This was a wonderful video. I've now lived in France for 3 years, and I totally agree with Adrian about living here. I have zero desire to go back to the US. I learned a lot of my French at the Alliance Française, too, and I definitely recommend them. Motivation will get you to speaking it, no matter your age.
Would you happen to know how long it takes for an American to obtain French citizenship? And what type of residence visa would put me on track to apply for citizenship? Thank you!
@@brightgreenleaves It takes a minimum of 5 years to obtain citizenship, you can take the test, etc., at that point. You'll have to have a language level of B2. Another way is if you're married to a French citizen, after 4 years of marriage and living in France both, you can get your citizenship then. Not sure the details on that. Any residence permit allows you to apply for citizenship (I think) after that 5 years of living here legally.
Language skills will make all the difference. Take the time. I'm a native speaker of English and have been living and working in France since 1990. I was fluent when I arrived but I've worked with families who have got into various types of difficulty, largely due to insufficient planning. Some have left as they were overwhelmed. Returning to some countries is not easy either as you may actually need to factor in the time of recovering various rights back home. Two pieces of advice : plan and learn some key language elements as soon as you are thinking of coming.😊
Great video, Adrian! As a French teacher working with expats, I often hear about the cost of living being a major concern for those moving to France. Your insights really highlight the affordability of life here, especially compared to what people might expect. It's inspiring to see such practical advice being shared - I’ll definitely be pointing my students and clients to this video. Merci for all the valuable information!
Love this content, but... "If you live in a little village you WILL need a car.' (??) NOPE! Absolutely NOT! I live in a little village 60 kilometers up into the Pyrénées from Perpignan. I take the public bus that comes through every hour to Ceret or Le Boulou to go shopping several times a week, I can be in Perpignan in 50 minutes. And that bus costs ONE euro for a 2-hour trip anywhere you're going, with transfers included. I can be at the beach in on one hour, for ONE euro. I can be at the nearest ski station in about an hour and 20 minutes, for ONE euro. And EVERYONE takes the bus, it's not scary or dangerous like in most of the US. Going to Barcelona (the nearest huge city) costs about 30 euros. I really only do that when I'm picking up an american relative from the airport or when I have to go to IKEA, lol.
@@saga4646 I'm on the 503 bus ligne from Perpignan train station that runs down to Le Boulou then back up the hills through Ceret, Amelie-les-Bains and Arles-sur-Tech. Maurillas-las-Illas and St. Jean-Plat-de-Corts are also offshoots on that line. I'm in one of the villages I named, lol, I don't want to be more specific, I'm sorry. The villages are pretty small and experience has made me somewhat paranoid about social media. The local autoroute is the D115, the 'départemental 115.' The area is called 'Le Vallespir.' I also love many of the villages along the D66 out of Perpignan, but they don't have close enough access to the beach towns to entice my kids to come visit me more often, lol. Eus and Villefranche-de-Conflent are famously gorgeous, but I love Prades and Ille-sur-Tet as well. The little spa town of Vernet-les-Bains is lovely, but harder to access on public transportation. There are quite a few nice villages closer to Perpignan, almost like suburbs. Everyone seems to recommend Thuir, in particular. Don't hesitate! Get on over here! 😄
@@tararasque932 Merci pour le informacion! I completely understand about not giving specifics yet this is very helpful. I was narrowing my search to Toulon but I would much rather be close to the mountains and Spain.
@@tararasque932 I can't thank you enough for your information! Your area of France is the area I am iniin! I don't want a car! I love the peace of public transportation ( after commuting hours every day for work!) Again, best wishes to both of us ❤
Paris and the Mediterranean coast have the highest concentration of medical services per head. Elsewhere it can be problematic getting registered with a family doctor. This is a regular complaint with Parisians, many of whom are not registered with a family doctor as they are 'ot all able to take on new patients. If you can go privately, it's different, but probably still accessible if you have US levels of income.
Where is the official link to the website to make the appointment for the visa process? My dream! is to live in France, Paris. Been there so many times and feel so at home there. Is there anything like this service for Australians? BTW I had to use the ambulance service in Nice, they were amazing on the phone, ended up going to a clinic as it was not life-threatening, at the clinic I had to wait only 15 mins to be seen and the young doctor knew more than all the doctors I have seen in Australia in the last 10 years about the health issue I had at the time. They prescribed me with medication and found out later that they were all natural unlike in Australia where they over medicate with pharma meds
Thank you so much Adrian and Patty for this presentation!! It was incredibly helpful and certainly helped me get over many of my own doubts about moving to France. We are visiting Paris right now and we love it!! Do you have to pay taxes in France on retirement income from 401k's or IRAs? Merci!
Thanks you! This was a great call. Super helpful on how to navigate the possibility of living (part time) in France. Looking forward to contacting you about properties.
This video was great! I have a special place in my heart for France and are considering it as a retirement destination in the next 5-7 yers. And 67 Euros for an ambulance ride???? With trained medical professionals on board monitoring your condition along the way??? I pay more than that for an Uber ride 20 miles to the airport here in the US! And I have to open the trunk and put my luggage in myself!
Thank you for this fantastic information! The most challenging seems to be learning the language, especially if you’ve never learned more than one language in your lifetime. 😳
Have to add we're are in both Nice & California, and in condos for both thus it's easy for us to draw price comparisons to property taxes, HOA dues, residential wifi/telephone etc. Our french-costs experience is aligns very closely to the figures she outlines -- spot on! It is indeed a fraction of the price in France --- Thanks for the recording!
May I ask where you live in California? We live near Sacramento and I'm hoping we would still save some money living in France (not Paris of course) over where we live now. We got lucky you might say. Our mortgage and interest rate are smaller compared to homes being purchased today so I've wondered how that will compare say to living in Nice.
