Does anyone have any experience as an ex-pat living in France full or part time? Thinking of buying a retirement home or apt in France, not sure where, to spend at least 6 months a year in residence. What are pros/cons?

Many positives. On the negative side could be exchange-rate risk, health care issues and lack of community. And to make such long stays worthwhile, you should either speak French or be willing to learn.

From everything I have read the inheritance laws are quite different than in the US when you own property in France..but have no idea where you live now Flaze. That is something you might want to check into also.

Well, you can't just up and move there. You'll need to do extensive research, obtain permission, etc., so if you're seriously thinking of doing this, you'd best start by contacting the French Embassy.

And yes, please do speak reasonably good French before you try this.

I would read Suzy Gershman's book "C'Est La Vie"....she moved to Paris after her husband died and writes about finding an apartment, friends, furniture, etc...It would give you some ideas of which questions to begin asking, at the least.

The biggest problem will be that Medicare can't be used outside the United States--so you'd need some form of private health insurance that would cover you while in France.

Try posting your question on the bonjourparis.com web site, which has an area devoted to questions for ex-pats living in France.

Try and find the "Living and Working in France" book as it addresses all sorts of issues about living there,etc.

LoveItaly is right. Anyone planning to purchase property in France who cares what happens to that portion of his or her estate needs expert advice. One isn't at liberty to designate one's heirs.

Maintain a USA residence/address. Keep your USA bank account. Access it with a debit card. There are thousands of Americans living in France! Employment? School? What will you do to avoid boredom? Trial period..different locations..Research French residence law.

Hi

This link : http://www.the-languedoc-page.com/expat takes you to notes we made on relocating to France.

It includes links to other sites including info on legislation, registering a car, etc etc.

Bonne chance

Peter

Hi F,

A very good idea.

It is, however, more expensive, more complicated, and more difficult than you would think.

It's true, Ira, expatriate life can be complex. But the challenges add to the fun. I sense you're a city person through and through, but I just wanted to let you know that La Charite, a charming, sleepy town of 3,000 in far west Burgundy next door to wine country and on the Loire, offers houses for 100,000 euros and (rare) apartments for less. Paris is two hours and 15 minutes away by train, 26.80 euros round-trip with a senior discount.

TTT

I'd say that $120,000 is a lot to pay for a house in a tiny town of 3000 that is hours from anywhere.

Small towns have their charms … for a week or so. Then you start looking for things to do. And if you don't already have pre-existing activities to occupy your time, you can become very bored indeed.

Compared to Irish prices I think that's a steal! My Dublin Apartment is worth much more than that and I am hoping to keep it and sell eventually for a house abroad to holiday in and eventually retire to. It's different ffor each person. SOme people would love a sleept town that you can just hop a train to Paris.

Good luck either way with what you decide.

Hi Anthony,

It depends on the person, I believe. I have an American friend, a journalist, who's retired in central France, an hour west of La Charite, in an even smaller town. He rarely comes to Paris and seems quite content. Do you know of a charming small town two hours and 15 minutes from New York City where the average house price is $120,000?

There are 311 citizens of St-Cirq and I've never been bored for a minute. With a car I can get anywhere and still come home to my peaceful valley. Of course, I don't live there year-round, but I plan to, and I'm not the slightest bit concerned about boredom.

There is a book just published on this topic titled "Chez Moi, the Foreigners Guide to Buying a Home in France" by Laurence Raybois. YOu might pick up a copy.

First of all, you are the foreigner.

The residents there are at home and you are the stranger.

Learn the language.

What makes you people think Flaze doesn't speak French?
Go for it Flaze.
I, and quite a number of my Canadian countryfolk, do the same thing every winter. We come to a foreign country for half of the year. They call us "snowbirds". And a number of us invest far more than $120000 in a home.(You never mentioned money being a concern). It is doable. Do your homework. And if it doesn't work you can sell and come to Florida.