Nickie M. Says:
What are some areas in France with a warm climate and cultural activities to retire on a modest budget?
IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says:
Hello Nickie and thank you for your question.
By far the best weather in France can be found in the southeastern part of the country, encompassing the regions of Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur and Occitanie—the administrative designations which house some of the most attractive cities for would-be France retirees.
Seaside towns enjoy a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Although average winter temperatures rarely dip below the 40s F, the area sees four distinct seasons with enough rainfall to supply the beautiful vineyards for which the region is famous.
The southeastern part of the country is known as the “California of France,” so you won’t have any shortage of cultural activities. While the area can seem expensive, if you avoid the pricier areas of the French Riviera—Cannes, Nice, and St. Tropez for example—you can do southern France on a budget.
You’ll want to go a bit farther inland and check out villages like Cotignac, Carces, Pierrefeu, and Lorgues, to name a few. You’ll be a short drive to the coast and will save at least 20% on housing and rental costs. Two-bedroom rentals in Cotignac start at $700 and up.
If you have a bit more to spend, the city of Nice is a good option. I recently talked to an expat who lives there, Patty Sadauskas, and she loves life there. Read my profile of her in the December issue of IL magazine here.
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