Thank you ladies, and Ms Adrian , its super encouraging to hear that presentation w lots of tips and advice. My wife and I’ve got to make the plans and act by early 2025. I wonder if the retirees really ditch Medicare as they opt for French system or end up paying for both…
Great video! A spouse of an EU citizen that is a US citizen can merely show up in France under the “90 days in 180” visa-free visitor program, and then once in France - within the 90 days, of course - can apply for a residence visa. This is different from everyone else who must apply for a long-stay visa BEFORE entering France. Even the official French visa website confirms this.
That’s good to know. I’m thinking of buying a small cottage near Poitiers but just visiting on the 90-day visa for the next year or two before I apply for residence or long-stay visa.
Definitely there is a way to transition into long term residency by just using your 90-day visitation visa (tourist). But good to know that you can apply for the longstay or one-year visa from within France.
This is cool I’m a bilingual Quebecois of British grandparents and I live in French here everyday in L’ile Perrot Quebec ( near Montreal) I’ve spent some time in Toulouse and Castelnaudry and it was nice to go somewhere so different and speak the language. It was great.
Hi Adrian, I want to move forward with a consult but have one question about France’s inheritance laws as pertaining to my situation. I would need to get a definitive answer from the right professional, is it possible to direct me to a very qualified source? This is a vital issue before I can proceed. Thank you very much
Yes if moved like me in 2003 away from the Versailles into the breton countryside of the Morbihan 56. And I kept my car can't live without it my second home on the road all over Europe just back from Spain! Cheers
Would you happen to know how long it takes for an American to obtain French citizenship? And what type of residence visa would put me on track to apply for citizenship? Thank you!
I am nearly 2 years from retirement. I recently got the hourly rate for Leeds agency services which is pretty high. Is there any bulk rates for your services?
So if i leave canada and move to france i wont pay canadian provincial income taxes and not pay any taxes on my canadian pensions to the french goverment plus get 70% covered health care after 3 months.
Hi Adrian, I can't find where to contact you. Will be in France for a week in Sept and Nice as a extended lifestyle is interesting. What is you contact info?
Thank you for making this video!! We are married in our late 50s and live in San Diego and are looking for a second home or apartment in Nice or Paris. We currently visit Europe once or twice a year to visit family. We want to be centrally located to experience other parts of Europe. You mentioned you live part-time between Paris and Nice. If you could only choose one which would it be? Also do you have any expertise in building a home instead of purchasing a property (pros or cons)? Just wondering if it’s a whole different animal compared to the process in the US. Thanks for your insight😀….
Great presentation. Thinking about moving to France early next year after I retire. What cities besides Paris and Nice, which are wonderful, or Strasbourg, which I personally do not like, would you recommend to live in France? Especially with cooler climate. I'm from Houston and hate the heat 🙂
Try the northern part of France. It will probably be hot in the summer - we have heatwaves on a regular basis since a few years - but much less than the centre or the south of the country. Brittany and Normandy are wonderful regions but the weather is a little more on the rainy side than elsewhere.
@skygblue6250 I did not hate it but looks dirty to me when I was there last September, The old town is pretty. Other French cities I think, have more charm like Toulouse.
Adrian has recommended Lille, in northern France, before. It's within a 2 hour train ride to Paris, Belgium, Amsterdam and London. I plan on checking it out as I also think the south may be too hot for me.
Property tax in the US can't be compared to Europe in general. Completely different. Look what the tax is used for. There are other taxes for those public services in Europe.
Adrian indicated in one of her newsletters that she eats out just about every day and spends 30 Euros each day, With grocery shopping which includes dog food, then eating out at restaurants we spend about $800.00 a month total for my husband and I. If you look at the International Living website they had a recent video on living in France, the woman estimates they spend between 600-800 euros a month for a family of three for groceries. Not cheaper than the U.S. Adrian’s group never quantifies the monthly health care in France, whether it is based on income or not. I have asked and her associate Patty did not have any answer. As an example we pay $174.70 per month times two, for the Gov’t medicare that we have to take. To get the lowest monthly rate we have to stay under $203,000 in income, which we work to do. We have supplemental health care (private insurance) which we use in place of Gov’t medicare and it costs us $97.00 a month each. Know your numbers real well.
In one of Adrian videos she discussed her U.S. Phone numer that she keeps for 2 step verification for banks, bills in the U.S. I listened to this video for the 2nd time trying to find the answer. Do you mind just responding and letting me know how you/she uses/keeps her U.S. Phone number, company for it. Thx
Inheritance is very complicated and you cannot choose who gets it. Get legal advice before buying on how t o title a property. It is not taxes, it is that you cannot choose who gets the property. You're right. You cannot line your coffin with dollars to make you happier today. I was going to buy a Chateau. Chamged my mind. Am going to buy a stone house in a village and travel around Europe. Then, get a sailboat in the Bahamas for the winters. Will spend most of my money before i die.
We are struggling here in the USA. Me and my daughter struggle financially and can barely make ends meet. We moved last May into low income housing and now our vehicle's transmission has went out so no vehicle. I am disabled and the Kats bus system is so run down and the buses and routes are cut down. I have to bus, bike, walk everywhere as a physically disabled person. I can bike really well but once my arthritis and knee swells and semi locks up I can barely bike or walk to get around. I would rather be on my bike than on the bus. I live on SSI and the little child support I get. We can barely keep food in the apartment too as they cut out our government assistance. I can't afford to save up for another vehicle even a well used one. I do not have a good quality of life here as a disabled person. I wouldn't know how to start or where to get help to relocate. I have many doctors and specialists here and am on lots of medications and wonder how I would be able to make it and survive in France or Italy or even Rome. Am still considering though. I am 52 and my teenager is 16. She will move out soon at least after 18 so I am wondering how it would even happen.
Kimberly, get out get out get OUT! And above all get your child out of there. In Southwest France (fly into Barcelona, head toward Perpignan) rent for a 2-bedroom apartment or even a house is around $600/month, public buses go everywhere and cost ONE (1) euro for a 2-hour ride to anywhere you can go in that time frame. Then you have to pay another euro, lol. And it's not 'shameful,' embarrassing or dangerous to take the public bus in France, unlike in the US. No need for a car, so no paying for car insurance, gasoline, or tolls (I was living in the San Francisco area so was literally paying $400/month in BRIDGE TOLLS alone in the US.) There IS a better life out there. Get out of there! Don't hesitate!
