Have you ever dreamt of retiring in France?
The baguettes, the markets, the slow pace of life… but also wondered what it really feels like to start over in a new country at 60+?
In my latest video interview on the Feel Good French podcast, I had the great pleasure to speak with Christy, an American retiree who recently moved to France with her husband.
What made this conversation so powerful isn’t just the logistics—it’s the truth about the emotional rollercoaster behind the dream.
🎥 Watch the full video interview on YouTube
Why This Expat Interview Matters
So many resources exist about how to move abroad—visas, rentals, cost of living. But what about the emotional side?
Christy shared with rare honesty what most videos leave out: the doubts, fears, courage, and transformation that come when you leave everything familiar behind and reinvent yourself in a new language, a new culture, a new rhythm of life.
The French Dream: From Fantasy to Reality
For Christy and her husband, the dream started during the pandemic—watching travel shows, fantasizing about Europe, imagining a Mediterranean retirement. But when fantasy met reality, it came with surprises:
- A major reason they chose France over Spain or Portugal? The favorable U.S.-France tax treaty, which avoids double taxation.
- Their first scouting trip to Nice felt like a honeymoon. But the second time around? Reality set in: housing stress, cultural differences, uncertainty.
As Christy says in the video:
“It was like I was on a high dive. I had to jump or climb down past 12 people. I knew deep down this was my path, but the fear was so loud.”
Moving to France at 60+: the Emotional Prep No One Talks About
One of the most moving parts of our conversation is Christy’s commitment to preparing not just her paperwork, but her mindset.
She used:
- Journaling to process fears and dreams
- Talking out loud to herself (yes, really!) to test how decisions felt
- Walking, meditation, and slowing down to connect with her inner compass
“This move wasn’t just physical—it was spiritual. I’m not the same person I was three months ago,” she says.
Toulouse or Nice? The Unexpected Pivot
Initially, the couple moved to Toulouse. It checked all the practical boxes: affordable, good transport, mid-sized city. But emotionally? It didn’t feel like home.
What was missing:
- An international community
- Proximity to the sea
- The “vibe” that fit their new life
Eventually, after housing frustrations and culture shock, they packed their 9 suitcases, rented a car, and drove across the country to Nice—a place that truly resonated.
This part of the video is especially eye-opening if you’re planning a move without knowing your destination well.
Housing Headaches & French Bureaucracy
Another big theme in the video is housing. Christy didn’t expect to face:
- ❌ Rejection due to lack of a French employment contract
- ❌ Landlords refusing Garant Me
- ❌ Agencies requesting a full year of rent in advance (even if it’s technically illegal)
Despite a strong U.S. financial background, she felt vulnerable.
“I wasn’t ready for this level of rejection in my 60s. It’s not personal, but it feels personal.”
Tip from Christy: Invest in a good relocation agency—especially one who knows how to work with American retirees.
Reinvention After Retirement
Now settled in Nice (finally!), Christy reflects on the emotional and identity shift that came with this transition:
- She reinvented her style: goodbye Costco-chic, hello colorful linen dresses!
- She’s more selective about friendships: “I want real, intentional connections.”
- She’s learning to be honest with herself—and live with integrity.
“We don’t have unlimited time. I’m in my go-go years, not no-go years. I want to spend this chapter living on purpose.”
This is the soul of the interview. If you’re dreaming of retiring in France, it’s not just about where you’ll live—it’s about who you’ll become.
Want to Go Deeper?
If this interview resonates with you, don’t miss the full video. Watch it, rewatch it, share it. There are moments of laughter, tears, insights, and connection.
And if you’re ready to explore your own path, I offer free discovery calls to help you prepare mentally, emotionally, and practically for your move.
👉 Book your call here
📩 Or email me directly at deborah@feelgoodfrench.com
Join the Conversation
In the YouTube comments, many of you shared your own stories of moving abroad or dreaming of it. Some are already in France, others are just beginning to plan. Some are doing it solo, some with a partner. All have one thing in common: the desire for a life aligned with who they are today.
🔗 Watch the video and leave your story in the comments
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Mot de la fin
Moving abroad isn’t just about changing your address. It’s about changing your life. Your pace. Your priorities. Yourself.
Merci, Christy, for your courage and honesty.
And to you, dear reader, may your next chapter be full of bold choices, deep peace, and unexpected joy.
Déborah, Your French Teacher
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