she. I’m quite lucky to have her. I can’t wait till she gets here in May and we’re going to do all kind of videos all over the place. It’ll be much easier to do a video with her holding the camera than me doing it lol
thank you for this information! Can you please talk more about visa types? The video made it sound like you got a visa for forever or as long as you want!
The main thing with renting is being able to demonstrate that you have regular income that is at least three times the monthly rent. You may also need to have a third party act as a guarantor. These are almost standard.
Well fortunately I didn’t have to worry about that Nicki because I had seen this apartment in 2018. But yes that’s true you have to show that you were able to afford it. We have to do that in the states also though don’t we.
Last summer, I tore my meniscus and sprained my acl. Dr. told me I"m bone on bone in both knees now...I have mobility but with a cane and only short bursts of time walking. I'm praying this heals and I can walk again. I have stairs in my apartment now and it's been rough. I need first floor or elevator, too. Thank you for bringing this up as it is an important consideration for some of us. Are you able to walk well now? Did your knee heal? How long did it take? Sorry for all the questions, Janice. I'm 7 months in and still dealing with pain. Love your inspiring videos and just want to say...your hair looks so beautiful like this..stylish! Also, how many other towns did you look at in France before choosing Fontainbleau?
My knee did well after about two months and it only bothers me like if I’m just doing a tremendous amount of walking not on flat land, but up-and-down step. This is why I have an elevator. Thank thank you so much for all your compliments and I do appreciate it. Take care of your knees.
Hi Janice - thank you for the inspiration living in France - I did also donated medical supplies and clothes for the Ukraine as my husband/partner passed on a couple of weeks ago after twenty five years - you are a lovely soft spoken refined lady and love your accent - cannot wait for more future videos!!!
Oh thank you so much Ricardo for your kind words, and I am so sorry about the passing of your partner. Take care of yourself possibly join a group online to help you with your grief. If I can help of any way through an email talking to you please let me know
How easy was it to get health insurance in France as a retiree? Here in Germany it is extremely expensive to get health insurance if you retire here from outside the EU and are not eligible for the income-based statutory insurance. If you come from elsewhere in the EU and previously paid into the public/statutory system then you can join the public system here. The private policies available to retirees start at about €1000/month, and that is without preexisting conditions, which means only wealthy retirees can move here. It is a big hurdle.
Thank you for sharing your life with us. I am living in hogansville ga, and dreaming of retirement in france too. I hope my 61st birthday (5 years from now) will be in france. The health care system is great for people like me. After 3-4 months of full travel insurance I could apply for french medical care with small monthly top off insurance. Like less than 200€ per month. And cash pay doctor visits and pharmacies are so cheap compared to the us. But anyway , good luck I will follow your channel and get in touch if I'm visiting your village. Merci
OK let me go over this really quick for you because I don’t want you to go into this effort without full knowledge. You have to have a year of insurance purchased before visa will approve your stay in France. You have to show three months of bank statements that you have enough money to support yourself. After three months if you get a full-time visa you can apply for their insurance but she will have to pay a little extra for what they call a mutuelle. But you must have a full year paid insurance policy health insurance policy and they have rather specified what you have to have so that’s really important that you pay attention to that you can’t have travel insurance.
Janice is absolutely correct but I would also add that it can take around 6 months for your application to the healthcare system to be processed. All that time you need private health insurance.
@@MrBraindead101 Yes that is right and that’s why you have to have a years worth of insurance already paid for in case you need it during that time that you’re waiting
I just found your channel and it was very informative. My daughter and I are planning a trip to France next year so I will checking out more of your videos. I was wondering about safety ( my friends got mugged), churches to worship at and flea markets.
This a wonderful and so nice for you to share. The people of Ukraine Will be so grateful and it’s wonderful that all these people really care. It’s an awful situation. God bless them and protect them.
Lovely and clear video thank you. Can you please do another on travel pass, national health assistance as an American and a retiree… I understand that the French Gov. is very good in social services. Even housing. As a foreign retired woman what are you able to have?
I can't believe you were able to fly your pets to France or $125. in the cabin with you. That is an amazing price. I took my dog and 2 cats to England, it cost me $6000. NZD IN 2018. I returned in Sept. 2020 after the first UK lockdown for my elderly parents and it cost me $10.K to bring them all back again lol. Like you I am a single lady so pets are my family. They cannot fly in the cabin with you from NZ or from the UK they have to be crated and in the cargo hold. I can't believe you are allowed to have them in the cabin with you, how nice. I plan to return to England when my last senior pets pass. People think I am mad but I am now 60 and I love England and can't wait to get back and continue my adventure. I lived in a small village in Somerset in a standard terraced house that I rented and I absolutely loved it.
Well, they can continue to think you’re crazy. You just continue to do what you want to do. Yes, that’s one reason why I don’t take my pet when I go to England and visit when I go to London. I would love to take him but it’s too much hassle and it’s cost too much.
So happy to have found you! Would really love to know about monthly costs to expect please. Rent, food, utilities, transport, entertainment, medical, insurance, and any other costs particular to being there. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😃. Also, how long is your visa good for? How long can you stay? How do you renew it or can you? Would also love to know what kinds of things they ask for in the paperwork to start with? Do you a certain amount in savings? References? Not just for entering the country but also for renting an apartment? Thank you!! Can hardly wait to learn more! And congratulations on your exciting move!!! Good for you!!! 👏👏👏😃
Send me an email and I’ll answer it through there, but I have also covered most of is my videos. But Jacquie if you want to email me I will answer all of your questions
I don’t have a pass but I will can get one yes. I general weekly budget is hard to say. The week that I go to the grocery store it’s around $60. Like this past week I didn’t have to go to the grocery store so I didn’t spend any money except for the passage to get into the Château yesterday. I keep a daily budget of everything I spend since I do work on a shoestring budget. I’ll give you more information if you will ask me at the end of this month.
