I plan to, at least, retire in the South of France, but I have some years ahead until then. For now, I’m so happy to explore and enjoy the area vicariously through you two, your content is wonderful and very informative, I love it! Looking forward to some videos about the hikes you’re taking around there. Towns and villages exploring is great, but, as you said, nature and surrounding landscapes are part of the reason you love the area, hope you’ll share that as well with us in your future videos. 🤗
I'm thinking of that too. I've loved the South of France ever since I first came there in 2010. I love the culture, the country, its food and people, the language and history.
Nice thanks for the video. It looks like the highest probability will be for us to move to France, we’re planning it for next year. Appreciate the info!
@@sacroyalty wow! That’s really different countries! Never heard of “Chancenkarte”… anyway: good luck for you! Germany has nice and exciting places, too - not even sure which region to pick if we were in your shoes
This video is so insightful. I’m moving to Sophia Antipolis in January for my masters. I’m glad I found you lovely ladies! This RU-vid channel is exactly what I’ve been looking for to be informed and aware of the region. And yes, the sun is quite important to me too haha! Sending you both lots of love and good vibes! Sona (From India)
I LOVED this video. I have watched some of your other videos, but this one was the best - mostly due to you both being genuine and honest ( and your relationship). Very good info as well. Thank you
Keep up the good work! Moved to Cote d'azur 2 years ago and I regret that I took my so long to realise that I need this kind of change! :) All the best to you. Chris, Antibes
Your videos are very informative, must watch them while moving to Nice, France. I have followed you since I was admitted to the University of Cote d'Azur. Aug 2024
❤The NICE People😊 We're part-time Niçois and honestly I need to get out of Nice for months because in Nice I feel SPOILED. But it's The PEOPLE of NICE we love most. There's plenty of rush and energy but balanced with Gentleness and consideration for others.
Really useful video's. Appreciate all the hard work you ladies put in, to keep us all informed. Love the south of France, & thinking about visiting Nice and again soon, so your channel is the 'go to' option - many thanks!! ❤
You guys look so happy 😊 I would love to retire in the Mediterranean region, like the South of France, maybe Spain or Italy. I live in the north of Europe and can't stand the weather here. I've visited the South of France at least twice a year since 2010, love everything about it.
You ladies are giving an impression that you miss home and you're torn between staying put, or returning back home to Germany. Some places are nice as a holiday destination, but its a whole new ball game when it comes to permanent migration. Like the saying goes, there's no place like home. Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts!👌
Dear Nick, thanks for your words! Actually we aren’t torn at all - we have found OUR place! We were just trying to express that migration takes some effort and not everything is easy. You may like a holiday destination, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s your perfect place for every day life.
@rivierago Yes, I totally agree with you on that. They're so many aspects of everyday life that needs adaptation and getting used to. Anyways, I'm so happy for the both of you, coz it's hard to come by hearing someone confidently say, we've found our forever place!😊👍
Thanks for your video. Learned a lot. We’re planning to retire in the south of France. We’re from Los Angeles, mid fifties, so still young and would love an active life but enjoy the slower pace of the French. Any favorite towns or cities you love? We probably will not have a car in the first year. We would love a house or apartment but with outdoor space.. kinda like where you are in the video. Walking distance to cafes and restaurants etc… please let me know. Thanks!
Hi, sounds wonderful! Without a car and cafes in walking distance the cities like Nice, Antibes, Cannes sound best… it depends on what activities you like. If it’s hiking it’s easier with a car - but from Nice there are buses that take you easily into the hinterland/mountains. (Also from Cannes and Antibes, but that may be a little less convenient). But it’s not too likely to find a nice place with a garden in these places (well, depends on your budget also). We both live around 20 minutes off the coast. One of us has a beautiful garden - but needs the car for literally everything. The other is within walking distance to cafes and buses, but no garden. You could look around the lovely villages like Valbonne, Biot, Mougins: They are very international, within the respective old towns there won’t be gardens, but around the old towns you’ll find houses that offer both proximity and gardens. They come at a price, of course! Mind you: these villages are lively in the summer, but really calm in winter. If you want people all year round, Nice (and maybe Cannes and Antibes) is the place. Was that helpful?
@@rivierago Thank you so much. These are great details. I will look into all these places and consider what you wrote. Thanks again. Can't wait to visit this region and stay for a while before deciding on a permanent place.
