Why France Is One of the Best Places to Retire or Take Early Retirement (FIRE Movement) Especially for Americans

Thinking about retiring or taking early retirement abroad? France consistently ranks among the best countries in the world for quality of life, healthcare, culture, and long-term stability. Yet many Americans are surprised to learn that France is also one of the easiest and most affordable countries in Europe to retire in—both in terms of required income and tax treatment.

The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement is a lifestyle and financial strategy focused on aggressively saving and investing to achieve financial independence far earlier than traditional retirement age. Followers often aim to save a large portion of their income, reduce expenses, and invest the difference, usually in low-cost index funds in order to build a portfolio large enough to live off passive income. While approaches vary, the core idea is gaining control over one’s time and work choices by minimizing financial dependence on a traditional job.

If you’re considering retirement in France in 2025 and beyond, here’s why it deserves a top spot on your list.

France’s Long-Stay Visa Requirements Are Surprisingly Accessible

For Americans planning to retire in France, the long-stay “visitor” visa (VLS-TS Visiteur) is the most common option. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a massive pension or huge bank balance to qualify.

Income requirements typically range from just €1,426 to €1,802 per month, depending on the prefecture and personal situation (as highlighted in the Moving to France Guide on My Best Money Life).

For many retirees—especially those with Social Security, pensions, 401(k) withdrawals, or investment income—this level is very achievable.

This low financial threshold makes France one of the most attainable European retirement destinations for Americans.

High-Quality Healthcare at a Fraction of U.S. Costs

France’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world. Retirees benefit from:

• Modern hospitals and highly trained specialists

• Affordable medications

• Efficient, high-quality care

• Predictable cost

Once you become a French resident, you can access the national healthcare system after meeting residency requirements. You can apply after being in France for 90 days. For the first year, you can obtain insurance from Feather for 72 euros a month if under age 65. You can find details on the Feather insurance plan here. Once you obtain your French social security number, you can obtain a mutuelle in France which covers vision, dental, and medical for a cost of €35–€200 per month depending on your age and coverage requirements.

For retirees hoping to reduce medical expenses while improving the quality of care, France is hard to beat.

A Surprisingly Affordable Cost of Living—Outside the Tourist Hotspots

While Paris and the costal hot spots of the Côte d’Azur are famously pricey, most of France offers an extremely reasonable cost of living, often 25–50% lower than comparable U.S. cities.

Affordable regions include:

• Occitanie (Toulouse, Montpellier, rural villages)

• Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Bordeaux suburbs, Dordogne, Limoges)

• Brittany (Rennes, Vannes, coastal towns)

• Pays de la Loire (Nantes, Angers)

• Normandy (Caen, Bayeux)

In these areas, retirees enjoy:

• Lower grocery costs

• Affordable restaurants and wine

• Reasonably priced housing (both rentals and purchases)

• Budget-friendly public transportation

Many Americans find that their retirement income stretches far further in France than it does in the U.S. You see people who were struggling in the United States suddenly living a middle class lifestyle in France.

Exceptional Transportation—Locally and Nationwide

France’s transportation infrastructure is one of the best in Europe.

Within cities

• Extensive bus, tram, and metro networks

• Affordable fares (monthly passes often €30–€60). Higher in Paris at 90 euros)

• Walkable city centers and bike paths

Between cities

• The famous TGV high-speed rail system

• Regional trains linking even small towns

• Low-cost airlines for quick trips around Europe

This mobility gives retirees freedom without needing a car—and offers a lifestyle that many Americans love for its convenience and reduced expenses. We still prefer owning a car for road-trips, yet rarely use our car during the week saving on fuel and maintenance.

World-Class Food, Wine, and Lifestyle

It’s impossible to talk about France without mentioning the joie de vivre.

Retirement in France means:

• Fresh daily markets

• Local bakeries and cheese shops

• World-renowned wine regions

• Long lunches and outdoor cafés

• Culture, art, and festivals all year long

• Great outdoor activity options (hiking, golfing, walking, etc.).

Quality of life isn’t just a concept in France—it’s a way of life. Many Americans move expecting great food but are still surprised at how affordable and integrated it is in everyday life. I go to a great restaurant in Rennes with an amazing homemade 3 course gastronomic lunch with fresh ingredients that changes every week and only costs 25 euros. And in France, you don't need to add tax to the price (already included) and no need to tip 15% - 20% like in the United States. Want to add a nice glass of wine, that would only add 5-8 euros to the price!

Huge Tax Advantages for U.S. Citizens Retiring in France

This is where France becomes particularly attractive for Americans.

The U.S.–France Tax Treaty Helps You Avoid Double Taxation

Under the tax treaty:

• U.S. pensions

• U.S. Social Security

• U.S. capital gains

• U.S. dividends

• U.S. interest income

…are typically exempt from French taxes for U.S. citizens living in France.

You still file a French tax return, but you receive a matching tax credit that reduces your French tax to zero for this U.S.-sourced income.

This can dramatically improve the financial picture of retiring in France. Everyone's finances are different, and while this is a general rule, you should consult an expert on your own situation.

Exemption From French Social Charges on U.S. Income

In recent years, some retirees questioned whether France’s social charges (like CSG/CRDS—similar to FICA in the U.S.) apply to U.S.-sourced retirement income.

The most recent French court rulings have been clear: U.S. citizens with U.S.-sourced income are exempt from French social charges on that income. This is still subject to change, but it appears that US citizens will not pay social charges on US sourced income, making France even more tax-friendly for American retirees.

A Stable, Safe, and Culturally Rich Place to Live

For retirees seeking stability, France offers:

• Low crime rates compared to the U.S.

• Strong consumer and tenant protections

• Excellent infrastructure

• Rich cultural heritage

• Easy travel throughout Europe

It’s a place where retirees feel secure—both financially and personally.

France as a Top Choice for American Retirees

With reasonable visa requirements, exceptional healthcare, a low cost of living, world-class lifestyle, and highly favorable tax treatment for Americans, France stands out as one of the most appealing retirement destinations in the world.

Whether you're seeking early retirement, a full retirement abroad, or simply a better quality of life, France offers an unmatched blend of affordability, culture, and stability.

If you’re considering making the move, be sure to explore the full Moving to France Guide for details on visas, housing, budgeting, and more.

Interested in early retirement or retiring to France, feel free to reach out to me at mybestmoneylife@gmail.com to learn how you can make it a reality.