• Exquisite old village which was Picasso’s home for many years, is currently full of galleries including the highly regarded FAMM(Female Artists of the Mougins Museum), a small museum with major female artists including Frida Kahlo and Mary Cassatt
• Ample active English speaking community
• Just 15 minutes from Cannes, 10 minutes from Grasse,
• A low crime rate,
• A major international school,
• Famous worldwide for its restarants

• Exquisite old village which was Picasso’s home for many years, is currently full of galleries including the highly regarded FAMM(Female Artists of the Mougins Museum), a small museum with major female artists including Frida Kahlo and Mary Cassatt
• Ample active English speaking community
• Just 15 minutes from Cannes, 10 minutes from Grasse,
• A low crime rate,
• A major international school,
• Famous worldwide for its restarants

Antibes’ Old Town and central city are compact and easily walkable. It feels like a small town, with its ramparts perched on the sea; but has the conveniences and amenities of a much larger city. There are great beaches at your feet, and it’s easy to take day trips by train to anywhere along the coast. Because of Port Vauban, there are many English living or visiting the area, and English is spoken at least a little in most places.

Antibes’ Old Town and central city are compact and easily walkable. It feels like a small town, with its ramparts perched on the sea; but has the conveniences and amenities of a much larger city. There are great beaches at your feet, and it’s easy to take day trips by train to anywhere along the coast. Because of Port Vauban, there are many English living or visiting the area, and English is spoken at least a little in most places.

• Superbly connected by public transport
• Charming medieval center….loads of great events throuhout the year
• All the modern stuff easily reachable via buses on the outskirts of the city.
• Nimes’ amazing Roman past
• BritsNimes…a wonderfully welcoming group of newcomers (not all Brits!) who speak English and are always happy to meet someone.

• Superbly connected by public transport
• Charming medieval center….loads of great events throuhout the year
• All the modern stuff easily reachable via buses on the outskirts of the city.
• Nimes’ amazing Roman past
• BritsNimes…a wonderfully welcoming group of newcomers (not all Brits!) who speak English and are always happy to meet someone.

• The beauty,
• The sense of history, especially via the architecture
• The river
• The deep Celtic cultural ties.
• The train station

• The beauty,
• The sense of history, especially via the architecture
• The river
• The deep Celtic cultural ties.
• The train station

• • On a main train line (and a TGV stop) , so easy to get around France
  • Normandy has a healthy population of English speakers (thanks to its proximity to the UK) and you’ll find the region and its inhabitants quite used to English-speaking newcomers.

• The first St. Peter’s Church, built in the 16th century, was destroyed in 1940 by German bombing. A new church, the Round Church,  was rebuilt in 1956 on the principle of a circular plan. Its stained glass window made by Max Ingrand is considered the largest in Europe with 1,046 m2. The building has been registered as a historical monument since October 8, 2001.
• On a main train line, so easy to get around France
• Normandy has a healthy population of English speakers (thanks to its proximity to the UK) and you’ll find the region and its inhabitants quite used to English-speaking newcomers.

• • On a main train line (and a TGV stop) , so easy to get around France
  • Normandy has a healthy population of English speakers (thanks to its proximity to the UK) and you’ll find the region and its inhabitants quite used to English-speaking newcomers.

• The first St. Peter’s Church, built in the 16th century, was destroyed in 1940 by German bombing. A new church, the Round Church,  was rebuilt in 1956 on the principle of a circular plan. Its stained glass window made by Max Ingrand is considered the largest in Europe with 1,046 m2. The building has been registered as a historical monument since October 8, 2001.
• On a main train line, so easy to get around France
• Normandy has a healthy population of English speakers (thanks to its proximity to the UK) and you’ll find the region and its inhabitants quite used to English-speaking newcomers.