Slava Ukraine! We were in Lviv this semester helping a new elementary school open. Later this year ....we will apply for a long-term visa to stay in France.
Bonjour Janice! I'm trying to get caught up on some of your videos... easier for me to contact you here I have given up on Facebook for a while need to take a rest I'm so appreciative of your information videos I would leave today for Paris, but the reason I'm watching your videos is the fact that you move there on your shoe string budget and that's why I have to get a couple financial obligations off my back before I can do anything so it might be another year. I'm very interested in the Airbnb idea but there's so many other things I have to consider... Hope to meet up with you for a coffee my next trip! Hope you're having a fabulous Monday! Merci, Aurivoir!
Those are some of the best words I’ve heard in a long time we are all Ukraine you are correct. Thank you so much for your support. Take care of yourself.
It’s so inspiring, especially in your age 70. 21:20 this cost (moved) covered one-way airfare, temporary resident permit, one month accommodation, basic transportation and Pet. As I know, request Schengen Visa without second party guarantee (job, sponsorship, family, friend), then applicant must show return ticket and thousands euro to pay living cost which depend on length of stay (euro 1500 monthly?). Is it possible to request ‘work permit’ before get a job in France?
You stop feeding them and giving them water for hours before your flight. You can give them like ice cubes if they desire it. When I go back to the states in October I’m taking my dog with me unfortunately we have a layover so for an hour and a half he can get out and stretch his legs and drink a little water but no food. I also put diaper on my dog but he never used it
Hi Janice! I love your videos. Thank you so much for being so open about your life and sharing your story. I’m curious: what are you doing for health insurance over there? Thank you, Carrie
I have a major medical health insurance plan I don’t know if they’ll pay out or not but I paid 464 a year. You have to have one before you can apply for a visa
Hi! Do you speak French? It seems that outside of Paris not many French people speak English. We had a hard time communicating to hotel staff in small town outside of Tours.
Well I’m not sure Braves the word but I do appreciate your kind words. Covid stopped me for quite a while just like it did others, but after being vaccinated I felt like I could at least take a few steps out the door then when I did I felt like I needed to take more steps out the door. So now I’m here in France. I hope you don’t mind but you know I must ask were you able to subscribe?
Hi Janice, I just found your channel today and find your videos very useful as well as entertaining. You are an inspiration to have picked up and moved to France at the age of 70. Good for you! I would like to know how you found your current apartment. You said you found it originally in 2018 but was it through AirBnB or somewhere else? Did you rent it furnished? My husband and I (ages 65 and 59) plan to retire to France in about 2-3 years. We were in Occitanie for 3 weeks in 2017 and we absolutely ell in love with the area. We are leaning towards Toulouse. I also studied at the Sorbonne in 1983-1984 so have been a francophile for many years. I've been to Fontainebleau and can see why you want to live there!
I can't possibly afford travelling to my country of choice and on top of that saving enough to make the move, afford 6 months of rent upfront, sustain myself while I get a job, etc. It's just too much and I'm already on a shoestring budget in my home country.
My saving capacity for the time being is about 500 euros a year. Probably in two years when I finish my studies and can work full time I'll be able to save about 2000 to 2500 euros. How could I afford spending more than 1000 euros to travel there before?? Impossible. I'll have to make the leap and get used to whatever I find.
Hello, is it possible to find studio apartment - not in the city, but outside Paris for $600. I know - in euros it would be more, but still in that price range. Thank you.
I have a friend of mine that I just found out she has a studio apartment in Paris for 950 so I think it would be really able to find one for 5 to 600 outside of Paris
You have set this out so well. How long can you legally stay in Paris? Are there estate agents that rent property to foreigners? I would be looking for a studio flat.
I have to reapply every year. I have a long stay visa. You can rent flats out for any price you’d want to after let me put this again after the Olympics are over right now they’re really very high.
Thank you Jeanne I do appreciate it. If there’s any questions or any concerns you have about any of my videos just let me know please. Now you know I have to ask you did subscribe right lol
Hi Janice. So the place that you rent, how much does it cost you per month for what surface area? How long does it take you to go to Paris from Fontainebleau?
If you wait for next week Video is going to tell you all of that. It takes about 32 minutes from Fontainbleau to PARIS and it takes about 10 minutes to the train station from my house
That is some thing I am not familiar with, but if you will go to one of the forums ex-pats in France or anything like that, they have specialty sections that will tell you about that type of question
Thanks for the information. Can you add a link to the place you used for your visa? Also, didn’t you say in an earlier video that your visa wasn’t the one you wanted? How can we avoid that happening? Thanks so much for sharing your journey.
She put it on the video but I will rewrite it here VFS.com Effect on the video that she showed it shows exactly the page and it shows how to get in touch with him by email
@@babscorley All you have to do is just watch it again and then stop it and then just keep on watching if you need to go back just go back. Just watch a little bit and pause. Yes my visa is not the one I wanted it is a temporary one therefore I have to go back to the states in October and re-apply for a visa to stay here and then retire here
Janice, do you dress differently than you did in the U.S.? Do you eat differently? Thanks for all the good information! You do an excellent job on the details.
I think I do dress a little differently because in the states I wouldn’t put on lipstick and make up when I go out and I do now. As far as eating no I eat the same I am a real nut when it comes to mind eating because I’m always afraid I’m gonna gain a pound or two and I have gained a pound or two since I’ve been here. Thank you for the kind words are doing an excellent job I tried to do my best and just keep on watching. Cheryl you know I have to ask did you subscribe lol
Say Janice, would you be able to do a video on paying income taxes. I am still trying to figure out which country to go to and some of these places are up to 45% with what I make. Here in the states my money is not taxable and I would be losing a lot to move abroad. Thanks!
