Retire in France
Last updated on Mar 05, 2024
Summary: Retirees are often attracted to France for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cities. France also offers a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare and a wide range of leisure activities. The weather in France varies depending on the region, but generally the summers are warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit.
What is it like to retire in France?
"Retirement in France and its surrounds offers retirees an array of cultural experiences, much to explore and vibrant cities and towns to call home. In France, expatriate retirees enjoy rural and traditional life, with many small towns and villages offering gorgeous vintage streets and iconic architecture. In the major cities, retirees can enjoy an active and often glamorous lifestyle with parks, museums, theatres and more. For those who choose a more rural life, there are plenty of activities such as fishing, farming, bike riding and hiking. No matter the location, retirees living in France will be able to find various social activities such as lectures and cooking classes. There are also plenty of festive nightlife options too, with musical performances, street festivals and other cultural events taking place frequently," said one retiree in France.
"There are lots of cultural activities in our region as we are close to both Carcassonne and Narbonne, not too far from the coast with beautiful vineyards for miles around. Lots of easy walks and the Canal du Midi to walk along. Idylic on a fine spring or summer day, and not that bad in winter either if well wrapped up against the cold. It does get cold her in the South of France in the winter which many people do not count on. We did our research and knew we could have temperatures of -15C at times between November and March. However, it is usually a fairly dry if cold winter," commented one retiree living in Aude and Herault Departments, France.
"We have a large expat, multi-national community since this is a popular retirement area," explained one retiree living in Pezenas.
Answer Question & View More Answers
Get Quote
GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote
What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in France?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in France?
- What do I need to know before retiring in France?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in France accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in France like?
- Is the cost of living in France high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in France?
- What are healthcare services like in France?
- Is the cost of living in France high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in France?
- What is the weather like in France?
- Are there good restaurants in France?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in France?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in France?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in France?
- What do I need to know when buying property in France?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in France?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?