I'm so sorry it's so tough for you. However, before making such a big life changing decision, plan financially and linguistically. There are people in serious difficulty in France too. You will certainly need a reliable source of income and some language knowledge to get by.
No it does not cost less unless you degrade your lifestyle and living. After researching the past months i realized to move to France or any countries abroad is very costly and you have to sacrifice your own present comfort, trading with a much smaller living space, slow service, inconvenience, depression when the cold days arrive with cities shutting down and deserted. Yes its fun to travel but a lot of sacrifices and disappointment. Rent, foods, transportation, altogether are not cheaper as a lot of hidden fees and taxes to consider. In addition with the loss of comfort from home in the US. Utility bill alone is double to what in California, even during hot summer we using AC and winter, heating. Make carefully your math, it's not cheaper.
"Yes, it's fun to travel....". This presentation was not about traveling. There are no hidden fees. You will pay taxes in any country in which you reside. I've been researching as well, utility bills are not double. There are cold, gloomy days in any place you live. Your cost of living is wholly dependent on your expectations wherever you live.
Leeds is contradicting herself here. In one breath, stating property taxes are low and claiming how much money you will save...and then in the next breath, "but I pay a lot more in income tax". Leeds admits she has an apartment worth a million Euro in Paris and a second 1 bedroom apartment in another part of France, so this is not a woman who is financially struggling for money AND she is still earning income in her 70s. If this is *not* your situation, make sure you take this advice with a grain of salt as your mileage may vary. I say this as someone who has, as a financially independent adult, studied abroad in two separate situations, while living in Paris. I highly recommend going abroad for 3-6 months before you make an expensive, long-term commitment. Personally, I enjoyed my study abroad living the two separate times I did it. Once living with a family in the 16th arrondisement and another time in an small hotel over in the Latin Quartier, and that was after several shorter trips over to Paris over a decade before I chose to study abroad for two different summers, 3 years apart. The good news is that you don't pay taxes on your retirement income in France, or at least that is how it is for now. Please, if you are considering moving *anywhere* make sure you investigate what YOUR expenses will be to make that move, and especially if you are taking your personal effects with you across the Atlantic Ocean. Go for 3-6 months FIRST before you make a more permanent decision. Moving abroad is very expensive, and if you don't like it and have to move back to your home country, that is even more expensive because you have to repurchase all the furniture and personal effects you gave away or donated when you left. Also, having a car in Paris is quite expensive and parking is difficult. Make sure you are mobile enough to navigate winter weather on foot on the streets without a car if Paris is your destination. It is great for the young and able-bodied. I highly recommend living abroad for a least a few months, no matter what the country. If nothing else, go for a few months in a language study program like Ecole France Langue, or some other language school. Check out the American University. Many US universities have study abroad summer programs you might be able to enroll in. Bonne chance~
I think we're all reluctant to be negative, but I was going to write up a comment along similar lines. In one breath, "You can save a lot of money living in France!" and in the next, "Stop worrying about the taxes. YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU." OK, wow. Life advice, right there, from someone who's both very well off financially and more than happy to charge you for her wisdom. I think your comment shows a lot of concern for people who aren't financially well off. My general advice to such people: Do your own homework, a whole lot of information is free or extremely cheap, guard every penny, and be sure to have contingency plans.
@@willnelson3362 Thumbs down to both your comments. You didn't listen. Property taxes are a LOT lower in France. Income tax is based your individual situation. 🙄
Hello guys! As for Lyon is definitely a nice city. You should visit the city beforehand. I would advise you not to pick some bad neighborhoods such as Venissieux, Vaulx en Vélin, Rillieux la Pape most of them are located in the eastern part of the city. Best places in Lyon are the 2eme arrdt, 6ème arrdt. If you guys are into getting à house go WEST! The western suburbs are the greatest. Houses can be quiet expensive though. Lyon region is awesome if you guys are into mountains. Switzerland, Italy aren’t too far. Drôme, Ardèche are famous for typical villages and excellent food. Not too far from llyon there’s à charming village names Perouges it’s about 40mins train journey from LYON’s central station. Auvergne Rhône-Alpes is the second wealthiest région in France and landscape is just gorgeous. Annecy, evian, Aix les Bains are not so far from lyon.
I guess it CAN cost half as much. But it won't unless you want to live under a bridge. I am a Canadian who has lived in France for almost 10 years and I'd say my expenses (which I track fairly carefully) were about 20% less than in Canada. Inflation seems to have hit France worse than other places including Canada so now it's maybe 15% less. That said, money isn't everything. There is a lot of good things about living in France (food, wine, places to see, cheap real estate outside of major cities, easy of travel to other countries), but a lot of bad too (the overall society, overly socialist system, complexity of any and all bureaucracies, and taxes).