I’m sorry I’m not able to do that because I have not pay taxes yet because I just came into the country as a resident, so this year my taxes will be all about the United States
Hello, Janice! You are so vibrant and beautiful. I am someone who may be on a similar budget or a bit more (plus side work gigs) and have looked at Normandy (Rennes and also smaller towns). I really enjoy the Celtic vibe and also Rennes' very international vibe. Do you by chance know of any people living in Normandy? I very much look forward to following your life and adventures!
Hi Janice, thank you for sharing your shoestring budget move. Would you please consider doing a video of your daily, weekly and/or monthly expenses while living in France? And thank you for sharing the wonderful company that is helping the Ukrainian refugees. Hugs to you!
I will do in fact the video that you’re suggesting was suggested by by editor Hannah last night so yes I will be doing that
This would be so helpful. Thank you so much, Janice!
@@lindadourte8263 ok
Thank you also for showing that kind man helpung the people in th Ukraine.
Its great to see so many people giving so much support and goods to help these poor desperate peoplr 🙏✨🕊️
Yes it is! Thanks for watching
My husband and I are planning to retire in France. Hoping to do so in 3-5 years, but it depends on our financial situation. We don’t want to be on a shoestring budget but we aren’t rich either, and we plan for this move to be for the rest of our lives, so we need to conserve our resources.
We have already decided that we aren’t spending $10,000 to $20,000 to ship all of our furniture, etc., to France. But we do want to bring a bit more than what we can fit into suitcases. So, we are planning to ship just a single pallet (about 4’ x 4’ x 4’) filled with some treasured non-furniture items. That will still cost a bit (last time I checked, it was around $1,000, but that was pre-pandemic, so it may be more now). This will be for things like favorite kitchen items, a few treasured books and cookbooks, and similar. Everything else will get sold or donated as our sons have no interest in taking any of our stuff.
We have decided to rent an apartment in Rennes, Brittany. It is a good sized city but not nearly as large and expensive as Paris. Yes, it is gray and rainy in the winter, but though we are both native Southern Californians, we have both lived in similar climates in the past (Oregon and the UK) so we don’t mind the weather. Besides, as we will save money in other ways, we will be able to jump on a train and go to warmest sunnier areas in France and throughout Europe when we feel the need.
To us, renting an apartment is perfect for us in retirement. After being homeowners for so long here in the US, we know how much time and expense is involved in maintaining a home. We’d rather that be the landlord’s problem. We have just a couple of requirements, which we know will up the rent a bit - a lower floor or elevator, and a real balcony that we can sit on to enjoy our coffee in the morning or wine in the evening.
The other bonus of a city apartment is - no need for a car. Cars are expensive - gas, parking, maintenance. In Rennes, we can walk to many places and take the metro or bus as needed. The savings from not having a car will help pay for that slightly more expensive lower floor or building with elevator apartment. Also, once we have been there a few months, we can apply for French health care system, which is so much more affordable than in the US, even than Medicare.
All in all, after many visits to France and copious research, we have found that it is possible for us to move to France and have a much more comfortable lifestyle in retirement there than we could in the US, and we are certainly not wealthy, just middle class. We know we will have to compromise on certain things (going from a 2,100 sq Ft house to a small 1-2 bedroom apartment, no car, etc), but it is worth it to us for the lifestyle in France.
Go for it! Hope you're already learning French.
Are you not sad to leave your Sons behind and your family, if you or your partner get bad health. Good luck in your venture.
Hi, it's my understanding that to get a retirement visa in France you have to show that you can support yourself financially so you are not a burden on the French system. This includes getting your own health insurance to access the French public health system.
So I'm confused and curious to know what you mean by we will be able to access the French medical system after a few months? Perhaps you are going on a different visa?
Good luck with your move to Rennes, it all sounds very exciting.
Please allow me to just shed some input with reg to my personal experience in the event it might help you navigate your retirement plans accordingly. My husband and I recently retired to France, 8 months ago. It was a well planned move and had involved years of research. We bought a manor house in South West France. I have to say that the romanticized ideal I had is so far from the truth, there have been problems and big concerns at every turn. It is very difficult to adapt to the French way of life, coming from USA. I do regret that we made this move, indeed I have never been so unhappy in my life. This is just my personal experience however, but one common thread that seems to be very obvious (although often overlooked when the excitement of our dreams take over) is that xpats generally have a very difficult time adapting. I had underestimated the difficulty. We are in the process of thinking of selling already and returning (and believe me, we spent 40, 000 to ship our belongings) so a huge investment that we have sadly regretted financially.
That’s my thought leaving family
Lovely to see the aid for Ukraine. Thank you so much for sharing this.
You are welcome
Hi Kathy, love your youtube channel, good to see you here!
Hi Janice! I am a Ukrainian and I am deeply touched with the beginning of your video! Many thanks to you and all the people who help Ukrainian people in our fight to defend our land and our freedom from the occupants!
Well I certainly do appreciate your words because I had a gentleman write to me this morning saying that he was going to unsubscribe from me because that I did post about the Ukrainian and where we could send money etc. then he went into this political rant and then I kindly just told him that you know he had a choice and that’s what most people do have because we have a democracy I like the people in Ukraine at the moment they don’t have a choice. Thank you you made me feel like I made exactly the right choice
@@JaniceInFrance Well don't worry, Janice, about the man that unsubscribed. He can go kick a bucket.
