Visiting Southeastern and Eastern France Towns to Live

And in which of those two countries will you be able to get a work permit? Or do you not need to work?

Rachel, you can't just decide to live in a place in France for a year, unless you have a EU passport. Are you aware of this?

Thank you. Yes I am aware of this. I am going to volunteer for a year or so, I do not need to work...I just need a very LONG vacation so I can have a home base to travel all over Europe for a while.

So, any ideas on towns?

Rachel,

Living in the Schengen zone for a period greater than 90 days is NOT dependant on whether you'll be working or volunteering. Unless you have a Visa you could be deported regardless and unable to return for a period of time (perhaps as long as 10 years). From what I've been able to determine, exemption Visas are VERY rarely ever granted. If you have a Passport from one of the EU countries, the situation will of course be different.

If it was that easy to live in Europe for an extended period, I'm sure many more of the group here would be doing that (including me!)

Wow, I am just asking for advice on the towns to visit. Did not realize this discussion was about visas. I am asking for travel town info only. I already have plane reservations to visit again so am not changing my plans - going either way regardless of all this visa hub bub. Yes I know it will be difficult. I am not moving right now or this year for that matter, just visiting and exploring the possibilities. I also have friends there to help get through the red tape. If anyone has visited these towns and has info to share in a less harsh manner please write back. Thank you so much

Rachel,

It certainly wasn't my intention to reply in a "harsh manner". I simply wanted to make sure you were aware of the importance of the Schengen Visa, so that you wouldn't face the prospect of a humiliating deportation from Europe. Having friends to "help get through the red tape" likely won't carry much weight with the authorities, as the laws are fairly rigid with respect to non-EU citizens.

In any case, good luck!

I understand the rules Ken. Thank you.

Troll alert.

Rachel,....perhaps if you are aware of the rules, you'll be able to fill us in, and tell us how you plan to live in France for a year. I'd sure like to know!

I would live in Nice for a year.

I'd suggest Lyon. My brother and his family moved there in '03. Many English speaking ex-pats in Lyon. My American brother with his American family made the move legally. On the other hand I have a friend who went to Switzerland for three years without proper permits and never had an issue. Just don't get arrested. Rachel, there is a lot of bad and incorrect advise on this forum, do what you want.

I know people who have been to Italy and have never had their pocket picked. Does that mean I shouldn't worry about it or do anything to prevent it? Nothing happened to them so nothing is gong to happen to me, right?

The fine for overstaying your tourist visa if caught, and today it's much easier to get caught, is not only expulsion but being barred from all of Schengen for up to 10 years.

So, Josh is right, do what you want. Only forum rules do not allow us to help you break the law.

As for where you should go, do a little research to find out what the areas offer and then decide what you'd enjoy the most.

Check out Beaune. It might be too far north for your tastes but is a gem. Also, try a visit to the area around Grenoble. It could be too cold in winter though but beee-utiful!