Bonjour Adrian - Je m'appelle Joan. You and I are very close in age (28 May 52) but I've been dreaming of living in France for decades. Post US election 🤦♀, once I retire in the spring I will definitely be making plans to finally move to the country of my dreams. I've calculated my Medicare premium in the US at $500/month! Universal Healthcare @ around $170/month sounds wonderful 👩⚕Being a city girl and a minimalist I prefer renting and would love a small charming studio apartment somewhere in Paris🗼(preferably US expat friendly neighborhood). I've watch videos on Nice and it's quite nice but I've been obsessed with Paris forever. I will definitely utilize your services once I'm ready to make the move. Merci beaucoup for this informative video 🙋♀
I recently relocated to France and it really depends where you are in France. I find groceries are very expensive compared to Canada and it's cheaper in US than Canada. As far as healthcare is concerned, the carte vitale doesn't cover everything you must have a private insurance as well or you can get caught with a hefty bill. Unless your working, a basic insurance can cost you 50 euros a month. In Canada it's all free! So no tick there. Public transportation is a nightmare unless you live in a big city. I'm sur most people want to live in a picturesque village and most of them only have one bus stop with limited schedule. If you live in a big city, house prices and rentals are just as high as everywhere else post Covid. French people are very nationalistic and you must speak French. I speak perfect French and i still get called ''L'etrangere''! You know what I miss the most, funny enough? It's the long store hours and those American bargains in all the majors. Everything is closed all the time and there are no more browsing trips to target, Walmart and such. Property taxes really depend where you live, they can be just as high as Quebec Canada which is the province that pays the most taxes. Energy costs are through the roof all over Europe. House prices are definitely much more affordable. Local shops are expensive. I wanted to buy a small bag of walnuts on the main road outside my apartment and they cost was 10 euros. I changed my mind. If you have the money to go to the bar or bistro everyday then you will fit right in. Don't expect anyone to remember the conversation you had with them, they're always drunk.In France it is a legal requirement to have home and civil liability insurance even if you rent. the basic that doesn't cover your personal belongings is about 20 euros a month. Having said that, I'm not discouraged, I simply know this is not the right village for me. For Americans, i suggest you google the 7% flat tax in Italy. Not sure if they have something similar in France. Oh yes! I wanted to visit a neighboring village that had very bad connections just 18km away and the local taxi quoted me 180 euros and you have to book at least 2 days before.
Food is cheaper in the US in some catagories, but it's also far worse for your health. You get what you pay for. Also, wandering around Walmart might seem convenient, but it's not something I'd say I would trade for the quality of food and lifestyle in France. If the French started to have to work like Americans.... well, it would not be French life anymore and people would have more anxiety and stress like Americans. No way. Leave that garbage lifestyle in the US.
Sorry, but this is a sales pitch from a real estate agent. Yes, all positives, no negatives 😂. France is also experiencing skyrocketing inflation and very high energy cost due to the smart sanctions against Russia. France has a problem of uncontrolled mass immigration of primarily islamic countries who has groups who live in parallel cultures and continue to live a tense culture just like they did in the country they escaped from. Go to a doctors office and you will find a waiting room full of ninjas in black veils waiting already with each of their 7 children. France is not what you see in the romantic movies. Go there for vacation, rent something for a couple of months and get it out of your system. Also consult an international tax company and you will learn how much higher taxes are in France. Nothing is free. “Oh, there is a housing shortage in Paris…” 😂 (20 to 50 people waiting in line to see the same apartment).
Totally agree with you. I think people who consider moving to France should spend one winter there, as Antoine from Les Frenchies wisely recommends. And also stop romanticising! Emily in Paris is fiction. French economy is in tatters and the country is poorer and more unsafe every single day. It is irresponsible to encourage people who don’t speak French and are already struggling in their own country to make this move, especially older people.
I agree with you and I tried to reason with a few old Americans that I know and who have whipped themselves into a panic after the elections. But they are not listening. I fear those who will actually make the move might have to return home with their tails between their legs. It is ok if you are young, but for the older demographic, potentially catastrophic
Who cares if you'e paying taxes in France, if you actually GET something (like healthcare) for the taxes you're paying. Unlike in the US, where you pay ridiculous taxes then STILL have to pay for health insurance, car insurance, home insurance... And the only time I had a car accident in the US (I was NOT at fault, but the other driver was uninsured) MY insurance company harassed me repeatedly to find out if there was ANYONE else they could make pay for the damages, they even tried to get my 19 year old college student niece to pay for it because she has a unisex name and they accused her of being my live-in 'boyfriend.' SICK! Get yourself and your kids out of the US. Just get the hell out. That's all I can say.
And in the US you get awful under-funded public schools (unless you live in a very wealthy area). You get awful, expensive, and often dangerous public transportation. You get outrageously expensive University costs. You get broken-down infrastructure.
This was a wonderful video. I've now lived in France for 3 years, and I totally agree with Adrian about living here. I have zero desire to go back to the US. I learned a lot of my French at the Alliance Française, too, and I definitely recommend them. Motivation will get you to speaking it, no matter your age.
Would you happen to know how long it takes for an American to obtain French citizenship? And what type of residence visa would put me on track to apply for citizenship? Thank you!
@@brightgreenleaves It takes a minimum of 5 years to obtain citizenship, you can take the test, etc., at that point. You'll have to have a language level of B2. Another way is if you're married to a French citizen, after 4 years of marriage and living in France both, you can get your citizenship then. Not sure the details on that. Any residence permit allows you to apply for citizenship (I think) after that 5 years of living here legally.
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@@RonRobertson-lafrance thank you!
I enjoyed getting this helpful, new to me info. Adrian is such an informative & vivacious speaker. I'm now thinking of moving to France.
Language skills will make all the difference. Take the time. I'm a native speaker of English and have been living and working in France since 1990. I was fluent when I arrived but I've worked with families who have got into various types of difficulty, largely due to insufficient planning. Some have left as they were overwhelmed. Returning to some countries is not easy either as you may actually need to factor in the time of recovering various rights back home. Two pieces of advice : plan and learn some key language elements as soon as you are thinking of coming.😊
Great video, Adrian! As a French teacher working with expats, I often hear about the cost of living being a major concern for those moving to France. Your insights really highlight the affordability of life here, especially compared to what people might expect. It's inspiring to see such practical advice being shared - I’ll definitely be pointing my students and clients to this video. Merci for all the valuable information!
Love this content, but... "If you live in a little village you WILL need a car.' (??) NOPE! Absolutely NOT! I live in a little village 60 kilometers up into the Pyrénées from Perpignan. I take the public bus that comes through every hour to Ceret or Le Boulou to go shopping several times a week, I can be in Perpignan in 50 minutes. And that bus costs ONE euro for a 2-hour trip anywhere you're going, with transfers included. I can be at the beach in on one hour, for ONE euro. I can be at the nearest ski station in about an hour and 20 minutes, for ONE euro. And EVERYONE takes the bus, it's not scary or dangerous like in most of the US. Going to Barcelona (the nearest huge city) costs about 30 euros. I really only do that when I'm picking up an american relative from the airport or when I have to go to IKEA, lol.