@@rebeccagutierrez1960 I love that terminology yes he can lol
Janice, I would love to hear you discuss Visa options and how you received a year-long Visa, and your plans after it is exhausted. Immigration is an important topic when discussing moving abroad. Merci!
I’ll try to make a video on little odds and ends of things
Yes, I would love to move abroad...but I'm not leaving everything behind and spending time and money..only to have an issue with immigration, visas, etc. I am not a "digital nomad," although I am considering tutoring online and having that base before I move.
@@CynthiaAva You might want to hold off then, because you need to live in France for 5 years before they'll give you citizenship. You can still buy land there, though, and keep stringing out your long-term visas, but it's not a good plan for someone that needs a modicum of security surrounding such details.
Super super helpful and as always wonderfully positive. It's so important to really think about what you need and want against what you can afford. Our village in Bourgogne/Burgundy has apartments much cheaper. It's quite easy to find a 1 bedroom place for around 400 -500. One tip - is visit the Mairie (Town Hall) in the village. They often manage apartments within the village or town centre. And their rents are always very good.
Thank you so very much
Wow I just reread this I don’t know if I didn’t read it to begin with her what happened but anyway this is fabulous advise thank you so very much
I have a question for you though with the people that live in your village do they need a car?
@@JaniceInFrance No it's not necessary. We chose it for that reason. We have all we need within the village (which has been especially wonderful during the pandemic). So we can walk to everything: shops, laundry, bank, hair dresser, post office, boulangerie, restaurants tabac, wineries and even a chateau. But it is still a small place, maybe 2000 people including outlying villages. We do have a bus that travels through 3 times a day, and links to trains in a village 5 kilometers away. TGV to Paris 16km away, which would get us into Paris in just over an hour. As you say, so much is about knowing what you want and then looking for those things. It truly helps in deciding where to settle on.
Oh goodness I love it. That’s the main thing is to have doctors and stores and veterinarians etc. etc. within walking distance. You guys have a hospital there.
I am new to your channel. Thank you for supporting Ukraine. It really touched my heart. Thank you and all the French people.
You are very welcome! Thank you for joining my UA-cam and don’t forget I have a podcast on Tuesdays
I live near the beach in a nicer area, so I had to sacrifice space and more rent but love it! I also lived in the city, in a 2 room apartment and had to give up a lot but I wanted to be there so badly and enjoyed every moment!
Yes like I said it depends on what we want. What part of the area do you live in?
Loved it Janice. Great job. Thanks for adding the information on how you are all helping Ukraine. Hannah, awesome.❤
Yes she is very awesome and very creative.
Thank you for sharing these tips! I appreciate that you encourage living one's dream, and yet the advice is realistic and grounded. Thanks, Janice!
Thank you
This is really helpful. Thank you for posting.
Have you done a video on monthly costs like rent, utilities, transit, and discretionary spending?
I would love to see that video.
Me too. I've always wanted to go to France.
Yes I did it in one of my videos that I said that if I really watch my peonies I can live off 2000 a month
I said I could live off $2000 a month or €2000 a month. I had it with my coffee chats not too long ago
Thank you for helping Ukraine 💜🙏
Of course
So interesting and informative, I love this practical information and your down to Earth and honest style 👏Thank you 🌻
You’re very welcome
You’re a treasure Janice, and the information you’re giving out is going to smooth the path for those looking to relocate. I’m new here and loving your journey! Thank you so much!🙏💫
You are very welcome and thank you for taking the time to write to me
Just to clarify for people going to other parts of France: the Navigo pass you featured works in Paris and the surrounding Île de France - ie Fontainebleau. You can top it up with single journey tickets as you go.. Alternatively you can get a purple Navigo that you top up weekly or monthly at fixed prices, and have unlimited travel during that period. That, really, is better value. The Navigo isn't a pass you can use elsewhere in France, although other major cities will have their own versions.
Thank you and I did not know that. I appreciate your information
Hi 👋 dear, how are you doing?
Nice to see, I volunteer with an organization here in the Czech Republic for women and children refugees from Ukraine. We moved to Czech Republic and shipped a pallet/crate of our stuff (It was about $3500), and our little Jack Russell Terrier "Auggie" :) But we already had a flat that we owned there, so we needed our stuff. But we did cut a lot of stuff out! We are so much happier here.
I’m glad you made the plunge to be happy.
Thank you so much Janice-we’re all praying for Ukraine and so wonderful to see a ‘boots on the ground’ support operation in France. And always love your videos on living in France…still my dream!
I love your channel Janice!💕Would really love any tips you have on living and dressing well on a budget and maybe a little peek at the apartment you are renting 😊 You are a natural in front of the camera and your videos are so fun to watch💕💐😊 Looking forward to following your adventures 💐💐💐
Thank you so much and those videos are coming out I guarantee you
What a very sensible lady ! There is much good advice here. I love France, We bought a small house in a rural town in 2002. Prices have gone up since then, but there are areas which are very reasonable. The French really like modern houses and old /very old houses are sometimes quite cheap. But don't buy to 'flip' as the tax is very high. After 15 years the tax (I hope) is reduced. I am writing this during the massive strikes over the retirement age..strikes are a pain in France and very often upset travel plans, so be prepared! There are masses of paperwork to be completed , it seems about every mortal thing. Taxes can be a problem too. There isn't the freedom for small business enterprises in France as social payments are high. France is so many people's dream destination, but if you live in the USA then life cand be very frustrating in France. My travel journals usually start with "Why does nothing work in France !!!", but they end with sad farewells to the most beautiful, cultured place on earth, where even the little local newsagents shop in a very minor little town, sells all the great classic French books .
