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Lille for retirement?

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EUBound
  8/7/2018 16:54 EST

I am an American thinking of retiring to somewhere in France. I have never been to Lille - plan to later this year - so can anyone recommend Lille as a good place for an American to retire to?

Lille seems centrally located for touring northern Europe due to high speed train connections. It's only 30 minutes to Brussels, 60 minutes to Paris and 80 minutes to London.

It's also full of young people and is reportedly growing as a business capital. Flemish culture means good beer and good bars I am told.

ranadelnorte
  8/10/2018 09:27 EST

Hmmm. How do you like a rainy, cloudy, cool climate for most of the year? Lille is like that. It also has its share of urban problems. Think you should search elsewhere in France or at least visit in winter to get a feel for the place. Good beer can only make up for so much....good luck in your search for a retirement location!

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KevinfromKinsaleviaNYC
  8/10/2018 14:26 EST

Thanks ranadelnorte. I'm light skinned and have lived most of my life in New York and Ireland so not a sun-worshiper. The south of France is not high on my list.

I know the general Lille area is not the best but do you see problems in the city itself?

Where might you recommend or a convenient place to live in France for someone who likes to travel (by rail) and doesn't really care too much about warm weather?

Diane2263
  8/10/2018 14:32 EST

Have you considered Burgundy? It’s beautiful, green, mild, and there are TGVs running from Dijon & Montbard. TERs from a lot of other places.

ranadelnorte
  8/10/2018 14:33 EST

I’ve only visited Lille, not lived there. It feels “gritty” like maybe Pittsburgh in the US - a little down on its luck.
Have you considered Paris or Strasbourg? They would get my vote for retirement.

EUBound
  8/10/2018 15:16 EST

Dianne, Burgundy does look quite convenient to Paris. I want to live in a city center so I won't need to rely on a car. Do you recommend either Dijon or Montbard for city living?

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EUBound
  8/10/2018 15:25 EST

ranadelnorte, Strasbourg is beautiful and surprisingly convenient to Paris by train. I would probably like the weather as well as the German influences.

Why do you like Strasbourg?

Thanks, EUBound (kevinfrom kinsaleviaNYC)

EUBound
  8/10/2018 15:42 EST

ranadelnorte, not sure what happened with my message so here goes again.

Strasbourg seems surprisingly convenient to Paris. I think I might like the weather there very much at least in summer.

Why do you like Strasbourg?

Thanks, EUBound (KevinfromKinsaleviaNYC)

Diane2263
  8/10/2018 15:44 EST

I know people who live in Dijon & love it. It’s a good-sized City with a lot going on. Montbard...bestvto live in a surrounding small town or village I think.

I actually live in Avallon, a town of about 7500. I do have a car but as I live in the center of town, I don’t need it to shop for food or eat out. Plenty of cafés and restaurants within a minute or 2 walk from my door. Lots happening from fêtes to karaoke to a rugby team. Small and friendly. We do have a train station but TER only which makes it slower. Overall, I think a car is necessary unless you live in a large city.

EUBound
  8/10/2018 17:36 EST

Thanks Diane. I will want a car to enjoy the countryside and occasional trips to hard to reach places. But hopefully, I will live in a city where I do not need a car for everyday life. Looks like you figured it out.

ranadelnorte
  8/11/2018 02:49 EST

Strasbourg good points:
-Quality of life is excellent
-Lovely river walkways and cycling paths; large botanical gardens; many parks and greenery
-Cost of living is reasonable, especially rents in the city
-Only region in France other than Ile de France where economy is booming, so unemployment is low and people are contented
-Presence of European Parliament makes the city more open to outsiders - you feel like you are part of Europe
-Beautiful architecture, interesting folklore, and good museums
-Good regional cuisine and excellent wines
-Many interesting day trips to picturesque villages and the forest
-Transport hub by fast train to Paris, Brussels, Germany, Switzerland
-Weather is temperate, similar to East Coast North America: winters can be cold and summers very hot.

Hope this helps a bit.

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frabound
  8/13/2018 16:10 EST

I'm following with interest as I too will retire in France, and am trying to avoid the heat...and have most conveniences within walking distance. Ideally, I would only like to rent a car occasionally for long trips. I'm fairly well settled on the Dordogne or the Charente but have heard good things about Limoges as a retirement destination which ticks all the boxes and remains affordable. Were money not a consideration, I'd be in Bordeaux in a flash~

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