• Well connected to city conveniences and culture (Lyon and Paris) by train while missing the price and crowding of city life
• Not remotely an “expat” mecca
• Easy access to Switzerland, and to ski resorts in France
• Architecturally, a  merging of Roman and medieval France

• Well connected to city conveniences and culture (Lyon and Paris) by train while missing the price and crowding of city life
• Not remotely an “expat” mecca
• Easy access to Switzerland, and to ski resorts in France
• Architecturally, a  merging of Roman and medieval France

• Ideal access to shopping options in or near town without losing charm at the center
• Nice mixture of nationalities, income, and lifestyle of inhabitants
• One of the few towns in France well enough served by bus to live without a car
• The fabulous weather: very few stormy days, mild winters and little or none of the winds that plague Provence
• Feels like Provence (but easier to get to, not as overrun).  Many different squares in the medieval center with cafes.

• Ideal access to shopping options in or near town without losing charm at the center
• Nice mixture of nationalities, income, and lifestyle of inhabitants
• One of the few towns in France well enough served by bus to live without a car
• The fabulous weather: very few stormy days, mild winters and little or none of the winds that plague Provence
• Feels like Provence (but easier to get to, not as overrun).  Many different squares in the medieval center with cafes.

• Unbelievably good market (Wednesday and Saturdays)
• Unbelievably pretty; the central square is unforgettable
• While ‘discovered’ by many visitors and expats, it retains a very French charm

• Unbelievably good market (Wednesday and Saturdays)
• Unbelievably pretty; the central square is unforgettable
• While ‘discovered’ by many visitors and expats, it retains a very French charm

• “The pace of life in Strasbourg is pretty laid-back the romantic architecture and canals really do a lot to contribute to the relaxed and pleasant city atmosphere.””Strasbourg has a huge community of expats! It’s an incredibly international city due to the fact that the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the University of Strasbourg draw people from all over the world” (Ashley Abroad)
• Cuisine is definitely bi-cultural: a mix of Germanic and French incluences;  specialties to try include tarte flambée, choucroute and the Riesling wines
• “It’s well-known that France has some of the best healthcare in the world. In fact, it’s one of the biggest pros of living in France. But the healthcare system in Alsace, the region where Strasbourg is located, is even better. There’s a unique social security system whereby residents of Alsace receive extra coverage compared to the rest of France.”
• “Strasbourg is a popular city and attracts a lot of expats, so you would expect the cost of living to be high. But this is not the case. In fact, Strasbourg is far from being one of the most expensive cities in France. Compared to Paris, the cost of living in Strasbourg is about 15% lower…To give you an idea, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Strasbourg is €700 per month, excluding the utilities. For gas, electricity, and internet, it’s roughly €175 per month.”
• Minimal Language Barrier
• One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe
• Less bad bureaucracy: “Luckily, the process in Strasbourg is much more efficient. I’ve been through two long-stay visa renewals, and, I can, honestly, say that it’s been a pleasure. The individuals working at the prefecture are helpful, kind, and patient. They are even, dare I say, efficient.”
• Superlative local public transport: “Strasbourg has a network of buses and trams that run throughout the city. There are even some trams to go all the way to Germany.They run every five to ten minutes and are almost always on time. Not only that but they are clean and comfortable with ample seating…Of course, you could walk, but a tram/bus ticket is only €1.90! It’s actually much easier to get around with public transportation than with a car. Public parking in Strasbourg is almost non-existent and expensive. (“Dabbling in Jet Lag”)

