France is a picture-perfect destination for retirees. Old world tastes are combined with modern comforts in one of the world’s most beautiful and appealing countries. When it’s time for your dreams about retiring in France to become a reality, where should you start your search for property? Here are our five best places to retire in France.
Bordeaux
Known to some as “Little Paris,” beautiful Bordeaux is set on the Gironde river in the Aquitaine region of South West France. Energetic and cheerful, this port town boasts cafes and restaurants, art installations, walkways and gardens. While the classic architecture is similar to what you’d find in Paris, the cost of living is lower. Welcomingly unlike Paris, Bordeaux has vineyards almost everywhere you look, offering the opportunity to either purchase a vineyard property or simply enjoy the yields.
Residents enjoy tranquil weather year-round: wet, mild winters and warm, pleasant summers. Though there isn’t a dry season, that’s precisely what allows this area to produce some of the world’s best wines. With proximity to both the mountains and the sea, you can head to the coast on summer days and then to the Pyrenees for skiing during the winter. Whether you want to have an adventure-filled retirement or a peaceful, relaxing one, Bordeaux has the activities and amenities to suit your needs.
Dordogne
The Dordogne department, which is located inland from Bordeaux, brims with towns and villages that are extremely popular when tourists are visiting in holiday season. The choice of homes here is vast, from small cottages and renovated farmhouses to vineyard chateaux and modern villas with private pools. Nature enthusiasts will love the proximity to beaches, hot springs, lakes and the Dordogne river. The Périgord Noir area is highly popular in South West France, namely for its stunning scenery and pleasurable ambiance. Residents often dine in Périgueux, a town that’s well-known for its farmland and cuisine.
French Riviera
Some people dream of getting their hands in a project during their retirement, like renovating an old farmhouse or tending to a vineyard. Others simply want to bask in the sunshine – both literally and figuratively – of their newfound freedom. If your idea of retirement is filled with luxury instead of work gloves, the French Riviera is the quintessential option. Old world buildings are juxtaposed next to modern architecture, the sea is bluer than you’ve ever seen and the bay can be viewed from rolling hillsides.
While many of France’s holiday destinations go quiet during the off-season, the French Riviera is still abuzz. With cultural events, sunshine and warm weather all year long, retirees to this area of France are never lacking entertainment or relaxation possibilities. The French Riviera offers the ultimate cosmopolitan lifestyle, with high-class homes in wealthy, well-kept towns.
Languedoc
Considered by some to be the true South of France, charming Languedoc hugs the Mediterranean coastline and is known for its slow-paced lifestyle. Among its many enticements are postcard-worthy villages, simple shops that serve fresh baguettes, medieval stone houses, Roman ruins and regional wines. Soak up 300 days of sunshine every year and lounge in the consistently balmy weather. Many historic Languedoc properties have views of both the mountains and beaches. The region’s largest city, Montpellier, is a painless three hours from Paris by train making it easily accessible by rail as well as having five airports that service the area.
Provence
You could also consider owning your own vineyard or chateau in this richly historic area, which is known for its arts, festivals and fairytale-like villages. Provence has all types of scenery, from mountains to coastlines. The culture-filled seaside town of Cote d’Azur is possibly the most popular area of Provence and nearby Cannes is known for it’s annual film festival along with numerous stylish boutiques.
Provence’s Mediterranean climate is characteristically hot in the summer and mild in the winter, making it the perfect year-round retirement playground. The area is rich in olive trees and world-class wine, there are 10 beaches between Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and the Regional Nature Park of the Camargue is picture-perfect for discovering via horseback or bicycle.
If you are considering making a move to France and are looking to invest in a slice of French property, then speak to Home Hunts and let us help you find your perfect retirement home. Our team of property consultants can hand pick a selection of properties that closely meet your requirements.
Either use our property search facility to search our database of available properties or call our team of property consultants directly to talk about your specific requirements, call +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
