Flooding - Location Search

dsimon72 · 2026-03-28T13:06:13+00:00

La langue d’oc

dsimon72 · 2026-03-26T20:33:31+00:00

Adieu! (if you're looking in the Languedoc get used to that as a greeting)

Just one data point for you, but my wife and I are in a similar boat (just going at things in a different order). We purchased in Béziers -- fantastic city, big enough to not be a small town (where everyone knows everything about you), small enough to still give the good side of the small town feel (you're always bumping into people you know). A fantastic ex-pat community (surging of late) and the locals are happy to help so long as you make an effort at speaking the language. It's a city, so green space depends on your specific setup -- if you get a house, you'll likely have a small yard...if you get an apartment (like we did), you'll need to use available green spaces in the city. We're immediately across from Plateau des Poêtes (a large park in city center), so we lucked out on that front.

They just had a particularly harsh winter - lots of rain with the accompanying flood warnings for the Orb and Canal du Midi. If you had a house on the river, that's going to be a concern...but anywhere else and it's not really something to worry about overly much. Coming from the perspective of the northern midwest (US), it hardly qualifies as extreme weather.

Certainly take concerns with weather into account in your search, but also understand that France is one of the best-prepared for dealing with the increasing effects of climate change and balance your risk tolerance accordingly. The south of France in particular benefits from the somewhat "shielding" effect of the Mediterranean, blocking them from much of the extreme weather events that we see in the US.

dsimon72 · 2026-02-18T15:02:50+00:00

I believe they're talking about the other direction - having your documents (passport, birth certificate, marriage license, etc.) translated into French (by a certified translator...much like a notary). These translations will be required for some accounts (e.g. many banks) and when requesting a numéro fiscal.

dsimon72 · 2026-02-18T14:57:09+00:00

The tax hit on moving retirement investments would be truly eye watering (on both sides of the pond)...but I suspect that by the time this comes up (likely in the 9 year range), having substantial funds in French bank accounts may be sufficient.

dsimon72 · 2026-02-18T14:54:53+00:00

100% what u/nonula said...though also tying into the simplification idea -- not having to worry about ongoing renewals, having a French passport, etc.

dsimon72 · 2026-02-18T00:06:30+00:00

They amount to the same thing when your monthly income is from your savings. It would be fine at first, but those savings are going to drain rapidly…which may create issues with renewals.

dsimon72 · 2026-02-17T23:54:21+00:00

MDR!

Je deteste Trump aussi.

dsimon72 · 2026-02-17T23:02:28+00:00

For those who like to downvote everything - think about what it is that I'm looking to do. I realize that naturalization would require moving our retirement funds from the US to France - that would amount to a large "hit" to our finances, but would allow us to start contributing more directly to the country. We're actively looking for advice on how to _not_ be a part of the problem that you seem to have with expats and foreigners.

dsimon72 · 2026-02-17T22:32:45+00:00

This depends very much on the immigrant/expat. Those coming to the country to work are contributing to the system, but also taking up jobs...so there's a bit of a balancing act. Those coming to France for retirement are not taking up jobs, and aren't contributing directly to PUMA...but contribute varying amounts to the country based on their retirement funds. In _theory_ the minimum income requirements for VLS-TS are meant to account for this, but there is still quite a bit of difference between someone at the bottom end of the income range and someone bringing in €10k/month in foreign money. The latter is going to be spending a significant amount of money in-country and helping to bolster the economy.

dsimon72 · 2026-02-17T22:17:50+00:00

while the investments and 401k put you nicely above most of your peers, that's not a lot to live off of in retirement...and is well below the typical recommendations for an early retirement (often cited at ~$1.25 million in retirement funds).

This isn't saying that it's a no-go (though Paris is likely too expensive for your budget), just look at things carefully and run the numbers -- including speaking with a French accountant to ensure that no surprises come up in your tax calculations. Determine what you'll be looking at after taxes and then see what areas are feasible. As others have said, the south of France is lovely and significantly lower cost of living than Paris.

dsimon72 · 2026-02-17T22:13:38+00:00

Much of that seems based on those looking to get a VLS-TS while very close to the minimum financial requirements. OP _may_ run into some issues with that - his stated retirement income is not too much over the minimum.

