Why France makes an awesome place to retire!
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If you are looking for a new home or a new start in retirement, retiring in France is an appealing move. Prior to covid-19, over 82 million people visited this wonderful country every year, with many retirees from all over the world choosing France as their home, making it one of the top retirement destinations.
There are many reasons you may need to look no further than France. Here are 10 of the biggest reasons:
Easy travel to the United Kingdom and other places in Europe.
France is truly central to nearly every destination in Western Europe. If you’re originally from the U.K., travel home couldn’t be easier. You can get home by boat, plane or even train. There are also trains that travel from most French cities to countries throughout Europe. Even Americans can get home easily with regular outbound flights from most major French airports.
Real estate is affordable in many locations.
If you’re looking to buy a home in the heart of Paris or on the water in the south of France, you’ll likely pay a significant amount. However, France is a big country, and outside of the major cities and tourist destinations, you can find some real bargains. For example, the Basque region and the Languedoc region both offer low property values as well as a charming lifestyle in the French countryside.
Diverse landscape.
No matter what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for retiring, you can find it in France. If you want to be in the heart of a major city, Paris could be the perfect spot for you. On the other hand, if you want to be near the beach and in a warm climate, you’ll find plenty of options on France’s southern Mediterranean coast. Even fans of snow and cold weather can enjoy the French Alps.
The food.
No discussion of France would be complete without a mention of the country’s incredible food. If you’re a foodie, retiring in France could be the perfect destination for you. From Michelin-starred restaurants to small, family-owned cafes, the French take their food seriously.
Free health care.
France offers free, high-quality health care to all of its citizens. If you move to France from a European Union country, you are also eligible for free health care. Retirees from non-EU countries will have to buy private health insurance, but it’s pretty reasonable. If you ever become a French citizen, you’ll qualify for free health care.
Most towns are pedestrian-friendly.
You can bring a car to France, but you likely won’t need it very often. France is a pedestrian country. Every city, town and village is pedestrian-friendly, with large sidewalks on every street. If walking isn’t for you, you’ll find plenty of other options, from riding a bike to taking a bus or train.
Culture everywhere.
France is a perfect destination for art lovers. There’s no shortage of museums for you to visit. The biggest and most famous is the Louvre, which features more than 300,000 pieces, including the Mona Lisa. It would take you a week to see the whole thing. Even outside of Paris, you can find many art museums and cultural attractions.
Great for wine lovers.
Wine isn’t just a drink in France; it’s a way of life. Wine is served with almost every meal in nearly every restaurant. In fact, you can find vineyards all over the country. France gives you the opportunity to explore an endless amount of types and makers of wine.
Low crime rate.
France’s crime rate is consistently lower than that of the U.K., the United States, and other European countries. Maybe it’s because of all the wine and the laid-back way of life. You’ll feel safe at all times, regardless of whether you’re in a major city or in the French countryside.
Low taxes.
Yes, France has one of the highest tax rates in the world. However, it’s unlikely that a retired couple would pay those high rates. France uses the “parts” system, which allows a couple to average out income and taxes among everyone in the household. That usually substantially reduces any tax liability. France also offers hefty tax deductions for anyone over the age of 65.
Make sure France is included on your list of possible retirement destinations. It truly has something to appeal to everyone.
Seeking advice from an independent financial adviser will ensure your relocation is as stress-free as possible, so you can enjoy your retirement in your new home knowing your finances are under control.
About Mike Coady
Mike Coady is an expat expert based in Dubai and is on hand to help with all of the above and more.
Mike is an award-winning money coach and industry leader in the financial sector.
Qualified to UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) standards, a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, a Fellow of the Institute of Sales Management (FISM), a Fellow of the Association of Professional Sales (F.APS), a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (FIoD) and featured as a highly qualified Financial Adviser in Which Financial Adviser.
To learn how to choose a great financial adviser, download our free guide.
Blog published by Mike Coady.
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