The winds of France are different than many climates. While Brittany and Normandy, like many coastal regions, are definitely windy, with frequent breezy conditions, and very strong winds during storms.,it is the South of France whose winds are distinct, even mythical.
The ‘Mistral‘ (and its cousin the Tramontane) is described as “a violent, cold, north or northwest wind that accelerates when it passes through the valleys of the Rhône and the Durance Rivers to the Mediterranean coast. For some people, it is a reason not to live in these regions. The wind blows non-stop for days, more in winter and spring. These regions can have up to 100 days a year of this kind of wind. For some, it can cause irritability, decreased mood, sleep difficulties and migraines. Other seem to shrug it off.
We strongly recommend, if you are considering towns in these very popular regions (sunnier, warmer) in red on the map above to spend time in the region and experience it for yourself before making a permanent decision. It might not trouble you a bit. For others it’s a deal-breaker. More information here.
Quoting a resident living near Perpignan: “We live in the mountains 1 hour from Perpignan. Here the Tramontagne is really unpleasant. It’s very strong, sometimes 90+ km/hr. We just don’t go out when it’s blowing. In winter it comes off the mountains (hence its name!). It is COLD and cuts through clothing like a knife.
If I had to list one of the disadvantagesof living here I would say the wind. However, it can vary a lot locally, so I advise you to ask lots of locals about it.”
including climate, transportation, welcome, health, safety + reviews and recommendations.
including climate, transportation, welcome, health, safety + reviews and recommendations.
including climate, transportation, welcome, health, safety + reviews and recommendations.
“Houses on the Agout: Formerly workshops for tanners, parchment makers or weavers, these colorful pastel-hued houses are half-timbered and date from the 13th century.” Quote unattributed, please contact if these are your words; we’d like to give you credit/
“The main square in Castres is lovely and a great place to enjoy a drink in the sun – there are also some lovely little boutiques……Quote unattributed, please contact if these are your words; we’d like to give you credit/
including climate, transportation, welcome, health, safety + reviews and recommendations.
including climate, transportation, welcome, health, safety + reviews and recommendations.
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.)
