Special Pluses

• 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

Special Pluses

• ” …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)

Special Pluses

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

Special Pluses

• “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)

Special Pluses

• 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.”

Special Pluses

• 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)

Special Pluses

• 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

Special Pluses

Aix probably has more pluses than we can name here.  Its size and topography offer many of the pluses of a city, with the eminent walkability and conviviality of a town. The large population of students and retirees makes it both lively and mellow.  Art is revered, as one might expect in Cezanne’s town.  Lovely weather most of the year, and a tad less prey to the Mistral (Provence’s wicked wind) than some of its nearby neighbors.  Excellent transportation throughout the city and quite good beyond.  We especially like the electric-powered free micro-buses that allow most of the center of town to remain pedestrian zones (while providing a hop-on, hop-off option if your feet are sore.)