Retiring in France

For many, France provides the ideal backdrop for a well-deserved retirement, thanks to its high living standards and celebrated joie de vivre. Retirees from countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany, as well as other European Union member states, frequently choose France. Whether your dream is a sun-drenched Mediterranean village, a sophisticated regional city like Lyon or Bordeaux, or a tranquil farmhouse in the vine-covered countryside, you will discover a setting that is perfect for your golden years. The mild weather of the Occitanie region and the famed cultural hub of the Loire Valley are perennial favorites.

Major advantages

Health coverage: Access to the national healthcare system Assurance Maladie after a residency period.

Easy travel: Superb public transport, including high-speed rail, for easy travel across Europe.

Good quality of life: A low-stress, leisurely pace of life that prioritizes well-being and social connection.

Important

• Apply for your social security (CPAM) number after three months to access the public healthcare system. This period is waived if you are a retiree who receives a state pension from an EU/EEA member country, Switzerland, or the UK.
• French administration is complex and slow. Be prepared for extensive paperwork and strict deadlines.
• You must prove you can support yourself without working, generally an income above the French minimum wage (around €1,400 per month for a single person).