France arguably offers the world’s most sought-after lifestyle. From the romance of Paris to the rustic lifestyle of living in the French countryside, this country has a lot to offer the expat. Boasting great food and wine, the world’s best health care, plus culture and history… a retirement in France appeals to many.

France would never feature on a list of the world’s bargain destinations; still, outside Paris, this country can be much more affordable than you might imagine… and even Paris doesn’t have to be hyper-expensive. Plus, you have to remember what you’re buying. Paris is, in our opinion, the most beautiful and romantic place on earth. And Paris is only the beginning of this story. There’s a reason, after all, why more tourists seek out France each year than any other country on earth.

Furthermore, Paris is also a lifestyle play that can double as a solid investment, since apartment values in some arrondissements continue steadily up. A piece of Paris real estate is a hard asset worth holding.

In addition, beyond Paris, it can be possible still to indulge your French farmhouse renovation fantasies for well under US$100,000.

Living in France

France is the good life defined. The food, the wine, the art, the shopping, the history… This country boasts the most beautiful and romantic city on earth plus the best of country living and dramatic Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. On top of all this, France is home to the world’s best health care, the world’s best infrastructure, top international schools, and, in some regions, zero crime and a wonderfully relaxed way of life… And, in some parts of the country, the very good life can be very affordable, as well.

Why France is So Appealing

• Diversity of lifestyle choices – France offers a huge variety of lifestyle choices, from sparkling beachside towns, to charming rural villages and Alpine Mountain ranges to sophisticated urban centers, there is a little bit of everything in France.
• Best public transportation – France has well-established transportation systems with trains, metros, taxis and buses. The system is easy to navigate, affordable and fast.
• Residency – France has a fairly simple and straightforward residency process.
• Best healthcare – France boasts one of the world’s best healthcare systems. It consistently ranks in the top five with the WHO year after year.

Fun Facts

Did you know?

• France is the largest country in EU, it has a land area that spans 551,695 km².
• Due to its six-sided shape it is sometimes referred to as “The Hexagon” or l’hexagone’
• In World War I the French Army became the first military force to use camouflage.
• Many movies show couples kissing at train platforms just before one of them hops on and rides away… however, in 1910 a law was introduced at the request of rail chiefs because kissing couples were causing delays. Nowadays, if you want to kiss your love goodbye at the train platform, you have to do it before the train actually arrives.