Hey there!
If you’ve been here before, you already know that retiring abroad is as much about peace of mind as it is about logistics. That’s why we’ve put together a clear, no-nonsense guide to help you prepare your move to France with fewer surprises and more confidence : 👉 Download the guide here. 🙂

“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.”
— Jack Kerouac

Welcome to Retirement in France, a blog for those who are thinking about spending their retirement in France — or are already in the process of making the move.
Here, I share practical advice, real-world insights, and straightforward information to help you understand what life in France is actually like: the paperwork, the healthcare system, residency and visas, but also the lifestyle, the regions, and the everyday realities you don’t always hear about.
My name is Max. I’m French, and over the years I’ve worked closely with Americans and other English-speaking retirees who want to settle in France. I kept seeing the same questions come up: How does the visa process really work?
How do you access healthcare in France? Where should you live if you don’t know the country well?
And what is day-to-day life in France actually like once you arrive?
This blog grew out of those conversations.
Here you will find clear, honest information from someone who knows France from the inside and understands the concerns of people planning a major life change.
Retirement in France is about:
- practical guides to help you prepare your move
- simple explanations of complex topics (visas, healthcare, administration)
- cultural insights to avoid common frustrations
- and a realistic look at life in France, both the good and the challenging
My goal is simple: to help you make informed decisions and approach your retirement in France with confidence and peace of mind.
If France is part of your retirement plan, you’re in the right place.