[Andrew Francese]

Hello,

I would say that Nice is my top pick. It seems like a big city, but it’s actually not by US standards. Every time I’ve visited, I’ve walked everywhere and not needed public transportation – although it’s available. There’s an airport in the city proper which is a huge plus. The next would be Avignon. Great train service and a good mix between urban with a small-town feel. There was an interview in IL magazine about a woman who moved there from Los Angeles and loves it. Also, check out Pau. It’s a completely different feel than the other two as it’s in the southwest and not near the sea. Very urban, green city surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[Andrew Francese]

Hello,

Every situation is different, but a lot of people prefer to sell most of their stuff before moving. The fees to ship, depending on the amount of things you’d like to bring, can be very costly – extra customs charges might also apply. I do know someone who moved all her belongings to France… it’s a certain budget and a lot of paperwork, but can be done. I moved with just my clothes and a few momentos and restocked here. I could find everything I needed.

Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[Andrew Francese]

You might have a look in the IL bookstore to see about scouting trip publications.

Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[Andrew Francese]

Hello,

For France, you can try the Morning Croissant website. Many short-term expats I know who come to France once a year use their services.

Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[Andrew Francese]

Hello,

The real estate market in Nice is a bit tighter than other cities but not impossible to rent. If you rent in the historic center, you can expect a starting rent of $1600 for a 2-bedroom if not slightly more. The figures can go up quite a bit the closer you get to the seaside. Many look to go a bit further out of the center and take the tram or bus in to town. It’s a wonderful city!

Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[Andrew Francese]

Hello,

For France, you can try the Morning Croissant website to find one-month rentals of furnished apartments.

Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[Andrew Francese]

Hello,

For France, it’s the Long Stay visa which is fairly easy to get and covers you for 12 months, then you renew it in France. You apply in the USA. All of the details are covered on the IL France webpage under visas.

Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[Andrew Francese]

For France, you can look at Nice which has a thriving expat community for singles. I’d also consider Lyon and even Paris.

Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[Andrew Francese]

Hello! I just had a chance to reply to the above question:

Renting in Toulon is fairly easy and cheaper than other areas in the south of France. The expat life is a lot slower because it’s still quite “under-the-radar.” If you’re fine with hanging out with mainly the French and a few small expat groups, you should be okay. Your French will improve very quickly in Toulon.

Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[Andrew Francese]

Hello Gary,

Renting in Toulon is fairly easy and cheaper than other areas in the south of France. The expat life is a lot slower because it’s still quite “under-the-radar.” If you’re fine with hanging out with mainly the French and a few small expat groups, you should be okay. Your French will improve very quickly in Toulon.

Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[Andrew Francese]

Hi Lisa,

Nice to meet you! If you’re still thinking of France, feel free to send me any questions you may have: france@internationalliving.com

The plus for France (besides all the great food!) is that it’s fairly easy to obtain a visa to stay long-term, and the healthcare system is excellent.

Best of luck and please let me know if I can be of help.

Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[Andrew Francese]

Hello,
Thank you for your feedback. I’ve lived on the Cote d’Azur for the last 15 years and never felt unsafe. Violent crime is very low in France, no right to bare arms. I’ve also never had a problem in Paris, just my personal experience. I’ve found the south to be very safe.

-Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[Andrew Francese]

Hello Debbie,
To connect with expats in
Nice, you can try:
-Meetup Nice
-American Club of the Riviera
-Angloinfo Riviera

Facebook: Nice Cote d’Azur Expats

Hope that is helpful, good luck with your search.

-Tuula Rampont, IL France Correspondent

[Andrew Francese]

Hello, bonjor, this is Tuula, the IL France Correspondent chiming in. Well, you might be surprised to know that you have a very good budget to find something in the south of France. If you’re looking for a house, you could try the inland area of Provence. The villages of the Luberon – made famous by Peter Mayle’s book A Year in Provence – is a very attractive place to retire. Also, around Saint Remy de Provence is very beautiful, with the outdoor market, café and bistros, available in the historic center. You’ll find a lot of American retirees have settled there. If you’d like to go a little lower budget, check out Montpellier and the surrounding towns. The southeastern part of the country is where you will find the best weather.

[Andrew Francese]

Hi Dennis,
You have several areas in France. I think the city of Pau would be the mildest option, low on humidity too. Otherwise, have a look at parts of Normandy, Brittany, and Alsace – although these tend to be cooler and with more rain.

-Tuula, IL France Correspondent

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