The No 1 Reason Americans Living In France Are Living Longer

Are you an American moving to France? Or are you a Francophile daydreaming about living your best French life?

Either way, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a lot of Americans living in France, soaking up the culture, indulging in the fabulous food, and enjoying the French joie de vivre.

And one of the reasons they’re flocking here is because the life expectancy is so much higher.

Why? Let’s dive in and find out.

Why are Americans living in France living longer?

Well, that’s an easy question to answer. It all comes down to lifestyle. Despite being a country that loves wine, cheese, bread and lots of creamy butter, French men and women have a much higher life expectancy.

And a lot of that is down to the slower pace of life here in France. The French know how to live life and it’s not by being a workaholic or doing everything at a hundred miles an hour. The French saying below sums it up perfectly for me.

Mangez bien, riez souvent, aimez beaucoup.

Eat well, laugh often, love abundantly.

And you don’t have to take my word for it because the stats don’t lie. According to World Data, on average, men in the US have a life expectancy of 73.5 whilst for women it’s 79.3. 

Whereas in France, the life expectancy of men is up at 79.3 and women at 85.5. That’s nearly an extra six years for both sexes. Those figures would make anyone want to think about taking the plunge. 

But how does that translate in real life? Why do the French live longer? It can’t all be about the pace of life surely?

Why Are Americans Retiring In France?

According to the European Commission, 2022 saw 12,229 initial resident permits issued to American citizens, allowing them to live in France.

But why? What’s so appealing about France?

No 1 – The Slower Pace of Life

As I mentioned earlier, the slower pace of life is a big drawcard, but it’s not all about life expectancy, it’s about everyday life routines. Even things like mealtimes make a difference. 

Americans tend to power through their meals, eating at their desks to save time, heads stuck in cell phones checking emails, and who has time for talking? Talk about a recipe for stress! 

In France, meal times are sacred. Even the bank closes at lunch for two hours so staff can have a proper break and enjoy their meal. It’s not uncommon to see my local Conseiller Clientèle (Bank Advisor), at the local restaurant where I live, enjoying a glass of wine with his lunch.

And when it comes to vacation, the difference is stark. Americans usually make do with a mere two weeks off annually, whereas, in France, it’s common to have at least 30 paid vacation days, often even more.

No 2 – Walking Versus the Gym

The French don’t do gyms, and they’ll look at you as if you’re mad when you say you’re going for a gym workout. Instead, they enjoy the benefits of a daily walk, especially if they live in more rural areas, which I do.

They understand the cardiovascular benefits of exercise, but also what running can do to your joints.

Instead, they opt for long walks with the dog, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and line dancing instead of spin classes. I kid you not. 

And I can verify the line dancing because I’ve joined a French line dancing group and none of them go to the gym. In fact, there aren’t any gyms within 35 km of where I live.

Studies have shown that on average, French citizens walk significantly more than the average American.

No 3 – A Glass of Wine a Day Keeps the Grim Reaper Away

And who am I to argue with that logic? I love a glass of wine or several, so this fits perfectly into my life in France.

However, it’s not just the French who understand the benefits of a glass of wine, the doctors agree too. Wine in moderation is not only good for your health but can reduce the risk of dementia too.

But notice I said in moderation. The French people I know, do love their wine, but they don’t overindulge. A glass or two a night suffices, not an entire bottle for one.

No 4 – Hanky Panky After 50

In 2008, a study revealed that 90 percent of French women over the age of 50 are sexually active compared with an estimated 60 percent of American women. 

Ooh la la ma chérie! Time to flood your brain with endorphins, get between the sheets and enjoy some time with your partner. You can now use the excuse that it’s all for your health.

After all, how many times have we read that sex brings down your blood pressure and gives you a cardiovascular boost? 

No 5 Size Matters

And this has nothing to do with Step 4 and everything to do with portion size. I know from living in the States, that the portion sizes are huge. In France, that’s not the case.

When we go out for our meals, I never come away from a meal out in France feeling like I’m about to burst.

The size of the dishes is much smaller, and the meal takes a lot longer, allowing us time to digest our food properly. Plus, you’re never rushed out the door in a French restaurant. Once you sit down, that table is yours for the night.

All of this makes a difference, especially if you’re out for dinner. We all know going to be on a full stomach is not good for you.

Americans Retiring in France

To give you some perspective, my hubby’s friend Jo, whom he met at Walking Football, moved here from America with her husband.

So I asked her if she’d like to do a little interview to help put into perspective what it’s really like to go through the process of moving to France as an American.

An Interview With an American Retiree in France

Jo, it’s lovely to have you as a guest on the blog and to hear more about your experience of moving to France from America. Tell me more about your background, where you lived in the States and when you moved to France.

I’ve had two professions. I was initially educated in Social Welfare and Corrections, and then Music. Specifically piano pedagogy, in a northern California state college.

 I was active in both fields and am still active in music, as I play piano and flute. I found both fields rewarding, but I’m happy to be solely devoted to music at this time.

My husband and I went to the same music department but in different years. He’s a guitarist, and jazz arranger, but spent his career as a commercial painting contractor, which left him little time for music.

To move into commercial painting/project management, we relocated to the Portland Oregon area in 1999 and came to France from there to enjoy the French lifestyle. 

