This article takes a look at the 12 best places to retire in France for English speakers.
On Retiring to France
Almost everyone dreams of retiring to the picturesque landscapes and idyllic towns of France. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best places to retire around the world. However, the current sentiment of those who live there is far from idyllic. In April 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron signed into law an unpopular pension reform, raising the state pension age to 64 from 62. Despite furious public protests, the law was pushed into effect to prevent the pension system from collapsing. Over 10,000 tons of trash piled up on Paris streets after a strike by sanitation workers, whose state pension age was pushed to 59 from 57. Considering their jobs are physically harder, these workers already had a pension age lower than the national.
Despite the protests and anger demonstrated by the French, Macron used a special article of the French constitution that allowed the government to force the bill without a vote. Nevertheless, it seems that French retirees are seemingly faring better than many of their counterparts. The statutory retirement age will increase by three months each year, reaching 64 by the end of the decade. Retirement at 64 is still lower than in other countries in the bloc such as Germany, where the age comes out to be 65.7 years. The net pension that the French receive on average is around €1,400, higher than most of Eastern Europe and the UK. As per Al Jazeera’s findings, the French get a comparatively better sum in pensions and live more cheaply than most Europeans.
Regardless of what the French may feel about their retirement in the country, France remains a highly attractive destination for expats. This is especially true for British expats since the country is in proximity to their own and offers a distinct yet attractive lifestyle, climate, and culture. An estimated 150,000 UK expats live in France, giving birth to numerous vibrant expat communities all over the country. Some of the best places to live in France for retirement are its idyllic towns and villages, offering the best of French culture and cuisine. Many retirees may also choose to retire in the modern cities instead. No matter where they choose to retire, one major barrier that they often face is that of language.
English proficiency in the country is one of the lowest in Western Europe. The EF English Proficiency Index places France at 43rd position, which means the country has “medium proficiency” when it comes to speaking the language. This is one of the lowest for all the Northern European countries included in the study. For those who wish to retire to France, learning the language can certainly help in a smoother transition. It’s quite easy to learn a language online, and the individual learner segment, in particular, accounts for the largest share of the online language learning market (48.8%). Some key players in the online language learning industry include Babbel, Duolingo, and Rosetta Stone LLC, to name a few. Users can try to polish their language-speaking skills through applications and learning materials provided by such companies.
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Methodology:
To compile the list of best places to retire in France for English speakers, we began by listing all major cities and towns in France. Next, we ranked them based on various factors such as expat population, EP English proficiency, culture, healthcare, transportation, cost of living, and number of recreational and social opportunities. The expat population and English proficiency were given double weight to highlight the best places to retire for English speakers. Places were scored and ranked in an ascending order, from the lowest to the highest scores.
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Here are the best places to retire in France for English speakers:
12. Dordogne
Insider Monkey Score: 5.4
Dordogne, also known as Périgord, is one of the best places to retire in France in the countryside. Anyone who appreciates beautiful weather, excellent food and wine, and lots of recreational activities will love it here. Set amidst the Loire Valley and Pyrenees mountains, this region in the heart of France offers seniors abundant activities to enjoy in their golden period. The area has been particularly popular with British retirees because of its charming villages and picturesque countryside. In particular, the area around Eymet is known to be the favorite destination for the British, with as much as 15% of the population there being Britons. This doesn’t make it Little England, however. Overall, Dordogne, or the Land of 1001 castles, is still an embodiment of French culture, and the Dordogne Valley, in particular, is the perfect location to experience it.
11. Normandy
Insider Monkey Score: 5.5
Another popular area with expat retirees is Normandy. Located in Northern France, the area offers retirees plenty of coastline, scenic landscapes, and a rich history. Other than that, it also seeks to mesmerize its residents with its historic towns, scrumptious cuisine, and beautiful tree-lined roads. From the iconic Mont Saint-Michel to the D-Day Beaches, Normandy provides a rich history and culture for exploration. The best part is that it is comparatively more affordable than other areas in France, a plus point for retirees as they have a fixed income to survive on. About the language, most people speak French but can also speak English as their second language.
10. Bordeaux
Insider Monkey Score: 6
Sharing the same name as the famous French wine, Bordeaux lies in southwestern France along the river Garonne. This city is the hub of the famous wine-growing region, revered for its wine culture and the vibrant lifestyle it offers to its seniors. Retirees also appreciate the region for its healthcare facilities, efficient public transportation system, and rich cultural scene. With regards to the English language, Bordeaux is a tourist area and there are a lot of places where one can find English speakers. The English-speaking community continues to grow in the region.
9. Grenoble
Insider Monkey Score: 6.5
Next on our list of best places to retire in France for English speakers is Grenoble. Characterized by its vibrant culture, stunning mountain views, and excellent healthcare facilities, Grenoble offers retirees a high quality of life in their golden years. Nestled in the French Alps, Grenoble is a base for all winter sports and is just as famous for its nature and gastronomy. Often overshadowed by popular places such as Paris, the city is comparatively affordable than many other areas in the country. Expats report that there is a large English-speaking community here, and there is quite some demand for English teachers as well.
