Moving to France. But where?

Like every place in the world, Mallorca has its problems but also its charms - it's certainly a beautiful island. My brother is also full of praise for it, and if you have friends over there then you might know more about it than I do.

I was only thinking about / referring to these 200$ all-inclusive tourists of whom Mallorca might have more than they wish... it's *the* place people mention here when they think holidays, that's what I meant.

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Certainly understand Wolfgang.

Thanks for your thoughts.

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South of France can be a great choice for a happy and sunny retirement.
If you want some seaside, the coast between Marseille and Monaco is the most beautiful and the weather is not as hot in summer than between Marseille and Perpignan where summers are becoming very hot.
If you prefer a beautiful countryside, there are many charming villages and small cities about 10 to 50 kms back from the sea.
Upon the Cote d'Azur, you'll be close to the sea and the mountains with a nice climate and beautiful landscapes, while going west upon Marseille, you'll get to Provence that I love but real estate is becoming expensive in many places.
You can also have a look at Drome which is a great place.
Toulouse is fine, very lively but very hot in summer and Bordeaux is a beautiful city, attractive with a very rich cultural life, close to the sea but becoming expensive and for me, the landscape is very flat unless you like grapevine all around...
Don't hesitate to ask for more, I would be glad to help you.

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Thanks so much for the info. Much appreciated.

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What a great post, now I want to move to France! :D

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Go on Mike do it😎 we are now looking at Mallorca but if you’re heading Côte d’Azur way so are we🤣 I did spend several years there as I mentioned at the top of this thread and yes I know it’s pricey but it is quite a beautiful area😎

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Nah I'm just a big talker. :) The wife is still working....at least that's my excuse. :)

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Mallorca:

I love Mallorca and think it's a beautiful, charming and safe place to live. Before Covid we spent our winters over there and do want to return as soon as posible. It's only a 2:20 hours flight from Bonn, Germany, where we live, which makes it very convenient.
The Capital, Palma de Mallorca has quite a jazz scene, festivals, clubs etc and concerts are also in other cities.
The tipical "German and english 200 $ tourists" are only found in small areas and are not a problem, really ;-)) If you'd like more infos I'd be more than happy to give you some tipps!

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Isamusic attached the following image:

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Edited by Isamusic on 11 febbraio 2022 alle ore 16:30

I am originally from Bordeaux. More of the coastal region. You have the whole part of the "Arcachon bassin" which is fantastic and where life is good. Especially the "Cap Ferret" and "Andernos". Many people in summer and few in winter. House prices often very expensive.
Look at the pictures of the names that I have indicated to you as well as the global geography. All this is articulated between bay and wild ocean coast.

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Thank you so much Isa.
I will message you for more info for sure.
Super delighted to hear from you and I look forward to more of your insights.
Much appreciated.

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Hi, you may be interested in asking advice from a saxophone player living and working in mallorca who recently joint wikiloops. https://www.wikiloops.com/artist/SaxoGogo.php

Best regards

Ananda

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With all this discussion of Mallorca I'll jump in and say DO IT! I made the move from UK to south eastern Spain (Almeria area specifically - much less tourist-i-fied) and it's worth all the pain. Spain has, so far, worked out pretty awesome for me apart from some residency issues caused by Brexit (do not, repeat, do not start me on that).

Like you I did consider France but Spain's weather won in the end - I've just enjoyed both January and February with temps in the low 20s (C, not F!) on many days, you've got to love it! Most importantly, even on colder days, the sun is likely to be shining. It's an average of 300 days of sunshine a year here! Then there's the Med at 28 degrees in high summer! Just lovely.

Spain has its downsides - everywhere does - and in this case it's the bureaucracy. They do like their paperwork and they do also have some very peculiar procedures which you ignore at your peril. You just have to put up with it and get on with it.

Pace of life is awesome. Food is fantastic. Cost of living is immeasurably cheaper than the UK (and, I suspect, NZ) yet there's no compromise in living standards. There's live music everywhere. I could go on but I'll just say do it.

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