@@lisaupton5371 Both really, really lovely!!! Very different from one another, different from the French Riviera especially, but both so lovely, beautiful and full of cultural stuff to explore. And in the summer just so nice to hang out in the squares with restaurants in balmy evenings... To live there? I would suspect Avignon might become a little small after a while. Aix on the other hand: yes! Big enough, students, Marseille around the corner, even the Riviera not that far away.
Stumbled across your video this morning and am so glad I did. I’ve been to France only once in 2010.. I’d love to go back and most importantly the south (Aux Provence) is it in the southern region? I felt more pulled to see it again than previously as I felt it was more artist related? I was with my son on that trip so the visit was ever so brief but would love to see it again. I love sunshine. ☀️ too of course and now I’m in my late 70’s. Thank you for your very informative video. It was lovely..☀️
Thank you for your message! 😊 Yes, Aix-en-Provence is in the South of France, about 2 hours from Nice. A beautiful, lively, charming city! We need to make a video about it 👍
I feel the same about the sun. Ireland has almost NO sun. Everybody says Irl is beautiful but I suppose we very often want to escape what we know so well. Escaping to the sun seems like a worthwile consideration
Thanks for sharing! Ever since we’ve been living here, we enjoy going on a holiday to cooler and even rainy places in the summer - to escape the heat and because we don’t depend on nice weather as we’ll get plenty of sun when getting back. (Son went to Ireland this summer and loved it! 😉)
Another great video, this one a different one but great tips for my wife and I , because we are deciding between Cote Azur or San Sebastián ( where we are right now in holidays).Kind regards.Marcelo
Ha, that’s a tough choice for sure! We don’t know San Sebastián well enough to dare to make a suggestion. I think the weather is a little more reliable in Nice and there’s probably more on offer in terms of cultural events, but there are certainly other things that are preferable over in Basque Country. Let us know your decision 😊
I enjoyed your video very much! My husband and I loved our recent visit to Provence, but are not familiar yet with the Côte d’Azur. Can you tell me where your video is filmed? The landscape is so beautiful.
I know the author of The Little Prince' Antoine St Exupery' his wife lived in Grasse As it is one of my favorite books' that's how I originally heard about a village called Grasse.
@@rivierago Thanks to your lovely videos, we have planned a trip to the Riviera for the first week in October. We are staying in Vence and are looking forward to visiting many of the places you have recommended in the surrounding areas! I have been taking notes! 🙂
Biarritz is amazing, but honestly - France has a ton of beautiful cities, you’ll always find a place you’ll fall in love with, be it on the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, in Brittany or Normandie or off the coast… 😍
Every country has its own culture and ofcourse one has to adapt, but there is no excuse for rudeness or disrespectful behaviour, not matter what culture or country it is and people should be considerate and considerate of others no matter where they are. Unfortunately, this consideration for others is more of a priority in some countries than others.
I really enjoy your videos! My wife and I are retired and in our late 50s (but young at heart). We are looking for a home base in Europe to spend 4-6 months. We have been to Nice once and loved it as it has a similar vibe to where we live in San Diego, California. Do you travel outside of the Cote D’ Azur much, ie. to Italy or other parts of France? This is our idea to be very centrally located to all the best places in Europe (our son and grandkids live in the Mosel btw 😀). It seems you are an hour flight or a few hours train/drive to so many nice places. We are somewhat concerned if we can get by with English only but you seem to think it is possible. Your thoughts or insight would be appreciated. Great content and looking forward to your next videos. Rich & Angela
Thank you very much for your words! Our friend from California (Nicole, you might have watched our interview with her) sees the same parallels as you do. We do travel a lot within Europe: we both have family in Germany, so that’s a regular trip. Nice airport is the second biggest in France (after Paris, with 2 airports actually) with many direct flights to capitals and bigger cities within Europe (and the world). At the same time it’s a small and easily manageable airport within easy reach from the entire department of the Alpes-Maritimes. Aila is “specialised” in road trips because of her dogs - and she’ll go to Spain, all of France (even only the south has so much to discover: Camargue, Avignon, Nimes, Montpellier…), even the UK, Austria, Germany by car. Italy is just around the corner, so yes: Italy any time, any destination, Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Naples… Scandinavia is a bit far by car, but there again: many direct flights. So, yes: we are very happy with the travel opportunities 🤩. Let us know how your plans go!
