South of France : Mediterranean Coast
The South of France has become a go-to spot for retirees, and it's not hard to see why.
Blessed with abundant sunshine and consistently mild temperatures, the Mediterranean coast creates an atmosphere of a never-ending vacation, winters are brief and mild, while summers remain pleasant due to the cooling sea breezes that prevent excessive heat.
Beyond the inviting climate, the south of France is known for its friendly atmosphere and cherished regional customs. Settling down in this region allows one to embrace a leisurely lifestyle emphasising on well-being and life's simple pleasures.
The gentle climate helps reduce common discomforts such as rheumatism and seasonal illnesses, while numerous seaside resorts provide revitalising thalassotherapy experiences.
Additionally, the region encourages the adoption of a Mediterranean-inspired diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, delectable fish, and fine French olive oils.
Provence Alpes côte d’Azur
Retiring in Provence and the Côte d’Azur (also referred to as the French Riviera) can be an exceptional experience! From the rich cultural festivals to high-level sporting events, the region offers a vibrant and diverse social scene and a dynamic international population, which makes it a fantastic place to meet new friends and expand your social circle.
Alongside this, the region's natural beauty is unparalleled - the turquoise waters of the Gorges du Verdon are an excellent example of the area's stunning scenery.
Retirees will find that Provence has modern infrastructures.The dynamic cities of Antibes, Cannes, Nice and Arles offer easy access to services, shops, and cultural activities that enhance the quality of daily life.
It's essential to consider that Provence and the French Riviera are also one of the most expensive regions in France. However, for those who have the means, retiring here is an unforgettable experience. The convenience of nearby airports, excellent hospitals, and well-connected road infrastructure ensures a stress-free retirement
Occitanie
Occitanie, situated in the southwest of France, is often considered a more affordable alternative to the expensive Provence Côte d'Azur region. Occitanie's diverse territories offer something for everyone, from the bustling urban metropolises of Montpellier and Toulouse, to picturesque natural landscapes by the seaside or the middle of the mountains.
This region in the southwest of France boasts a mild climate, diverse nature, and historical sites like Carcassonne and Albi. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees mountain range to the west, just a few kilometres from Spain and Andorra.
The region is rich in cultural history and features several local languages, including Occitan, Languedoc, Gascon, Provençal, and Catalan.
Retirees will find Occitania to be an ideal destination, offering superb seaside resorts such as Cap d'Agde, also named the black pearl of the Mediterranean and the city of Sète. Cap d'Agde's fine sandy beaches, lively restaurants, and attractive shops provide an exceptional summer living environment, while Sète's historic port town offers easy access to beautiful beaches, traditional fishing, gastronomy, and maritime culture.
Nestled in the southwest of the country, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is an ideal retirement destination in France for those seeking a beautiful and active lifestyle. This region offers an impressive 720 kilometres of Atlantic coastline, an array of leisure activities, from golfing to cycling, hiking to water sports, and much more.
Retirees looking to settle down in Nouvelle-Aquitaine will find an impressive selection of properties available on Kyero.com, ranging from charming historic homes in quaint villages to modern apartments in bustling cities. And let's not forget about the culinary scene.
One of the highlights of the region is its gastronomy, with a variety of local products, traditional dishes, and renowned wines to enjoy.
Arcachon is currently one of the most popular cities to retire. The municipality has put in place a system that provides a lot of information on the themes of well-being, health, new technologies for seniors that is called “bien vivre dans ma ville” (living well in my city).
The hidden gem of Pau, bordering the Pyrenees offers stunning views to its residents, as well as a range of cultural attractions including palaces, museums, and a castle. Plus, with the nearby city of St. Sebastien is just a short trip away, retirees in Pau can easily enjoy weekend breaks to this charming destination.
Just a short distance from Pau, two charming Basque cities await retirees : Dax is renowned for its roman-era thermal baths and wellness activities, while Bayonne is known for its picturesque historic centre and lively festivals throughout the year.
Another beautiful spot in the region is Bordeaux, renowned for its world-class wine and vineyards. This charming city offers a compact layout, making it easy to explore on foot. Additionally, just a short 20-minute journey from the city centre lies Merignac, which is home to an international airport providing convenient access for travellers.
Finally, let us take you to Limoges, a charming city located in the heart of France and an ideal destination for retirees seeking a peaceful environment. The city is renowned for its fine porcelain and skilled craftsmanship, and locals can enjoy daily walks through beautiful green spaces, such as the Bishopric Gardens and along the banks of the Vienne river.
Cities in France
If you're looking to live in a bustling and exciting urban environment, Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Lille are great cities to consider. You'll never run out of cultural activities, leisure, and entertainment options, and the highly efficient transportation links make it easy to explore the rest of France, Europe, and beyond. Keep in mind, though, that real estate prices can be higher in these cities due to the high demand and urban lifestyle.
North west : Brittany & Normandy
The beautiful regions of Normandy and Brittany, located in the northwest of France, offer retirees an array of outdoor activities, stunning ocean views, and natural landscapes. From exploring famous historical sites like Mont-Saint-Michel in Brittany and the D-Day beaches in Normandy, to visiting historic cities like Saint-Malo and Rouen, there's always something to do. These regions also have a lower cost of living compared to larger cities like Paris, making it easier for retirees to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
The proximity to other regions of France and Europe is also a significant advantage. Normandy and Brittany are only two hours by train from the centre of Paris, which makes it convenient to travel to other parts of France and Europe. The region also has excellent transport connections to the UK, directly accessible by ferry from Saint-Malo, Cherbourg, and Le Havre, and only a couple of hours' drive from Calais.
However, what really sets these regions apart is the welcoming and friendly nature of the locals. Retirees who choose to live in Normandy (lower and upper) or Brittany can easily integrate into the local community and make new friends thanks to the warm and friendly welcome they receive.
To learn more about the practical side of retiring in France, I invite you to read our Retiring in France guide.
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