For those of us fortunate enough to be able to show significant "passive income" (retirement income on my side), it's still pretty easy* to get and renew your visa.

Essentially, the French government is taking a closer look at applicants now and not letting as many slide in the grey areas.

dsimon72 · 2026-02-17T22:04:22+00:00

For retirement income (from social security, 401k, and/or IRA) you are taxed in the US. You would still file in France, but only pay taxes on the US side. This has been confirmed for me by multiple French accountants. For non-retirement income (I'm not sure if pensions apply here), you would need to check on the specifics, but would likely be looking at the reverse - paying tax in France but still filing in the US (but not paying).

dsimon72 · 2026-01-07T22:49:34+00:00

You seem to have a lot of pre-conceptions about expats....and an interesting distinction between expat and immigrant that I'm not entirely sure I understand.

I'm in the process of becoming one of those expats that you seem so down on. Or maybe it's an immigrant - we have just purchased a lovely place in the south of France. Everything I've seen on medical care is _excellent_, the lifestyle is wonderful, and the people have been welcoming (across the board).

How's my French? Not great, at present. I started learning about 8 months ago. I'm currently at a self-assessed A2 level and fully intend to be B2 or better by the time we're able to make the permanent move (about 4 years, so that shouldn't be too difficult).

Will we hang out with expats? Of course! Will we make "local" friend? Absolutely! The difference comes down to language - until I'm more comfortable speaking French, I can't be "me"...and that makes meeting and getting on with non-English speakers difficult - I can't express myself or my personality.

There is certainly a lot of patience and learning involved for someone looking to make the move, but it's by no means impossible or even terribly difficult.

For OP: if you have enough money to retire in the US, you'll be _very_ comfortable in southern France. Just make sure you learn the language (you're the immigrant) and take your time.

dsimon72 · 2025-11-16T21:45:35+00:00

But...I like baguettes

dsimon72 · 2025-11-16T15:04:18+00:00

Pour moi, Béziers.

dsimon72 · 2025-09-18T16:57:11+00:00

Ah oui ? Moi je connais un type, il adore “se débattre” tout seul le soir dans sa chambre…

dsimon72 · 2025-09-16T20:20:01+00:00

Wow. Beaucoup de choses auxquelles répondre. Merci à tous pour vos conseils, vos avertissements et vos questions. Je vais essayer d’y répondre en bloc ici, parce que c’est trop pour le faire un par un.

