What happens when you move to France from the USA in your 70s? For Sandy and Geoffrey, it meant finding not one, but two perfect lives.
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Could moving to France from the USA in your 70s give you a new chapter filled with beauty, meaning, and connection? Here’s how one American couple made it happen.
In this episode of Real French Connections, we meet Sandy and Geoff — a couple from California’s Napa Valley who decided to start over in France after retirement. Leaving behind a life they loved, they came with a list of “must-haves” for their dream home: a fireplace, lots of light, a garden, a river nearby, and maybe, just maybe, a touch of history. What they found in the Charente region exceeded every expectation — a magical home complete with a courtyard, a moat, and even a wine cave.
With the help of French Connections HCB, Sandy and Geoff navigated the practical challenges of moving to France, including their visas, setting up a French bank account, and managing the logistics of shipping their belongings across the world. Sandy shares how the process was smoother, simpler, and far more personal than she ever imagined, describing French Connections as “so professional and so sincere — they made everything easier.”
In this video, Sandy and Geoffrey share how French Connections HCB helped them with:
A complete visa package and banking setup to make the move stress-free
Guidance on logistics, property purchase, and navigating French bureaucracy
The reassurance of expert advice that saved them time, money, and frustration
Sandy also reflects on:
How they found their dream home in a historic village on the River Charente
Why learning French has opened doors to deeper friendships and community
Her advice on what to prioritise when relocating to France
The joy of rediscovering everyday beauty, from morning walks to French markets
Why she believes you can have “two perfect lives” — one in California and one in France
For anyone dreaming of moving to France in their 50s, 60s, 70s or beyond, Sandy and Geoffrey’s story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to start over — and with the right help, it can be “magical” as Sandy puts it.
Chapters
0:00 Meet Sandy and Geoff: From Napa Valley to Verteuil-sur-Charente in France
1:07 Spending 6 months in France before moving
1:50 What Sandy loves about France
2:10 Finding their perfect home in France in the Charente
2:40 Sandy & Geoff’s story
3:40 Dreaming of moving to France
4:35 What they were looking for in a forever home in France
7:57 Bringing a piece of California to France
9:06 Moving advice: shipping, packing, and why the lock cutter matters
10:55 Choosing French Connections HCB for visas and banking
13:00 The emotional toll of moving abroad
13:44 Why they chose this region of France
15:12 Comparing property prices: California vs. France
16:35 Learning French and building community
19:08 Making friends, wine tasting, and village life
20:56 Bringing their dog and adjusting to French life
22:27 Getting a French driver’s license: what to know
26:26 Life after moving to France & living fully
27:44 Having two perfect lives – “It’s magical” living in France
29:30 Final advice for moving to France & benefits of working with French Connections HCB
👋 Thinking of moving to France?
From a one-off solution to a full-service package. We’ve helped thousands of clients successfully settle in France. Everybody’s story is different, so our relocation services are tailored to your specific needs. From applying for a visa to setting up a business or renovating a property, our expert team can handle it all. https://bit.ly/4lextDZ
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👉Watch Next:
Why This American Couple Moved to France at 70 | Life After Starting Over: https://youtu.be/oU4Bzdwewto
Ready to Retire or Move to France from the USA? Steps to Make It Happen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vhDMC-Njk0
Find French Connections HCB on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frenchconnectionsHCB/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrenchConnectionsHCB/
Thank you for watching! 🌟
#MovingToFrance #LifeInFrance #AmericanExpat #RetireInFrance #AffordableLiving #FranceRelocation #FrenchConnectionsHCB #RuralFrance #ExpatStories #SimpleLifeFrance
25 Comments
▶▶▶Book a FREE chat with us to explore your options about moving to France: https://bit.ly/4hiwy4z
▶▶▶Prefer a 1-to-1 consultation with our Founder, Richard? https://bit.ly/3L8zxjV
What a wonderful video. Thank you so much.
I don't have any desire to actually move anywhere else (elderly mother needs care and a grandchild on the way ) but spending extended periods (2-3 months( in different areas is very attractive.
I’ve SO enjoyed this episode!
Now having spoken with Richard and observed so many new residents in France via HCB, am enjoying the lovely Lizzie. Lizzie would be a wonderful friend and embraces each situation with charm and enthusiasm.
I’m so interested in the whole system!
It all begins at the top and Richard definately sets the standard:-)
Superbe!🤗💖
35 years ago I was fortunate to have a career opportunity in the Suisse Romande
Never looked back
Emmigrer en France à 70ans pas con, la sécuriste sociale c'est magique
That is so nice to see you guys experiencing the new place and love it. We wanted to do the same with our little Mochi the dog. When we adopted Mochi, we made a pack, Mochi can not go we don’t go…. We know will take a little time to take him to France…
Hello Sandy and Geoffrey, please tell us how your cute little sausage dog went with you, you said it is much easier now to get him where you are
Quelle femme rayonnante, joyeuse, vraie ! Quel plaisir de savoir ce couple en France, sachant apprécier nos mœurs, notre Histoire, nos particularités !
Bienvenue à vous qui valorisez nos petites villes, nos bourgs, nos campagnes … et merci de votre enthousiasme communicatif.
bienvenue a vous !🇲🇫
Congrats to the person in charge of editing the video: flawless and very professional.
In fact, I think your videos in general – interview included – get better each time 👍🏼
The conversation made me want to visit France again. My French needs to be refreshed and practiced. A perfect excuse to go soon. Love the CA, USA. But France had a special place in my Heart!😉😍
Did I miss one "small" detail: Health Insurance?
Excellant interview..
As soon as she started saying French city names I knew she had some decent French study over yhr years in her life. I didn't know before because I've never seen her before. Fellow American who has studied French off and on for decades for fun.
How can i do this?. Older and inspiring. Do you need to be an American citizen to qualify?
Love the practical advice and someone who actually took their favorite things. I am one who wants to have some familiar things around me, especially from my Mother. I appreciate that sentiment❤
un gran bel posto
As far as drivers license, there are some sister states here in USA that will honor it like a France license, so get it here in that state before you leave. South Carolina is one, I know this bc I have a friend from there who took an au pair job for years in France and she had no problem changing it over. There is an official name for this but i cant remember.
Where are the outstanding cliffs at ~ 14:32?? Gorgeous!
So happy for people who can travel – then, move abroad!! ( I think my country of choice would also be France – IF I had the money…….[😢] – or very southern Switzerland.
I would also LOVE a residence by a stream, or river…❤) Your town and area look so beautiful…
Glad things have worked so well for this featured couple! 🫶☝️🫶☝️💗
Nice interview, but why so little footage of the house/garden?
Very interesting interview. My husband and I moved to French and lived there 5 years. This took me down memory lane.
I am French and I love seront foreigners loving my country 🙂 welcome
The transcript has misspelled much. Can someone please clarify the name of the town that they live in? Thanks.