True I don’t think it’s a very good place for ex-pats to try to make a living, but I do think it’s a fabulous place to retire
Thank you! I love how candid and truthful you are; you have a great personality! I just found your YT channel and enjoy your story telling. It all reminds me of when I studied in Paris and the whole journey.
Oh goodness, tell me more
I love listening to you talking about travelling tips especially travelling on a budget !! Janice please keep updating 😊
I will and thank you
Awesome channel! Glad the algorithm brought this to me This video was full of good information and her energy is so positive! Best of luck on your journey and looking forward to watching!! :)
Thank you so much and thank you for the kind words. And you know I have to ask Liz did you subscribe lol
@@JaniceInFrance subscribed!
@@MS-fz2vx Thank you
So wonderful for you to support Ukraine! Love this blog!
We all need to be
Janice, THANK you for including the help to Ukraine in your video. Blessings to you! ♥️♥️♥️
You are very welcome
Janice, you are fantastic. I love the multiple options and how they can fit different people. Very informative.
Thank you
That you Janice for caring about and helping Ukraine.
You are adorable. What a delightful video. It's amazing you could do all of that for under $2500! It must be so freeing to be down to just three suitcases. Do you find it's less expensive to live in Fountainbleu than Atlanta? I'd love to see a video of average monthly costs now that you're in France. I've heard vets are less expensive than in the US.
When will we get to meet Buster and your cat? I adopted a senior cat two years ago and decided to move across country with her. Before I traveled from CA to NJ with three house rabbits, now I was reversing the trip with one senior cat. I was surprised at the supposed "pet friendly" hotels who turned me away when they discovered I had a cat! My cat is not destructive at all. She sleeps most of the day and was a wonderful traveling companion.
I look forward to your next video. A'Bientot.
Thank you and I did a fb page janice in france video the other day with buster and kitty. Do you belong to Facebook page Janice and France? I go on there sometimes and do random videos. No I don’t think cats are destructive either they’re just as good as a traveling companion as a dog. I’m surprised Beth is pet friendly hotels too. Unless it’s an Airbnb I don’t even mention it. Thank you for your kind words and I look forward to having you as one of my subscribers bye!
By the way thank you for your kind words that I am adorable. I don’t think I’ve ever been called that but I do appreciate it
@@JaniceInFrance I am a subscriber on UA-cam but I got off FB in December. I imagine you with a fluffy Bichon Frise or Maltese. What kind of dog and cat do you have? My kitty is a 20+ year calico.
@@kimberlylalley7255 Kitty is a rescue cat and she’s just Gray and lovely and my 11-year-old senior dog is a Shitzu
Actually those bottom floor apartments are usually the cheapest because most at risk of water damage, thieves, etc... And usually harder to heat. In most buildings you also have an elevator. Just some of the really old ones don't.
Mine was built in the 1950’s so it does.
Fontenblo is not inexpensive. Tram ticket in the south of France is $1.50 not 2 euros, and you can buy 10 for 10 euro. That is only one indicator.
I agee
Thank you for your tips. Hope you are enjoying your new adventures!
Thank you for your kind words and yes I’m enjoying my new adventures
Hello 👋 dear, how are you doing?
Great video Janice! Your editor does a lovely job. This will be my second moving to France fact-finding trip. I really do want to live in Paris and I do know that I'll have to pay more for that luxury. I don't mind living in a smaller place. I will, however, likely have my teenage son with me. So I'd better get making some money! : ) I've been planning to move long distance for quite some time and I'm not really tied to any of my current belongings. My clothes, a few kitchen things, and some favorite books are all I need to take. No furniture. One author I read suggested leaving items behind with a friend and then just taking extra suitcases after the next trip back to the states. So, 3 suitcases the first trip and then 3 suitcases later on of things you don't need all the time. My little dog Dan will be coming with me though and that was a really interesting thought about the stairs! See you soon! I can't wait to meet you. : )
I agree on the meet!
What if I can help in anyway let me know. I agree takes a few suitcases and go back and take some more
Now you know you cannot work in France correct
It sounds like you've done a lot of the mental work around detaching from stuff, which can be so challenging. Yay for you!
@@PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst yes, I started before I left
Thank you very much that was very interesting.
You are an amazing inspiring brave lady . You look very happy and I am very pleased and excited to read and see and learn about your great adventure.
My mother moved to Greece when she was 73 years old and even learned some Greek language to be able to speak to local people. So if you have your health there is no reason not to follow your dreams but I realise one has to be knowledgeable and organized.
You are a very interesting, inspiring woman , thank you for sharing your adventure.😊
I agree with all your words! Kudos to your mom!
Would you consider doing a video more in depth on the paperwork you need to make the move? Also, how are you managing with the language? How is your french?
My French is not very good. I’ve been very lazy about it. I would consider doing a video and I think I’ve already done one but I’ll do a small in about it if you want me too
Renting an apartment without a dossier is next to impossible. If you are a senior it is even more difficult due to rent laws that prevent eviction.
Yes I agree! I was just very lucky to find this
Janice, Thank you for your valuable information, I am going to review your video once again to check and see if you discussed banking information and Social Security checks. Pardon me, if I missed that information, going back to review now. ❤️🇫🇷❤️
No I didn’t because I’m not getting a bank account this year because I only have a temp visa. I go back in October to do this all over again. I really don’t need a banking account, and they are reluctant to open a bank account for an American. My pension and social stay in the states for now. Hope that answers your question, if not let me know!
@@JaniceInFrance Thanks for your feedback❤️ I wonder how pensions and SS work with banks when you live in France for over a year.
@@candydonnelly7543 you can have them deposited for sure, but I didn’t want Medicare and social security to know I was living out of the country! Also if I died it would be difficult for my daughter to get my money.
