Second on my list of countries to research for retiring abroad is France; however, the town that has caught my eye is the beautiful Villefranche-sur-Mer, located on the Côte d’Azur in the French Riviera.

I will focus on the same six criteria, some of which are specific to the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, while others are more general to France as a country.

The currency used in France is the euro (€), and the current exchange rate is $1 = €0.87.

1, Cost of living and financial sustainability

Daily expenses (groceries, utilities)

• Utilities: (electricity, heating/AC, water, gas, internet) for a one to two bedroom apartment, average €150 to €200/month.

• Grocery bills: for one person, typically €400 to €700/month. Local markets offer affordable fresh produce.

Common grocery prices are:

— Bread (€1.20 to €2.00)

— Milk (€1.50/litre)

— Chicken breasts (€15 to €20/kg)

— Apples (€3.50 to €5/kg)

— Eggs (€4.50 per dozen)

Housing costs (renting or buying)

Rents and property prices in France vary significantly by location. The figures provided are specific to Villefranche-sur-Mer, and properties with ocean views or proximity to the water will be significantly more expensive than the listed averages.

• Average monthly rent (2025):

One-bedroom apartment (50 sqm): €1,200 to €2,200

Two-bedroom apartment (80 sqm): €1,800 to €3,500

• Average purchase price (2025):

Studio (20 to 30 sqm): €250,000 to €450,000

Two-bedroom apartment (80 sqm): €500,000 to €1,000,000

Property Taxes

•Taxe Foncière (ownership tax): €1,500—3,000+/year for an apartment.

•Taxe d'Habitation is typically only for second homes.

Tax environment for residents

You are considered a tax resident of France if your primary home is there, you spend over 183 days per year in the country, or your main economic interests are based there.

As a resident, France taxes your worldwide income (pensions, investments, salaries, etc) at progressive rates up to 45 per cent. You must also pay social charges approximately 8 per cent on pension income and 17.2 per cent on investment and rental income

2, Healthcare quality, accessibility, and affordability

• non-EU retirees must obtain private international health insurance for their first year in France and provide proof during their visa application.

• After one year of legal residence, you may apply to join the public healthcare system, PUMA, subject to stable residency and means tests. This system typically covers 70 per cent of costs, making a top-up private policy (mutuelle) common for full coverage.

• France offers world-class healthcare, with the French Riviera providing excellent access to top-tier hospitals in nearby Nice. It is generally easy to find a GP and to book specialist appointments without a referral.

Annual Cost of coverage

•Year 1: a private international health insurance plan costs approximately €8,000.

• Year 2+: joining the public system (PUMA) can cost around €8,000 (based on social charges from a €100,000 pension), plus a top-up policy (mutuelle) for about €2,400.

• Villefranche-sur-Mer has limited facilities, so residents access care in nearby Nice. France promotes at-home care, which costs €3,500 to €4,000 per month for a full-time caregiver in the South of France, partially offset by a government tax allowance.

3, Climate, Environment, and General Liveability

Climate

Villefranche-sur-Mer has a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It is exceptionally sunny, with approximately 300 days of sunshine per year and average temperatures ranging from 13C (55F) in January to 27C (81F) in July.

Cleanliness of air and water

The town boasts excellent air quality and safe tap water, though many residents prefer bottled or filtered water for taste.

Safety and crime levels

It is considered very safe, with petty crime like pickpocketing occasionally occurring in crowded tourist areas during summer.

Gender equality

France has a strong, legally-enshrined commitment to gender equality (l'égalité femmes-hommes), a principle widely regarded as a core national value.

Overall pace of life

The climate and natural setting encourage a year-round, active outdoor lifestyle, making it ideal for retirees who enjoy swimming, boating, and hiking.

4, Visa and legal residency requirements

Retirement visa

France does not have a dedicated retirement visa. The standard process requires applying for a one-year Long-Stay Visa, which must be validated online after arrival to serve as a temporary residence permit.

Before this visa expires, you must apply for a multiyear Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit), which is renewable subject to meeting ongoing financial and integration requirements.

Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship

After five years of continuous legal residence, you become eligible for a Carte de Résident de 10 Ans, a permanent residence permit renewable every decade.

You can also apply for French citizenship after five years, which requires demonstrating French language proficiency and proof of integration into French society.

Property ownership

Foreign nationals are not required to own property in France to obtain a long-term visa or residence permit. You are free to either rent or buy, as there are no specific restrictions on foreign property ownership.

Estate laws (very important)

French estate law operates under forced heirship rules, which mandate that a portion of your worldwide assets (the Réserve Héréditaire) must be left to your direct descendants.