If you don't mind what village do you live in? I have been looking at perpignan but love the village feel.
Targeting Pyrenees for retirement. Cannot wait!!!! Counting the days to leave the US and return to my parents Europe.
@@saga4646 I'm on the 503 bus ligne from Perpignan train station that runs down to Le Boulou then back up the hills through Ceret, Amelie-les-Bains and Arles-sur-Tech. Maurillas-las-Illas and St. Jean-Plat-de-Corts are also offshoots on that line. I'm in one of the villages I named, lol, I don't want to be more specific, I'm sorry. The villages are pretty small and experience has made me somewhat paranoid about social media. The local autoroute is the D115, the 'départemental 115.' The area is called 'Le Vallespir.'
I also love many of the villages along the D66 out of Perpignan, but they don't have close enough access to the beach towns to entice my kids to come visit me more often, lol. Eus and Villefranche-de-Conflent are famously gorgeous, but I love Prades and Ille-sur-Tet as well. The little spa town of Vernet-les-Bains is lovely, but harder to access on public transportation.
There are quite a few nice villages closer to Perpignan, almost like suburbs. Everyone seems to recommend Thuir, in particular.
Don't hesitate! Get on over here! 😄
@@tararasque932 Merci pour le informacion! I completely understand about not giving specifics yet this is very helpful. I was narrowing my search to Toulon but I would much rather be close to the mountains and Spain.
@@tararasque932 I can't thank you enough for your information! Your area of France is the area I am iniin! I don't want a car! I love the peace of public transportation ( after commuting hours every day for work!) Again, best wishes to both of us ❤
Dermatologist appointments are hard to come by in the US too, I gave up when a few of them were giving me a 6 month wait.
Paris and the Mediterranean coast have the highest concentration of medical services per head. Elsewhere it can be problematic getting registered with a family doctor. This is a regular complaint with Parisians, many of whom are not registered with a family doctor as they are 'ot all able to take on new patients. If you can go privately, it's different, but probably still accessible if you have US levels of income.
It took me two years to find a new dermatologist after mine retired, and this is in Paris!
LOVE YOUR CONTENT ADRIAN, AND HOPE TO MEET YOU IN FRANCE ASAP!!!!
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!
Excellent video!! Thank you. I appreciate being a participant in this webinar. Merci!!! Dean & Cindy
Adrian knows everything - greatly appreciate her help and insights. Valuable!
Thank you for all the valuable information. What a great team!
You definitely are the expert Adrian.
Where is the official link to the website to make the appointment for the visa process?
My dream! is to live in France, Paris. Been there so many times and feel so at home there. Is there anything like this service for Australians? BTW I had to use the ambulance service in Nice, they were amazing on the phone, ended up going to a clinic as it was not life-threatening, at the clinic I had to wait only 15 mins to be seen and the young doctor knew more than all the doctors I have seen in Australia in the last 10 years about the health issue I had at the time. They prescribed me with medication and found out later that they were all natural unlike in Australia where they over medicate with pharma meds
Ja dore this video! Very generous Adrian! Thank you
Thank you so much Adrian and Patty for this presentation!! It was incredibly helpful and certainly helped me get over many of my own doubts about moving to France. We are visiting Paris right now and we love it!! Do you have to pay taxes in France on retirement income from 401k's or IRAs? Merci!
Thanks you! This was a great call. Super helpful on how to navigate the possibility of living (part time) in France. Looking forward to contacting you about properties.
How hard is it to find a one bedroom apartment in Menton
This video was great! I have a special place in my heart for France and are considering it as a retirement destination in the next 5-7 yers. And 67 Euros for an ambulance ride???? With trained medical professionals on board monitoring your condition along the way??? I pay more than that for an Uber ride 20 miles to the airport here in the US! And I have to open the trunk and put my luggage in myself!
When the ambulance arrives after 2 hours 😂 hope you’re still alive then.
Thank you for this fantastic information! The most challenging seems to be learning the language, especially if you’ve never learned more than one language in your lifetime. 😳
Surely but I teach French to Americans for over ten years and I know it is feasible if you are motivated regardless of your age.
How much is your dental care?
Have to add we're are in both Nice & California, and in condos for both thus it's easy for us to draw price comparisons to property taxes, HOA dues, residential wifi/telephone etc. Our french-costs experience is aligns very closely to the figures she outlines -- spot on! It is indeed a fraction of the price in France --- Thanks for the recording!
The cost is elsewhere. When you buy, sell or pass on the property to heirs in taxes.
May I ask where you live in California? We live near Sacramento and I'm hoping we would still save some money living in France (not Paris of course) over where we live now. We got lucky you might say. Our mortgage and interest rate are smaller compared to homes being purchased today so I've wondered how that will compare say to living in Nice.
@@jackbaldwin3649actually in sacramento as well!
Thank you ladies, and Ms Adrian , its super encouraging to hear that presentation w lots of tips and advice. My wife and I’ve got to make the plans and act by early 2025. I wonder if the retirees really ditch Medicare as they opt for French system or end up paying for both…
I wonder about ditching Medicare as well. I think if I was comfortable with the quality of care, I would give it serious thought!
@@jackbaldwin3649 thx Jack B
Great video!
A spouse of an EU citizen that is a US citizen can merely show up in France under the “90 days in 180” visa-free visitor program, and then once in France - within the 90 days, of course - can apply for a residence visa.
This is different from everyone else who must apply for a long-stay visa BEFORE entering France.
Even the official French visa website confirms this.
That’s good to know. I’m thinking of buying a small cottage near Poitiers but just visiting on the 90-day visa for the next year or two before I apply for residence or long-stay visa.
