All the towns

Special Pluses

Fecamp is known for

• Being the birth place of the liqeur Benedictine
• A historical fishing town
• Sandy beached
• Clifftop walks
• Half-timbered houses

Special Pluses

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

Special Pluses

Antibes’ Old Town and central city are compact and easily walkable. It feels like a small town, with its ramparts perched on the sea; but has the conveniences and amenities of a much larger city. There are great beaches at your feet, and it’s easy to take day trips by train to anywhere along the coast. Because of Port Vauban, there are many English living or visiting the area, and English is spoken at least a little in most places.

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 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

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

• 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

• Listed as one of the 10 most beautiful medieval villages in France. also a UNESCO listed site, ” Its main tourist attraction is meandering around the town and soaking in its beauty.”
• Center of some of the finest wine country in this whole Bordeaux region; some people will tell you this area grows the best wine in the worold
• Easy access to Bordeaux’s night life, urban shopping and train connections.  Saint-Émilion is sometimes called ‘Bordeaux’s little sister’
• “Although the wines of Saint-Émilion may be more famous, the macarons deserve special recognition as well.”