The reserved portions are:

• One child: 50 per cent

• Two children: 66 per cent (split equally)

• Three or more children: 75 per cent (split equally)

You may only freely dispose of the remaining portion of your estate. Inheritance tax rates vary greatly and can be as high as 60 per cent for non-relatives. Seeking specialist cross-border legal advice is essential.

5, Infrastructure, amenities, and ease of integration

Transportation — public and private

France has an excellent public transport network. From Villefranche-sur-Mer, the TER train provides efficient access to Nice (5 to 10 minutes) and Monaco (15 to 20 minutes).

For private cars, strong government incentives for new hybrid and electric vehicles often make them a more financially attractive option than buying a second-hand car.

Brand new vehicles

— Compact: Renault Clio, Volkswagen Polo, €20,000 to €30,000

— Mid-range: Peugeot 3008, Renault Austral, €30,000 to €50,000

— Luxury sedan: Audi A4, BMW Series 3, €45,000 to €80,000

Annual cost of car ownership

— Insurance: €400 to €1,000

— Road tax: €100 to €600

— Tolls: €1,500

— Fuel: €1,200 to €2,500

— Service and maintenance: €300 to €800

— Parking (residents parking permit): €1,200

Amenities

• Supermarkets: residents primarily use local outdoor markets for daily fresh food purchases. For a broader selection of household goods and weekly shopping, they typically drive to large hypermarkets located on the outskirts of Nice.

• Cinemas and malls: while Villefranche-sur-Mer lacks a cinema, the city of Nice just a ten-minute train ride away offers modern multiplexes. For shopping, Nice has indoor malls, but a more common and distinctly European experience is browsing the independent boutiques.

• Social clubs: formal “social clubs” are uncommon in Villefranche-sur-Mer and most of France. Instead, social integration happens organically through participation in numerous local public events like festivals, cycling races, and swimming competitions, which serve as the primary way to meet people and build a social circle.

• Banking: the modern and efficient French banking system is largely cashless, with card payments being standard. You can choose between major international or local French banks, which offer secure multicurrency accounts. However, many accounts require maintaining a minimum balance (typically €2,000 to €5,000) to avoid monthly fees.

• Local culture open to expatriates: while the French Riviera is international and accustomed to diversity, French culture is reserved. True integration is not automatic; it must be earned through genuine participation in local life.

The most critical factor is making a sincere effort to speak French. Using even basic phrases is a fundamental sign of respect and is key. This is not just a social advantage but a formal expectation for long-term residents and a core requirement for citizenship.

6, Proximity to family, friends, and travel links

Relocating abroad often means starting with a small social circle, which can be isolating, especially for first-time movers. Since connections are often made through work, retirees must actively “retrain” their approach and make a conscious effort to build a new social network.

Air travel

The primary airport for Villefranche-sur-Mer is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), France's third-largest airport, served by many international airlines.

Average flight durations:

— Europe/UK: 1 to 2.5 hours

— North America: 8 to 10 hours

— Middle East & Gulf: 5 to 6 hours

— Asia: 9 to 11 hours (with connections)

— South America: 16+ hours (with connections)

— Australia: 22 to 25 hours (with connections)

7, Conclusion

A successful retirement in France requires navigating its complex tax system and mandatory inheritance laws. Villefranche-sur-Mer is ideal for active retirees seeking a coastal, outdoor lifestyle, but it comes with a high cost of living and is not suited for those on a tight budget or seeking a very quiet life.

For a couple to live comfortably there in 2025 while renting, a minimum annual income of €90,000 (approximately $103,400 USD) is a prudent benchmark.

References

Burleigh, E. (2025). Fortune — Available from: https://fortune.com/2025/09/16/france-retirees-higher-income-workers-american-pensioners-cost-of-living-crisis/

Deane, C. (2025). Lumon. Available from: https://www.lumonpay.com/articles/french-healthcare-system-a-guide-for-foreigners/

Ebrahem, S. (2025). Currencies Direct. Available from: https://www.currenciesdirect.com/en-gb/buy-property-abroad/france/what-is-the-cost-of-living-in-france-guide-for-expats

Pailliez, C. (2025). Reuters. Available from: https://www.reuters.com/article/world/a-place-in-the-sun-french-defend-right-to-retire-early-idUSKBN1ZR1V8/

Rampant, T. (2025). International Living. Available from: https://internationalliving.com/countries/france/villefranche-sur-mer-france/

Unbiased (2025). Unbiased.com Available from: https://www.unbiased.com/discover/retirement/retire-in-france

• Carla Seely has 25 years of experience in international financial services, wealth management, and insurance. She holds an MSc in Business and Management and multiple professional designations, including ACSI, QAFP, and AINS, along with several investment licences

• For further inquiries or suggested topics, e-mail justaskcarla@outlook.com