France is the most visited nation in the world and one of the most popular countries with would-be British retirees as well.
The reasons for France’s appeal lie in the beauty of the country, the history, climate, and culture, and therefore, there are a million reasons to consider living there.
In this article, we’ll cover ten of the most popular reasons why people retire to France.
If you’re coming up for retirement or you’re thinking ahead and maybe planning where to buy a home overseas to enjoy now and then live when you retire, why not consider France a little more closely? After all, with our top ten reasons to retire to France, you’ll be hard-pushed to come up with an argument not to at least consider it!
1. High quality of life: the French way of living well
When it comes to quality of life, France has it all. The pace of life in France invites you to slow down and savor every moment, whether you’re having breakfast with your friends, enjoying a leisurely stroll through a town, shopping at a local farmers' market, or enjoying a glass of wine on your own veranda. The French have perfected the art of living well, and that’s something you’ll quickly come to appreciate as a retiree.
The balance between work and play here is unlike anything most Americans or Brits are used to. In France, there’s a strong emphasis on making time for what matters—long lunches, family gatherings, and getting outside to enjoy the fresh air. The culture is deeply rooted in cherishing the finer things in life without rushing through them. It’s not about living large but living well.
For retirees, this lifestyle is pure gold. You get to swap the hustle and stress for a more mindful way of living. Even everyday tasks like grocery shopping feel different when you’re picking out fresh produce at a street market or chatting with the shopkeeper who knows you by name. Life here just feels more connected and more fulfilling.
2. France is well-connected
Are you an explorer at heart? If yes, you will never be sorry about your decision to retire to France.
France is exceptionally well located in Europe and has excellent transport links inside the country and across the continent. Whether you want to see the Alps, bathe in the Mediterranean sea or enjoy the Atlantic coast – you can get across France easily and quickly.
What’s more, you need never be bored if you retire to France because you are in the heart of Europe and can easily explore all the nations around you.
3. More affordable property
Real estate – i.e., property and land - is far more affordable in France than it is in the UK. Okay, so Paris is expensive and the south coast may be out of your fiscal reach, but there are property bargains to be had in France if you just look hard enough.
Also, because so many expats have already bought a property in France there is so much information and tips on purchasing a home in France available on the internet and in print to assist would-be buyers. This makes the whole process of buying a property in France that much simpler to navigate.
In addition to this, the French legal system is excellent, and your rights will be well protected as a buyer if you use a reputable lawyer and get their advice.
4. France is stunningly beautiful and diverse
France is geographically diverse – therefore, there is a region to suit everyone’s tastes and pockets, whether you want a rural mountainous landscape, an alpine one, a beachside villa, or a vibrant city-based pad.
The country embraces everything from the highest mountain peaks to the most stunning sun-drenched beaches. Therefore, it’s fairly safe to say that no matter what type of place you want to call home, France can offer it.
There are pockets of France that Britons have all but colonized: think the Dordogne, Provençal regions, the Riviera, and Brittany, to name but a few – and choosing an area where there are strong international communities can make sense for those looking for the fastest and easiest path to integration.Narrowing down to a region is, of course, the place to start, and only when you have an area of France in mind can you choose the exact location to call home.
It’s really important to spend time traveling in any region you identify as offering everything you’re seeking in retirement. Amenities, infrastructure, and even the pace of life can differ hugely between one town and the next in the same region.
Exploring the country to find the best places to live in France can be pure joy - there are fabulous locations across the whole country, and you can choose according to your climate and lifestyle preferences.
5. A lifestyle perfect for retirement
The lifestyle in France is ideal for retirees because it brings together nature, adventure, culture, cuisine, and a mindful approach to life.
Here, you’ll have plenty of time to dive into hobbies you’ve always wanted to pursue—whether it’s perfecting your golf swing, exploring the local art scene, or mastering the art of French cooking.
With scenic landscapes from vineyards to mountains, nature lovers have endless opportunities to hike, cycle, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views.
Making friends is easy too, thanks to the welcoming expat communities and the French love for social gatherings, from leisurely apéro hours to lively village festivals.
Learning the language can be a rewarding challenge, and you’ll quickly find that even basic efforts to speak French open doors to deeper connections and a more authentic experience of the culture.
The healthcare system is top-notch, keeping you healthy and active, while the French emphasis on well-being, whether through fresh local produce or daily strolls, encourages a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. For retirees seeking a slower pace with plenty of enriching opportunities, France truly offers the best of all worlds.
6. The cuisine and the wine
Need we say more? France is a paradise for foodies and wine lovers. Suffice it to say it is of excellent quality, it is sumptuous, and wining and dining out is far more affordable in France than it generally is in the UK or the USA.
There are wine schools and wine clubs that you can join and get an exclusive knowledge of wines and wine-making and where practical lessons of wine tasting pleasantly support the theory.
France has distinct regions that once used to be separate countries. Almost every region has its special cuisine and unique ways of preparing food, and the cultural nuances live on in regional cuisine.
7. Good quality healthcare
The healthcare in France is excellent; the national system is funded by contributions to a social security fund, which is made up of insurance funds paid into by French residents as well as by fees charged at the point of treatment.
The healthcare system (l’Assurance Maladie in French) is funded via various health insurance funds, including the Couverture Maladie Universelle (CMU), and it’s the specific branch that includes membership for expatriates in France, including those who retire to France.
Note that you will still have to pay top-up fees for many services and treatments, and many of those who live in France choose to buy voluntary insurance (assurance complémentaire santé) to cover the gap.8. Big expat population
It is now far easier to retire to France than it once was before the internet fully blossomed. Every red tape-related issue, from buying a house to residency, is much simpler to solve nowadays, and there are always plenty of expat forums and websites available to assist you anyway.
Expat communities are numerous in many parts of France, and they might become invaluable when it comes to everyday questions about local life. They are always ready to come to help, give advice, recommend local businesses and doctors, and inform you of all the essential local facts you need to know.
9. Comparatively favorable wealth tax
For those capital-rich, retiring to France may bring one more advantage - the relatively low wealth tax threshold. You don't pay any wealth tax if your worldwide assets don't exceed €800,000. Also, for the first five years, your foreign assets are exempt from the tax.
10. Retire to France and enjoy a low-tax pension
In France, there is theoretically the option of taking your entire pension out in one lump sum and only paying 7.5 percent tax on it. For those for whom an entire pension withdrawal will mean they are pushed into the highest tax bracket, this makes incredible sense.
In France, lump sums from pensions are not taxed at marginal rates; they are only subject to a 7.5% income tax charge, no matter how big the withdrawal is.
Note: Generally, France is not a very tax-friendly country for regular pension income – only for a qualifying lump-sum withdrawal.
To qualify, you would have to establish tax residency in France before taking your lump sum, and you would have to take expert advice to ensure your understanding of the rules and that they apply in your case.
In conclusion
France is a great choice for those seeking a fabulous retirement in a brand-new lifestyle destination. The nation can also offer some tax advantages to retirees, a fantastic quality healthcare environment, and a very easy immigration policy.
If you’re looking for a home abroad in a country where your pension may go further with careful planning, where the lifestyle available is excellent, and where the standard of living is very high indeed, give France a close look.
You might find useful:
- Living In France Guide – everything you need to know to plan your move and settle down in France
- The Best Places to Live in France – a detailed overview of France’s most popular locations for expats.
- Opening A Bank Account In France As An Expat
- Renting A Property In France
- Buying A Property In France
- Healthcare In France For Expats
- Understanding International Health Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide
