Category: Living in France
11 Culture Shocks We Experienced Moving to France
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If you’re planning on moving to France or already living here, you’ve probably imagined the highlights. Fresh bread from the boulangerie, long lunches, walkable cities, and easy access to mountains or the sea. In many ways, France delivers on all of that. But daily life in France also comes with a set of unexpected adjustments.…
From Search to Registration: Our Used Car Experience in France
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Buying a used car in France as an expat can feel daunting. The laws are different, the process is foreign, and the brands are unfamiliar. We recently purchased a used car in France. The process was convoluted and definitely French, compared to what we’re used to when buying a car in the US. Below, we’ll…
Living in Annecy: Pros, Cons, and Real Costs
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Living in Annecy has been great for us. It’s got all the amenities we could want in a city, but without being crowded or unsafe. For those looking for an active and outdoors-focused city near the Alps, Annecy fits perfectly. However, like anywhere, the city isn’t without its downsides. Below, we break down the pros…
One Year Later: What Life in France Is Really Like
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January marks our one-year anniversary of moving to France. It’s been a whirlwind year with plenty of ups and downs, but we’re finally feeling settled now that we’ve moved to Annecy from Nice. The first six months of living here were definitely the hardest. Culture shock subtly manifested in all sorts of ways for us.…
How to Retire to France from the US: Visas, Healthcare, Taxes & Cost of Living
Thinking about retiring to France from the US? You’re not alone. It’s possible for Americans to retire to France, but the process is more structured than many expect. This guide explains exactly how US citizens retire in France, including the visa you’ll need, income requirements, healthcare access, taxes, and realistic monthly budgets. It’s written specifically…
From Sunshine to Lakeside Living: Why We Chose Annecy over the French Riviera
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The Côte d’Azur had everything we were looking for in life. Beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, and year-round sunny weather. Plus all the amenities of a European city we couldn’t find in the US: walkability, public transit, and gorgeous historic architecture. When we visited for two months, it seemed like a dream destination. However, things changed…
Moving within France – How to move across the country and survive
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Moving in France is almost like it was in the US. Rent a truck bigger than any vehicle you’ve ever driven before, cram it full of everything you own, reflect on how you’ve managed to accumulate so much stuff, then drag it up a bunch of stairs to your brand new place. However, France adds…
Six Months Living in France: Life, Culture, and Surprises
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It’s been just over six months since we first arrived in France. Our first half-year has been a rollercoaster, with plenty of ups and downs. After being approved for our visas and moving here we found an apartment, validated our visas, and joined the healthcare system. But more importantly, in between all those administrative tasks…
Why Retiring in France Works So Well for Americans
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Retiring in Europe is appealing, but many countries make long-term residency, taxes, and healthcare complicated. France is one of the few places where retirement is both legally straightforward and makes financial sense. For Americans considering retirement abroad, France stands out for four reasons: Why We Chose France In 2024, my wife and I were on…
