Retirement

‘Better healthcare and near Spain’: why we retired to Pyrénées-Orientales

In the first of a series on where readers retire to in France, we hear about why the Lauritsens chose to settle in the Pyrénées-Orientales, embracing French life

How to plan for a comfortable retirement in France

Rob Kay, regional director at Blevins Franks, offers advice on tax, pensions and planning for retirement

Best places to live in France for over-60s, according to new ranking

Survey has ranked the best large, medium and small towns for older people

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France strike update: 170,000 join pension and salary protest, says union, 95,000 say police

The strike took place on the same day as the new prime minister’s policy address to parliament

Two million over-60s live on less than €1,216 a month in France

Those who live alone are the most affected, says new study

Should you reinvest your pension fund in France?

Rob Kay, Senior Partner at Blevins Franks, reviews savings and Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pensions Schemes (QROPS)

'French sheltered housing works for me and can be good option for foreign residents'

Briton David Barlow says a shared living complex in rural France offers him a village-like community, while enabling him to stay independent

Letters: France wrong to stop some people working after retirement age

Connexion reader says training schemes are unavailable at age 67

Nine financial points to consider when retiring in France

Rob Kay, regional director at Blevins Franks, offers advice on tax, pensions and estate planning

Best places to retire in France (according to interests and budget)

From the sunniest weather to the best property bargains

Tips to make the most of retiring to France

From choosing where to settle to staying resilient

Can foreign retirees really claim ‘free pension’ after move to France?

We look at recent claims by far-right Rassemblement National president Jordan Bardella about the French Aspa benefit

‘It is my right to work beyond retirement age - but France says no’

Age discrimination in the workplace is real but hidden, says (soon to be forcibly retired) English teacher Nick Inman

Retiring to Spain or France: what are the main differences?

France and Spain are two of the biggest retirement destinations in Europe. We look at how do they compare, from property prices and cost of living to healthcare and language learning

We failed to reverse controversial pension reforms, say French unions

But unions insist they are ‘not turning the page’ on the reforms, despite not announcing any new protest or strike dates

France protests update: When is next strike? What happened on May 1?

A round-up of the latest news regarding France’s controversial pension reforms

Reignite or fizzle out? What next for France’s pension reform strikes?

France’s controversial pension reforms were broadly approved on Friday and are set to come into effect on September 1

France's pension reforms largely approved as referendum rejected

France’s highest constitutional authority has validated the most controversial part of the country's pension reforms - raising the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64

What is France’s Constitutional Council and why is it in the news?

With the council set to make an important ruling on Friday (April 14), we take a closer look at how it works

French unions set a new date for fresh pension reform strikes

The strikes will be held ahead of a pivotal ruling on the controversial reforms by France’s Constitutional Council

French unions set new date for fresh pension reform strikes

Unions said by pushing the reforms through parliament without MPs voting, the government had chosen to accentuate the democratic and social crisis in France

Trains, planes, ports and… museums? What disruption will Tuesday see?

Tuesday sees the 10th national mobilisation against France's controversial pension reforms

French pension protests intensify as Bordeaux city hall set ablaze

It comes as unions called for another national day of strikes and protests next week

'Black Thursday' strikes in France: How bad is the disruption?

Eight Eurostar trains have been cancelled, disruption is expected to flights at several airports and limits on petrol are being imposed in Southern France

Fury as French PM forces through pension reforms without a vote

Élisabeth Borne used the controversial article 49.3 to push through the reforms, sparking a furious response from opposition MPs

What is article 49.3 and could it help pass France’s pension reforms?

The controversial article is back in the news ahead of an expected vote in parliament on the government’s pension reform plans

Traffic, fuel, rubbish: France braces for yet another pension strike

Ahead of another national strike against France’s controversial pension reforms on March 15, we look at the disruption facing travellers

France’s pension strikes: How bad is the ongoing travel disruption?

Amid ongoing protests over France’s controversial pension reform, we recap the disruption facing travellers on Friday and into the weekend

France’s pension reform strikes: what will happen next?

More than a million people protested on Tuesday as strikes caused major disruption across the country

Trains, planes, ports and roads: How Tuesday’s strike will affect you

France is set for a national walkout to protest controversial pension reforms. One government minister predicted ‘one of the most difficult days we have seen’.

Can foreign residents access France’s pension top-up benefit?

In France, it is possible for retirees with low monthly pensions to apply for a top-up – we look at how this works for newcomers

UK pension but living in France? Funds could benefit from moving too

Partner article: Rob Kay from Blevins Franks explains the tax implications of keeping your retirement pot in the UK

French retirement debate: your experiences of working in your 70s

Readers who worked on for many years past the standard retirement age - some even into their late 80s - share their thoughts

Are retirees asked to undergo a medical when moving to France?

We look at who the French Office for Integration and Immigration requires to take a medical and what happens if problems are found

French unions unfazed by low protest turnout, all hopes on March 7

Debate on pension reform enters its final session before MPs

Is it ok to have rental income in France if here on a retirement visa?

