All the towns

Special Pluses

• Great public transportation
• “Rennes has long been counted as “the smallest of the big cities” in France, but that it was now had momentum, not least thanks to upcoming 90-minute rail links to Paris, new Metro works, and a €2 billion injection to public investment. “My message is this: Rennes will amaze you,” the mayor said. ” “
• Factors that Rennes ranks high in:  public transportation, cultural events, green space, affordability and night life
• “PROS: I do not like the heat and it is cooler here. Just 90 mins to Paris. GREAT health care. Terrific transportation via bus and metro and we are able to live easily without a car. It’s lively here, a university town and something’s always happening, but it’s not too big. Very walkable. Close to the amazing Bretagne coast. I find the people in Brittany to be warm and welcoming. A lot of activity along the river. Good shopping. Very good restaurants and bars. An exquisite old town with half-timbered houses. Galettes! Decent beer. ” Therese C. in Americans Retiring in France

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

• Really lovely town with a substantial English-speaking town and a well-established social scene.
• About the St. Etienne collegiate church “Like a lighthouse in the middle of the vineyards, the collegiate church is visible from afar. Its enormous proportions intrigue the traveler… fine example of southern Gothic architecture
• From “The Good Life France” website: ” One of the best places to enjoy its full glory is in the medieval village of Capestang in the wine growing region of Saint-Chinian. Here you can stand on an ancient bridge arched over the canal, admiring a selection of sun drenched riverboats and lazy coypu and contemplating just what a marvel this Canal is.”
• From the website “That’ s Hamori”You drive up towards the town square, through little light colored row houses, along twisting and turning narrow streets towards the church steeple peeking above the rooftops. Once there, the church reveals ruin remains, with a story to discover, and stands on guard with strength in the square. Cafés with outdoor seating, people with baguettes under their arms scurry away; giving a sense of life here.”

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

“Five great things about Perpignan”

1. Transport – You can hop on a bus and travel to anywhere in the whole department for just 1 euro!
2. Rugby – With two famous teams (USAP and the Catalan Dragons) you can’t help but be caught up in the excitement on match day.
3. The Canigou – The majestic mountain that dominates the skyline.
4. Le ‘Casty’ – One of my favourite restaurants (just opposite Le Castillet).
5. The weather – 300 days of sunshine per year!” (France Today) 

” I also can’t forget to mention the warm hospitality of the residents here; people here seem to be kinder to strangers than in the bustling Parisian capital or maybe it’s just the musical Southern accent!….From the city center you can take the bus, rent, a car, and/or cycle to the beaches less than 15 kilometers away. Eager to escape on a hike after visiting the city? You can take a bus for 1€ and be transported into the heart of the Pyrénées catalanes” (Baguettes & Bicycles)

“Perpignan boasts about being only 20 minutes from the Mediterranean coast, and particularly from the colourful, Catalan town of Collioure, where anchovies are caught, processed, and sold. Easily reached by car, but you can also take the one-euro bus, which will drop you off around the corner from the 14th century Château Royal overlooking one of Collioure’s beaches.” Etravel Mag

Special Pluses

A nice size town, with the charms of Brittany but not the seaside, tourist ambiance.  Reasonable in size, cost of living and transportation

Special Pluses

Quiet Normandy village with some local stores.  Beautiful architecture and cathedral

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