Retired but still in business

Some French pensioners have given up the jobs they've done all their lives ... but not work, as one explains in our series on retirement in France.

les chicos CC

Not everyone in France is dreaming of a place in the sun after retirement.

A growing number of people continue working in their 60s, partly through financial constraints but also for pleasure and a desire to continue playing an active part in the world of work.

But finding employment is particularly difficult for seniors and their efforts are often viewed negatively.

The majority of pensioners wishing to work end up setting up their own small business ventures by becoming auto-entrepreneurs, a status that allows them a limited salary whilst keeping their pension rights.

Michel Vié, a 66-year old auto-entrepreneur and member of Le cercle des seniors actifs, the French branch of 2 Young 2 Retire,  says he’s planning to work for another 10 years… at least.