Lyon is an absolutely amazing city and one of the best expat destinations in France. I think you could live quite well on $5k a month. If you don’t plan to buy a place outright, you can either think about renting an apartment in the Presqu’île neighborhood or just outside its parameters.
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 a retirement home or retirement community.
Alice N. Says: How do I deal with utility bills in France? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Alice, There are various ways to pay utility and other regularly reoccurring bills. Most people pay by prélèvement automatique (direct debit) from their French bank account. To set one up, the payee will request a relevé Read more...: How Do I Deal with Utility Bills in France?
Mary L. Says: What is the best way to find a furnished rental apartment in the Cannes/Antibes area of France? It should be at least a one bedroom but could be two. IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Mary, There are a few ways to go about looking for a long-term rental in the Read more...: How Can I Find a Furnished Rental in Cannes/Antibes?
Dalila R. Says: What is the cost of living in Sanary-sur-Mer? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Bonjour from France, Dalila, and thank you for your question. Sanary-sur-Mer is very popular with the French, and other Europeans alike, so consequently has a higher cost of living than other places in Provence. Although that doesn’t Read more...: What is the Cost of Living in Sanary-sur-Mer?
Hannah L. Says: Where’s the best neighborhood to live in Paris? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Hannah, A few years ago, one of the most desirable neighborhoods in this ever-evolving city was the 11th arrondissement, the once staunchly proletarian Bastille quarter. Among its cobbled courtyards and narrow backstreets, many old ateliers (workshops) Read more...: Where’s the Best Neighborhood to Live in Paris?
Sophie W. Says: I’ve always dreamed of one day owning my own château in France. Is that something that’s possible, or just pie in the sky? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Writes: There’s something undeniably romantic about having the keys to your own French château. The word château takes in a whole range of Read more...: Is it Possible to Own a French Château?
June R. Says: My fiancé and I would love to get married in France. What do we need to do? Can the U.S. embassy help or would it need to be a priest? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi June, Congratulations on your marriage plans! If you plan to get married in France, Read more...: How Can We Get Married in France?
Julie K. Says: We’re planning to rent an apartment for six months in Paris. Do you have any advice? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Julie, Finding an apartment in Paris can be a daunting task, but the advent of short- and mid-term rentals, plus the wide reach of the internet, has made Read more...: How Do I Rent an Apartment in Paris?
Leia N. Says: Can we access French healthcare if we move there? How would that work? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Leia, Everyone in France is guaranteed healthcare—no matter what your age, occupation, our income level. There are no pre-existing condition restrictions, and anyone who has lived in the country for three months can Read more...: Can We Access French Healthcare Systems if We Move There?