Why did you move to France?
I didn't want to study French when my wife first asked to join her for a French class and I did not want anything to do with France or the French. After one year of studies, we decided to go to France to visit. I could not resist returning to France months later (this time to southern France). It was then that I decided that I wanted to retire there. 8 years later (and after a bout with cancer), we finally made it here and have been here 9 months and loving it!!! The weather is similar to where we lived in California and the people are nice. We continue to study French and the French culture during our retirement.
How did you do it?
We studied French off and on through various sources for 8 years and readied our house and property to get ready to sell it. We got our finances in order (as much as can be done in 8 yrs). We applied for a carte de sejour and read about transition issues. About 1 1/2 yrs before coming, we started to sell household items as we determined that we would rent a furnished residence and take very few things with us. We sent a lot of the household items to my son who lives in the states.
Tips and Tricks
- The visa and carte de sejour was fairly easy to obtain after we had all of our documents translated into French for the French consulate office. We got our dog ready (int'l microchip, shots, dog carrier, etc). I would suggest against waiting to the last month before you do all of these things. Much of our planning involved having things lined up a year in advance. Also, get a binder to keep all records in (keep copies of the e-mails). Make sure you line up a place in advance and try not to move during the height of the tourist season).
- Don't try to change the French. Accept them and their customs.
Has living in France lived up to your expectations?
Absolutely, and then some.
What has surprised/disappointed you the most?
Surprises? Everyday is a surprise... enjoy them.
Disappointment? Not being able to get those food stuffs at the local store that are normal items "back home".
Are most of your friends French or other expats?
Both. The other expats are primarily those whom I have met at church or the "meet up" groups.
Do you have anything else to add?
If you are trying to change the French or the French culture, please stay home.
