Letters: retirement in france costs more than €15,000 a year

CONNEXION READER SAYS SHE SPENDS €50,000 FOR A MODEST LIFESTYLE  To the Editor, I have just turned 72 and I estimate that I go through €50,000 a year – and I would describe my lifestyle as

modest!  Admittedly, I support my civil union partner and have six cats and two dogs, but I was very surprised by your recent piece that retirees need at least €15,000 a year to live

comfortably in France (excluding the cost of accommodation or bills). I get a state retirement (US and French) of about €2,200 a month, withdraw $20,000 a year from my investment portfolio,

and get a few thousand more in book royalty payments. I own my own home but maintaining it alone can come to several thousand a year (replacing washing machines, hot water cisterns and other

plumbing problems, roof repairs, etc).  Read more: Best places to live in France for over-60s, according to new ranking I am about to add a bedroom and bathroom extension, a new

heating/cooling system (I currently heat my home with a woodstove), and update my kitchen so I can live on one level if I have to. My builder reckons this will set me back €100,000. I would

really struggle to get by comfortably on €15,000 a year! C. S., by email How much money do you think you need to enjoy your retirement in France? Let us know at [email protected]