Retire in France:
From 9-to-5 to Vin et Fromage
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Starting in May 2026, France is increasing a range of visa and residency-related fees. On paper, the changes look incremental. In practice, they raise the cost of moving to and staying in France, especially for long-stay visa holders and first-time…
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Applying for a Carte de Séjour (Visitor) in France: What It’s Really Like
If you’re planning to stay in France long-term on a Visitor visa, at some point you’ll need to face the process of renewing and applying for a Carte de Séjour. On paper, the requirements seem straightforward. In reality, the experience…
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Retiring in France vs Portugal: Which Country is Best?
France and Portugal are two of the most appealing retirement destinations in Europe, but they attract very different types of expats. Portugal has built a reputation as one of the easiest and most affordable places to retire in Europe. Lower…
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11 Culture Shocks We Experienced Moving to France
If you’re planning on moving to France or already living here, you’ve probably imagined the highlights. Fresh bread from the boulangerie, long lunches, walkable cities, and easy access to mountains or the sea. In many ways, France delivers on all…
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Retiring in France vs Spain: Cost, Healthcare, Taxes, and Lifestyle Compared
France and Spain are two of the most popular retirement destinations in Europe, and for good reason. Both offer a high quality of life, strong healthcare systems, and easy access to culture, food, and travel. But once you start looking…
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From Search to Registration: Our Used Car Experience in France
Buying a used car in France as an expat can feel daunting. The laws are different, the process is foreign, and the brands are unfamiliar. We recently purchased a used car in France. The process was convoluted and definitely French,…
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Living in Annecy: Pros, Cons, and Real Costs
Living in Annecy has been great for us. It’s got all the amenities we could want in a city, but without being crowded or unsafe. For those looking for an active and outdoors-focused city near the Alps, Annecy fits perfectly.…
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Early Retirement Abroad and US Tax Strategy
As Americans living overseas, we now get the joy of filing two tax returns every year: French and US. While expat taxes can be quite complex, the US-France tax treaty keeps things fairly simple for us. We’ve now finished our…
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Two French Apartment Leases Later: What Renting in France Is Really Like
One year into living in France, we’re now in our second apartment. We’ve experienced two apartment searches, set up all utilities twice, and moved across the country once. Finding an apartment in France was one of our biggest anxieties before…