Thank you so much for sharing Janice, I’ve reserved the day to watch all your videos I’m planning to move to France next year and your videos are a great help 🙏thank you
If there’s anything I can ever help you with please let me know
Thanks about answering my question regarding dental care in Hungary.
I so enjoy. all your videos. You are honest and clear regarding moving information from US to Europe. I hope to see you in the fall when I take my visit looking for a European home.
Wow I hope to see you too this is going to be exciting
Thank you! This was very informative and additionally It warmed my heart so much to see all that the man you interviewed has coordinated for the orphans of the Ukraine💖
You’re very welcome
Yes he and his group of volunteers are quite awesome
Janice you gave a great video with good information. Kudos to Hannah's editing skills!
Yeah she is quite creative isn’t she. I’m quite lucky to have her. I can’t wait till she gets here in May and we’re going to do all kind of videos all over the place. It’ll be much easier to do a video with her holding the camera than me doing it lol
@@JaniceInFrance I wish I could be there with you. We would have so much fun.
@@bettylansford Oh my goodness we’d be sent back home for sure lol
@@JaniceInFrance lol... You're probably right!
thank you for this information! Can you please talk more about visa types? The video made it sound like you got a visa for forever or as long as you want!
You will have to go to the website that I gave you for bfsglobal.com and it will go over all the pieces that you might be interested in
@@JaniceInFrance Thanks! Very interesting! I hope you're still doing great - I just came across your channel so have not seen the current videos yet.
@@arborealscout4252 thank you
God bless you for doing a great service. A true blessing for these people who are going through so much terrmoil. .
Thank you
The main thing with renting is being able to demonstrate that you have regular income that is at least three times the monthly rent. You may also need to have a third party act as a guarantor. These are almost standard.
Well fortunately I didn’t have to worry about that Nicki because I had seen this apartment in 2018. But yes that’s true you have to show that you were able to afford it. We have to do that in the states also though don’t we.
Great video... renting never ends...than can be a huge worry for many...especially if the pension is not the best...
True
Last summer, I tore my meniscus and sprained my acl. Dr. told me I"m bone on bone in both knees now...I have mobility but with a cane and only short bursts of time walking. I'm praying this heals and I can walk again. I have stairs in my apartment now and it's been rough. I need first floor or elevator, too. Thank you for bringing this up as it is an important consideration for some of us. Are you able to walk well now? Did your knee heal? How long did it take? Sorry for all the questions, Janice. I'm 7 months in and still dealing with pain. Love your inspiring videos and just want to say...your hair looks so beautiful like this..stylish! Also, how many other towns did you look at in France before choosing Fontainbleau?
My knee did well after about two months and it only bothers me like if I’m just doing a tremendous amount of walking not on flat land, but up-and-down step. This is why I have an elevator. Thank thank you so much for all your compliments and I do appreciate it. Take care of your knees.
Hi Janice - thank you for the inspiration living in France - I did also donated medical supplies and clothes for the Ukraine as my husband/partner passed on a couple of weeks ago after twenty five years - you are a lovely soft spoken refined lady and love your accent - cannot wait for more future videos!!!
Oh thank you so much Ricardo for your kind words, and I am so sorry about the passing of your partner. Take care of yourself possibly join a group online to help you with your grief. If I can help of any way through an email talking to you please let me know
I would love if you could do a little tour of your apartment! Thanks for this informative video!
That has already been completed and probably will be week after next in the video. I just sent it off to Hannah yesterday
Merci Damien!
I very much loved that you also added the report on the effort for Ukraine
Thank he was very near and dear to my heart
How easy was it to get health insurance in France as a retiree? Here in Germany it is extremely expensive to get health insurance if you retire here from outside the EU and are not eligible for the income-based statutory insurance. If you come from elsewhere in the EU and previously paid into the public/statutory system then you can join the public system here. The private policies available to retirees start at about €1000/month, and that is without preexisting conditions, which means only wealthy retirees can move here. It is a big hurdle.
It is not expensive at all.
That is good to know@@JaniceInFrance
Thank you for sharing your life with us. I am living in hogansville ga, and dreaming of retirement in france too. I hope my 61st birthday (5 years from now) will be in france. The health care system is great for people like me. After 3-4 months of full travel insurance I could apply for french medical care with small monthly top off insurance. Like less than 200€ per month. And cash pay doctor visits and pharmacies are so cheap compared to the us. But anyway , good luck I will follow your channel and get in touch if I'm visiting your village. Merci
OK let me go over this really quick for you because I don’t want you to go into this effort without full knowledge. You have to have a year of insurance purchased before visa will approve your stay in France. You have to show three months of bank statements that you have enough money to support yourself. After three months if you get a full-time visa you can apply for their insurance but she will have to pay a little extra for what they call a mutuelle. But you must have a full year paid insurance policy health insurance policy and they have rather specified what you have to have so that’s really important that you pay attention to that you can’t have travel insurance.
Janice is absolutely correct but I would also add that it can take around 6 months for your application to the healthcare system to be processed. All that time you need private health insurance.
@@MrBraindead101 Yes that is right and that’s why you have to have a years worth of insurance already paid for in case you need it during that time that you’re waiting
Thank you Janice! I truly want to live abroad and you have inspired me that it is possible. This was realistic...appreciated. ❤
Thank you so much go for it girl!
I just found your channel and it was very informative.
My daughter and I are planning a trip to France next year so I will checking out more of your videos.
I was wondering about safety ( my friends got mugged), churches to worship at and flea markets.
That is a great question I believe that safety is as good as you plan it to be. What’s your purse phone etc. There is an American church in Paris.