Definitely there is a way to transition into long term residency by just using your 90-day visitation visa (tourist). But good to know that you can apply for the longstay or one-year visa from within France.
This is cool I’m a bilingual Quebecois of British grandparents and I live in French here everyday in L’ile Perrot Quebec ( near Montreal) I’ve spent some time in Toulouse and Castelnaudry and it was nice to go somewhere so different and speak the language. It was great.
Hi Adrian, I want to move forward with a consult but have one question about France’s inheritance laws as pertaining to my situation. I would need to get a definitive answer from the right professional, is it possible to direct me to a very qualified source? This is a vital issue before I can proceed. Thank you very much
Can You can get French health care on a 1 year visa after 3 months?
Yes if moved like me in 2003 away from the Versailles into the breton countryside of the Morbihan 56. And I kept my car can't live without it my second home on the road all over Europe just back from Spain! Cheers
Would you happen to know how long it takes for an American to obtain French citizenship? And what type of residence visa would put me on track to apply for citizenship? Thank you!
I am nearly 2 years from retirement. I recently got the hourly rate for Leeds agency services which is pretty high. Is there any bulk rates for your services?
What was the rate? Was it to find a rental or purchase a home? Thank you
Thank you. What are the maintenance costs of apartments like?
So if i leave canada and move to france i wont pay canadian provincial income taxes and not pay any taxes on my canadian pensions to the french goverment plus get 70% covered health care after 3 months.
Hi Adrian, I can't find where to contact you. Will be in France for a week in Sept and Nice as a extended lifestyle is interesting. What is you contact info?
Thank you
Thank you for making this video!! We are married in our late 50s and live in San Diego and are looking for a second home or apartment in Nice or Paris. We currently visit Europe once or twice a year to visit family. We want to be centrally located to experience other parts of Europe. You mentioned you live part-time between Paris and Nice. If you could only choose one which would it be? Also do you have any expertise in building a home instead of purchasing a property (pros or cons)? Just wondering if it’s a whole different animal compared to the process in the US. Thanks for your insight😀….
I love this and wish I was brave enough to move. I think I can continue working remotely if I did move. What will $80,000 buy outside of Paris.
Is it paramount to be able to write in French or can you get away with spoken?
It depends on what you need to do. If you need to work or study you need to be able to write.
Cafe Charlot, a fav
How much is cleaning, and for a crown
Adrian weird ask. Can you recycle in Nice? Is there a place to give to charity?
Super helpful, thank you!
Made my day!
Great presentation. Thinking about moving to France early next year after I retire. What cities besides Paris and Nice, which are wonderful, or Strasbourg, which I personally do not like, would you recommend to live in France? Especially with cooler climate. I'm from Houston and hate the heat 🙂
I like Angers, but I have not been there in summer.
Try the northern part of France. It will probably be hot in the summer - we have heatwaves on a regular basis since a few years - but much less than the centre or the south of the country. Brittany and Normandy are wonderful regions but the weather is a little more on the rainy side than elsewhere.
@skygblue6250 I did not hate it but looks dirty to me when I was there last September, The old town is pretty. Other French cities I think, have more charm like Toulouse.
Adrian has recommended Lille, in northern France, before. It's within a 2 hour train ride to Paris, Belgium, Amsterdam and London. I plan on checking it out as I also think the south may be too hot for me.
thank you, I have heard Lille is a nice place. I will plan to visit then.
Superb!
Property tax in the US can't be compared to Europe in general. Completely different. Look what the tax is used for. There are other taxes for those public services in Europe.
Adrian indicated in one of her newsletters that she eats out just about every day and spends 30 Euros each day, With grocery shopping which includes dog food, then eating out at restaurants we spend about $800.00 a month total for my husband and I. If you look at the International Living website they had a recent video on living in France, the woman estimates they spend between 600-800 euros a month for a family of three for groceries. Not cheaper than the U.S.
Adrian’s group never quantifies the monthly health care in France, whether it is based on income or not. I have asked and her associate Patty did not have any answer. As an example we pay $174.70 per month times two, for the Gov’t medicare that we have to take. To get the lowest monthly rate we have to stay under $203,000 in income, which we work to do. We have supplemental health care (private insurance) which we use in place of Gov’t medicare and it costs us $97.00 a month each. Know your numbers real well.
In one of Adrian videos she discussed her U.S. Phone numer that she keeps for 2 step verification for banks, bills in the U.S. I listened to this video for the 2nd time trying to find the answer. Do you mind just responding and letting me know how you/she uses/keeps her U.S. Phone number, company for it. Thx
Inheritance is very complicated and you cannot choose who gets it. Get legal advice before buying on how t o title a property. It is not taxes, it is that you cannot choose who gets the property.
You're right. You cannot line your coffin with dollars to make you happier today. I was going to buy a Chateau. Chamged my mind. Am going to buy a stone house in a village and travel around Europe. Then, get a sailboat in the Bahamas for the winters. Will spend most of my money before i die.
We are struggling here in the USA. Me and my daughter struggle financially and can barely make ends meet. We moved last May into low income housing and now our vehicle's transmission has went out so no vehicle. I am disabled and the Kats bus system is so run down and the buses and routes are cut down. I have to bus, bike, walk everywhere as a physically disabled person. I can bike really well but once my arthritis and knee swells and semi locks up I can barely bike or walk to get around. I would rather be on my bike than on the bus. I live on SSI and the little child support I get. We can barely keep food in the apartment too as they cut out our government assistance. I can't afford to save up for another vehicle even a well used one. I do not have a good quality of life here as a disabled person. I wouldn't know how to start or where to get help to relocate. I have many doctors and specialists here and am on lots of medications and wonder how I would be able to make it and survive in France or Italy or even Rome. Am still considering though. I am 52 and my teenager is 16. She will move out soon at least after 18 so I am wondering how it would even happen.