@@rivierago Thank you for replying! I’m even more convinced this is the place for us to establish as a home base. We will definitely reach out when we make our decision😎
Hey, we had to look that up: according to this site www.okvoyage.com/budget/cout-vie/france/fr-nice/ you need close to € 2000 for a single household. A family of 4 spends about € 5300 per month.
Hello, tank you for your video. Can you please give us some information about a healthcare: 1.What is the quality of Healthcare in Cote D'azure. Are the hospitals well equipped for major surgeries, such as open-heart or spinal? 2. What about long term care facilities for elderly people? Are you able to do a video on this topic on your channel?
Hi! Thanks for your questions! The health care down here on the French Riviera/Côte d'Azur is really good (as is in France in general, leading in Europe I dare say). Which doesn't mean that for a consultation with certain specialists you might have to wait a few weeks or even months. There are several major hospitals, even attached to the university, in Nice, but also in Cannes, Antibes and Grasse, and Monaco has great facilities and doctors, too. As to your specific questions: not sure, but we assume that major surgeries are covered. I'm sure you can google these topics (hospitals probably have their websites in English, too). There are many, many retirement homes etc. - but to be honest: We have no idea how good they are and if there are any that cater to an international crowd. Sorry we might not be able to do a video about this topic at this point for two reasons: It's a topic we don't fell like we know enough about and it would take a lot of time to do proper research. And unfortunately we fear it's not something many people would be interested in... but we'll definitely keep it in the back of our minds.
I believe I heard you say you can swim almost all year around. Could you tell me more, it seems so exciting! Where do you swim all year around? in the ocean? do you need a wet suit?
Well, the locals, namely retirees in Cannes or Nice, can be found swimming in the sea literally year round, with no wet suit on. Our kids do that, too. Everyone has taken a new year’s dip (even us who prefer swimming in the sea from May to October when it’s nice and warm). Right now water temperatures are still great between Cannes and Nice, (around 23 degrees C) but that will change soon, in winter it goes down to around 15 degrees C.
In spite of all that is said about the "laziness" of the French, several studies have showed that Frenck workers are among the most productive in Europe, even ahead of the Germans.
When you talk about small talks at the grocery store, it's ok in the south of France; but in...Paris, it's another story ! because people there are always in a hurry ! 😂
Thanks a lot for your input - makes sense, life down here is probably really a lot more relaxed than in busy Paris. But we weren’t even aware of this difference within France since we are so used to the small talk and taking your time kind of shopping 😅
@@leseize26 yes, preferably more than just a few words. And kids, dogs, sports, neighbours, work colleagues are great sources to meet new people and make friends 😄
A new French law has been voted: Every city, town and small village has now the obligation to receive a certain quota of migrants - mostly illegals - determined by the EU. The EU governs France. You will see suddenly 40 men from Northern Africa or other African countries, mostly Muslims with very different cultural codes especially toward women, debarking in a small 500 souls villages, with no skills, not speaking the language, and no wives. French women cannot get out of the house after 4 or 5PM anymore. So, do your diligent research before moving to France. Violence is real in France in 2024. Don't believe all the rosy stuff that people put on their videos: Chateau life, idealized life, France is a paradise... I am French, all that is not true. Visiting is great, although you have to know where you are going, living is another thing.
We are only second generation Americans from Germany post WWI and we noticed that our parents and grandparents were very structured and stiff in this German sensibility way we have also lived in France, including the south of France for five years, and you have to be willing to let everything go everything in order to fully experience the culture and the people. We know other Germans here, and it is very common theme to be somewhat always dissatisfied, and very reserved in the ability to show emotion and deeply experience life. That’s OK everyone has their own culture and we are certainly not defending ours here. We remember the summertime invasions of all the camping from Germany. During our summers there it’s quite interesting that two nations can touch each other yet. Be completely opposites. Amusez VOUS☀️👍
Thanks a lot for your thoughts! Yeah, it’s always difficult to talk about cliches and prejudices… I guess we all have them to an extent. Wherever you’ll go you’ll always meet people that resonate with you and others that don’t, but that’s the same even in your own country or even among neighbours, isn’t it? The fun part is to meet new people at all. And for us, this video business actually has led to so many nice encounters - it’s just awesome 🤩
Loved this video, ladies. But i didn’t hear anything about cost of living. I went thru your video list and none of them discuss it either. Can you please point me in the right direction?
