For Americans considering retirement or spending extended time abroad, one question matters as much as the cost of living or healthcare: Where will I feel welcome? In the South of France, some towns stand out not just for their beauty, but for their friendliness. So, where are the places where newcomers are greeted with a smile, and community still matters?
What Makes a Town “Friendly”?
In France, friendliness isn’t loud or exaggerated—it’s genuine. It’s being remembered at the market. It’s a nod from your neighbor. It’s the local baker who teaches you the name of each baquette, so you order it just right the next time.
The towns listed here all offer something essential to Americans abroad: a sense of connection. Whether you’re moving full-time or planning an extended stay, friendliness matters. It’s the difference between feeling like a visitor and feeling like you belong.
Montpellier: A Warm Welcome in a Lively City
If there’s one city that consistently earns a reputation for friendliness, it’s Montpellier. This youthful, sun-soaked city in Occitanie combines Mediterranean flair with a forward-thinking spirit. Home to three universities, Montpellier has an energetic vibe—but don’t let that fool you. It’s also deeply rooted in “community.”
Locals are used to newcomers—students, travelers, and international residents—which creates a naturally open and tolerant culture. English is widely spoken, and city events often cater to global audiences. For Americans, this means an easier transition, whether you’re practicing your French at a market or joining a yoga class in the park.
Why Americans love it: Easy integration, vibrant expat groups, excellent public transport, and close access to beaches.
Toulouse: Southern Hospitality with a Rose-Colored Glow
Known as La Ville Rose for its pink-hued brick buildings, Toulouse offers a slower pace than bigger cities like Paris or Marseille—but with all the culture and warmth you’d expect from a southern French town.
Toulousains are known for being laid-back, sociable, and genuinely proud of their region. The café culture is strong, the markets are colorful, and if you strike up a conversation in a bakery queue, chances are it will lead to a smile—or even an invitation to chat later.
Why Americans love it: Affordable living, international business presence (like Airbus), and a mix of historic charm and friendly modern neighborhoods.
Pézenas: Artistic Spirit and Open Arms
This medieval gem in the Languedoc region is more than just a postcard-perfect destination. Pézenas has long attracted artists, writers, and creative souls, and that energy translates into a warm and inclusive community.
The town is small enough to know your neighbors, yet lively enough to keep you engaged. Weekly markets, art festivals, and seasonal concerts make it easy to meet people and join in. Locals take pride in their town and welcome those who take the time to get to know it.
Why Americans love it: Low cost of living, strong cultural identity, and an easygoing rhythm of life with an artistic flair.
Sète: Seaside Charm and Local Soul
Often called the “Venice of the Languedoc” because of its canals, Sète is a working port town with deep traditions—and a surprisingly open heart. While it’s not as polished as nearby resort towns, that’s part of its charm. Sète feels lived-in, authentic, and utterly itself.
Locals are friendly without fuss. Restaurants are generous with portions and conversation, and strangers often strike up casual chats at the port cafes or on the beach.
Why Americans love it: Authentic coastal life, excellent seafood, and a no-frills friendliness that makes it feel like home.
Carcassonne (Beyond the Castle Walls)
While many know Carcassonne for its famous medieval fortress, the real life of the town happens outside the tourist zone. In the surrounding neighborhoods and nearby villages, a different story unfolds—one of community, tradition, and simple pleasures.
Americans who choose Carcassonne often mention how neighbors become friends and how everyday errands turn into conversations. The town may feel sleepy in winter, but that’s when the tight-knit community shines.
Why Americans love it: Affordable housing, historic beauty, and a sense of belonging that grows over time.
Who Says They’re the Friendliest?
This isn’t just anecdotal. Towns like Montpellier, Toulouse, and Pézenas appear regularly in:
- Internations Expat Rankings – based on thousands of expat surveys around friendliness, ease of settling in, and community integration.
- Le Journal des Femmes – which ranks Pézenas among “les villages où il fait bon vivre” (villages where it’s good to live).
- Le Figaro Magazine – known for quality-of-life surveys that highlight community life in towns like Sète.
Together with real-world feedback from expats and travelers, these rankings help shape a picture of where Americans are likely to feel not just comfortable, but truly connected.
Living Happily-Ever-After Means Fitting In—Gently
Understanding French etiquette is more than a survival tool—it’s a way to connect. These subtle cultural cues provide a glimpse into how the French prioritize community, time, and tradition.
For Americans moving to the South of France—or even visiting for a season—respecting these unspoken rules turns good experiences into great ones. It opens doors to genuine friendships and a life that feels fully embraced.
And when that moment comes—when the baker knows your name, when the neighbor invites you for apéro, or when a stranger greets you with a smile and a cheerful “Bonjour”—you’ll know: you’re not just in France. You’re part of it.
7 Responses
Love this! I have been to most of these places, but just briefly, so thank you for really capturing why they are so special! I can’t wait to spend more time in each place!
Thank you, Traci. I’d love to visit some of these while you’re there.. let me know. I appreciate your checking out the post and saying “hi.”
Thanks for highlighting these places for all of us who live far away! They are now on my must-explore list. 🙂
They’re all great places to visit … even if not to live there. Come on over! Thanks for reading and for your note. Stay tuned!
This is wonderful. I am in my late 70s and trying to find my perfect spot. I will check these out. Any tips for the older retirees like myself who are single, love their pets, an artist and an interior designer retired??? Love the info. Merci beaucoup.
You’re doing the right thing, Sandra, by reading and researching. Moving in our later years is nothing to take lightly. Best of luck and let me know how I might help. Thanks for the note.Bravo!
I completely agree with these selections! Each one offers something unique and authentic. And, yes, the moment the baker recognizes you by name is pure magic.