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There’s something about France that few people know…
France, with its reputation for glamour and the finer things in life, leads many people to cross the country off their retirement destination list, assuming that they could never afford to live there. But that’s a mistake.
Whether you dream of a city pied-a-terre…or a rambling farmhouse among the sunflowers…or a village house wrapped in wisteria-hung memories of long ago, France is far more affordable than you might think. In fact, there are many parts of the country where habitable homes in storybook settings cost less than $210,000.
There’s a region in the sunny south, for example, that offers a wonderful warm climate year-round…delightful medieval villages brimming with sun-baked old stone houses….white-sand beaches and winding mountain trails…large cities and tiny hamlets…and that’s virtually a stone’s throw from the Spanish border. The region is called Languedoc-Rousillon, and—for now—prices are still reasonable…
If you prefer a cooler climate and a more pastoral setting, look to charming Normandy. Just two hours from Paris, this region is filled with half-timbered houses, often set on acres of emerald fields that seem straight out of a fairytale. There’s also a fascinating history, flavourful rustic cuisine (think apples, poultry and creamy, fresh dairy), romantic windswept beaches and exquisite coastal towns… It’s the perfect place for a holiday retreat or a tranquil year-round home.
For mountain-lovers, the Rhône-Alpes region of France may be like a dream come true. Here you’ll find clear blue lakes and country landscapes that offer riveting views of the sharp peaks of the Alps, and a number of towns, from Grenoble to Lyon, that are as lovely as they are lively and affordable.
And all this is just for starters. There are scores of other reasonably priced “hidden corners” of France that most foreigners know nothing about.
Slowly sipping a delightful glass of local wine at my favourite Riviera beach cafe, engaged in some serious people-watching, my waiter abruptly races by, arms outstretched, to rescue a startled woman, perched atop her chair trying desperately to escape a renegade wave. Mission accomplished and with everyone safe, a chorus of “bravos” briefly erupts from us cafe-diehards, braving Nice’s October weather...
Five years ago, I finished a job with an Australian television network and, a few months off 65, stood little or no chance of finding another job. My wife Lorraine and I had been considering an overseas move for some time. We knew that wherever we went we wanted to take our dog, Scooter. Looking to Europe, we checked out Ireland, Spain and Portugal...
I first visited Europe when I was in my twenties. It was love at first sight. I fell immediately for the lush green landscape of Ireland, the quirky university culture of Vienna, Austria, and then the incredible history, landscapes and food of Italy and France. Since then, I’ve come back many times, falling in love Read more...
Four hours in 30-degree heat, drinking beer, chatting with the locals, competing for cheap giveaways and all for 30 seconds of lycra-clad cyclists whipping past. And loving every minute of it. This is expat life in France at its absolute best. It’s almost worth retiring to France just for this moment… The day the Tour Read more...
As you might imagine, there’s much to love about living in France, but every person cherishes a different France. Some adore its diverse landscapes and beauty; others value retracing the steps taken in ancient and medieval history. And yes, many people can’t get enough of French cuisine. I’d like to share with you three aspects of life I love most in France...
When people think of the south of France, amongst the first places that come to mind are destinations like Provence, Carcassonne, Nice and the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera). Indeed, they are all beautiful and you should put them on your bucket list to visit…but would you really want to retire there?
Known for its rocky shoreline, moody skies and ancient castles, Brittany has a long history of war. The British wanted this slice of the mainland and so did France. Today, Bretons feel their country is their own. Yes, it’s France—technically—but it’s a culture, climate and gastronomy all its own...
France has all the ingredients that we at International Living Australia look for in a retirement destination: a good climate, unspoiled countryside, top-notch culture, excellent healthcare, colourful traditions and history and, of course, the glitter and sophistication of Paris. It’s not surprising that France is the world’s favourite...
So you’ve finally made the decision. You’ve fallen in love with France’s rich culture and history and have decided to pack up and move to live the European dream. But the burning question is, can you? While there are no restrictions on buying a house in France there are stringent visa requirements and issues for Aussies wanting to put down roots in France.
You may adore France –the beauty, the cheese, the wine–but you won’t quite be ready to pack your bags until you know you’ll feel safe living there. Concern is understandable, given the acts of terrorism that have occurred in the country over the past few years. But France generally remains a safe place to visit and live. Violent crime is relatively uncommon in France...