• “The pace of life in Strasbourg is pretty laid-back the romantic architecture and canals really do a lot to contribute to the relaxed and pleasant city atmosphere.””Strasbourg has a huge community of expats! It’s an incredibly international city due to the fact that the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the University of Strasbourg draw people from all over the world” (Ashley Abroad)
• Cuisine is definitely bi-cultural: a mix of Germanic and French incluences;  specialties to try include tarte flambée, choucroute and the Riesling wines
• “It’s well-known that France has some of the best healthcare in the world. In fact, it’s one of the biggest pros of living in France. But the healthcare system in Alsace, the region where Strasbourg is located, is even better. There’s a unique social security system whereby residents of Alsace receive extra coverage compared to the rest of France.”
• “Strasbourg is a popular city and attracts a lot of expats, so you would expect the cost of living to be high. But this is not the case. In fact, Strasbourg is far from being one of the most expensive cities in France. Compared to Paris, the cost of living in Strasbourg is about 15% lower…To give you an idea, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Strasbourg is €700 per month, excluding the utilities. For gas, electricity, and internet, it’s roughly €175 per month.”
• Minimal Language Barrier
• One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe
• Less bad bureaucracy: “Luckily, the process in Strasbourg is much more efficient. I’ve been through two long-stay visa renewals, and, I can, honestly, say that it’s been a pleasure. The individuals working at the prefecture are helpful, kind, and patient. They are even, dare I say, efficient.”
• Superlative local public transport: “Strasbourg has a network of buses and trams that run throughout the city. There are even some trams to go all the way to Germany.They run every five to ten minutes and are almost always on time. Not only that but they are clean and comfortable with ample seating…Of course, you could walk, but a tram/bus ticket is only €1.90! It’s actually much easier to get around with public transportation than with a car. Public parking in Strasbourg is almost non-existent and expensive. (“Dabbling in Jet Lag”)

• “..cosy looking boutiques selling everything from artisan tea, to handmade hats, to high-end fashion. Surprisingly devoid of the standard souvenir shops you’ll find in any town close to the tourist route” (Le Long Weekend) 
• Just-far-enough from the nearest sizeable city (La Rochelle, Bordeaux),
• Green space: 20ha of protected prairie right in the heart of the town,  public gardens, a beautifully maintained gem in the town centre.
• “One of the best markets in France” (The Good Life France)
• Train station and convenient distances (day trip length) to nice other cities.
• Local hospital

• “..cosy looking boutiques selling everything from artisan tea, to handmade hats, to high-end fashion. Surprisingly devoid of the standard souvenir shops you’ll find in any town close to the tourist route” (Le Long Weekend) 
• Just-far-enough from the nearest sizeable city (La Rochelle, Bordeaux),
• Green space: 20ha of protected prairie right in the heart of the town,  public gardens, a beautifully maintained gem in the town centre.
• “One of the best markets in France” (The Good Life France)
• Train station and convenient distances (day trip length) to nice other cities.
• Local hospital

• ” …it’s a town that rewards strolling—the village center is off-limits to cars, so it’s easy to wander the cobblestone streets, popping in and out of the many charming shops…It has all the things that you look for in a Provençal town—shady squares, winding cobblestoned streets, fascinating historical sites, and great restaurants. Situated by vineyards and olive groves and right next to a small mountain range that is perfect for hiking and biking. It’s a paradise for outdoors lovers” “(Perfectly Provence)
• “I think the locals appreciate that it’s a real French town. Of course, it’s busy with tourists in the high season, but it is far from a tourist town. Surrounded by agricultural lands, you will occasionally see someone riding a horse or driving a tractor through town. St Rémy does a brilliant job of maintaining its traditions, like the sheep that parade through town once a year or the abrivados where French cowboys show their stuff. And while there is plenty to do in town, if you would like the beauty and solitude of a substantial nature preserve, there’s one right next door—we go there often for hiking and biking.”(Perfectly Provence)

• ” …it’s a town that rewards strolling—the village center is off-limits to cars, so it’s easy to wander the cobblestone streets, popping in and out of the many charming shops…It has all the things that you look for in a Provençal town—shady squares, winding cobblestoned streets, fascinating historical sites, and great restaurants. Situated by vineyards and olive groves and right next to a small mountain range that is perfect for hiking and biking. It’s a paradise for outdoors lovers” “(Perfectly Provence)
• “I think the locals appreciate that it’s a real French town. Of course, it’s busy with tourists in the high season, but it is far from a tourist town. Surrounded by agricultural lands, you will occasionally see someone riding a horse or driving a tractor through town. St Rémy does a brilliant job of maintaining its traditions, like the sheep that parade through town once a year or the abrivados where French cowboys show their stuff. And while there is plenty to do in town, if you would like the beauty and solitude of a substantial nature preserve, there’s one right next door—we go there often for hiking and biking.”(Perfectly Provence)