This a wonderful and so nice for you to share. The people of Ukraine Will be so grateful and it’s wonderful that all these people really care. It’s an awful situation. God bless them and protect them.
Thank you I agree with you
Lovely and clear video thank you. Can you please do another on travel pass, national health assistance as an American and a retiree…
I understand that the French Gov. is very good in social services. Even housing.
As a foreign retired woman what
are you able to have?
Please go to my website and download my complimentary e book
I'm going to that organization, he sure was handsome!
I can't believe you were able to fly your pets to France or $125. in the cabin with you. That is an amazing price. I took my dog and 2 cats to England, it cost me $6000. NZD IN 2018. I returned in Sept. 2020 after the first UK lockdown for my elderly parents and it cost me $10.K to bring them all back again lol. Like you I am a single lady so pets are my family. They cannot fly in the cabin with you from NZ or from the UK they have to be crated and in the cargo hold. I can't believe you are allowed to have them in the cabin with you, how nice. I plan to return to England when my last senior pets pass. People think I am mad but I am now 60 and I love England and can't wait to get back and continue my adventure. I lived in a small village in Somerset in a standard terraced house that I rented and I absolutely loved it.
Well, they can continue to think you’re crazy. You just continue to do what you want to do. Yes, that’s one reason why I don’t take my pet when I go to England and visit when I go to London. I would love to take him but it’s too much hassle and it’s cost too much.
You are awesome ☺️ reminds me of when I moved to San Francisco with $1000 it can be done!
It just takes determination doesn’t it
So happy to have found you! Would really love to know about monthly costs to expect please. Rent, food, utilities, transport, entertainment, medical, insurance, and any other costs particular to being there. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😃. Also, how long is your visa good for? How long can you stay? How do you renew it or can you? Would also love to know what kinds of things they ask for in the paperwork to start with? Do you a certain amount in savings? References? Not just for entering the country but also for renting an apartment? Thank you!! Can hardly wait to learn more! And congratulations on your exciting move!!! Good for you!!! 👏👏👏😃
Send me an email and I’ll answer it through there, but I have also covered most of is my videos. But Jacquie if you want to email me I will answer all of your questions
You are an inspiration thank you
You are welcome
Yes please a general weekly budget. Can you ever get free museum passes and do you have access to good libraries..with English books too
I don’t have a pass but I will can get one yes. I general weekly budget is hard to say. The week that I go to the grocery store it’s around $60. Like this past week I didn’t have to go to the grocery store so I didn’t spend any money except for the passage to get into the Château yesterday. I keep a daily budget of everything I spend since I do work on a shoestring budget. I’ll give you more information if you will ask me at the end of this month.
Brilliant !
How wonderful for helping Ukraine. 💞 Much love Janice
Great video. Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Slava Ukraine! We were in Lviv this semester helping a new elementary school open.
Later this year ....we will apply for a long-term visa to stay in France.
Fabulous! Keep in touch!
Excellent I liked the recap too!
Thank you very much appreciate it. I have another video coming out today it might surprise you
Bonjour Janice!
I'm trying to get caught up on some of your videos... easier for me to contact you here I have given up on Facebook for a while need to take a rest I'm so appreciative of your information videos I would leave today for Paris, but the reason I'm watching your videos is the fact that you move there on your shoe string budget and that's why I have to get a couple financial obligations off my back before I can do anything so it might be another year. I'm very interested in the Airbnb idea but there's so many other things I have to consider... Hope to meet up with you for a coffee my next trip! Hope you're having a fabulous Monday!
Merci, Aurivoir!
I am and please let’s do meet up next time you and your wife are here.
Hello Janice! You have a wonderful heart, congratulations for showing support for Ukraine! Loved the content of the video! We are all Ukraine 💙💛
Those are some of the best words I’ve heard in a long time we are all Ukraine you are correct. Thank you so much for your support. Take care of yourself.
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it
So helpful Janice, thank you much. Mwah 😘
It’s so inspiring, especially in your age 70.
21:20 this cost (moved) covered one-way airfare, temporary resident permit, one month accommodation, basic transportation and Pet.
As I know, request Schengen Visa without second party guarantee (job, sponsorship, family, friend), then applicant must show return ticket and thousands euro to pay living cost which depend on length of stay (euro 1500 monthly?).
Is it possible to request ‘work permit’ before get a job in France?
I will get back to you and all of these questions
I like the new builds.
Thanks
Strange question but if you fly with your pets on a nonstop flight, how do they go potty?
You stop feeding them and giving them water for hours before your flight. You can give them like ice cubes if they desire it. When I go back to the states in October I’m taking my dog with me unfortunately we have a layover so for an hour and a half he can get out and stretch his legs and drink a little water but no food. I also put diaper on my dog but he never used it
Hi Janice! I love your videos. Thank you so much for being so open about your life and sharing your story. I’m curious: what are you doing for health insurance over there? Thank you, Carrie
I have a major medical health insurance plan I don’t know if they’ll pay out or not but I paid 464 a year. You have to have one before you can apply for a visa
I have a 10 year Carte de Sejour.
Hi! Do you speak French? It seems that outside of Paris not many French people speak English. We had a hard time communicating to hotel staff in small town outside of Tours.
No I don’t speak French but I am taking lessons
You are wonderful Janice!
Thank you so much Ab
I’d really love to do this someday ❤
Good for you
2.5K PER MONTH? THANKS AGAIN FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT.
No this was all of my cost to move to France it’s not per month
Dear Janice, what an useful and inspiring vdo, I enjoyed it, merci. You are exceptionally brave! Is the Covid not in the way of your move at all?
