France is a huge country offering diverse attractions. As you start your search for a property and a new life there, you need to become at least a little bit familiar with each area that you feel is right for you at the start. Of course, you may well have travelled far and wide in France and have a good idea of those areas which really “do it” for you, in which case you are well on the way to achieving what you want. If not, think first about what is important to you in terms of region and location. Think about such things as climate, proximity to towns, airports and stations, types of landscape. If you are not sure about location in terms of town/country, you could take a middle course and consider a property in a rural area but which is a short drive to a decent town or large village.

For many British people, one of the joys of living in rural France is the pleasure of being part of a community. This would explain why many people of retirement age are looking to emigrate to France; to rediscover that community spirit which sadly seems to have gone missing in many parts of the UK. There is often another advantage, that those same people will be able to release equity from their British home and find themselves financially unburdened in the process.

Give yourself time to think about area and geography:  if you adore the sea for example, there is no point holing up in the middle of the Auvergne! If you love rolling hills, there is no point looking at the Vendee or Charente which are largely flat… 

Do some research on each region of France. There is a great diversity in landscape and weather. Think about access back to the UK and elsewhere. Consider what is important to you for day to day living.

Choosing the right area is paramount. Cast your net fairly widely at the start and take a holiday in at least a couple of different regions before committing to buy. Do some research into local weather forecasts throughout the year.  In general France has a temperate climate with cold winters and hot summers but areas do vary, this is a large country. Sun lovers will be wise to look far south in areas such as Languedoc Roussillon and Provence.  As a general rule of thumb, anywhere south of the Loire is going to have more sunshine.

If you like a bit of life and buzz, check out where the nearest large town is and how you are going to get there. Be practical. Invest some time into researching your preferred location and going there. Find out as much as you can about what each season has to offer. The atmosphere in the summer can be so very different from that in the winter in more rural locations.

In short, give a lot of preliminary thought to your criteria, get yourself a huge map of France and begin your quest! Read as much as you can about each region of France, then narrow down your search to perhaps two or three areas that appeal to you.

Time spent now will save much work later. Give yourself a timeline and make plans to actually go to the areas you have earmarked. Don’t put yourself under pressure, this is a very important move and you will need time to assimilate all the information you are gathering.

There are many English people living in France now and if you would like to be part of the expat community, you might consider the following areas: Normandy, Brittany, Aquitaine, Charente, Languedoc Roussillon.

Having said that, the real key to settling successfully in France, as to any country, is to integrate into the French community. Talk to your neighbours, ask questions in your local shops and introduce yourself to your mayor. You will find that people love to give advice and help plus accepting the French lifestyle straightaway will reap huge rewards for your new life in France in the future.

Emigrating anywhere is going to be something of an adventure. As long as you retain a positive attitude, have made proper plans and are prepared to embrace change, you will find that life in France is a joy.