We were both California-born, although in different parts, and raised in the sunshine and were expected to study Spanish.  We both took French in High School, which ended up being the right choice.

We lived near La Faye in the Charente in southwest France for a year, 2016-2017 and planned to return and purchase a home here. It took more years to accomplish due to Covid. We returned in May 2022 and purchased a home in October 2022.

Apart from the lifestyle and weather, what do you love about France?

What’s not to love? I could put food under both categories of love/hate, due to the extra pounds since we arrived in May 2022.  

The French people would be my first positive encounter. The French we know are so willing to open their hearts and homes in friendship. We love that.  

We also love that the French seem to respond positively to Americans, so far, that is.

And as soon as they find out we are from California, we get coffee and treats. It takes some convincing that we are not English.  

We’re also thankful for the English friends here, although, at times, we don’t feel we speak the same language. Often, I better understand the French.

What about the things you don’t like or maybe struggle with here in France?

The only challenge is the local dialect of the Charentais. It’s not at all like my French classes in the USA. A rosé is a rosé-UH.  

The slow pace of getting home improvements was more of a challenge for my husband, but equally for me at times, as we had a big house to renovate.  Why do they have phones if they never answer them?  

People always warned us about French paperwork, but after trying Obama care, I think it’s a close tie with the US. So, no contest there.

And what do you miss from home?

Murphy’s Oil Soap, Skippy Peanut Butter, Relish, a good glue gun, New Skin, super glue, etc. 

I know for an arm and a leg I can get all these things on Amazon, but some of them are just not the same here. 

I also miss my dentist. I had the same Hygienist for 23 years. I’m thinking of taking a trip just to get my teeth cleaned. 

I really try not to think too much about the States. I like moving forward with life in general.

How to Move to France as an American

Moving to France from the USA isn’t as easy as it is for those within Europe. You can’t just buy a plane ticket and never go home.

When I moved to France as a Brit, it was before Brexit, so I did do this. But now we can’t do this either.

There are many guides written and plenty of help if you need it, but this 10-step plan outlines the essential actions Americans need to take. It covers legal, financial, and social considerations, providing a structured approach to embarking on a new life in France.

However, if you want some hand-holding, I highly recommend booking a call with Fabien of FAB Insurance, who offers a full visa service.

His team are excellent, and he has written some great articles on moving to France and getting insurance once you’re here.

The 10-Step Plan for Moving to France

1. Determine the Right Visa: Start by figuring out which visa suits your needs. If you’re planning a short visit, a three-month tourist visa might suffice. For longer stays, you’ll need a one-year visa, which you can renew annually. Consider the type of visa based on your purpose: work, study, family reunification, or retirement.
2. Apply for Your Visa: Complete your visa application online. Remember, you’ll need to submit your paperwork in person at the nearest visa centre. Start this process well in advance of your planned move.
3. Secure Health Insurance: France requires you to have health insurance coverage. This can be through the French healthcare system once you’re eligible or via private health insurance until you can join the public system.
4. Plan Your Finances: Open a bank account in France to manage your finances locally. Understand the cost of living in your new city and budget accordingly. Also, get acquainted with France’s tax system to manage your financial obligations effectively.
5. Find a Place to Live: Research the housing market in the area you plan to move to. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, understand the local real estate norms and secure accommodation.
6. Learn the Language: While not mandatory, learning French will significantly enhance your experience. It will help with daily interactions and is often appreciated by the locals.
7. Shipping Your Belongings: Decide what you’ll bring with you and what stays behind. Research international moving companies for shipping your possessions. It’s often more cost-effective to sell or store large items than to transport them.
8. Register with the French Authorities: Upon arrival, register with the local authorities to get your Carte de Séjour (residency permit). This is a crucial step in becoming a legal resident. If you need an international SIM card, I recommend checking out Drimsim.
9. Integrate into French Culture: Immerse yourself in the French way of life. Embrace local customs, cuisine, and festivities to enrich your experience and build a new community. And if French TV isn’t your thing, use Stream VPN to access Hulu and other US Channels.
10. Stay Legal and Informed: Keep your documents, like your passport and residency permit, up to date. Stay informed about any changes in French immigration law that might affect your status.

American Expat Communities in France

For American expats moving to France, there are several online communities where they can find support, advice, and socialise with fellow Americans. 

• InterNations – a global network specifically designed for ex-pats. InterNations offers a dedicated section for Americans in France, organising regular events and activities for members to meet and network in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice. It’s a great place to find advice on expat living and to connect with the American community​.
• American Expats in France  – This Facebook group is a vibrant community for Americans living in France. It’s an excellent platform for asking questions, sharing experiences, and getting tips on navigating life in France as an expat.
• Expatica France – While not exclusively for Americans, Expatica provides a wealth of resources for all expats in France, including guides on living, working, and adjusting to the French culture. It’s a useful site for practical information and also hosts forums for expat networking.

FAQS: Moving to France from USA

Final thoughts: Americans Living In France

Living in France as an American doesn’t have to be a dream. For those looking to immerse themselves in a new culture, language, and lifestyle, it can very much be a reality. 

With proper planning and research, Americans can enjoy the diverse experiences France has to offer, from its bustling cities to its rural countryside. 

Whether you’re looking for a more laid-back lifestyle or want to explore every region on offer, France is a wonderful option for Americans looking to relocate to a European country.