Well I’m not sure Braves the word but I do appreciate your kind words. Covid stopped me for quite a while just like it did others, but after being vaccinated I felt like I could at least take a few steps out the door then when I did I felt like I needed to take more steps out the door. So now I’m here in France. I hope you don’t mind but you know I must ask were you able to subscribe?
Thank you Janice for the part on helping Ukraine ... I really enjoy your videos and hope to live in France someday :) 💗
If you had a second choice of towns near Paris , what would it be?❤
Versailles
Hi Janice, I just found your channel today and find your videos very useful as well as entertaining. You are an inspiration to have picked up and moved to France at the age of 70. Good for you! I would like to know how you found your current apartment. You said you found it originally in 2018 but was it through AirBnB or somewhere else? Did you rent it furnished? My husband and I (ages 65 and 59) plan to retire to France in about 2-3 years. We were in Occitanie for 3 weeks in 2017 and we absolutely ell in love with the area. We are leaning towards Toulouse. I also studied at the Sorbonne in 1983-1984 so have been a francophile for many years. I've been to Fontainebleau and can see why you want to live there!
Thank you for your kind words. I found my apartment as a fluke. I found a friend of a friend off of FB
@@JaniceInFrance I see. That was lucky for you!
I can't possibly afford travelling to my country of choice and on top of that saving enough to make the move, afford 6 months of rent upfront, sustain myself while I get a job, etc. It's just too much and I'm already on a shoestring budget in my home country.
My saving capacity for the time being is about 500 euros a year. Probably in two years when I finish my studies and can work full time I'll be able to save about 2000 to 2500 euros. How could I afford spending more than 1000 euros to travel there before?? Impossible. I'll have to make the leap and get used to whatever I find.
Where did you get that? You have to have six months rent upfront I certainly didn’t. I certainly didn’t have any savings either.
How did your animals go to the bathroom on a nonstop flight from US?
I did not give them water our food four hours prior to flight, and our flight was only six hours because I left from New York
Hello, is it possible to find studio apartment - not in the city, but outside Paris for $600. I know - in euros it would be more, but still in that price range. Thank you.
Yes, easily possible to rent for 600.
I have a friend of mine that I just found out she has a studio apartment in Paris for 950 so I think it would be really able to find one for 5 to 600 outside of Paris
You have set this out so well. How long can you legally stay in Paris? Are there estate agents that rent property to foreigners? I would be looking for a studio flat.
I have to reapply every year. I have a long stay visa. You can rent flats out for any price you’d want to after let me put this again after the Olympics are over right now they’re really very high.
So enjoy your videos.
Thank you Jeanne I do appreciate it. If there’s any questions or any concerns you have about any of my videos just let me know please. Now you know I have to ask you did subscribe right lol
Thank you too Janice. When you left the US, did you have to sell your home?
No I sold my home a few years prior to leaving
The Ukraine help is interesting. I work with Ukranian women and chikdren refugees here in the Czech Republic.
Good job. …
Hi Janice. So the place that you rent, how much does it cost you per month for what surface area? How long does it take you to go to Paris from Fontainebleau?
If you wait for next week Video is going to tell you all of that. It takes about 32 minutes from Fontainbleau to PARIS and it takes about 10 minutes to the train station from my house
Hi Janice, great tips. What has been your experience with medical insurance over in France?
I have not signed up for their medical insurance yet
Fun video. What about inheritance tax in France for tax residents?
That is some thing I am not familiar with, but if you will go to one of the forums ex-pats in France or anything like that, they have specialty sections that will tell you about that type of question
Thanks for the information. Can you add a link to the place you used for your visa? Also, didn’t you say in an earlier video that your visa wasn’t the one you wanted? How can we avoid that happening?
Thanks so much for sharing your journey.
She put it on the video but I will rewrite it here VFS.com Effect on the video that she showed it shows exactly the page and it shows how to get in touch with him by email
She showed it on the screenbut it’s vfs.com
@@JaniceInFrance It was too fast for me to get.
@@babscorley All you have to do is just watch it again and then stop it and then just keep on watching if you need to go back just go back. Just watch a little bit and pause. Yes my visa is not the one I wanted it is a temporary one therefore I have to go back to the states in October and re-apply for a visa to stay here and then retire here
Janice, do you dress differently than you did in the U.S.? Do you eat differently? Thanks for all the good information! You do an excellent job on the details.
I think I do dress a little differently because in the states I wouldn’t put on lipstick and make up when I go out and I do now. As far as eating no I eat the same I am a real nut when it comes to mind eating because I’m always afraid I’m gonna gain a pound or two and I have gained a pound or two since I’ve been here. Thank you for the kind words are doing an excellent job I tried to do my best and just keep on watching. Cheryl you know I have to ask did you subscribe lol
@@JaniceInFrance Absolutely, I subscribed early on. Thank you for your swift reply and I just enjoy your channel so much!
@@cherylannjohnson8801 thank you Cheryl
Morning Janice!
Morning!
Say Janice, would you be able to do a video on paying income taxes. I am still trying to figure out which country to go to and some of these places are up to 45% with what I make. Here in the states my money is not taxable and I would be losing a lot to move abroad. Thanks!
I’m sorry I’m not able to do that because I have not pay taxes yet because I just came into the country as a resident, so this year my taxes will be all about the United States
Hello, Janice! You are so vibrant and beautiful. I am someone who may be on a similar budget or a bit more (plus side work gigs) and have looked at Normandy (Rennes and also smaller towns). I really enjoy the Celtic vibe and also Rennes' very international vibe. Do you by chance know of any people living in Normandy?
I very much look forward to following your life and adventures!
No, I don’t know anyone in Normandy. Thanks for the kind words. If you go on the forum Retired Americans in France, they usually have great info. Ciao
Thanks!
And I,m a good cook.😊