All the 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

Beaune, in the heart, of Burgundy  is best known for its wine and food.  It has more seasons than other towns further south  — less extreme heat in the summers , but winters, while not severe,  are actual winter.  It is a handsome city and while popular as a tourist destination, not overrun. Not overrun with English speakers either, though it has a healthy Anglophone population and group.

• “One of the 10 most beautiful medieval villages in France, “

Special Pluses

“The Charente-Maritime is apparently the second sunniest place in France which was a big lure….Quiet roads, a wealth of wildlife, vineyards all around us. Fields of poppies in spring and sunflowers in summer. The air is clean and the weather is sunny and bright most of the year round. There are numerous hiking tracks and the Charente River is great for days out. There are loads of water activities or we can enjoy a gentle cruise on a water boat.” The Good Life France

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

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.)

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

• “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

• All about the sea…and boats.  Concarneau’s harbor is a bustling hub of activity, lined with colorful fishing boats and charming cafes. The harbor is particularly beautiful at sunset when the boats are illuminated by the setting sun.   Also, the seafood rocks.
• Concarneau’s old town is surrounded by a fortified wall, built in the 14th century. The wall is still largely intact and offers stunning views of the harbor and the city.
• Festival Interceltique de Lorient: A large international festival celebrating Celtic culture, featuring music, dance, sports, and cultural exhibits.
• In August the town holds the annual Fête des Filets Bleus (Festival of the blue nets). The festival, named after the traditional blue nets of Concarneau’s fishing fleet, is a celebration of Breton and pan-Celtic culture. Such festivals can occur throughout Brittany but the Filets Bleus is one of the oldest and largest,