Retire in St. Cloud, France
Last updated on Apr 02, 2025
Summary: St. Cloud, France is a popular destination for retirees due to its picturesque scenery, mild climate, and proximity to Paris. The city is home to several retirement communities, offering a variety of amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and social activities. Prices for a nice two-bedroom home in St. Cloud range from $200,000 to $400,000 USD, while a nice three-bedroom home can cost anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000 USD. The weather in St. Cloud is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit in the summer months.
What is it like to retire in St. Cloud?
"St. Cloud and its surroundings in France provide retirees with a unique experience. With a rich history, and a quaint small-town feel, it is a great destination for those looking for a quieter lifestyle. The local expat community is quite active, often finding creative and interesting ways to connect and build relationships with one another. Residents in the area enjoy visiting local cultural attractions, the two most popular being the historical church and the Museum of Photography. There is also a wide range of recreational activities, from hiking and cycling to sailing and horseback riding. For those looking for a nightlife, there are a few restaurants, pubs, and music venues that offer live entertainment to keep retirees entertained," commented one retiree living in St. Cloud, France, France.

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We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in France. If you're moving to France, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in France.
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What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?
"Retiring abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. St. Cloud is a great place for those considering retiring abroad. When making the decision to retire abroad, it is important to do plenty of research about the location, including what the cost of living is and the availability of healthcare. Before making the move, it is also important to spend some time in the area to get a better feel for what life is like in that particular place. Additionally, it is important to speak with other expats or retirees living in the area to find out what their experiences have been like. Finally, it is important to make sure you have the necessary documents and visa information to live in the country," said one retiree in St. Cloud, France.
What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in St. Cloud?
"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in St. Cloud is finding affordable housing. As a foreign national, finding a place to live can be difficult due to language barriers and cultural differences, making it even more difficult to budget effectively for housing when living abroad. Additionally, learning to live with a different currency and dealing with frequent changes in taxation can make managing a budget in St. Cloud even more difficult. A further challenge is adapting to a new culture and finding a community in a foreign environment, as it can be hard to build a support network of friends and neighbors," explained a retiree in St. Cloud, France.

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What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in St. Cloud?
"Retiring in St. Cloud can be a rewarding experience, offering retirees a chance to enjoy the temperate climate, numerous cultural activities and diverse cultural heritage. Retirees can explore the region, with its easy access to the rest of France, frequent festivals and activities, and natural beauty. They can take in the stunning landscapes and delight in the mild climate, perfect for outdoor pursuits and cycling. In addition, retirees can benefit from a generous pension system, affordable housing, and excellent healthcare facilities. St. Cloud also offers a broad array of leisure activities, traditional markets, top-notch gastronomy, and a relaxed lifestyle, all of which make it an ideal place to retire," said one retiree in St. Cloud, France.
What are healthcare services like in St. Cloud?
We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in St. Cloud. They wrote:
"St. Cloud offers a wide range of healthcare services to its residents. The major hospital in the area is the Groupement Hospitalier de Saint-Cloud which is the general public hospital that specializes in the care of elderly and pediatric patients. Additionally, there are several private hospitals, including the Clinique du Parc Saint Cloud and the Hospices Civils de Saint-Cloud, which offer comprehensive medical services. In addition, there are a variety of independent medical practices, pharmacies, and community health care centers located throughout the city, providing primary, secondary and tertiary care to patients," said a person in St. Cloud, France.
How do I meet people in St. Cloud?
When we asked people living in St. Cloud about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats living in St. Cloud can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as book clubs, sports teams, foreign language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also attend local festivals and visit nearby attractions. Another great way to meet people is to attend local events like farmers markets and musical performances. Other ways to make connections include joining an expatriate Facebook group, checking out activities offered at the local libraries, or attending meetups organized by international groups. Finally, expats can also look for volunteer opportunities in their local community, as volunteering is a great way to meet people and give back to the community," remarked one retiree in St. Cloud, France.
What is life like in St. Cloud?
When we asked people living in St. Cloud what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in St. Cloud is generally quite pleasant. The town is small and quaint, with a population of just over 10,000 people, and is located in the beautiful countryside of the Île-de-France region. The town is well connected to the rest of the country by train, and is only a short drive away from Paris. Expats and digital nomads in St. Cloud can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town, as well as the many cultural attractions nearby. The town is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a great place to socialize and meet new people," said one retiree in living in St. Cloud, France.
What do I need to know before retiring in St. Cloud?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to St. Cloud, they said:
"Expats considering retiring in St.Cloud, France should be aware of the local language; French is the primary language spoken, so having a basic understanding prior to relocation is essential. Additionally, being familiar with the local culture, laws, and regulations is important, as they may differ from the expat's home country. Prior to retiring in the area, expats should research the local healthcare system and its requirements to ensure they have access to necessary medical services. Lastly, exploring various activities, sights, and attractions in the city is recommended so that expats can enjoy their retirement in St.Cloud," explained one retiree living in St. Cloud, France.
What type of recreational activities are there in St. Cloud?
"St. Cloud offers a variety of recreational facilities for visitors and locals alike. The Parc de St. Cloud is a large park with a lake, gardens, and a variety of walking and cycling paths. The park also features a playground, a petting zoo, and a miniature train. The nearby Bois de Boulogne is a large forested area with a variety of trails for walking, running, and cycling. The city also has several public swimming pools, including the Piscine de St. Cloud, which features a large outdoor pool and a smaller indoor pool. For those looking for a more active experience, the city has several tennis courts, a golf course, and a skate park. Finally, the city also has a variety of cultural attractions, including the Musée des Impressionnismes, the Musée des Arts et Métiers, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts," remarked one retiree in St. Cloud.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in St. Cloud?
"In St. Cloud, expats can find a variety of grocery stores and other shopping options. For groceries, there is the Carrefour Market, located at 2 Rue de la République, which offers a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and other food items. Additionally, there is the Intermarché Super, located at 1 Rue de la République, which offers a variety of international and local products. For other shopping, expats can visit the Galeries Lafayette, located at 1 Rue de la République, which offers a variety of clothing, accessories, and home goods. Additionally, there is the Centre Commercial St. Cloud, located at 1 Rue de la République, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and services," explained one retiree living in St. Cloud.
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:
- What do I need to know before moving to St. Cloud?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in St. Cloud?
- What is the average cost of housing in St. Cloud?
- How do I meet people in St. Cloud?
- What do I need to know before retiring in St. Cloud?
- What should I pack when moving to St. Cloud?
- Where should I setup a bank account in St. Cloud?
- Will I be able to find a job in St. Cloud?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about St. Cloud?
- What type of social life can someone expect in St. Cloud?
- What is the social scene like in St. Cloud?
- What advice to expats in St. Cloud have about housing?
- What are medical services in St. Cloud like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in St. Cloud?
- Is the cost of living in St. Cloud high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in St. Cloud?
- Why do people move to St. Cloud?