• Extraodinarily beautiful views and architecture
• A reasonable mix of newcomers and locals
• On a  train line (of sorts) which is unusual for Dordogne

• Extraodinarily beautiful views and architecture
• A reasonable mix of newcomers and locals
• On a  train line (of sorts) which is unusual for Dordogne

• Listed as one of the 10 most beautiful medieval villages in France. also a UNESCO listed site, ” Its main tourist attraction is meandering around the town and soaking in its beauty.”
• Center of some of the finest wine country in this whole Bordeaux region; some people will tell you this area grows the best wine in the worold
• Easy access to Bordeaux’s night life, urban shopping and train connections.  Saint-Émilion is sometimes called ‘Bordeaux’s little sister’
• “Although the wines of Saint-Émilion may be more famous, the macarons deserve special recognition as well.”

• Listed as one of the 10 most beautiful medieval villages in France. also a UNESCO listed site, ” Its main tourist attraction is meandering around the town and soaking in its beauty.”
• Center of some of the finest wine country in this whole Bordeaux region; some people will tell you this area grows the best wine in the worold
• Easy access to Bordeaux’s night life, urban shopping and train connections.  Saint-Émilion is sometimes called ‘Bordeaux’s little sister’
• “Although the wines of Saint-Émilion may be more famous, the macarons deserve special recognition as well.”

• Particularly good, big market of the region
• Comments on various internet forums making the point that  “Riberac is only second to Eymet” in terms of how dense a population of expat Brits might represent a minus or a plus depending on your goals
• Susan J.: “Riberac does not shut shops in winter as really there are no truely just for tourist shops!”

• Particularly good, big market of the region
• Comments on various internet forums making the point that  “Riberac is only second to Eymet” in terms of how dense a population of expat Brits might represent a minus or a plus depending on your goals
• Susan J.: “Riberac does not shut shops in winter as really there are no truely just for tourist shops!”

• Great public transportation
• “Rennes has long been counted as “the smallest of the big cities” in France, but that it was now had momentum, not least thanks to upcoming 90-minute rail links to Paris, new Metro works, and a €2 billion injection to public investment. “My message is this: Rennes will amaze you,” the mayor said. ” “
• Factors that Rennes ranks high in:  public transportation, cultural events, green space, affordability and night life
• “PROS: I do not like the heat and it is cooler here. Just 90 mins to Paris. GREAT health care. Terrific transportation via bus and metro and we are able to live easily without a car. It’s lively here, a university town and something’s always happening, but it’s not too big. Very walkable. Close to the amazing Bretagne coast. I find the people in Brittany to be warm and welcoming. A lot of activity along the river. Good shopping. Very good restaurants and bars. An exquisite old town with half-timbered houses. Galettes! Decent beer. ” Therese C. in Americans Retiring in France

• Great public transportation
• “Rennes has long been counted as “the smallest of the big cities” in France, but that it was now had momentum, not least thanks to upcoming 90-minute rail links to Paris, new Metro works, and a €2 billion injection to public investment. “My message is this: Rennes will amaze you,” the mayor said. ” “
• Factors that Rennes ranks high in:  public transportation, cultural events, green space, affordability and night life
• “PROS: I do not like the heat and it is cooler here. Just 90 mins to Paris. GREAT health care. Terrific transportation via bus and metro and we are able to live easily without a car. It’s lively here, a university town and something’s always happening, but it’s not too big. Very walkable. Close to the amazing Bretagne coast. I find the people in Brittany to be warm and welcoming. A lot of activity along the river. Good shopping. Very good restaurants and bars. An exquisite old town with half-timbered houses. Galettes! Decent beer. ” Therese C. in Americans Retiring in France

• Beautiful lake just at the edge of townwith exstensive biking and walking paths including the “Circuit des Hortensias”
• A lovely cathedral
• A widely praised weekly market

