Bienvenue!
If you’re thinking about moving to France, navigating the visa process, or just wondering what day-to-day life here actually looks like, you’re in the right place.
We’re an American couple now living in Annecy, France.
In 2024, we were traveling around Europe, trying to answer a simple question: where could we build a life that felt both practical and enjoyable?
We were looking for a place that wasn’t car-dependent, with easy access to mountains, natural beauty, sunshine, and year-round outdoor activity. Somewhere we could focus on living and enjoying rather than working and consuming.
France checked every box and then went further, with strong healthcare, great food, and, for Americans, surprisingly favorable taxes.
Our first move in early 2025 was to a small town in the South of France. The coastline was beautiful, and we loved the Mediterranean lifestyle. But over time, we realized we were looking for something slightly different. We wanted a place that felt more active day-to-day, where walking and cycling weren’t just possible but preferred.
That search led us to Annecy in late 2025. Here, life naturally revolves around movement. The city makes it easy to walk, bike, and spend time outdoors. You can go from the center of town to a bike park or ski station without needing a car. We traded beaches for a clear alpine lake and hot summers for colder winters, but for us, it’s been the right balance.
This site exists to make your path easier. Whether you’re applying for a French visa, planning a move, or just exploring the idea, you’ll find practical, experience-based information here.
When we were figuring this out ourselves, resources from people like Frugal Vagabond, Eric Gideon, and countless others were incredibly helpful. Our goal is to do the same by sharing clear, searchable, and honest accounts of what the process actually looks like from the lens of someone who’s actually gone through it.