Kimberly, get out get out get OUT! And above all get your child out of there. In Southwest France (fly into Barcelona, head toward Perpignan) rent for a 2-bedroom apartment or even a house is around $600/month, public buses go everywhere and cost ONE (1) euro for a 2-hour ride to anywhere you can go in that time frame. Then you have to pay another euro, lol. And it's not 'shameful,' embarrassing or dangerous to take the public bus in France, unlike in the US. No need for a car, so no paying for car insurance, gasoline, or tolls (I was living in the San Francisco area so was literally paying $400/month in BRIDGE TOLLS alone in the US.) There IS a better life out there. Get out of there! Don't hesitate!
I'm so sorry it's so tough for you. However, before making such a big life changing decision, plan financially and linguistically. There are people in serious difficulty in France too. You will certainly need a reliable source of income and some language knowledge to get by.
We should tal!
This stuff is cheap because of the tax structure. Under Macron the Government percentage of GDP went from about 52% to 58%.
No it does not cost less unless you degrade your lifestyle and living. After researching the past months i realized to move to France or any countries abroad is very costly and you have to sacrifice your own present comfort, trading with a much smaller living space, slow service, inconvenience, depression when the cold days arrive with cities shutting down and deserted. Yes its fun to travel but a lot of sacrifices and disappointment. Rent, foods, transportation, altogether are not cheaper as a lot of hidden fees and taxes to consider. In addition with the loss of comfort from home in the US. Utility bill alone is double to what in California, even during hot summer we using AC and winter, heating. Make carefully your math, it's not cheaper.
"Yes, it's fun to travel....". This presentation was not about traveling. There are no hidden fees. You will pay taxes in any country in which you reside. I've been researching as well, utility bills are not double. There are cold, gloomy days in any place you live. Your cost of living is wholly dependent on your expectations wherever you live.
Leeds is contradicting herself here. In one breath, stating property taxes are low and claiming how much money you will save...and then in the next breath, "but I pay a lot more in income tax".
Leeds admits she has an apartment worth a million Euro in Paris and a second 1 bedroom apartment in another part of France, so this is not a woman who is financially struggling for money AND she is still earning income in her 70s. If this is *not* your situation, make sure you take this advice with a grain of salt as your mileage may vary. I say this as someone who has, as a financially independent adult, studied abroad in two separate situations, while living in Paris. I highly recommend going abroad for 3-6 months before you make an expensive, long-term commitment.
Personally, I enjoyed my study abroad living the two separate times I did it. Once living with a family in the 16th arrondisement and another time in an small hotel over in the Latin Quartier, and that was after several shorter trips over to Paris over a decade before I chose to study abroad for two different summers, 3 years apart.
The good news is that you don't pay taxes on your retirement income in France, or at least that is how it is for now.
Please, if you are considering moving *anywhere* make sure you investigate what YOUR expenses will be to make that move, and especially if you are taking your personal effects with you across the Atlantic Ocean. Go for 3-6 months FIRST before you make a more permanent decision. Moving abroad is very expensive, and if you don't like it and have to move back to your home country, that is even more expensive because you have to repurchase all the furniture and personal effects you gave away or donated when you left.
Also, having a car in Paris is quite expensive and parking is difficult. Make sure you are mobile enough to navigate winter weather on foot on the streets without a car if Paris is your destination. It is great for the young and able-bodied.
I highly recommend living abroad for a least a few months, no matter what the country. If nothing else, go for a few months in a language study program like Ecole France Langue, or some other language school. Check out the American University. Many US universities have study abroad summer programs you might be able to enroll in.
Bonne chance~
I think we're all reluctant to be negative, but I was going to write up a comment along similar lines. In one breath, "You can save a lot of money living in France!" and in the next, "Stop worrying about the taxes. YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU." OK, wow. Life advice, right there, from someone who's both very well off financially and more than happy to charge you for her wisdom. I think your comment shows a lot of concern for people who aren't financially well off. My general advice to such people: Do your own homework, a whole lot of information is free or extremely cheap, guard every penny, and be sure to have contingency plans.
@@willnelson3362 Thumbs down to both your comments. You didn't listen. Property taxes are a LOT lower in France. Income tax is based your individual situation. 🙄
You provide hope for a better life in retirement than most people have in US. I'm seriously thinking of making the move to Lyon.
Was in Lyon last Summer. I really liked it. Diverse and lots going for it.
Have you visited Lyon? This city is on our list to see.
Hello guys! As for Lyon is definitely a nice city. You should visit the city beforehand. I would advise you not to pick some bad neighborhoods such as Venissieux, Vaulx en Vélin, Rillieux la Pape most of them are located in the eastern part of the city.
Best places in Lyon are the 2eme arrdt, 6ème arrdt. If you guys are into getting à house go WEST! The western suburbs are the greatest. Houses can be quiet expensive though. Lyon region is awesome if you guys are into mountains. Switzerland, Italy aren’t too far. Drôme, Ardèche are famous for typical villages and excellent food. Not too far from llyon there’s à charming village names Perouges it’s about 40mins train journey from LYON’s central station. Auvergne Rhône-Alpes is the second wealthiest région in France and landscape is just gorgeous. Annecy, evian, Aix les Bains are not so far from lyon.
Very helpful, merci!
We are considering our options in case a certain person becomes American President again ;)
Like it’s not bad under the current? 😂 Europe may be facing WW3 thanks to JB. You don’t seem to know what’s going on in Europe with Ukraine.
@@terriblepainter7675 No, it's not. Stop listening/reading alternative facts. Such utter nonsense.
Ditto
@@terriblepainter7675 💯
I guess it CAN cost half as much. But it won't unless you want to live under a bridge. I am a Canadian who has lived in France for almost 10 years and I'd say my expenses (which I track fairly carefully) were about 20% less than in Canada. Inflation seems to have hit France worse than other places including Canada so now it's maybe 15% less. That said, money isn't everything. There is a lot of good things about living in France (food, wine, places to see, cheap real estate outside of major cities, easy of travel to other countries), but a lot of bad too (the overall society, overly socialist system, complexity of any and all bureaucracies, and taxes).
