7 Reasons People Regret Their Decision To Retire in France | Cons and Cost of Living.

Dozens of people who moved to retire in France told me the cons and their biggest regrets.

From the cost of living to the characteristics of cities like Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lyon, Marseille, and, of course, Paris, they explained to me why retiring in France might sound great at first, but it also has obstacles that must be considered.

If you have ever considered moving to France for retirement, this is the video you should watch FIRST.

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💡 TOPICS IN THIS VIDEO 💡
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🔎 EXCERPT 🔎
Have you ever thought about moving to France
but worried about hidden challenges?
Those certain things nobody tells you,
either because they are afraid
or ashamed,
or because it is not politically correct?
Here is the thing: you should be concerned, you really should.
There is a big chance you will be disappointed.
Unless you’re a Brit moving to Bordeaux -
Because most Brits somehow manage to live happily in that part of France
Today you will discover the main reasons foreigners who move to retire in France
regret their choice.
We will also understand the curious case of success between Bordeaux and the Brits.
What is their secret?
I’ve gathered the stories of dozens of foreigners who lived in France for years,
and uncovered the 7 common regrets they never expected.
What you are about to see is eye-opening.
Not only for those planning to move to France, but for many European countries.
The first 4 causes for regrets are small things that are easy for you to avoid - they just require some adaptations.
The last 3, however, are more dangerous, and often people are afraid to talk about them.
And the first regret is…
In certain areas, it will be very difficult for you to socialize.
The most important thing here is to NOT compare the French way of socialization to the American way.
In the US, you can easily interact with friendly employees at the local Wal-Mart and exchange fishing stories.
In France, that is way more difficult.
For example, if you ask Americans about their holidays, they might say, "Oh, it was amazing! It was wonderful!"

[bioliv]

As a Norwegian I don't fear loneliness. Here it often passes months between each time I have a conversation with other people, sometimes even years. But I feel perfectly happy in my own company.

[andileu]

Since when everybody on this planet should know english? If you live in another country you have to know the language of that country. It means respect.

[dmggmg]

Your section on taxation is incorrect for US residents. the US has a tax treaty with France. There is no additional tax on US based pensions. We pay tax only to the US and file the exemption in France. Your comments on Safety could be said of ANY major city anywhere in the world. How about not walking down dark streets at night?

[cheriegrishin]

As an American living in France, I do not think you (Americans) can ask Brits what they don't like. Dispite speaking a common laungage, American and British cultures are SIGNIFICANTLY different. My advice is to learn French, and avoid moving to areas dominated by the English. You will be welcomed and you will be able to integrate and be happy.

[peterturnham]

I'm English, now retired and have lived in France for 30 years Before that I lived in Germany. I live 30km from Paris because I needed to be here for my work. It is more than 25% cheaper here than being close to London and very similar in cost to Dusseldorf. Now I've stopped working I will move to the countryside and that will reduce my costs another 25%. In France they speak another Language. Most countries in the world speak a different language from English. Whatever country you go to if you want to socialise you have to learn at least the basics of the language and culture. If you apply yourself that takes 2 weeks, you will be good in 12 months and fluent in 18 months. When the French see you are trying they will be friendly and sociable. I am fluent but immediately they catch my English accent the 39% that have learn't a bit of English will start speaking English to me for practice. I live in a village, people are very polite. When you pass someone in the road even when you don't know them you say "Bonjour Monsieur" or Bonjour Madame" or at minimum "Bonjour". When younger I was Tall Dark and Handsome, now I am tall Grey and Distinguished. If you add the English accent I guarantee French women are very sociable. They think you are James Bond. OK, if you look like Danny DeVito and talk Loud American in Restaurants you might find the French Rude.

[gandigooglegandigoogle]

I live in France now since 2018, almost 6 years, and it is just fabulous ! No regret at all.
it is true that the French are much less superficial than us in terms of socialization, they do not smile stupidly at anyone and at the slightest banality, but if you speak with them over the longer term they will give you their friendship and it is worth gold here in France, you can trust it !...be careful not to betray this trust.

