Why Americans Should Check Out More Than the South of France for Retirement
Retiring in France doesn’t just mean Provence or the Riviera. France has 13 regions, each with its own climate, culture, and lifestyle. From affordable Normandy to glamorous Provence, the best place to retire in France depends on your priorities.
The 13 Regions of France for Retirement: History, Culture, and Lifestyle
When Americans picture retirement in France, the South usually comes to mind: lavender fields in Provence, the glamour of the Riviera, and the Mediterranean lifestyle. I live in the South, so I understand the attraction.
But France is more than sunshine and sea. Each of its 13 regions carries centuries of history, unique cultural traditions, and very different lifestyles. Some were once independent duchies, some shaped world events, and all still reflect their past in daily life.
These are my favorite things about France: the history that is woven into its towns, the way culture is kept alive through festivals and cuisine, and the traditions that still shape daily routines. Your priorities may be different. You might be more focused on sunshine, affordability, or proximity to airports. That’s the beauty of France: there’s a region for everyone.
If you’re considering a move, this is more than a matter of weather or cost—it’s about finding the best region of France to retire, where history and lifestyle fit the way you want to live.
Is Île-de-France Right for You?
Île-de-France is ideal if you dream of retiring in Paris or want the capital at your doorstep. The region offers unmatched culture and transport, though living costs are among the highest in France. You should be prepared for higher prices compared to much of the country.
Major Cities: Paris, Versailles, Boulogne-Billancourt
Climate: Temperate, with cold winters and warm summers.
Culture & Lifestyle: Paris is a fast-paced and cosmopolitan city, while the surrounding towns are generally quieter.
Food: From bakeries to top chef cooking schools, to Michelin dining.
Atmosphere: Urban in the city, traditional in the outskirts.
History: Seat of the monarchy and French Revolution; Versailles and Notre-Dame are here.
Hauts-de-France
Why Consider Hauts-de-France for Retirement in France?
Hauts-de-France is an affordable region for retiring in France, especially if you want quick train access to Paris, Brussels, and London. Housing costs are among the lowest, though the weather is gray.
Major Cities: Lille, Amiens, Calais
Climate: Cold winters, mild summers, often gray skies.
Culture & Lifestyle: Industrial heritage with Flemish influence.
Food: Beer, Flemish dishes: chocolate, waffles, fries, and beer.
Atmosphere: Bustling Lille, contrasted with quiet farming towns.
History: A frontline region in WWI and WWII, and long a hub of trade with England and Belgium.
Normandy
Is Coastal Living Your Retirement Dream?
A good choice for retirement in France is Normandy, if you want affordable living, coastal scenery, and a rich history at your doorstep. Close enough to Paris for convenience, with a slower pace of life.
Major Cities: Rouen, Caen, Le Havre
Climate: Mild overall; steady rain, cool sea breezes.
Culture & Lifestyle: Maritime traditions and quiet rural towns.
Food: Camembert, cider, Calvados, seafood.
Atmosphere: Green, calm, with dramatic coastlines.
History: From William the Conqueror in 1066 to the D-Day landings in 1944, Normandy has shaped Europe.
Brittany
Why do Many Americans Choose Brittany for Retiring in France?
Brittany appeals to Americans retiring in France who want rugged coastlines, Celtic traditions, and lower housing costs. Its distinct culture makes Brittany one of the best places to retire in France.
Major Cities: Rennes, Brest, Quimper
Climate: Oceanic—mild, often rainy.
Culture & Lifestyle: Celtic roots, with music, festivals, and local pride.
Food: Crêpes, galettes, cider, seafood.
Atmosphere: Rural, rugged, and proudly distinct.
History: Once an independent duchy resisting French control, it is still culturally unique.
Grand-Est
Grand Est is ideal for retirement in France if you enjoy wine, hearty food, and easy cross-border travel. Its Franco-German heritage gives the region a unique identity.
Is Access to European Travel Right for Your Retirement?
Major Cities: Strasbourg, Metz, Reims
Climate: Continental—cold winters, warm summers.
Culture & Lifestyle: French and German influences in architecture and traditions.
Food: Sauerkraut, flammekueche, Riesling.
Atmosphere: Medieval towns, vineyards, and Strasbourg’s canals.
History: Long contested between France and Germany; shaped by wars, treaties, and blended identity.
Pays de la Loire
In Pays de la Loire, retiring in France means combining château country with Atlantic beaches. It’s more affordable than central regions, making it attractive for retirees seeking history and lifestyle at a lower cost.”
Major Cities: Nantes, Angers, Le Mans
Climate: Mild oceanic, moderate rainfall.
Culture & Lifestyle: Maritime history and castles.
Food: Muscadet wines, seafood, rillettes.
Atmosphere: Historic towns with Atlantic charm.
History: A region of trade and Renaissance châteaux, shaped by both sea and river.
Centre–Val de Loire
Are Chateaus and History Your Reasons for Retiring in France?
Centre–Val de Loire is an excellent choice for retirement in France if you love Renaissance history and château life. The region offers beauty and culture at prices below Paris or Provence
Major Cities: Orléans, Tours, Blois
Climate: Mild winters, warm summers.
Culture & Lifestyle: Known as the “Garden of France.”