Good point… it’s kind of difficult to put into numbers, so here are some hints: cheaper than Paris (rent, food etc.), but more expensive than the rest of France. On or close to the coast real estate is more expensive than further inland, obviously. Living costs are higher than what we knew in Germany, the saying goes “you pay for the sun”. Compared to what we spent on food and attractions in New York recently, the Frech Riviera can almost be called a bargain…
I love this video, this give me an introductory note of what binds you, two, together. A wonderful toast to friendship, to love of travel, an appreciation of culture, and a broader perspective of a wider world out there. I've always enjoyed your videos, honestly, I am always inspired, and of course, cultivates my own sense of wanderlust just by watching your contents. Thank you, both! Please keep doing what you do best. Truly enjoyed all of your travel vignettes! I would love to bump into both of you in the French Riviera, well, who knows.
Thank you very much! 🙏🤩 For getting us and what we‘re trying to do - just honestly sharing things we enjoy in a fun way that invites people to follow in our footsteps, all the while sharing our experiences as expats in a foreign country 😊
Thank you for the helpful video! I would love to find a place in the French Riviera town/city within walking distance from a SANDY beach so I can rent a place. I love Nice, but the beach is not sandy; it is rocky! If you have any suggestions, I would appreciate it.
If you want to stay close to Cannes, Nice etc, you could go for Cannes directly (lots of sand), Cannes-La Bocca, Mandelieu or Théoule, there’s sand everywhere, or, for wider sandy beaches, choose the department Var west of the Estérel Mountains, there’s sand everywhere - but it’s also more touristy with less local people, mostly villages instead of cities
Hi girls 😊I love your content. Watched all of your videos so far. They are excellent! Planning on going visiting next year… Thank you both for sharing your favorite spots with us. 🥰
You guys have an excellent and very informative channel ! Thanks for putting in all the hard work. My wife and I are planning a trip to the South of France. We live in Florida USA, so we are not looking for a beach vacation to lounge in the sun - we get plenty of that at home lol. Anyway, just wondering if you think middle through end of March would be an okay time for our two weeks in South of France. We enjoy history, touring around to small villages, nice hotels and local cuisine. Don't mind cooler weather, less crowds but still mostly sunny days. Thanks !!
Hi, thanks for your kind words! Yes, March is a good time to come here. Temperatures get nice during the day, but still chilly in the evening. It should be sunny, but if you’re out of luck, it could also be cloudy at times - spring weather is not as stable as our summers are. But for doing sightseeing, discovering villages and scenery, doing some walking, eating lunch on terraces, it’s perfect. Not too crowded, either. We recommend! 😊
Thank you so much for the video! I'm Brazilian and moved to Germany 5 years ago. I understand very well when you say "gray weather". Now I'm looking for another place and the south of France is definitly a target! Especially after spending 2 weeks there this year!!! Wonderful place! Nice seems like the good part of Rio de Janeiro! 😀
Thanks a lot for your thoughts! Not everything is perfect down here, but the sun is priceless and so is the nature/outdoors. We have truly found the perfect region for us, but of course that is very subjective… 😇
Vielen Dank für euren content ! Verfolge euch schon länger und dank euren Tips konnte ich bis jetzt 3 mal Urlaub in Nizza machen und die schönen Seiten auch außerhalb der Stadt genießen. Als halb Franzose fällt es natürlich viel leichter die Barriere zwischen DE-FR zu überwinden. Ich genieße beide Kulturen und wenn ich umziehen würde, wäre Nizza bzw.die anliegenden Orte am Meer mit Sicherheit die erste Wahl. Lg aus Bayern
I first came to south of France 11 years ago and studied French in Cannes. I loved it, especially Antibes and it has been on my radar ever since. Funnily I had a lovely summer romance with a French girl who was working as an au pair for a German family who was living at the technological park. Yikes, I hope that wasn't you. If it was, you have a lovely house! ;)
It wasn’t either of us 😉, but sounds like a family we might know since through our kids we feel like we know a big part of the German community down here 😅. Sounds like a lovely summer… great memories… 😊😊😊
Hello guys! I saw most of your videos on the channel and I can you guys gave me a lot of positive energy to move to the south of France 😍 I’m going to move to Côte d’Azur soon at the end of the year to start my studies at skema Sophia campus and I was a bit worried! But when I saw your videos I really enjoyed it!! Please keep posting cuz your videos are really helpful for foreigners!! I just got a question to ask, is the French Riviera cities friendly with English?! As I don’t speak French well 😅 but I speak English fluently, would it be easy to communicate there?! Anyways, I wish you all the best guys and please keep positing from time to time 🥰 Au revoir from Egypt 👋 and I hope to see you in the south of France 🥰
Thanks a lot for your comment! It’s possible to get by with English, most of the time anyways. But you’ll surely learn better French once you’re here and that will make life easier and more satisfying 😊. Enjoy Skema!!
