Kerouac raised a good point about "American" furniture. The big sectionals and very large bureaus, etc. don't fit well or look well(IMO)in most French houses or flats. We didn't own any huge pieces but sold several average-sized couches, all appliances and just lots of excess of all sorts. Also sold bookcases as IKEA and the like have a wide selection at good prices.

We thought through what we took--actually have some country French antiques which are back in their mother country. Lamps work fine--just need plug adapters and 220 bulbs--I'm glad we packed about 8 table lamps as we live in an small, old French farmhouse without very much natural light.

We're also glad we took two American queen size mattress and box springs which were both quite new. The mattresses bent around the corners on the stairwell and the box springs just cleared the stair landing.

We pared down books and clothes but shipped "old friends" and four-season wear as we do get cold weather in winter. I'm glad I shipped all my kitchen things although French kitchen equipment is very good quality and tableware, linens, etc are beautiful. We also brought all our outdoor furniture, flower pots, gardening tools, etc.

I can't think of anything I really miss--am in the States now and so far have purchased some OTC drugs which are much cheaper here, some tops (I haven't been a standard French size since age 8) and some chili seasoning--the last obtainable in France but am hooked on a particular brand.

Were I in your place I would contemplate settling down near the lower Rhône Valley town of Montélimar, right on the TGV line. The town has everything you could need or want, and there are interesting little nearby villages from which to choose. This area of the Drôme Provençale has yet to be discovered by the tourist mobs and is one of our very favorite places for that reason.

On the other hand, it would behoove you to find out exactly where the Southwest TGV line to Toulouse is going to be built. Now is the time to buy property near one of the future stations. Real estate has skyrocketed everywhere the TGV has been built.

The advice to spend a winter there, before fully relocating, is a really good idea.

My parents always dreamed of early retirement in Florida, and that's what they did. They bought a house and added a pool. Then, they decided they wanted to be on the beach, so moved again. At first, they loved the Florida. And, they had plenty of friends and family visit frequently, but that severely dwindled, so after a few years, they were making many trips "home" for holidays and to see the kids and granchildren and all their long time friends. They didn't miss winters, but grew tired of sunny/hot weather all year around. One day, they packed up and moved back home. They were thrilled to be back and so were all of us kids, especially as each grew older and developed health problems. Both have passed away, but we were all so relieved they did not spend their last days far from family and friends.

ttt

Underhill is one hundred percent right on Montelimar! One day, my wife and I wanted to go to Orleans. We were given bum directions by a conductor, he saying that a certain train stopped at Orleans. We whizzed by Orleans, and I was fit to be tied! The next stop was Montelimar. We got off the train and enjoyed the absolute best day of our trip there. The place is fantastic, especially if you love nougats. It's known as the nougat capital of the world. I don't know of ANY place that has better restaurants than this lovely town.

Thanks Waldo and Underhill - The village of Montelimar seems to be very fascinating and just the right type of place to fall in love with.
My concerns are with the altitude and the alpine mountain range nearby. Is this village inhabitable all year long, or is it primarily a "vacation" type area? It would appear to be in a colder climate range than say, Montpelier or south of Toulouse. Are the main highways and train ways open all year long?

Hi all, this is such a great set of comments for me. I am considering a move from the US to southern France in about two years, when I will be 59 years old. The Languedoc region is of great interest to me, and I plan to travel there in April 2011.

Here are some things I will be looking for: a larger village or smaller city with some expats; I am not rich but do not need to be too conservative with money; I studied French for many years when I was younger and assume I can renew my language skills quickly, even before I go; I am now planning to rent for 3-5 years, or even longer; I am a single woman; I would like good food markets (I can't imagine this would be difficult), transportation, and an interesting culture to enjoy. Weather is not so much an issue for me, but safety is. Since I am a working writer, I would like decent Internet access but don't need anything special.

Any thoughts? I welcome all input! Thank you!

Marking.

I wonder if blackiev was able to fulfill his/her dreams of retiring in Southern France..

I wondered the same kismetchimera. Based on an August '10 post by blackiev the answer is not yet but it still appears to be in the works in a couple of years.
Ann Marie

<B>dianeinsonoma:</B> You will likely do better to start your own, new thread instead of tacking on to one from two years ago.

