OMG, This is really happening!

With my 60th birthday now behind me, I’m more than ready to embark on a one year adventure abroad. Is it scary? Absa-fucking-lutely! But that’s the thrill of it, isn’t it? I’m embracing the unknown, which means not just stepping out of my comfort zone, but leaping out of it entirely. I’m saying goodbye to the home that has been my sanctuary, and bidding farewell to family and friends. It’s a bittersweet mix of excitement and fear, but I know that on the other side of this leap lies a whole new chapter waiting to be written.

Paris awaits; Planning our Ultimate Escape

I feel like I’ve been planning this trip my entire life. No, seriously, it’s true. The photo below confirms this—I’ve been manifesting this dream ever since I received this pillow as a birthday gift nine years ago. That said, how lucky am I to have someone just as excited about our adventure! Now that my guy (who also happens to speak four foreign languages), is finally retired, what better time to break free from our norm?

The big question was where to begin with the process. While you can visit France without a visa for 90 days, that’s not nearly enough time for what we want to accomplish. So, we’re taking the leap with an extended stay, going beyond the usual 90 days. To truly experience France like locals—or as close as possible—we need a long-stay visa for 6 to 12 months.

Applying for our visa

Accommodations

Before applying online to the French Consulate for a visa, we needed to first secure our accommodations. While we didn’t need to book our entire stay upfront, we reserved a place for at least a few weeks, as the application asks, “Where will you be staying?” including address. We chose Airbnb because of its ease of online booking and the upfront costs. With hundreds of options available, it was just a matter of deciding on our location and budget. But, If you’re looking for something more permanent, a realtor can assist with finding an apartment. While this process can be more complex, it’s not impossible.

Our cute two-bedroom apartment in the Marais, 3rd arrondissement

After completing the online application, and depending on the visa type—working holiday or a vacation/visitor visa—the checklist may vary. We brought all our documents ie; passport, and new photos (aka mug shots), to our interview, along with the other items on the checklist (below), which is managed by VFS Global.

Medical Insurance

Next, we needed to prove to the French Consulate that we have sufficent medical insurance during our stay. We stumbled upon our insurance provider by chance. After months of back-and-forth emails with several large insurance companies, each with higher prices, we were redirected to Insurte through the French Consulate. “Well, that was easy!” It’s one-stop, affordable insurance, and it covers everything we need.

Money?

This might seem obvious, but the French government wants proof that you can afford those handbags to stay in France. A credit card alone won’t cut it. You’ll need to provide a current statement or a screenshot of your accounts, showing a minimum of $2500 Canadian dollars.

Letters of Intent and Commitment to leave

In a nutshell, France wants to know your business, but for us, it was simple. “We’re retired and applying for a visitor visa. No plans to work, and we have the means to travel and support ourselves.” Maybe throw in a little charm: “I adore France so much, I might even want my ashes scattered around the Eiffel Tower someday…” Okay, not really, but you get the idea.”

We also needed a letter of commitment to leave, which is basically the same. Assuring France that you’ll follow the rules of the visa, and that you’re planning to return home when it’s over. Something like, “We understand the terms of the visa and fully intend to comply, including booking a return ticket home once our stay is up.” Maybe sprinkle in some more charm: “As much as I love France, I promise not to overstay my welcome… unless you insist!” But seriously, they’re looking for reassurance that you’ll stick to the agreement.

The interview

Now, about that interview—it felt nearly impossible to book. Think of it like trying to snag a reservation at the hottest new restaurant—so frustrating! My son, who had already gone through the process, simply advised, “Just email them.” For those of you in Canada, there are only a few locations, but here’s the “official” email that will connect you directly to the source: FranceVancouver@vfshelpline.com. You can swap out “Vancouver” for “Montreal” or “Toronto” depending on your preferred location. This was our lifeline to securing an appointment. It only took a few weeks, though it could have been sooner if we hadn’t been away.

As a side note, since we are traveling together as a couple, we wanted to ensure our passports and documents would be processed at the same time. There’s a service available for families which costs $640 CAD. While, it won’t get you to the front of the line or speed things up, it does give you peace of mind—no one gets left behind!

Overall, our experience went smoothly. From the interview appointment to receiving our passports, with our new visas, couriered directly to our home, the entire process took less than two weeks. However, there can be exceptions, so it’s best to start preparing at least three months before your departure date.

“Good luck!”

Packing for all seasons

What to pack?

There’s a lot to consider when preparing for an extended stay, especially when it’s for a year or more. Packing for all four seasons in one go is no small feat, and I want to make sure I have everything I need to feel comfortable and stylish throughout my travels. I’m not one of those “carry-on only” types—after all, this isn’t just any trip; it’s Paris and beyond!

We recently invested in his and hers Monos suitcases and went for the Hybrid check-in large. Hopefully, it’s spacious enough to hold my favourite outfits and essentials (fingers crossed), cuz what’s a girl to do without her go-to pieces? Whether it’s cozy layers for the winter or light, breezy dresses for summer, I’m determined to be prepared for whatever the year brings.

Oh, look Rob, both suitcases fit in the back of a convertible…just say’n 🙂

Hmmm…I definitely need another suitcase!

A Year of Discovery: Setting Intentions for the Journey

We’re diving headfirst into this adventure with a mix of excitement and probably a bit of confusion. Our goal? To live like locals—embrace the French lifestyle, explore Europe, and maybe even pretend we know what we’re doing. We’re hoping to soak up the culture, find some hidden gems, and eat way too many croissants. The first four months are organized and booked, Paris, Maldives, London, and back to Paris. It’s all about having fun, growing together, and seeing where this year takes us. Bring on the adventure, France and beyond!

Bon Voyage: The Final Countdown

The countdown begins, and it’s overwhelming to think I’ll get the “to-do” list done before we leave, which is in a few weeks. Between packing, tying up loose ends, and squeezing in a few more hugs, it’s starting to feel real. Saying goodbye to friends and family is a mix of emotions—sadness (yes there are tears), excitement, and a lot of “don’t forget to post pictures!” We’ve laughed, and promised to stay in touch (thank you, FaceTime). But underneath it all is this bubbling excitement for what’s ahead. The adventure we’ve been dreaming about is finally here, and while it’s hard to say goodbye, it’s even more thrilling to think about all that’s waiting for us on the other side.

Even though we’re heading off, we’re really just a text away—so no need for tearful goodbyes (no promises) 😉 We’ll be sharing all the fun, chaos, and croissants along the way, so be sure to follow our adventures. Whether it’s through texts, photos, or instagram stories, we want to bring you along for the ride!

Say hi anytime!