People on the most common for of ‘retirement’ visa must not work. Property incomes are complex – we look at some of the issues

Regional airports impacted by tomorrow's pension strikes in France

Many trains will be running a near normal service although OUIGO and some TGV services are affected. Bin workers are now set to join growing March 7 action

France braces for standstill on March 7 over pension reform protests

Fifth day of national strike action this Thursday, as between 963,000 and 2.5 million attended nationwide Saturday protests

Thousands in France given free electricity by protesting workers

They have been dubbed the ‘Robin Hoods of energy.’ Unions say it is the workers’ way of showing opposition to proposed pension reforms

New strike day announced in France, protests also this Saturday

All the main unions are supporting next week’s action which comes after more than 750,000 joined protests on February 7

French pension strike February 7: travel and schools to be impacted

TGVs, regional trains, ski resorts and Orly airport will also be affected. The prime minister has announced some changes to reforms but protest action is still planned

Why more people are supporting the retirement strikes in France

A new poll shows increased support and four out of five people polled say they believe the strikes will continue throughout February

Second pension strike in France: higher turnout, two new dates set

More protesters were on the streets although less workers were actually on strike in many key sectors. Unions are calling for renewed action in February

‘Workers striking against French pension reform are avoiding reality’

Commentator Simon Heffer tells us why Macron does have a mandate to raise pension age and must do so despite the unions

France strikes January 31: Travel will be heavily disrupted

Major issues are expected to trains, TGVs and some flights. The government advises people to work from home and delay trips if they can

Strikes, sports events, rising energy bills: The week ahead in France

This week (January 30-February 5) also sees the presentation of a new proposed law on immigration, an anti-racism plan and a rise in interest on some savings accounts

Do the French public support the pension reform strikes?

The majority of people who took part in a poll say they are opposed and 14% plan to participate in next week’s protests, another survey found

French strikes: which sectors are joining action on January 31?

Transport will be particularly affected with some unions calling for a ‘massive’ walk out

Pension reform, nuclear vote, film, fashion: The week ahead in France

This week (January 23-29) is set to include important hearings in parliament and the senate as well as the Chinese New Year parade in Paris

Pension protests France: new strike day set after million plus march

Further action announced as both sides remain firm on their position

When do French people really retire and what is the average pension?

We look at the latest figures available which show women work longer than men

France strikes: Will they continue? Will they work? What experts say

Protest organisers are calling for renewed action as workers from several sectors take action today against pension reform. Experts have given their views on whether the action will last

Thursday’s French pension strike: alert over fuel panic-buying

People are being urged to delay trips and work from home as a ‘nightmare’ transport day approaches; selected power cuts and school closures are among other likely impacts

French pension strike: union says it aims to ground all transport

Unions are calling for widespread action on January 19, largely in protest against the government’s plan to gradually increase the retirement age to 64

French pension reform strike: what will next week’s protest look like?

Several sectors including energy and transport are expected to participate with unions presenting a united front

Age, new minimum amount: What does France’s pension reform involve?

The prime minister has stated that the minimum pension received each month would rise as well as the retirement age. Unions have called for a day of protest

Hunting, retirement age: Heated week ahead for French government

This week will also see the start of the winter sales, a truffle festival, the world ice water swimming championship, a trial over a horse meat sale scandal and more

Foreign retirees in France get clarification on income requirements

An Interior Ministry spokesman has clarified the level of income retirees need to convert a visitor visa to a 10-year 'carte de résident'

‘Pension age rise in France is unnecessary and will worsen inequality’

An economist tells us why he thinks President Macron really wants to increase the retirement age – it benefits business not pensioners

Inflation, retirement, immigration: Key points from Macron interview

The president addressed topics including retirement age, energy costs, inflation, immigration and crime, and GP numbers. We summarise the main points

Can we claim French pension from jobs in France now we live in the UK?

The EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement maintained certain pension coordination advantages post-Brexit

Phased retirement in France - how to claim your pension early

Self-employed and salaried alike are eligible for retraite progressive , which came into force earlier this year

British pound crash: France’s pension top-up benefit may help

We look at a government aid that British pensioners in France could be eligible for after the British pound’s value against the euro plummeted at the end of September

Where can I find an English-speaking employment lawyer in France?

Professional bodies for the avocats and notaires are among sources of help with obtaining advice

Eight tips to get retirement in France off to a flying financial start

Partner article: Rob Kay from Blevins Franks guides you through the tax, pensions, savings, investment and estate planning issues to tackle early on

Website helps former workers in France check for forgotten pensions

Those who have paid into French social security should use their France-Connect log-ins from a partner site to access the service

Why will pensioners in France not receive 4% increase this month?

The measure formed part of a government bill aimed at protecting French spending power amid rising inflation, but its implementation has been delayed

Which pension investment schemes are best for Britons in France?

Partner article: Defined benefit pension, QROPs or assurance vie? Daniel Butcher, of DTB Wealth Management, looks at the tax implications of all three

Livret A, health pass: Seven changes for residents in France in August

Social benefits, pensions and some salaries are increased, the 18-cent fuel discount is maintained and more

VIDEO: French headteacher’s emotion at surprise retirement show

‘I don’t think many teachers get a retirement send-off like this’: Singer Julien Clerc surprised the long-time educator with a song dedicated to school teachers

Tax, security, spending power: PM lays out plans for new Macron term

Élisabeth Borne also announced that EDF would be renationalised

What will President Macron's second term mean for my money in France?

Partner article: ‘There will be no austerity in France’ Christopher Davenport of Kentingtons shares his thoughts on your financial future under Mr Macron

Five tips to enjoy a long and financially secure retirement in France

Partner article: As the cost of living longer puts pressure on savings, Rob Kay from Blevins Franks shares his expertise on money management in retirement

France no longer sees raising retirement age to 65 as ‘a priority’

Pension reform was a key election pledge from President Macron, but future changes will now not be discussed until at least September, says the government

Briton in France had pension stopped over life certificate mix-up

The UK’s Department for Work and Pensions said it had not received the required proof of existence when in fact it had