We are The Euro Pats

Hi there — we’re Matt and Diane, the couple behind The Euro Pats! 👋
If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’ve been daydreaming about life in France too — the slower pace, the culture, the charm of little villages, and of course… the food!
We created this space to share our real journey toward retiring abroad — from our home in Texas to (one day) our new life in France.

Why We Chose France for Retirement – A Slower, Happier Life Abroad

After years of working hard in Texas, we wanted a slower, more meaningful life — and we found it in France. From affordable living and world-class healthcare to small-town charm and that unmistakable joie de vivre, here’s why France became our perfect place to retire.

Learning About France: Our Journey Toward a New Life Abroad

When we first started dreaming about retiring in France, we didn’t know where to begin. France wasn’t just another destination—it was an idea. A feeling. The promise of slower mornings, croissants from the local boulangerie, and a life that values connection over chaos.

When Loved Ones Don’t Understand Your Decision to Move Abroad

Thinking about retiring abroad but worried about how friends and family will react? Here’s how we’re navigating those conversations with love, boundaries, and understanding while still living in the U.S.

We’re Taking a Detour: Why We’re Retiring in Albania Before France

For years, we’ve shared our dream of retiring in France.
The markets.
The countryside.
The slower pace of life.
The language.
France has been the plan.
But today, we’re sharing something new.
We’re taking a detour.
Instead of waiting until 2030 to retire in France, we’re moving to Albania in 2027 — three years sooner than originally planned.
Here’s why.