• Beautiful lake just at the edge of townwith exstensive biking and walking paths including the “Circuit des Hortensias”
• A lovely cathedral
• A widely praised weekly market

• “Pezenas is a very old, typical village in a wine-growing region of Languedoc, France. The old part of town, which is most of it, winds up and down a gentle hill and is full of artisans shops, colorful shutters, beautiful Renaissance architecture (Moliére (sp?) lived here) and some of the friendliest people I have met in France. It is surrounded by other hilltop villages, each with their own flavor and uniqueness. There is even an association of “circular” hilltop villages! The sea is only 10 minutes away and the mountains, 15 minutes! You can walk through the vineyards to the next village in 20 minutes, wine-tasting on the way if you go in the right direction”  Anita on TripAdvisor
• “Pézenas is a small city of about 9,000 inhabitants, located between Béziers and Montpellier, 20 minutes from the Mediterranean Sea. The well-kept pedestrianized historic center, its vivid lifestyle and its picturesque streets make it a must-see in the Herault region.”(Besides The Obvious)

• “Pezenas is a very old, typical village in a wine-growing region of Languedoc, France. The old part of town, which is most of it, winds up and down a gentle hill and is full of artisans shops, colorful shutters, beautiful Renaissance architecture (Moliére (sp?) lived here) and some of the friendliest people I have met in France. It is surrounded by other hilltop villages, each with their own flavor and uniqueness. There is even an association of “circular” hilltop villages! The sea is only 10 minutes away and the mountains, 15 minutes! You can walk through the vineyards to the next village in 20 minutes, wine-tasting on the way if you go in the right direction”  Anita on TripAdvisor
• “Pézenas is a small city of about 9,000 inhabitants, located between Béziers and Montpellier, 20 minutes from the Mediterranean Sea. The well-kept pedestrianized historic center, its vivid lifestyle and its picturesque streets make it a must-see in the Herault region.”(Besides The Obvious)

“Five great things about Perpignan”

1. Transport – You can hop on a bus and travel to anywhere in the whole department for just 1 euro!
2. Rugby – With two famous teams (USAP and the Catalan Dragons) you can’t help but be caught up in the excitement on match day.
3. The Canigou – The majestic mountain that dominates the skyline.
4. Le ‘Casty’ – One of my favourite restaurants (just opposite Le Castillet).
5. The weather – 300 days of sunshine per year!” (France Today) 

” I also can’t forget to mention the warm hospitality of the residents here; people here seem to be kinder to strangers than in the bustling Parisian capital or maybe it’s just the musical Southern accent!….From the city center you can take the bus, rent, a car, and/or cycle to the beaches less than 15 kilometers away. Eager to escape on a hike after visiting the city? You can take a bus for 1€ and be transported into the heart of the Pyrénées catalanes” (Baguettes & Bicycles)

“Perpignan boasts about being only 20 minutes from the Mediterranean coast, and particularly from the colourful, Catalan town of Collioure, where anchovies are caught, processed, and sold. Easily reached by car, but you can also take the one-euro bus, which will drop you off around the corner from the 14th century Château Royal overlooking one of Collioure’s beaches.” Etravel Mag

“Five great things about Perpignan”

1. Transport – You can hop on a bus and travel to anywhere in the whole department for just 1 euro!
2. Rugby – With two famous teams (USAP and the Catalan Dragons) you can’t help but be caught up in the excitement on match day.
3. The Canigou – The majestic mountain that dominates the skyline.
4. Le ‘Casty’ – One of my favourite restaurants (just opposite Le Castillet).
5. The weather – 300 days of sunshine per year!” (France Today) 

” I also can’t forget to mention the warm hospitality of the residents here; people here seem to be kinder to strangers than in the bustling Parisian capital or maybe it’s just the musical Southern accent!….From the city center you can take the bus, rent, a car, and/or cycle to the beaches less than 15 kilometers away. Eager to escape on a hike after visiting the city? You can take a bus for 1€ and be transported into the heart of the Pyrénées catalanes” (Baguettes & Bicycles)

