IL Magazine: Discover the World's Best Retirement Haven for 2022 + 24 more
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In the town of Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Keith and Val discovered rich cuisine, sun-splashed farmers’ markets, and a certain quality of light illuminating the fabled Alpilles (“little Alps”) mountain range at sunset.
The list of enticing places to move in France seems never-ending. How to make sense of it all? Which area will you be best suited to, and when and where can you start looking for real estate? Here are a few tips to help you get started on making the move to la belle France.
From striking natural landscapes like the Massif Central and the Pyrenees Mountain ranges (which, combined, cover around 54% of the region), to the pink-flamingo and wild-horse territory of the Camargue wetlands, Occitanie offers another version of southern France.
"Some months, the mussels are as fat as steaks,” chuckled Willy, my gracious waiter in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, southern France. With a wiry crop of salt-and-pepper hair and jaunty set of wire-rimmed glasses, he had the energy of someone half his age… and a passion for French cuisine that was infectious.
Former lawyers by trade, the Arbeits are enjoying a later life adventure which seems tailor-made for a Hollywood movie. The couple are dividing their golden years between three world-class suitors: France, Panama, and New York. Each year, in late August, Robert and Wendy arrive at their home-away-from-home in Montfort, France.
The trickiest thing when deciding where to live in France is to figure out where has the qualities you’re looking for. Some people are looking for wild, rocky shores, steeped in old customs and traditions…others cannot resist the allure of beautiful hill towns and lavender fields. The good news is France has it all.
If you really want to understand a French city, visit its markets. That’s particularly true of Toulon, the understated gem of southern France. Residents of this colorful naval town are simply happy to be alive, and they’re going to let you know it. Loud, outspoken, and with a passion for their beloved region of Provence...
When thinking of a spot to live in France, it’s tempting to consider the fabled coastline of the Côte d'Azur or the romantic towns and villages of the southern region of Provence. Others might be drawn to the cities of Montpellier, Toulouse, or Perpignan, with their abundance of sunny terraces and joie de vivre attitude.
Whether you imagine yourself in a cozy village tucked away in the vineyards of Provence, or in a sleek, ultra-modern apartment steps away from the legendary Champs-Élysées, France offers lifestyle options for every taste and budget. While utilities tend to be cheaper in France (the country has one of the lowest electricity rates in Western Europe)...
As with many of its European neighbors, France is a safe and welcoming country. A recent survey of American travelers by Smarter Travel ranked the country as the sixth safest in the world—proceeded by the Netherlands at number five, and Italy taking the fourth spot.