Where to live in France? With 96 departments to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice, says Richard Hammond
Deciding which part of France to call home is very different to spending a week or two on holiday here. Every department has something unique to offer, so it’s a decision that shouldn’t be rushed. Here are a few tips that might help make your choice.
Start by writing down a list of the things that are important to you. Do you want to be able to stroll to the boulangerie? Will you be looking for a school within easy driving distance? Is there a local produce market? Do you dream of popping into a friendly café for your morning coffee, or having a game of boules with the locals?
Your list of ‘must haves’ will be a guide to whether you choose a quiet village or a bustling town. And from there, you can start to imagine the type of home you might buy or rent. Do you like having neighbours in close proximity? Or would you be happier living further out? If so, would you like a view or land?
If you decide to buy a property, you might prefer to choose a place that’s habitable from the start. Or you might opt to carry out renovations but if the work is structural, the property could be uninhabitable for a while, so you would need somewhere else to stay for the duration.
WEIGHING IT UP
As well as likes and dislikes, it’s important to weigh up practical considerations.
For example, it might be reassuring to be close to a medical clinic or hospital. If you travel often or are likely to have frequent visitors, a nearby airport or wellconnected train line would, of course, be very useful.
Then there’s the question of the surrounding environment. With a total of 96 departments, France offers a huge variety of landscapes. And the weather varies widely depending on which part of the country you choose to live in. In general, it’s warmer in the south and southwest, particularly in winter, although a higher temperature is sometimes reflected in the cost of renting or buying.
If you prefer city life, you might look tow