“Perpignan boasts about being only 20 minutes from the Mediterranean coast, and particularly from the colourful, Catalan town of Collioure, where anchovies are caught, processed, and sold. Easily reached by car, but you can also take the one-euro bus, which will drop you off around the corner from the 14th century Château Royal overlooking one of Collioure’s beaches.” Etravel Mag

• Alan M. on FB: ” I’ve lived in the Pau area for most of my life since the 80s and have never regretted it. A well balanced mix of access to the sea and the mountains, a humane town, and if you miss the city, Toulouse and Bordeaux are easily accessible. Some criticize the « lack » of cultural activities in Pau. To me that’s a lazy view because there is an enormous amount going on, and the Parvis in Tarbes is among the best sources of new performing arts in France. I would say that the main negative aspect of Pau and area is the availability of housing. Over the last few years (following the famous article in Forbes saying Pau was amongst the best places in the world to retire to) there has been a big wave of new arrivals. So you won’t be the only one looking !”
• Angelique C. on FB: “Pau is the opposite to the south east on so many levels… People are friendly, respectful and calm here in general. And also when they drive (sometimes to calm to my liking!!)n Pau, you have nature at your door step…. Mountains and the ocean. Life is very much smoother here. Less stressful energy from just the everyday exchanges”
• Jane on FB: “So far, I appreciate the bus system as I have no car, and also how walkable everything is. As an older, single, retired woman I feel quite safe, certainly more safe than in the US. I love the trains…. always travel to and from Paris by train. And the weather suits me as well. And when it’s clear the mountains are so spectacular.”

• Alan M. on FB: ” I’ve lived in the Pau area for most of my life since the 80s and have never regretted it. A well balanced mix of access to the sea and the mountains, a humane town, and if you miss the city, Toulouse and Bordeaux are easily accessible. Some criticize the « lack » of cultural activities in Pau. To me that’s a lazy view because there is an enormous amount going on, and the Parvis in Tarbes is among the best sources of new performing arts in France. I would say that the main negative aspect of Pau and area is the availability of housing. Over the last few years (following the famous article in Forbes saying Pau was amongst the best places in the world to retire to) there has been a big wave of new arrivals. So you won’t be the only one looking !”
• Angelique C. on FB: “Pau is the opposite to the south east on so many levels… People are friendly, respectful and calm here in general. And also when they drive (sometimes to calm to my liking!!)n Pau, you have nature at your door step…. Mountains and the ocean. Life is very much smoother here. Less stressful energy from just the everyday exchanges”
• Jane on FB: “So far, I appreciate the bus system as I have no car, and also how walkable everything is. As an older, single, retired woman I feel quite safe, certainly more safe than in the US. I love the trains…. always travel to and from Paris by train. And the weather suits me as well. And when it’s clear the mountains are so spectacular.”

• Tales from Brittany “I think Brittany is the most beautiful region in France. To me, it is sheer perfection. Here, one finds emerald green waters, sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, the GR34 hiking trail, charming Breton villages and bustling cities, magical forests and enchanting castles, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. There is literally something for everyone here.”
• Emily Derrick on Expatra: “Brittany is rugged, overwhelming, and incredibly charming. But it’s not ideal for fans of city life. Most of Brittany is overrun by small villages. Even the most prominent towns still feel like villages. But that doesn’t mean the area isn’t without its charms.”
• Solo Sophie: “Of course; no fishing town would be complete without a port and that of Paimpol is particularly well appointed. The port is around which the rest of the village is built and was once the lifeblood of Paimpol (historically residents of the town would have made their livelihoods thanks to fishing).The first quay at the port was built as early as 1762.”

