Why make the change?
This move can help:
- Improve your quality of life (climate, environment)
- Bring you closer to the sea, mountains, or a vibrant city
- Reduce living costs (housing, taxes, etc.)
- Get closer to family or friends
- Discover a new culture or a more relaxed lifestyle
Key steps to prepare this change properly:
1️⃣ Define your priorities:
- Preferred climate: southern sun, western freshness, etc.
- Proximity to services: hospitals, shops, transport
- Cost of living: housing, local taxes, etc.
- Available activities: sports, culture, associations
- Region: near sea, mountains, countryside, or major cities
- Attractive for children, grandchildren, friends
2️⃣ Compare attractive regions:
| Region | Key advantages |
| Nouvelle-Aquitaine | Ocean, mild climate, Bordeaux or Basque Country |
| Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur | Sunshine, Mediterranean, Provençal lifestyle |
| Occitanie | Sunny weather, peaceful living, varied coastline |
| Brittany | Authenticity, nature, moderate costs, oceanic climate |
| Pays de la Loire | Balanced living, close to the sea |
| Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | Mountains, hiking, natural landscapes |
3️⃣ Try it before settling down:
- Spend several weeks in the chosen region (outside holiday periods)
- Meet locals, explore neighborhoods
- Try daily life: market, doctor, local associations
4️⃣ Check the financial impact:
- Differences in taxes
- Real estate prices (to buy or rent)
- Overall cost of living (transport, services, activities)
5️⃣ Plan the transition:
- Administrative steps (address change, taxes, etc.)
- Plan a moving budget
- Set up a 2-year financial plan
- Inform family and close friends