8. Tours
Insider Monkey Score: 6.6
Some of the purest form of French was once spoken in the town of Tours. Lying between France’s Cher and Loire rivers, this university town offers plenty to explore and admire. From its café-lined squares and manicured gardens to its rich heritage and numerous open spaces, this “Garden of France” is nothing short of paradise. Seniors have plentiful opportunities to engage in arts and culture, and even explore the many museums, theaters, and festivals in the area. The local cuisine is a major plus, with endless French options to try out. Since Tours is a popular tourist destination, retirees may find a lot of people who understand basic English, especially in hotels and similar areas. Nevertheless, it’s always nice to begin with a Bonjour.
7. Aix-en-Provence
Insider Monkey Score: 6.8
Also known as Aix, Aix-en-Provence is a charming university city located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France. Home to some of the best year-round weather, expat retirees love Aix for its fascinating culture, excellent food and wine, and the picturesque Mediterranean Sea. Meanwhile, the broader Provence is home to a bustling international community, particularly Americans and British. This makes it one of the best places to retire in France for English speakers. For adventure seekers, Provence is home to scenic villages and towns, tranquil sandy beaches, and some amazing mountain ranges that offer seniors much to do to keep busy.
6. Montpellier
Insider Monkey Score: 7.5
Montpellier in France is considered to be an open-air museum. Truly, its thousand years-old past makes it one. In addition, what makes this Southern France region popular amongst retirees is its pleasant Mediterranean climate, modern amenities, and historical charm. Similar to Provence, Montpellier also has an active expat community, with retirees coming in from the UK, USA, and Europe. There are various cultural attractions to explore, many recreational activities to engage in, lots of parks and gardens, and numerous bars and restaurants to end a good day.
5. Toulouse
Insider Monkey Score: 8
Next on our list of best places to retire in France for English speakers is Toulouse, the capital of France’s southern Occitanie region. Known as the city of heritage and adventure, “La Ville Rose” is more than just blushing pink terracotta churches and ochre rooftops. The city is brimming with happening events, scrumptious food, and lots of exciting places to visit. Residents love to start their day with some coffee at a terrace café, followed by a stroll along the banks of the Garonne, and some city exploration of museums such as the Cité de l’Espace. The healthcare facilities are excellent here, while the public transportation system is also top-notch. English speakers would love to retire here to Toulouse as many people here speak English, albeit not to an exceptional level.
4. Lyon
Insider Monkey Score: 8.3
Number 5th on our list of places ideal for English speakers is Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Lyon is particularly a retiree favorite because of its historical richness, magnificent cultural life, and well-preserved Renaissance architecture. This region is brimming with museums, festivals, and theaters, offering retirees a lot to do to keep busy. The city is dotted with elegant buildings, and the rivers Saône and Rhône cut through the town to add to its beauty and offer seniors much to do along the banks. Expat retirees who only speak English will not have a hard time here, as there are more and more people who can speak English and will be happy to practice when conversing.
3. Annecy
Insider Monkey Score: 8.5
Southeastern France is home to a small Alpine town called Annecy. Many locals in the town speak English, but it’s always best to learn a few French phrases to start on a friendly note. Its proximity to Switzerland and popularity as a tourist destination means you’ll find a lot of people who understand and speak basic English. This town is popular amongst expats for its vibrant cultural scene, majestic mountain backdrop, and crystal-clear lake. There are plenty of festivals, art exhibitions, and concerts all year round to keep one entertained.
2. Nice
Insider Monkey Score: 8.7
Situated on the French Riviera, Nice is one of the most English-friendly cities in France. Seniors often prefer this city for spending their golden years due to its exquisite natural beauty, delectable cuisine, and plentiful cultural attractions. Some of the things residents look forward to are taking strolls along the picturesque Riviera coast, embarking on day trips to churches and museums, and simply taking in the aura that comes from being “the Winter Resort Town of the Riviera”. Many people, especially younger French folks, can speak English here.
1. Paris
Insider Monkey Score: 9.2
Based on our methodology, the best place to retire in France for English speakers is Paris. Many English expats live in France. Often the dream of aspiring retirees, Paris truly captures the essence of an ideal golden period. From attending performances at the Opéra Garnier and visiting the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral to reading at Parisian cafes and indulging in French cuisine, retirement in the dream city means living your golden period to the fullest.
Paris is also home to top-notch healthcare. However, the cost of living isn’t affordable for just anyone looking to retire here. The average rent of a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,500, while a single retiree can expect to spend anywhere around $3,000 in monthly expenses. According to Euromonitor International for the British Council, 60.28% of Parisians speak a basic level of English. Therefore, getting around in Paris without speaking much French is quite possible, though it’s best to learn a few phrases to keep the conversation friendly.
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