• Tales from Brittany “I think Brittany is the most beautiful region in France. To me, it is sheer perfection. Here, one finds emerald green waters, sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, the GR34 hiking trail, charming Breton villages and bustling cities, magical forests and enchanting castles, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. There is literally something for everyone here.”
• Emily Derrick on Expatra: “Brittany is rugged, overwhelming, and incredibly charming. But it’s not ideal for fans of city life. Most of Brittany is overrun by small villages. Even the most prominent towns still feel like villages. But that doesn’t mean the area isn’t without its charms.”
• Solo Sophie: “Of course; no fishing town would be complete without a port and that of Paimpol is particularly well appointed. The port is around which the rest of the village is built and was once the lifeblood of Paimpol (historically residents of the town would have made their livelihoods thanks to fishing).The first quay at the port was built as early as 1762.”

• Weather, weather, weather.  (There’s a reason the richest people in the world want to live here.)
• Rich culture:  all the museums and arts you could want, with the special Nicoise flavor of the food and life
• Italian influence gives Nice it’s own dialect and style (It changed hands between Italy and France over history).
• The Mediterranean  (mostly rocky/pebbly beaches here, so not for the sandy loving types)

• Weather, weather, weather.  (There’s a reason the richest people in the world want to live here.)
• Rich culture:  all the museums and arts you could want, with the special Nicoise flavor of the food and life
• Italian influence gives Nice it’s own dialect and style (It changed hands between Italy and France over history).
• The Mediterranean  (mostly rocky/pebbly beaches here, so not for the sandy loving types)

• “The vast greenery …….it has been crowned the greenest city in Europe(green capital of Europe in 2013) and it lives up to its name completely …..It has a lot of gardens to stroll around and enjoy nature at its best ….:)” Quora
• Lou Messugo: “It has a long history and complicated identity involving whether or not it is indeed part of Brittany, but that’s not what I want to write about.  I want to focus on the fabulous and absurdly original urban regeneration on the Île de Nantes (Nantes island) symbolized by a giant mechanical elephant. This area was once a thriving ship building district but when that industry fell into decline so did the island.  However, since 2002 it has been steadily revamped as a cutting edge creative neighbourhood mainly owing to the brilliant imaginations of two men, François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice. Delarozière and Orifice both come from performance backgrounds where they are actively involved in the renewal of street theatre.”
• GoNomad: 
  • Nantes may be a place many haven’t heard of, but like me, once you’ve discovered the endearing town, it’s an immediate fall-in-love experience.
  • Impressive revitalization has changed the city, as once dreary industrial suburbs have transformed into a picturesque and charming place to visit.

• “The vast greenery …….it has been crowned the greenest city in Europe(green capital of Europe in 2013) and it lives up to its name completely …..It has a lot of gardens to stroll around and enjoy nature at its best ….:)” Quora
• Lou Messugo: “It has a long history and complicated identity involving whether or not it is indeed part of Brittany, but that’s not what I want to write about.  I want to focus on the fabulous and absurdly original urban regeneration on the Île de Nantes (Nantes island) symbolized by a giant mechanical elephant. This area was once a thriving ship building district but when that industry fell into decline so did the island.  However, since 2002 it has been steadily revamped as a cutting edge creative neighbourhood mainly owing to the brilliant imaginations of two men, François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice. Delarozière and Orifice both come from performance backgrounds where they are actively involved in the renewal of street theatre.”
• GoNomad: 
  • Nantes may be a place many haven’t heard of, but like me, once you’ve discovered the endearing town, it’s an immediate fall-in-love experience.
  • Impressive revitalization has changed the city, as once dreary industrial suburbs have transformed into a picturesque and charming place to visit.

• Montpellier has the reputation for being an ‘undiscovered gem’ among French cities
• The University of Montpellier is one of the oldest in the world, founded in 1160

• Montpellier has the reputation for being an ‘undiscovered gem’ among French cities
• The University of Montpellier is one of the oldest in the world, founded in 1160

• Abbaye de Fontenay: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a breathtaking example of Cistercian architecture, boasting its well-preserved Romanesque church, cloisters, and gardens.
• Friday weekly market in the covered hall and in the streets

• Abbaye de Fontenay: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a breathtaking example of Cistercian architecture, boasting its well-preserved Romanesque church, cloisters, and gardens.
• Friday weekly market in the covered hall and in the streets