All Towns

Special Pluses

• 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.

Special Pluses

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

Special Pluses

• • 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.

Special Pluses

• 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

Special Pluses

• 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.

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

• “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”)

Special Pluses