Who Wouldn’t Want to Retire Here?

The joys of life in South West France are known to millions of regular visitors. The region boasts such scope, such diversity of topography – from the Biarritz beaches to the rolling hills of Périgord and the inviting peaks of the Pyrenees – that the area offers something of interest to those of all persuasions, be they townies, country lovers, the reclusive or the socially active.

Let’s not forget some of the key reasons that people flock to to Pays Basque, Cordes-Sur-Ciel, the Landes beaches, the bastides of Dordogne, the Lot, Languedoc, or wherever else takes their fancy in France’s bottom left corner: it’s all for the love of a traditional way of life, encompassing sunny Sunday markets and local restaurants where the waiter soon knows your name and a three-course meal won’t provoke a government spending review. It’s about the remotest countryside with swift wifi, yet unhindered by less useful trappings of modern life. It’s about youor daily bread served with a friendly “Et voilà” and a general feeling of gentle well-being that harks back to the Britain of yesteryear.

Add some bargain French property to the mix and the lure is seemingly irresistible. It’s little surprise, then, that for those seeking a home for retirement, the region has topped a recent list of locations that offer a mixture of good value for money and an attractive lifestyle. Beating off stiff competition from the likes of Thailand, Australia and the Canary Islands, South West France is the sensible choice for those seeking to satisfy both their souls and their bank managers. If you don’t believe us, head here to explore abundant options in Aquitaine, Midi-Pyrenees and Languedoc. Or just start drooling over a bargain farmhouse renovation or a stunning restored townhouse.