All the towns

Special Pluses

• “not a large city by any means, we found the center to be charming and tranquil. Cassoulet restaurants cover the city, and the riverfront sets as a centerpiece with all sort of boats floating on their journey across this great canal.”(https://girlinflorence.com/)
• “it is a medium city and quite a few English expats and a good standard of living. Maybe you should visit if you’re looking for a place to settle in France that’s not too expensive.”(https://joinusinfrance.com/episode/castelnaudary-cassoulet-and-canal-du-midi/)
• “Its a region thats not too populated so kind of traditional in its values and cultures. For me, theres a feeling of isolation in the Aude, and in this isolation, there’s not the blemish of globalisation, hence old school. France before the sell out. Perhaps thanks to the wind or that there’s no big city in the area.” Stephen McCartney,
• “”Lovely town with everything you need.It’s more than just the cassoulet festival every year” Ian Black
• I know Castelnaudary very well. In my view, this city has its positives and negatives. On the positive side, it’s populated by modest and generally pleasant people, offering a human-scale environment with accessible locations on foot and by bicycle. The surroundings, including a lovely lake, scenic views of the Pyrénées and Montagne Noire, and an active community, contribute to its charm. A sunny climate, proximity to places like Toulouse and the Mediterranean, and ample parking are also pluses.Hugo Szpak

Special Pluses

The town developed and prospered as a health resort around its thermal spa waters and grand buildings such as the ‘Grand Hotel’ as well as the picturesque lake, gardens, riverside walks, cascades, and forest as well as many other attractions including good sports facilities. It is perhaps the fine examples of the “belle-epoque” (approx. 1884-1914) architecture that Bagnoles de l’Orne is best known for.

Special Pluses

• Was once known as the Monaco of the North and still retains a kind of Belle Epoque glamour.  Hometown of Christian Dior
• “Granville is one of those places that compels you to engage with the sea” …”Beautiful, old buildings with stone, render and timber-frame façades, a medieval gateway, a lovely old church, and lofty views over the harbor and far out to sea”(Finding Our France blog)
• “The harbour has a marina for over a 1000 berths and there is a fleet of trawlers here. It is a popular place for shellfish the town has stalls and shops selling them everywhere.”A Taste of 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

• Near to Switzerland and the Alps.   A culture that mixes the Alpine and Swiss with the French
• “A good idea to get to know people would be to sign up to The Association de Quartier du Centre Ville which is a Community Centre with all sorts of activities where you will meet people of all ages and backgrounds and where you could learn French if you don’t already speak it – you could even do a language exchange. Chambéry is a University town and there are lots of cinemas, bookshops, shops, and theatres. Also swimming pools, sports centres.” Miracle Maid

Special Pluses

• 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!”

Special Pluses

• World-renown antique market
• Particularly charming river town
• Central to seeing the Vaucluse in general

Special Pluses

• “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.

Special Pluses

• 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