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Post by amy321 on May 23, 2007 18:42:58 GMT -5
Since we're all Francophiles here, I was wondering if anyone has dreams or actual plans to live/work/move/retire to Paris or France. My partner and I talk about this a lot and we're trying to come up with a plan. It may take us a few years, but we're rather serious about it: he's been knocking himself out at the Alliance Francaise with language lessons and we've both been paying close attention to current events, the job market, etc., and traveling there every chance we get. Any advice/comments from those who are already lucky enough to be living there would be appreciated too!
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Post by Truffaut on May 23, 2007 20:03:38 GMT -5
I absolutely envision living there at least half the year as soon as possible. We've already taken the first step by buying an apartment. Eventually, I suspect we'll purchase another, and then try to figure out how to retire early and live half the year in Paris.
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les
Full Member
C'est si bon....
Posts: 163
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Post by les on May 24, 2007 11:37:09 GMT -5
I hope to at least retire there, and to retire early!
Funds paired with tiny tots make it tough right now, though. So I go frequently...
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Post by GitteK on May 24, 2007 12:24:59 GMT -5
I have some wild dreams sometimes - I have booked an apt. with ParisAddress for next summer (Rue Daguerre) - and they have this offer that you can get an realestate broker that will help you to buy an apt. and see to all the legal stuff. And then you make a contract with ParisAdress to rent it out for you and take care of all the practicalities.
I am so tempted - not now - but in some years. Then I can pick the periods I want - and have tourists living in it for the rest of the time.
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Post by sistereurope on May 24, 2007 12:30:13 GMT -5
That's something I would love to do...I've been so envious of Trauffaut! I'd feel a lot better with someone else handling all of the details...I'll have to check out the Parisaddress deal Gitte.
A girl can dream...
Oh, and by the way...I really like rue Daguerre - my new avatar is a picture of the Denfert Rouchereau metro stop.
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Post by iank9 on May 24, 2007 13:54:39 GMT -5
Hi, Every visit to Paris brings with it a look in the "Immobilier" window, and a "wow" at the prices of the appartments on the Rue de Seine etc. If only..... We would love to own somewhere in the Touraine, around Montbazon, or Veigne and we link up with a local Immobilier in Loches who sends us updates of properties that fit a certain criteria, but while off-spring are at Uni, and completing Chef training it is just not possible at this time. We love that particular area, and at 1 hr from Paris via TGV we have the possibility of the best of both worlds! Something else we are actively considering is a motorhome purchase, touring at will, and seeing as much of France (and the rest of Europe) as we can. Right, back to marking those assignments  Best wishes |
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Post by holger on May 24, 2007 15:25:51 GMT -5
Gitte, I will look at ParisAddress, too. That would be wonderful. I would love to live in Paris, if I ever hit the lottery. Want an apartment overlooking the Seine!!! But realistically, there were places listed in Dijon that we might actually afford. We would have to have someplace to put up children and grandchildren on visits and friends, too.
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Post by Truffaut on May 24, 2007 21:12:38 GMT -5
Beware of looking in the windows of immobiliers. That's how we got started!!! Buying property in Paris really is very doable, you just have to know a few of the tricks, a few of the laws, and have a few contacts to get things like loans, legal advice and utility service.
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Post by waytogo on May 24, 2007 21:16:09 GMT -5
Somehow my love for Paris and frequent travels in the past 4 years were an omen for things to come. 7 months ago, I befriended a wonderful french man on a month long stay there (he was my language exchange partner) and now we are in a serious romance !! So, while I used to dream about moving to Paris, I see now that the dream is much more of a reality than it used to be. In order to continue our romance and very possibly get married one day, we will need to decide where to live....France or the USA.
I now realize, while not at all impossible, it is rather complicated to move to France if neither of you are a French citizen, especially if you want to find any employment in France. It is less complicated if you just want an extended visitors visa (more than three months) and can prove you can financially support yourself without a job. It is also less complicated for students. But, again, for those that are not students, financially independent, nor married to a French....it is VERY difficult.
I am not an expert on this subject, but I'm learning as well....just wanted to chime in and let you know that I am a dreamer like you and sometimes when you least expect it, life circumstances can change and bring you even closer to a dream than you ever imagined !! So, keep the dream alive !
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Post by Shoesy on May 24, 2007 21:28:07 GMT -5
Hi waytogogirl ! Glad to see you here ! I hope you're able to overcome all your obstacles and work things out so that you and your sweetheart can have a life together.
As for apts. in Paris, on my last trip while I was walking around different neighborhoods, I had fun "selecting" places to live in. I came across a number of locations that I fell in love with, and whenever I saw a building with architecture that swept me off my feet, I said to myself: "That's where I want to live." Next time I'm in Paris I plan to write down the address of my favorite buildings.
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Post by susanb on May 29, 2007 11:12:42 GMT -5
What is the word immobiliers mean? Phonetically, how do you pronounce it?
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Post by amy321 on May 29, 2007 11:38:49 GMT -5
So I'm not alone as far as daydreaming goes! My SO and I also both like London, so another idea we have is to move there--since he could get a job easily--and spend our vacations in France/Paris, work on our French, etc. We also thought that it might be a good idea to try the UK first--that it might be less of a culture shock than going straight to France. I imagine that moving to France without having better language skills might be a bit isolating/frustrating, not to mention just getting used to doing day-to-day things differently.
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Post by annettecinca on May 29, 2007 19:15:36 GMT -5
It means "real estate". You can hear it pronounced on this website, just type it in and select the speaker you want to hear. I think Juliette's pronunciation is better than Alain, but I'm no expert! www.research.att.com/~ttsweb/tts/demo.php |
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Post by Truffaut on May 29, 2007 20:24:31 GMT -5
Amy, I think you're right to some extent about the feelings of isolation one could experience in Paris without good language skills. There is a very large English-speaking expat community, however, and you might be surprised how thrilled many French are to find that an American so appreciates French culture and lifestyle that they are willing to take the big step. We've met with nothing but the most positive responses. You really have to be willing to throw yourself into the situation, however, and try your hardest to learn quickly.
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Post by Shoesy on May 29, 2007 21:42:30 GMT -5
Truffaut - Just curious as to what you do with your darling Dalmation whenever you hop over to Paris.
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Post by amy321 on May 30, 2007 17:34:09 GMT -5
Truffaut, thanks for the encouragement. Sometimes when I talk to friends here in the US they are negative or think I'm crazy for wanting to leave. One friend emigrated here from Sri Lanka and has relatives in France. I think that she thinks that I'm being too idealistic about living in France and is always quick to point out all of the problems there, the problems her relatives encounter, etc. For me, it often boils down to often feeling like I'm in the wrong country/culture and that it's an experiment I feel I have to do before I die.
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Post by Shoesy on May 30, 2007 23:51:47 GMT -5
Amy - I truly think you should follow your heart.
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Post by Truffaut on May 31, 2007 6:29:33 GMT -5
Sometimes, we take her to spend time with her grandparents and other times we have a kid down the street who comes in several times a day to feed and walk her.
Amy, I can completely understand your feeling. I feel more at home in France than I've ever felt in France. I'm not sure how I would adjust to living there full-time, but I'd sure like to give it a try!
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Post by Shoesy on May 31, 2007 6:35:39 GMT -5
Truffaut - And I was so sure your dog was a boy.........  |
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Post by Truffaut on May 31, 2007 8:05:45 GMT -5
Nope, her name's Holly. She was a Christmas dog.
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Let the riot begin! LOL - 
hahahha