The Reconnaissance Mission

It’s no secret that my mind is set on retiring in Europe. The thought began years ago, the first time I visited Portugal. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my desire. France instead of Portugal, a smaller town instead of a city but not so small I would be lonely, somewhere with a small ex-pat community and easy access to transportation. 

I don’t recall the first time I landed on a small town in SW France as an option. It could have been the result of a complicated Google search – ‘Towns in the Languedoc region of France that are close to the TGV train system and have an ex-pat community’ or some such thing. Or it could shown up as an option on a Best of Languedoc list. Regardless, my mind lit up when I began to read about it.

I became focused on the idea of living in in this town when I realized it hit many of my criteria. The town has a population of 10,000, is a half hour bus ride from three different stops on the TGV line and has an ex-pat club that meets weekly. It also has a renowned, year-round outdoor Saturday market and a lively theatre community.

I would have begun to make arrangements sight-unseen, but friends convinced me I should visit first. So, here I am, wandering narrow alleyways and stoking my imagination.

The Plan

I have approximately one year left until retirement at which time I’ll rent out my condo in Toronto and relocate to France. I started to do my research using phrases like ‘moving to France’ and got, understandably, very anxious. The tax implications alone made my head spin.  At this point, I’m planning a ‘one year visit’. 

The visit, alone, isn’t without complications. I’ll need a one year visa but, before I can apply for it, I need to secure at least three months accommodation and have my flights booked. I can only apply three months before I need it (or less) after which I wait for an appointment. At the appointment (in Toronto), which will take place much closer to when I’m supposed to leave, I’ll hand over my passport, then wait for them to send it back, along with (if approved) the visa. All this will happen while I’m busy trying to rent out my condo. 

I can’t imagine that I’ll be denied a visa, and I can’t imagine I’ll have trouble renting my condo. Having it all line up for timing will be the interesting challenge. I’m also slightly concerned about the mental and emotional impact of leaving just weeks after I finish work, but I’ll figure that out as I go.

A question I often get – how is your French? My answer – hidden away. Forty-five years ago, I was fully fluent – speaking, reading, thinking and even dreaming. It’s tucked deep in my brain and I know it will come back with practice. 

So – here’s to one more year of employment, planning and dreaming. But, first of all, I have a town to explore.