If I were to re-locate for the winter to France which area would you go to and why?

Question

I have 2 dogs so a bit of countryside would be necessary, I like to be able to visit bars and restaurants, I have a 21 year old daughter,,,,,,,,was looking at Brittany? any thoughts or ideas are more than welcome please

Answer 1

Here are three locations, which I've found to be quite lovely and they provide excellent entertainment:

1. Grasse.

2. Perpignan.

3. Nice.

Enjoy.

Answer 2

I do love Brittany, St Malo is the most wonderful beach in the world. We have visited in all seasons. The coastline in Brittany is awesome. From the Pink Granite Coast to the wonderful beaches of the north.

However, very cold for the winter.

Go South. Bordeaux is a beautiful vibrant city. Much more pleasant in the winter than UK.

Montpelier is another city where there is plenty to occupy a young person, and the climate more agreeable.

Answer 3

Well, Cabal is right, Brittany during winter is cold, windy and rainy but this is also the most beautiful part of France. The coast is awesome and if you go to a city like Rennes, you have hundreds of bars and restaurants. This is a city with something like 50 thousands students. I studied there and this was the best time of my life. It's easy to meet people and they know how to party!

And this city is only 2 hours away of Paris by train. With your dogs, you can go the Broceliande Forest or walk near the sea... or you can visit Saint Malo or the Mont saint Michel (around 1 hour from Rennes)

But don't go in a too small town, your daughter would easily be bored , specialy if she wants to meet people and have fun in bars.

And i finally would add one thing: when the weather is bad the landscape in Saint Malo is absolutly fabulous.

i hope you'll have the opportunity to see that.

Answer 4

If I was looking to relocate for the winter, I would be looking to avoid the winter weather. Brittany is beautiful but its climate is very British. Also the north east and down as far as Metz has very cold weather in winter.

Think of heading south. The massif central region can provide cheap living, but if you want chances of sunshine you are looking at the south coast.

Answer 5

Depends what kind of weather you are ready to stand.

Brittany in winter is cold, windy, and when it isn't raining it is going to rain.

Personally I would go further south. You have milder winters around Bordeaux, or the Loire Valley, or further south around Bayonne on the west coast. There's also the Provence area, either on the seaside if you want some life or further inland if you'd rather have quiet. Next to Nice allows you to take your car and have some nice day trips in Italy.