Places to retire to in France
When considering countries to retire to, France is either high or top of the list. France has beautiful scenery and loads of activities to keep you entertained in your retirement. Whether you like site seeing, eating out, visiting vineyards, going skiing or taking a stroll along the beach, there is something for everyone. deVere Group has summarised the most popular places to retire to as an expat.
Bordeaux - Known as ‘Little Paris’, it really is the next-best thing. Bordeaux had been considered as one of France’s most affluent and glamorous cities. There is a large expat community, whom many of which are English, so making friends will be no issue. There is a mild climate with warm summers, but you will have to put up with some rain in the winter. Having said this, it is still easy to enjoy outdoor activities all year round. The city experienced some revitalisation after the millennium which saw the Bordeaux’s historic quays spruced up and a sleek new tramway installed, giving the city fresh appeal.
Paris - It comes with a price tag as it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world. But retiring in Paris may be more affordable than you first think. By living just outside the most popular neighbourhoods you can lower your housing costs. And there’s plenty to do and see in the city at very little or no cost at all, it has ample public parks, free music concerts and stunning architecture all over. There are also plenty of expats residing in Paris so you shouldn’t feel too isolated. Although it has to be said, Paris can be cold, grey and rainy, so if you are looking for a warm and sunny destination to retire to, it probably won’t be your first pick.
Languedoc-Roussillon - A region in southwest France is another affordable alternative to Paris and is one of France’s most preferred destinations for expats. In Languedoc, it is far less crowded than the popular cities as its mostly small villages and towns. There are plenty of cultural activities, as well as outdoor activities that are made particularly enjoyable by the area’s Mediterranean climate. There are is also great if you love wine with its abundance of vineyards. If you like trips to the city then Paris is only a mere 3 ½ hours by train from Montpellier, which is the region’s biggest city.
Normandy – An area in the northwest of the country which is probably one of the loveliest areas in France, yet it often goes unnoticed as a retirement destination. The climate is cool in the winter with pleasant warm summers. If you plan on talking relaxing walks along sandy beaches and catching a bite to eat before returning home to a cosy house in the countryside, then you need to give living in Normandy some serious thought. Alternatively, if you move further away from the coast, you will find even better property deals to be had.
If you require help with retirement planning in France, contact deVere France for expert financial advice regarding pensions and QROPS.
When considering countries to retire to, France is either high or top of the list. France has beautiful scenery and loads of activities to keep you entertained in your retirement. Whether you like site seeing, eating out, visiting vineyards, going skiing or taking a stroll along the beach, there is something for everyone. deVere Group has summarised the most popular places to retire to as an expat.
Bordeaux - Known as ‘Little Paris’, it really is the next-best thing. Bordeaux had been considered as one of France’s most affluent and glamorous cities. There is a large expat community, whom many of which are English, so making friends will be no issue. There is a mild climate with warm summers, but you will have to put up with some rain in the winter. Having said this, it is still easy to enjoy outdoor activities all year round. The city experienced some revitalisation after the millennium which saw the Bordeaux’s historic quays spruced up and a sleek new tramway installed, giving the city fresh appeal.
Paris - It comes with a price tag as it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world. But retiring in Paris may be more affordable than you first think. By living just outside the most popular neighbourhoods you can lower your housing costs. And there’s plenty to do and see in the city at very little or no cost at all, it has ample public parks, free music concerts and stunning architecture all over. There are also plenty of expats residing in Paris so you shouldn’t feel too isolated. Although it has to be said, Paris can be cold, grey and rainy, so if you are looking for a warm and sunny destination to retire to, it probably won’t be your first pick.
Languedoc-Roussillon - A region in southwest France is another affordable alternative to Paris and is one of France’s most preferred destinations for expats. In Languedoc, it is far less crowded than the popular cities as its mostly small villages and towns. There are plenty of cultural activities, as well as outdoor activities that are made particularly enjoyable by the area’s Mediterranean climate. There are is also great if you love wine with its abundance of vineyards. If you like trips to the city then Paris is only a mere 3 ½ hours by train from Montpellier, which is the region’s biggest city.
Normandy – An area in the northwest of the country which is probably one of the loveliest areas in France, yet it often goes unnoticed as a retirement destination. The climate is cool in the winter with pleasant warm summers. If you plan on talking relaxing walks along sandy beaches and catching a bite to eat before returning home to a cosy house in the countryside, then you need to give living in Normandy some serious thought. Alternatively, if you move further away from the coast, you will find even better property deals to be had.
If you require help with retirement planning in France, contact deVere France for expert financial advice regarding pensions and QROPS.
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