Just back from Nice last night. Ur videos were a great help loved every min of it. Food wine and views are amazing can’t wait to get back. Thank you for all the hard work in ur vids
We, as a family, are really considering moving to Nice, and both of you are a huge inspiration, thank you. By any chance, have you guys ever considered making videos about local history? I am finding some difficulty finding one source to learn more about the region.
Hey, thanks a lot for your words! 🙏 So far, we haven’t considered doing history videos… but it’s a great idea for later! Right now, as we‘re trying to grow the channel, we‘re kind of obliged to stick with more main stream topics (unfortunately). If you’re on Instagram, there’s a student from Nice who talks about historic facts in a fun way (may not be as deep as you’d like, and it’s mostly about Nice), have a look: instagram.com/nicestorique?igsh=MWZtNGhsc2ljanlwYw==
Thanks for the evaluation. One question concerning the integration: what about your husbands and kids: they are German oder French? all kids speak French, German and English?
Thanks a lot for your question! Yes: German partners, kids that were born in France and are trilingual (thanks to the international school in Sophia Antipolis) at pretty good levels - though not a 100 % perfect in any of the languages. We still envy them a lot, they are way better than us in French and switch between languages without any effort at all! 🫣
Love the idea of moving to south of France. Not sure if the Nice/Cote de Azur region is as affordable as other areas, such as Toulon (noted from IL videos)?
Hey, it‘s definitely more affordable in the hinterland of the Côte d’Azur/French Riviera and towards the west (exactly: Toulon and surroundings, all of Provence and further towards Spain etc)
Ladies, I love your videos. We are coming to the area the first week of September and staying in Menton. We’re very excited and will be using some of your recommendations. Cheers from Maryland.
Hi, thanks for your question! We don’t know for sure, but due to the international crowd down here there’s always a need for people speaking English and other foreign languages. There are many international doctors down here (we know mostly German ones 🤪). Why don’t you get in touch with one of them (just Google them) and ask their opinion?
@@irisessex7863 I mean that there are a lot of unpaid overtime hours and budget cuts in the public hospital. But the good news is, its not that hard to come and live here, your are in France and in France we need alot of papers for everythings. You just have to be patient for all papers they ask you, nothing more.
I really enjoy your videos and appreciate your sharing your love for the region. We're hoping to move to that area in a couple of years -- really need to improve our French. So many beautiful places and so many factors to consider -- access to health care, transportation (car or no car), expat community (which can be very helpful in the beginning of one's integration), etc...Oh, where to begin.
Thank you! We totally understand your feelings! Sometimes why not just “jump”? It’s going to be an adventure and makes you grow no matter the outcome. Good luck for you!! 🤩
@@rivierago Love your attitude! Normally, I'm more of a jump first and worry about the landing later type. We did that moving from the US to Portugal and not having much of a language base made dealing with official matters more stressful. You do motivate me to accelerate my learning plan. 😀
We are actually trying to avoid stereotypes, have both been happy in the several different German regions we lived in (and other countries as well), chance brought us to France. But you’re welcome to disagree of course.
Dziẹkujẹ bardzo za Informanten. Byłam Nizza i Cannes. Hotel Marineland w Nica.Zjadłam bardzo smaczny obiad na plazy Riviera bitsh. No i oczywiście piłam kawẹ z dodatkiem 4 ciasteczek .Spẹdziłam piẹknych 5.dni.
@@rivierago You are correct about that. We visited Nice in Sept 2022 for three weeks and we loved it. Dreaming about splitting our retirement time between South of France and Southern California. You guys are fun to watch and your channel is informative and awesome. 👏❤️🙏
sooo many things wrong with this video...these two are living in a parallel world, speaking english with a german accent , as a french i don't get it, we don't need these kind a birds.
@AmandaWilson-qz5kl Well, immigration is a topic in France but you didn't come in a dinghy did you ? You're more yacht people than boat people, so you're welcome ! What i ment is that i think your video belongs to a facebook group, not a youtube channel.