Have you researched the visa issues? One can't just up and move to France w/o some special connection to the country.

JanisJ - thank you. I may start this thread elsewhere.

Brand new to forum & thanks to all for great advice. On the other hand, as with much on the web, there's more data than knowledge. I'm more than a little overwhelmed.

My bride & I have been going to France for 25 years & have known a family there for just as long. It's now time to make the big move & we're looking at the SW mostly for the climate--although many of you have warned about cold winters. And since the Washington DC area is fighting Alaska for coldest place in the US, that's a definite concern.

I'm in the middle of planning a 3-4 trip in May & the list of towns recommended will be a big help. We're also looking at SW Atlantic coast & perhaps Dordogne...hey four or five trips to explore various regions...what could be bad? Given housing situation here, it'll be at least a 1 1/2 yrs before we make the big move.

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself & say thanks for all the great advice and links. Also, we'd love to meet with anyone for coffee & French pastries while we're there. I can be reached at [email protected].

We're at our place in SW France- in the Hautes Pyrenees- 7th-14th May. Email me for details about the area if you're not just thinking of seeing the coast.

...how about southeast france.. have you heard of the area near Annecy? on your budget you'd be pretty comfortable there and there is a lot to do and see..starting with the purest lake in europe (water reaches 23/24C in the summer..)
http://www.hautesavoiephotos.com/photoslac.htm
it's only 1 hour from Geneva so it's great platform to travel around europe, with discount airlines covering that area..it's cheaper than french motorway or trains..!
cheers

Shelia, Where are you in the H.P.?

We are between St. Gaudens and Salies du Salat in the Haute Garonne.

We spent a couple of weeks in the Languedoc and Dordogne regions last year, and also started thinking about retiring there. (Most people we met who lived in the area were Brits, and called it "Dordogne-shire" because there was so many of them!) My French is good, the area is marvelous, and I've lived on several continents over the years (no worries about being an ex-pat) ... but, then the first grandchild arrived. Here we stay!

just,

I understand! Fortunately ours are in the UK, we see them much more often than when we lived in the States.

We're making the most of it while they're little as all too soon they will not be as excited to come here.

Hi everyone,

I am yet another American wanting to take up residence in Southern France. I studied aFrench at an Honors Accelerated level in college and 3 years in high school, and although that has been over 25 years ago, I am able to understand a fair amount of what I read as well as think to myself in French a bit. I need to take up study again, but am confident that I can become acceptably conversant if I become immersed in the language.
I am married to a Dutchman, and my 14 year old has dual citizenship, so getting a "retirement visa"- or a visa through my husband's EU passport should ease that pain...

My ?s are:

1. What are the companies that offer the best private insurances to purchase for health coverage?..I have ample need for regular checkups, even pain mgmt. when needed as may need surgery in the next few years...Also,is one discriminated against for a long term visa or residency application if they are receiving SSDI from the States or have a significant medical history?

2.Curious about the best towns outside of Montpelier or Toulouse for educational offerings for my 14 year old who will need to attend a "bilingue internationale school..also, he needs to maintain his skateboarding, so any tips on towns where
there may be a good skate park?

3 .Any opinions on St.Gaudens?This looks very appealing, may be a bit small as I generally an looking to live in a larger town where there is good public transport- Access to theatre/cultural events..But, something about this town attracts me.

4. Regarding income and assets- Do the Authorities look at US Tax Forms
to verify income from Rental Properties that may contribute to one's income?
Then my husband will be receiving a Dutch Pension, so I assume his letter of award, and my letter from SSDI will suffice?

5.Lastly, will my son be able to enroll in school as a dual citizen of US /NL,prior to our having extended visas granted,which I assume will happen as long as the Schagen Agreement does not get shot down...and we prove financial independence..

6.Can anyone share info. about the terrain around Pezares?- as well as the public transportation infrastructure there- I am looking to be somewhere that makes it possible to not rely on the auto for daily living

7.Lastly, what are the most affordable areas that are not too far from the sea and are not experiencing the social ills of drug trafficking, homelessness,et