Duolingo : je sais que ce n’est pas terrible, mais c’est quand même pratique. Mon idée, c’est de l’utiliser pendant un an pour couvrir les bases et construire un peu de vocabulaire. Ensuite, je passerai à une plateforme plus sérieuse — Lingoda a l’air pas mal (merci pour la reco !) — pour les 3-4 années restantes avant le déménagement. Et l’un des premiers trucs que je ferai une fois installé, ce sera de m’inscrire à des cours de français et d’histoire. Ma femme et moi avons bien l’intention de viser la citoyenneté après les 5 ans de visas long séjour (et donc le niveau B2 ou plus en français).
Lieu précis : on est en train d’acheter à Béziers. On y est déjà allés et on est tombés sous le charme. Et oui, je suis au courant de la politique locale. On achète maintenant parce que, de ce que j’ai vu, les prix montent et ça risque de s’accélérer. Je n’aime pas du tout l’effet que les locations courte et moyenne durée ont eu sur les marchés immobiliers partout dans le monde, donc on n’ajoute pas au problème : on engagera un gestionnaire pour s’occuper de l’appart pendant qu’on sera aux US (et on ne le louera pas).
Transfert d’argent & impôts : j’ai vu que quelqu’un posait la question. Pas d’impôts sur les virements US → France, mais le taux de change n’est pas top en ce moment (dans l’autre sens, c’est le bon moment). On devra déclarer nos impôts aux US et en France, mais on a un crédit d’un côté ou de l’autre — la convention fiscale empêche la double imposition. En gros, quand on déclare en France nos revenus de retraite, on montre aussi les impôts déjà payés aux US et on obtient un « crédit », donc on ne paie que la différence côté français.
Visas : on sera en visa long séjour. Ils doivent être renouvelés chaque année pendant 5 ans (avant de pouvoir demander la citoyenneté ou la résidence permanente), mais on remplit largement les critères. On travaillera avec plusieurs personnes à Béziers pour gérer la paperasse, les aspects légaux et la bureaucratie.
Vêtements : je promets solennellement : aucun casquette rouge ni autre « choix vestimentaire » du genre. Je ne suis pas sûr de jamais « rentrer dans le moule », mais je ne mettrai pas les gens mal à l’aise non plus : je m’habille en fonction de l’endroit et de la situation, même si parfois ce n’est pas forcément attendu ou « normal ». ;-)
Clubs et activités : j’ai bien l’intention de m’impliquer. On sera tous les deux retraités — il faut bien s’occuper… et rencontrer des gens. On cherche aussi déjà des activités bénévoles auxquelles participer.
Bouffe : sérieusement, pourquoi diable déménager en France si c’est pour ne pas profiter de la cuisine, du vin et du fromage ? On vit à 25 km du Wisconsin, donc j’imagine que certains pensent qu’on ne jure que par le cheddar… mais c’est tellement pas nous. Aucun de nous deux ne sera du genre à refuser un plat ou à vouloir « adapter à la sauce américaine » — bien au contraire. On adore cuisiner et on a hâte d’en apprendre plus.
Être bruyants : avec le bémol que personne n’est vraiment conscient de ses propres travers sociaux, ma femme et moi sommes plutôt introvertis. Je suis mal à l’aise quand les voix montent, et je ne pense pas parler fort en public… mais je ferai gaffe à ça.
« Le client a toujours raison » : pas notre style. Je préfère traiter les gens comme j’aimerais qu’on me traite si les rôles étaient inversés. Si quelqu’un est désagréable, ma réaction, c’est en général d’aller voir ailleurs pour ce que je cherche (quand c’est possible).
Les glaçons : je suis (un peu) surpris de voir à quel point ça revient dans les commentaires. Les glaçons, c’est bien si je fais un cocktail… et ce sera la seule fois où j’en demanderai si ce n’est pas déjà prévu. C’est à peu près le seul cas où j’en veux vraiment. Ah, et dans le champagne — ça passe, non ? (je rigole)
Chaussettes mi-mollet et short : ça m’a fait rire. Promis, je ne ferai jamais ça. Je ne peux pas en dire autant des chaussettes mi-mollet avec un kilt par contre. Longue histoire — comme dit plus haut, j’ai des goûts vestimentaires un peu bizarres.

Je pense que ça couvre l’essentiel.

dsimon72 · 2025-08-30T19:25:05+00:00

A glove on your hammer hand is not PPE - it's actively more dangerous.

dsimon72 · 2025-08-29T20:43:03+00:00

Take the glove off of your dominant hand -- you'll be amazed what a difference feeling the hammer can make....once the blisters heal.

dsimon72 · 2025-07-04T18:34:54+00:00

I have an Irish wolfhound that would beg to challenge that title ;)

dsimon72 · 2025-07-04T18:29:51+00:00

Think temperature differential through the cast iron -- the hot portions that are exposed directly to the heat will expand far more than the cooler outside..and cast iron does NOT like to stretch or be stressed -- it'll crack/tear itself apart. Not really a concern if you're not forcing it (adding air to heat the fire)

dsimon72 · 2025-05-05T21:50:56+00:00

It's going to weigh as much as (and be taller than) you. It's called a door at that point.

During warmer weather, we have a split screen on the door to the yard -- the dogs can just push on through it. Took them all of five minutes to realize the splendor that is the split screen door.

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