Food: Goat cheeses, Loire wines, rillettes.
Atmosphere: Elegant and relaxed.
History: Home to French royalty during the Renaissance; châteaux like Chambord and Chenonceau dominate the landscape.
Is Bourgogne–Franche-Comté Just for Wine Lovers?
Bourgogne–Franche-Comté is perfect for wine lovers considering retirement in France. With quiet villages, vineyards, and a rich medieval history, the region offers rural living within easy reach of Paris.
Major Cities: Dijon, Besançon, Beaune
Climate: Temperate with four seasons.
Culture & Lifestyle: Famous for winemaking and medieval villages.
Food: Burgundy wines, escargots, Dijon mustard, coq au vin.
Atmosphere: Peaceful, rural, vineyard-rich.
History: Once a powerful duchy rivaling the French crown, its wealth shaped medieval Europe.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Why is Nouvelle-Aquitaine so Popular with American Retirees?
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is appealing to Americans retiring in France who want ocean living, vineyards, and Basque culture. Bordeaux is costly, but smaller towns and rural areas are affordable.
Major Cities: Bordeaux, Limoges, Bayonne
Climate: Mild winters, warm summers.
Culture & Lifestyle: Known as the “Garden of France.”
Food: Goat cheeses, Loire wines, rillettes.
Atmosphere: Elegant and relaxed.
History: Home to French royalty during the Renaissance; châteaux like Chambord and Chenonceau dominate the landscape.
Auvergne–Rhône-Alpes
Do You Know Why Outdoor Sports Fans Love Auvergne–Rhône-Alpes?
Auvergne–Rhône–Alpes is an ideal region for retirement in France, offering mountains, skiing, hiking, and world-class cuisine. Lyon is lively but expensive; smaller towns and villages are more budget-friendly
Major Cities: Lyon, Grenoble, Clermont-Ferrand
Climate: Snowy Alpine winters, warm Rhône Valley summers.
Culture & Lifestyle: Mountain traditions and Lyon’s gastronomic reputation.
Food: Cheeses, charcuterie, Rhône wines.
Atmosphere: Vibrant cities and peaceful alpine villages.
History: Roman trade routes passed here; Lyon became the cradle of French gastronomy and Renaissance printing.
Is Occitanie Your Top Choice for Retiring in France?
Occitanie is one of the best choices for retirement in France, offering Mediterranean sunshine, medieval towns like Uzès, and lively cities at lower costs than those in Provence.
Major Cities: Toulouse, Montpellier, Nîmes
Climate: Mediterranean—hot summers, mild winters.
Culture & Lifestyle: Strong Occitan and Catalan roots.
Food: Cassoulet, duck confit, seafood.
Atmosphere: Urban energy in Toulouse, slower pace in villages and on the coast.
History: The heart of the Cathar movement; castles and towns recall crusades and medieval resistance.
Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur
Think Provence Is Too Expensive for Retirees in France?
Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur is the dream destination for many retiring in France. With Mediterranean glamour, Roman history, and Provençal charm, it’s highly desirable but also among the most expensive.
Major Cities: Marseille, Nice, Avignon
Climate: Hot, dry summers, mild winters.
Culture & Lifestyle: Artistic legacy, Roman ruins, Riviera glamour.
Food: Bouillabaisse, ratatouille, olive oil dishes.
Atmosphere: Chic and international on the coast, rustic inland.
History: Once part of the Roman Empire, amphitheaters, aqueducts, and ruins remain alongside lavender fields.
Corsica
Can you Picture Yourself Retiring in Corsica?
Corsica offers a unique setting for retirement in France if you want island living, rugged landscapes, and a fiercely independent culture. Stunning, but more remote, with additional travel required to reach the mainland.
Major Cities: Ajaccio, Bastia, Corte
Climate: Mediterranean; hot summers, mild winters.
Culture & Lifestyle: French-Italian blend with a strong independent spirit.
Food: Charcuterie, chestnut dishes, seafood, cheeses.
Atmosphere: Rugged, authentic, fiercely local.
History: Conquered by Genoa, then France; birthplace of Napoleon; long history of autonomy.
Choosing the Best Region of France to Call Home
France’s regions are as different as the U.S. states. Some are coastal, some Alpine, some deeply rural, others cosmopolitan. For Americans, the choice comes down to what matters most: climate, cost of living, access to healthcare, or cultural life.
For me, it’s the history and culture that make living here so rich. For you, it might be sunshine, the food, or simply a slower pace of life. That’s why it’s worth looking beyond the South. Somewhere among these 13 regions, there will be the best place in France waiting for you.
FAQs About Retiring in France
Q: Which regions of France are best for affordable retirement?
A: Normandy, Brittany, and Hauts-de-France are among the most affordable, offering good value for housing and daily living.
Q: Where can Americans retire in France near the beach?
A: Popular coastal regions include Brittany, Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Atlantic beaches), and Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur on the Mediterranean.
Q: Which French regions are best for wine lovers in retirement?
A: Bourgogne, Bordeaux in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and the Rhône Valley are all world-renowned for vineyards and wine culture.
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One Response
Great synopsis of the regions. Thank you! I’ve been looking for something like this article for a while!