If you could retire in any country in the world, you would probably pick France. It would not be surprising.  France is one of the top five tourist destinations in the world, a magical place where history still breathes and lives, from ancient olive groves in rural Provence to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. If people can have their heart’s desire, many would be in France in the blink of an eye. 

Climate in France | Government in France | Tax System in France | Medical Care in France | Real Estate in France | Shopping in France | Cost of Living in France

A New Life in France

Climate in France

The climate in France varies widely from region to region. Southern France – which includes chic resort areas such as Nice and Cannes -- is well known for the tourist-drawing combination of the warm Mediterranean climate, immaculate beaches, and great regional cooking featuring such delicacies as truffles, anchovy paste, and wild boar.  The island Corsica and Mediterranean Coast also feature hot summers, long hours of sunshine, and mild winters. Mild winters, warm summers and abundant rain are typical of Northern and Northwestern France while Central and Eastern France experience long and cold winters and warm summer months with a lot of rain and thunderstorms.

Government in France

The French revolution has been celebrated in history books for its slogan, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. It has given birth to such major political writers and thinkers as Rene Descartes, Voltaire, Flaubert, and Sartre.  The population of France reflects its colonial past.  It is a rich mixture that now includes five million people of Arab and African origin. France and French governments have been known for their often-independent stance concerning sensitive issues such as the Vietnam War in the 70s and now the invasion of Iraq  by US military forces.

The May 2007 elections ended with the victory of Nicolas Sarkozy as President over the Socialist Party’s Segolene Royal.  Sarkozy is a conservative who supports more stringent policies on immigrants.  The president appoints the Prime Minister and members of the Council of Ministers. 

Tax System in France

If you decide to retire and live in France you will have to pay tax in France, though the French authorities will take into consideration the tax you paid in your own country when assessing what taxes you will pay in France. Residents are taxed on their global income. The French tax system provides for four tax rates. It  favors pensioners  and only 90% of your pension is considered taxable while the rest will be exempt. There are methods you can use to lessen the taxes you pay in France. For instance, there are no taxes imposed on certain French-endorsed life insurance policies upon withdrawals of invested capital.

Medical Care in France

The government subsidized French health care system has been cited as the global best. Medical services cost less than in the US.  One factor is that French physicians are paid less than one third of what American physicians get.  Consultation with a French GP cost about 20 euros in 2003 and about 200 euros in the US. Medicine also costs less.

The French system is funded by French employees who contribute up to 20% of their pay to social security. Patients can pick their health professionals and up to 85% of their medical costs will be paid by the state. On the negative side, doctors tend to stay in cities, hospital facilities need to be improved and it can be difficult to find English-speaking physicians outside Paris. There is a group of highly qualified and English-speaking physicians who provide services to visitors to France.

Everyone is considered to have the right to consultation with a physician and the right to receive emergency treatment. The health care provided by public and private hospitals are essentially the same in quality. Most French residents get insurance to pay for the difference between what the government pays (up to 85%) and the total cost of the health service.

Real Estate in France

There are no laws against foreign ownership of real estate in France .  The most profitable real estate market in the world is Paris. This was revealed by a survey of 250 real estate experts.  Transactions in corporate real estate amounted to 11.6 billion euros. Real estate prices have gone up twofold in a matter of 12 years. However the market seems to have slowed down slightly in 2007  due to the rise in interest rates. The real estate market in Spain, Ireland, and other European countries, except for Germany and Switzerland, has experienced the same boom as France. Prices of real estate vary.  A house that needs renovation and is located in the rural areas is being sold for US$60,000 to 90,000 while apartments are priced from US$100,000 to US$150,000. A ski chalet can be bought for US$400,000 or for US$730,000. Brittany, the French Riviera, Paris and the French Alps are all prime locations.

Living Costs in France

You can live  extremely well in France if you have the money. The cost of living is obviously higher in Paris and lower in rural areas. As a retiree, you will need about 1200 euros each month. An apartment would cost 600 euros, food and meals would cost 200 euros, health insurance, about 42 euros, transportation, about 51 euros, amusement and recreation, 100 euros and miscellaneous, 100 euros.

Shopping in France

True to its reputation, France has numerous food stores and French cities and towns hold farmers’ open markets several times a week. There is even a Christmas market (a tradition rooted in Alsace) where gingerbread, mulled wine and handicrafts are sold. Each city comes with shopping centers and hypermarkets that sell all items that a family may need. Almost all stores are closed on Sundays.

Boulangeries or bakeries sell croissants and other breads; charcuteries sell  cooked meat while boucheries sell raw meat.   The quality and freshness of the food sold at these establishments are usually exceptionally good. Open markets offer bread, vegetables, fruits, cooked meats, cheese, fresh milk, and butter. High-end products such as jewelry, watches, couture clothes and shoes, can be found in that shopping capital, Paris.