- Taxing your pension?

- Keeping your primary residence in Germany?

- Health insurance?

- Medical care in the region

- Finding carers and household support

- Planning your inheritance

Retiring in the South of France

Imagine spending your golden years sipping coffee in a sunny village square, strolling through lavender fields, or exploring centuries-old towns — all while enjoying world-class healthcare and a slower, richer pace of life. For many foreigners, retiring in France isn't just a dream — it's a plan. If you're considering making France your retirement destination, here's everything you need to know to get started.

Why Retire on the Côte d’Azur?

The French Riviera is world-famous for its glamorous appeal, but it’s not just for movie stars and billionaires. Many retirees find a comfortable — even affordable — life here, especially outside the famous hotspots.

Highlights include:

• 300 Days of Sunshine: Mild winters and hot, dry summers create a year-round outdoor lifestyle.
• Gorgeous Scenery: Azure waters, mountain backdrops, palm-lined promenades — it’s postcard perfect.
• Excellent Healthcare: Top hospitals and clinics abound in Nice, Cannes, and Monaco.
• Accessibility: Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport connects you easily to the world.
• Provençal Charm: Markets, festivals, wine routes — there's always something to enjoy.

Top Towns for Retirees

Nice

The region’s largest city, Nice is cosmopolitan yet relaxed, offering excellent healthcare, vibrant markets, and a lively expat community. It’s relatively affordable compared to Monaco, with plenty of neighborhoods ranging from bustling downtown to quieter villas in the green hills.

Pros: City amenities, culture, beaches, transport links, you do not necessarily need a car, easy access to airport
Cons: Busy in peak tourist season

Antibes

A charming, historic town with a large English-speaking community, Antibes feels like a blend of old-world France and easy coastal living. It’s famous for its marina, quaint old town, and relaxed vibe.

Pros: Walkable, friendly, more affordable than Cannes or Monaco
Cons: Housing prices are rising

Cannes

Famous for its film festival, Cannes isn’t just about the red carpet. Retirees love the palm-lined boulevards, upscale shopping, and excellent healthcare facilities. Areas like Le Cannet (just inland) offer quieter, less pricey alternatives. But even inside Cannes there are affordable neighbourhoods, let us guide you through the city!

Pros: Glamorous lifestyle and shopping, great restaurants, cultural events
Cons: Expensive, tourist-heavy in summer

Mougins, Valbonne, Biot, Opio, St Paul-de-Vence

If the coast feels too hectic (or expensive), these beautiful villages in the back-country of Cannes and Nice offer a quieter, more traditional Provençal lifestyle. Valbonne and Mougins are very popular not only for their charm, but also for the proximity to the tech hub of Sophia Antipolis and international schools like ICV and the Mougins school, which attract expat families.

Pros: Peaceful, authentic, close to nature, between the mountains and the sea
Cons: You’ll probably need a car

Value for money: Grasse, St-Vallier-de-Thiey

There are areas on the Côte d'Azur that have better value for money than you would think: Grasse, the perfume capital of the world with its rich history and charming old town has many charming neighbourhoods that offer panoramic seaviews (from a distance, but nonetheless very beautiful) and good value for money. Let us show you where! Another option is to go up further north, a 15min drive behind Grasse you find villages like St. Vallier-de-Thiey which have a slightly cooler climate and charming mountain village feel.

Residency and Visas

Non-EU citizens will need a long-stay visa for retirees:

• Apply through the French consulate in your home country.
• Show proof of sufficient income (pension, savings, etc.).
• Have private health insurance initially.

After your first year, you can apply for a Carte de Séjour and eventually qualify for long-term residency.

Lifestyle and Community

The Côte d’Azur isn’t just beautiful — it’s wonderfully active. Here’s what daily life could look like:

• Morning market strolls for fresh baguettes and produce.
• Afternoon beach walks along the Promenade des Anglais.
• Wine tastings in local vineyards.
• Day trips to medieval hilltop villages.
• Festivals and concerts all year long.

English is widely spoken in tourist zones, but learning French will deeply enrich your experience — and help with everything from doctor visits to forming friendships with locals.

Challenges to Keep in Mind

• Crowds in Summer: The coast gets very busy in July and August.
• Cost Pressures: Housing and everyday expenses are higher than in rural France.
• Paperwork: Like anywhere in France, be ready for bureaucracy — but local expat groups often offer invaluable advice and support.

Final Thoughts

Retiring between Monaco and St. Tropez offers an incredible blend of natural beauty, culture, and quality of life. Whether you dream of elegant coastal living or a quiet villa among olive trees, the South of France welcomes you with open arms — and a glass of rosé.

If you're ready for your next adventure, the Côte d’Azur might just be your perfect place to call home.

À bientôt on the Riviera!