France
At A Glance Population 62.6 million (U.N., 2010) Official Language French Currency Euro (1 euro = 100 cents) GDP per Capita (PPP) US$33,910 (2010 est) Climate Temperate (with areas of Continental, Mediterranean, and Alpine) Natural Hazards Minor Flooding, Drought Government Republic (with a President and Prime Minister)
The Languedoc The Other South of France
Cost of Living Cessenon-sur-Orb Rent US$650 House Contents Insurance 25 Property Taxes 30 Transportation 40 Heating Oil 62 Electricity 65 Gas (for cooking) 30 Telephone (inc Intl calls) 50 Water 42 Internet inc Cable TV inc Household Help (3 hrs/wk) 160 Food 200 Entertainment 100 Health Insurance (AARO Hosp Plan) 434 Travel 100 Total Monthly Expenses US$1,988
Property Costs Cessenon-sur-Orb Rent from US$400 to US$1,000 per month Build for as little as US$25 per square foot Buy for US$70,000 and up
Languedoc Properties Cebazan: Three-bedroom renovated house with attached three-bedroom apartment. 199,000 euros (US$266,000) Close to St Chinian: threebedroom newbuild villa. 120 m². Pool and two garages. 298,000 euros (US$398,000)
Languedoc Properties Close to Cessenon: Three bedroom refurbished home with tower (pigeonnier), two cellars, panoramic views across vineyards. 126 m². 299 000 euro (399,000) commission included. Pardailhan: Threebedroom renovated home. 97 m² with garage, courtyard, and terrace 190 000 euros (US$254,000) commission included
Béarn, Southern Aquitaine
Cost of Living Béarn, Southern Aquitaine Rent US$1,200 HOA Fee 0 Property Taxes 44 Transportation (bus pass) 10 Gas (for cooking) 30 Electricity 87 Telephone (Incl. Int l calls) 50 Water 42 Internet inc Cable TV inc Household Help 160 Food 250 Entertainment 75 Health Insurance (AARO/Hosp plan) 434 Travel 100 Miscellaneous 40 Total Monthly Expenses US$2,522
Property Costs Béarn, Southern Aquitaine Rent from US$350 a month for a onebedroom studio apartment in Pau, to US$1,200 for a three- to four-bedroom village house, US$3,000+ for a luxury house or penthouse apartment. Buy from about US$50,000 for a studio, US$100,000 for a renovation project, US$250,000 for a three-bedroom new build, and US$1.2 million for a renovated chateau. Build from US$50 per square foot.
Properties for Sale Béarn Bagneres: A renovated Béarnaise home; three-bedroom. 220,500 euros (US$293,500) Nay: Neo-bearnaise three-bedroom property with pool. 243,800 (US$324,300) Soumoulou: New build, three-bedroom Central Pau, chateau quarter: one-bedroom bungalow with separate one-bed apartment apartment with balcony. 100,000 euros 250,000 euros (US$332,000) (US$133,000)
Cost of Living Paris Rent US$1,500 HOA Fee 0 Property Taxes 34 Transportation (monthly pass) 76 Gas, Electricity, Water & Garbage 145 Telephone (Incl. Int l calls) 50 Internet inc Cable TV inc Household Help 180 Food 250 Entertainment 100 Health Insurance 434 Travel 100 Miscellaneous 40 Total Monthly Expenses US$2,909
Property Costs Paris Rent from US$500 per month for a studio, to US$2,000 for Art Deco one-bedroom apartment, to US$6,000+ for a penthouse. Buy: on average US$870 per square foot. The highest recorded for first half of 2011 is US$5,035 per square foot.
France Pros Rich History & Culture Part of Euro-land Travel Hub Health Care Diverse Lifestyle Choices Climate Options International Schooling Options Safe for Children Respectful of Seniors Beautiful Countryside Delightful Manners Slow, Measured Lifestyle
France Cons French Language Very Difficult to Start Business Bureaucracy...Lots of Red Tape Takes Time to Integrate Non-negotiable in Business Public Schooling Very Rigid and Universities Overcrowded
Residency Visa Options: Carte de Séjour Temporaire issued to non-working visitors, valid for one year (renewable indefinitely*) Carte de Séjour Temporaire Salarié one year work visa Carte de Séjour mention visiteur issued to nonworking, retired persons, valid for one year (renewable indefinitely*) Carte de Résidente may apply after five years. Valid for 10 years. proof that adhered to requirements reqd.
Medical Care High standard of care Very short waiting time to see specialists Low cost compared to U.S. Alternative practitioners found throughout Prescription drugs and OTC medications inexpensive English-speaking doctors in most large towns Health insurance obligatory Pharmacists qualified and permitted to give free recommendations
Taxes Double taxation treaty with US You are a tax resident if: I. You live >183 days per year in France II. III. Your household lives in France Majority of revenue is generated in France/ assets are in France No income tax cap (until 2010 it was 50%) Wealth tax 0.25% on wealth over US$1.72 million; 0.5% for wealth over US$3.9 million. Local taxes (taxe foncière/taxe d habitation) Social Tax employees/employers/eu pensioners.
More Taxes French Income Tax Bandings: 0-5,963: 0% 5,964-11,896: up to 5.5% 11,897-26,420: up to 14% 26,421-70,830: up to 30% 70,830+: 41% Note: There are many exemptions, variations and alternatives
Accessibility France has daily flights into several international airports Low-cost flights to other European countries Excellent train services and connections Ferry services to UK, northern Africa Very good, extensive road network within France and to other European countries (most freeways have tolls)
Retiree Benefits No specific benefits for non-europeans But... France is a country that values seniors There s an active community of French and International retirees (French citizens may retire at 60 if they wish only 15% of 60-65s continue to work) Inexpensive courses/clubs for retirees - any nationality can join. Expat groups throughout France The lifestyle is healthier and slower than in the U.S.
Recreation A huge variety of activities available throughout the country...every corner of France is accessible from the Mediterranean to Atlantic, Pyrenees to Alps, vineyard to canals... Sailing, hiking, riding, golf, surfing, skiing... Nightlife in all major cities Lots of high-brow culture arts, music, galleries, museums, ballet... Food and wine!
Is France For You? France would appeal to many different types: Retired couple Single woman or man Family with children But... You must be willing to learn French Not want a pioneering experience Be open to accepting things the way they are Be relaxed about bureaucracy Happy to take long lunches!