On a sunny September afternoon in the Dordogne Valley of southwestern France, Debra and Eric Stillwell strolled along cobblestone streets, watching autumn leaves dance in the breeze. Later, they might visit a local market, explore the Citi de la Vin museum in Bordeaux, or wander among the region's numerous castles.

Their life in France is a far cry from the future they envisioned in the US, their home for 30 years before they moved 5 years ago.

"I did the math," Debra, 67, said. "If we stayed there, I'd probably have to work until I was 85."

Eric and Debra Stillwell in France. Photo: CNN

Eric and Debra Stillwell in France. Photo: CNN

The couple, who married a year after meeting at a Star Trek convention in 1995, always dreamed of retiring in Europe. Debra's mother had retired early, calling it "the best thing she ever did." But remaining in Los Angeles made this dream seem impossible.

"The problem was, living in Los Angeles, we couldn't afford to retire early and still pay a mortgage and all our debts," said Eric, 62, a former Star Trek script coordinator who later worked for Disney.

Both have diabetes and were concerned about rising US healthcare costs. "At the time, we were paying over 500 USD a month for health insurance," Debra said. "I think it's even more expensive now."

Initially considering Italy, they were drawn to France. Debra had studied French while growing up in Montreal, Canada, and Eric had ancestors who emigrated from France to the US in the 19th century.

A 2013 trip that included a stop in Bordeaux sealed their decision. An overnight stay in Saint-Emilion, near the Dordogne border, captivated them with its medieval towns, castles, and stunning scenery.

"We decided this is where we wanted to live," Eric said.

When Eric was laid off from Disney and Debra left her job as a medical center education director, they sold their California home, paid off their mortgage and credit cards, and left debt-free.

They purchased a home in the Residence Souillac Golf & Country Club, complete with an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a swimming pool, in Lachapelle-Auzac in the Dordogne Valley, for about 70,000 euros (81,000 USD). The property generates rental income when they travel, managed by the resort.

They moved in 2020 and quickly settled into their new community of British, Dutch, French, and Irish families, many of whom are part-time residents.

"We have a wonderful community here," Eric said. "Our French neighbors are fantastic. We're always inviting each other over for dinner."

Within three months, the Stillwells had navigated the French healthcare system. They now pay no insurance premiums and minimal out-of-pocket expenses, despite occasional language barriers and the challenges of driving on narrow French roads.

Both have long-term visas renewable annually. Debra initially hoped to obtain French citizenship, but new regulations prevent retirees whose primary income comes from abroad from applying.

The Stillwells' home in France. Photo: CNN

The Stillwells' home in France. Photo: CNN

The Stillwells live primarily on US Social Security, which stretches much further in France. Utilities and goods are less expensive, transportation is easier, and their social life is rich.

"Everyone thinks Americans living in France are rich, but that's not true," Eric said. "Our house only cost 81,000 USD. We're not wealthy."

Their retirement is filled with travel. They've explored France extensively, visiting the Loire Valley, the French Riviera, the Burgundy and Chablis wine regions, and attended Star Trek conventions in London, Rome, Luxembourg, Zagreb, and even New Zealand.

A favorite annual tradition is their December trip to Paris, where they enjoy the Christmas markets and the enormous Christmas tree under the glass dome of the Galeries Lafayette department store. Last year, they visited 20 countries.

When asked what their retirement would be like if they had stayed in the US, Debra stated, "We'd be broke."

They occasionally return to the US for family matters, but they have no intention of leaving their new life in France. Debra hopes to enjoy it for many years to come.

"I lived 30 years in Canada," she said. "I lived 32 years in the US. My goal is to live another 30 years in France."

Hong Hanh (From CNN)