Allen T. Says: How do I apply for my long-term visa to France? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Allen, You’ll need to start the long-stay visa process in the US. It’s not a complicated application, but does require getting a bit of paperwork together and doing some planning regarding your timeline. You can’t Read more...: How Do I Apply for my Long-Term Visa to France?
Marianne C. Says: I love the romantic idea of retiring to the South of France. But what’s the climate like there? I hear it described as sunny, but would like to know some specifics. IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Marianne, The South of France rejoices in hot, dry summers—and it’s usually very Read more...: What’s the Climate Like in the South of France?
Sandra F. Says: I’m going to be in Paris soon for a vacation. I am always wary of getting cabs overseas in case they inflate the fare when they hear my American accent. Do you have any advice for using cabs in Paris? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Sandra, Taxi fares in France Read more...: How Much Do Taxis Cost in France?
Lydia P. Says: Are there English-speaking retirement homes in France? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Lydia, France has more than 10,000 retirement homes (maison de retraite), both in the private and public sector. But despite the increasingly large number of English-speakers retiring in France, there are very few options for English-speaking seniors seeking Read more...: Are There English-Speaking Retirement Homes in France?
Jeff G. Says: Do you have any suggestions about the most reliable way to buy a used car in France? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hello Jeff, My husband and I purchased two used cars thanks to the Le Bon Coin website, known as the Craigslist of France. Both have been from individual owners, Read more...: What’s the Best Way to Buy a Used Car in France?
Caitlyn O. Says I’m planning to move to France. Do you have any advice on finding a long-term rental? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Lucy, French real estate agents (immobiliers) are strictly regulated. They must be in possession of what’s called a carte professionelle, which can be issued only by the agent’s Read more...: Who Can Help Me Find a Rental in France?
Paul W. Says: I am looking to move to the Toulon area of France. I was wondering how the tax rate is. IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Paul, Taxes in France really depend on your residence status. If you don’t work in France, which represents a large portion of people who come for Read more...: How do I Handle my Tax in France?
Oscar T. Says: I’m looking forward to splitting my time between the US and the South of France in the next few years. One question I had is, how do I pay bills for my second home in France? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Oscar, There are various ways to pay utility and Read more...: How do I Pay Utility Bills in France?
Thank you for your question. That sounds like a good budget for the Toulon area. For $700,000 to $800,000, you will be able to get a two-bedroom, two-bathroom home outside of the city center, with a pool.
Paul W. Says: What can you tell me about buying a house in France? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Paul, The first rule of property buying in France is: Don’t rush in. Unless your heart is set on a home in the more popular areas of Provence or in Paris, there are Read more...: How Do I Buy a House in France?