[tommyflorida]

I never regretted to retire in France. I am fluent in French. People never thought that I was from North America. Their cuisine is the best in the world and varies according to the region.

[janroach]

U.S. Pensions and Social Security payments are NOT taxed in France.

[erickarnell]

American pensions received by retirees in France, including Social Security, 401K and IRA plans, will be taxable in the United States under the France/United States double tax treaty. In France, your pension will not be taxed; however, you must still declare your US pension income on your annual French tax return.

[astidkalis]

When we say 'pas mal' we actually mean 'good', or even 'very good'. I guess it sounds more modest, less bragging.

[clarityin]

I'm sorry but I am an American citizen living in Europe and your tax information is incorrect. Please consult the tax charts & a tax advisor before making a move abroad.

[carlobellinaso]

I am Italian and I know France quite well because I worked there for a few years. Let me tell you that many Americans think they can come to Europe and live by their rules while it is exactly the opposite: you are the ones who must respect and get used to our way of life and learn our languages. Secondly, I am surprised that you speak of a lack of security in France while in the United States every year over 30, 000 people die from firearms and almost 400, 000, 000 weapons circulate in private hands. If something bad is happening in Europe it is that this type of American subculture is advancing and destroying ours.

[RestfulWealth]

This was an insightful breakdown of the challenges retirees face in France! It’s easy to romanticize the idea of retiring abroad, but the cost of living, bureaucracy, and cultural differences can be real hurdles. Thanks for sharing these firsthand experiences—it’s so important to weigh both the pros and cons before making such a big move!

[didierlacroix]

What ???? French people speak French in France ? how dare we ?!

[pascalbercker]

I have lived in Marmande, 60km outside Bordeaux, for the last six years. I despise this place. France is the most overrated country, but this is a small sample. I just need to live elsewhere. You need to be generally well-off to enjoy living here; otherwise, you will end up in slummy neighborhoods with slummy low-class neighbors, as I am currently stuck with.

[jefb.]

Keep in mind that public services like health care and education are paid by taxes. For example: 50k€/year is a big income in France (you are "rich") because as public services are available and other services are affordable you don't have to pay (much) for it. Preserving that is one of the reasons French people are striking for.

[jodiehebert]

I think you need to confirm the tax statements. As I understand it, American retirees only pay the US and nothing to France because of the tax treaty between the two countries. You do have to show you paid your home country. I never heard the tax being 40% unless the person is working or runs a business in France. Per quick Google search: Under Article 18 of the U.S./French Income Tax Treaty, distributions from U.S. retirement accounts made to a French resident are only taxable in the U.S. Notably, Roth IRAs are considered U.S. retirement accounts and specifically covered by the treaty, preserving their tax-free nature in France.

[ericbd]

Speaking as a French, I'm often more opened to socialize with foreigners than with locals as I know I will hear a different story and also as I like foreigners to feel welcome in my home country. I don't know if it is universal but there is a kind of foreigner attraction...

[szk]

If you plan to move to any country, you need to learn the local language. Unfortunately, there's no substitute. Otherwise, you'll have trouble making friends regardless of the country. If you move to France to retire, chances are you are old, which means that you'll also be seeking to befriend retired French people. However, people tend to be pickier with their friends as they get older so it doesn't help! It's always easier to make friends when you're young. I don't think I'd ever consider moving to a new country JUST to retire. If I've lived in a given country, where I have roots, family and friends, might as well stay there till the end. However, I could definitely retire in a country that isn't mine if I've already done the work of building my life there. That's exactly my situtation. I'm an American working and living in France with my French wife and my kids who have dual citizenship. Whenever we retire, we'll most certainly stick around. If you really want to live abroad, I'd recommend to not wait until retirement. Everything will be easier if you do it before. As the saying goes: you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

[robertaurens]

The irritating AI narrator needs to learn English