Who wouldn't want to save 15% or more and particularly if they are retired? Everyone' s situation is going to be different.
@@jackbaldwin3649 I wasn't commenting on whether or not 15% was a good or bad savings, I was commenting on the click bait title of saving 50%.
Believe me, I’m so sick of the corrupt systems & prices in the US, I am making serious plans to move out of this country
"not the french, but Muslims". So Muslims can't be French?
France has a problem with illegal immigration and mass immigration from Muslim countries. They are not French.
An osteopath is a medical doctor with extra training in osteopathy manipulation.
What about older gay people? I live in mexico amd and am bored
Bonjour Adrian - Je m'appelle Joan. You and I are very close in age (28 May 52) but I've been dreaming of living in France for decades. Post US election 🤦♀, once I retire in the spring I will definitely be making plans to finally move to the country of my dreams. I've calculated my Medicare premium in the US at $500/month! Universal Healthcare @ around $170/month sounds wonderful 👩⚕Being a city girl and a minimalist I prefer renting and would love a small charming studio apartment somewhere in Paris🗼(preferably US expat friendly neighborhood). I've watch videos on Nice and it's quite nice but I've been obsessed with Paris forever. I will definitely utilize your services once I'm ready to make the move. Merci beaucoup for this informative video 🙋♀
I recently relocated to France and it really depends where you are in France. I find groceries are very expensive compared to Canada and it's cheaper in US than Canada. As far as healthcare is concerned, the carte vitale doesn't cover everything you must have a private insurance as well or you can get caught with a hefty bill. Unless your working, a basic insurance can cost you 50 euros a month. In Canada it's all free! So no tick there. Public transportation is a nightmare unless you live in a big city. I'm sur most people want to live in a picturesque village and most of them only have one bus stop with limited schedule. If you live in a big city, house prices and rentals are just as high as everywhere else post Covid. French people are very nationalistic and you must speak French. I speak perfect French and i still get called ''L'etrangere''! You know what I miss the most, funny enough? It's the long store hours and those American bargains in all the majors. Everything is closed all the time and there are no more browsing trips to target, Walmart and such. Property taxes really depend where you live, they can be just as high as Quebec Canada which is the province that pays the most taxes. Energy costs are through the roof all over Europe. House prices are definitely much more affordable. Local shops are expensive. I wanted to buy a small bag of walnuts on the main road outside my apartment and they cost was 10 euros. I changed my mind. If you have the money to go to the bar or bistro everyday then you will fit right in. Don't expect anyone to remember the conversation you had with them, they're always drunk.In France it is a legal requirement to have home and civil liability insurance even if you rent. the basic that doesn't cover your personal belongings is about 20 euros a month. Having said that, I'm not discouraged, I simply know this is not the right village for me. For Americans, i suggest you google the 7% flat tax in Italy. Not sure if they have something similar in France. Oh yes! I wanted to visit a neighboring village that had very bad connections just 18km away and the local taxi quoted me 180 euros and you have to book at least 2 days before.
Food is cheaper in the US in some catagories, but it's also far worse for your health. You get what you pay for. Also, wandering around Walmart might seem convenient, but it's not something I'd say I would trade for the quality of food and lifestyle in France. If the French started to have to work like Americans.... well, it would not be French life anymore and people would have more anxiety and stress like Americans. No way. Leave that garbage lifestyle in the US.
@@SurpriseMeJT Well said. I won't miss Walmart, Target or any other big box store selling overpriced crap.
Frexit!
So Paris is cheap compared to one of the most expensive cities in the world NY.
And other cities all over the US, i.e., SF, LA, Chicago, Miami, etc.
Sorry, but this is a sales pitch from a real estate agent. Yes, all positives, no negatives 😂. France is also experiencing skyrocketing inflation and very high energy cost due to the smart sanctions against Russia. France has a problem of uncontrolled mass immigration of primarily islamic countries who has groups who live in parallel cultures and continue to live a tense culture just like they did in the country they escaped from. Go to a doctors office and you will find a waiting room full of ninjas in black veils waiting already with each of their 7 children. France is not what you see in the romantic movies. Go there for vacation, rent something for a couple of months and get it out of your system. Also consult an international tax company and you will learn how much higher taxes are in France. Nothing is free. “Oh, there is a housing shortage in Paris…” 😂 (20 to 50 people waiting in line to see the same apartment).
Bull💩 France does not have uncontrolled mass immigration. Clearly, you've never been to France. Faux news much?
Totally agree with you. I think people who consider moving to France should spend one winter there, as Antoine from Les Frenchies wisely recommends. And also stop romanticising! Emily in Paris is fiction. French economy is in tatters and the country is poorer and more unsafe every single day. It is irresponsible to encourage people who don’t speak French and are already struggling in their own country to make this move, especially older people.
I agree with you and I tried to reason with a few old Americans that I know and who have whipped themselves into a panic after the elections. But they are not listening. I fear those who will actually make the move might have to return home with their tails between their legs. It is ok if you are young, but for the older demographic, potentially catastrophic
Who cares if you'e paying taxes in France, if you actually GET something (like healthcare) for the taxes you're paying. Unlike in the US, where you pay ridiculous taxes then STILL have to pay for health insurance, car insurance, home insurance... And the only time I had a car accident in the US (I was NOT at fault, but the other driver was uninsured) MY insurance company harassed me repeatedly to find out if there was ANYONE else they could make pay for the damages, they even tried to get my 19 year old college student niece to pay for it because she has a unisex name and they accused her of being my live-in 'boyfriend.' SICK! Get yourself and your kids out of the US. Just get the hell out. That's all I can say.
And in the US you get awful under-funded public schools (unless you live in a very wealthy area). You get awful, expensive, and often dangerous public transportation. You get outrageously expensive University costs. You get broken-down infrastructure.