Retire to a place with sweeping countryside views

A landscape made for living well

According to recent data from national statistics bureau INSEE (Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques), there are two French departments that are particularly popular among the over 65s: Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

It’s no surprise, Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine offer a rare combination of space, climate, and cultural depth – and not just for the holiday season. These are regions where you can live well year-round, with strong public services, access to healthcare, and a pace of life that supports wellbeing without sacrificing convenience.

Occitanie spans from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean, with regional hubs like Toulouse and Montpellier offering international connections alongside vibrant cultural life. Inland, you’ll find rural villages, market towns, and landscapes that change from vineyards to mountains in the space of an hour’s drive. Nouvelle-Aquitaine stretches up the Atlantic coast from the Basque Country to Poitou-Charentes, anchored by Bordeaux – a major city with a strong international community and excellent healthcare infrastructure.

Daily life often revolves around outdoor markets, local associations, and seasonal events. You’re likely to spend more time outdoors, whether tending a garden, walking in the hills, or meeting neighbours at a village café. The regions benefit from more sunshine than most of northern France, and the cost of living outside the cities is generally lower than in areas with comparable quality of life.

Crucially, both regions are well connected. You’ll find airports with direct flights to the UK, rail services linking you to Paris and Spain, and growing access to high-speed broadband even in rural areas. Whether you want to stay in close contact with family or just keep life practical and manageable, Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine are great options.

Many pockets of English-speakers can be found throughout the region

Where the Brits already are

One of the most practical ways to choose a location abroad is to look at where others like you have already settled. In this case, the numbers are clear. According to INSEE data published in 2024, Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine are home to more British residents than any other region in France.

This presence matters. It means you’re more likely to find English-speaking professionals – estate agents, solicitors, and tradespeople – as well as community networks you can join if and when you choose to. Some towns have local associations run by British residents offering practical advice or organising cultural activities. You’ll also find informal support, whether through Facebook groups, book clubs, or simply conversations at the weekly market.

Settling abroad can feel daunting, especially if you’re planning to stay year-round. Knowing that others have made the move successfully – and stayed – is often a source of reassurance. You’ll still need to engage with French systems and learn the language, but you won’t have to figure it all out on your own. In these regions, there’s a strong foundation in place for you to build a new life at your own pace, with as much or as little support as you need.

The INSEE data reveals that these areas are popular not just with British retirees – it’s where the French go too

Why an ageing population is a good sign

When you’re planning for the long term, the age profile of a region can tell you a great deal about how liveable it really is. In both Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, a significant proportion of the population is aged 65 or over – a demographic shift that reflects their growing popularity with older residents, both French and international.

But this is more than a statistic. A higher share of older residents usually goes hand in hand with practical benefits: reliable healthcare services, better local transport, and a social infrastructure designed to support quality of life in later years. It often means a quieter environment, stronger community ties, and public investment in age-appropriate services and amenities.

Here are some departments in these two regions with the highest share of residents aged 65 and over:

In these areas, the systems that support daily life – from medical centres to mobility services – are already designed with older adults in mind. You’re more likely to find local clinics with geriatric care, pharmacies with English-speaking staff, and community centres that host social events geared towards older residents. This can make the transition to living in France far smoother, particularly if you’re planning to stay full time.

It also gives you the reassurance that you won’t be on the margins of the local population – quite the opposite. In many of these departments, you’ll be part of the majority.

Cities like Carcassonne are also popular with tourists, making homes here easy to let out, too

Property potential in slower-paced places

Regions with ageing populations often fly under the radar when it comes to property searches – and that’s precisely what makes them interesting. Departments such as the Lot, Dordogne, and Aude continue to offer good value, especially when compared to more saturated parts of southern France. If you’re looking for a place with character, space, and long-term comfort, these areas are well worth your attention.

You’ll find traditional village houses with period features, stone farmhouses with land, and sensitively renovated properties that blend rural charm with modern insulation, heating systems, and broadband access. Many of these homes are in walkable towns with amenities such as bakeries, GP surgeries, and weekly markets, making daily life not only affordable but also enjoyable and practical.

There’s also potential here for careful investment. While these are not regions for short-term speculation, demand from overseas buyers remains steady – particularly from those seeking a permanent move or a second home that could one day become a main residence. Over time, demand for accessible, liveable rural areas is likely to increase, especially as infrastructure improves and remote working becomes more common.

If your priorities include comfort, peace, and value for money – rather than nightlife or proximity to large cities – then these departments offer a compelling case for consideration. They’re not just beautiful; they’re built for everyday living.

Careful planning can help you prepare for or even avoid purchase fees

How to make your move easier

Retiring abroad is a major decision – but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you’re planning a move to France, getting organised early will give you greater clarity, confidence, and control over the process.

One of the most important considerations is how to manage your money across borders. Using a specialist currency exchange service rather than relying on your bank can help you make the most of your funds when transferring a lump sum for a property purchase or setting up regular pension payments. Services such as forward contracts allow you to lock in exchange rates in advance, protecting you from currency fluctuations that could affect your budget.

You’ll also need to think through the legal and administrative side of the move. Residency, tax, and inheritance rules in France can be complex, particularly post-Brexit. It’s worth speaking with an adviser who understands the needs of British retirees. They can guide you through everything from healthcare registration to structuring your assets in a way that’s compliant – and practical – under French law.

By working with a team that specialises in overseas moves, you’re more likely to avoid delays, misunderstandings, and unnecessary costs. You’ll have support when questions arise and reassurance that nothing vital has been overlooked. That peace of mind is especially valuable when you’re making decisions not just about a house, but about how and where you want to live in the years ahead.

You can start your search right here by looking through our directory of trusted partners.

Location is everything when choosing the next chapter of your life

Retire where you can thrive

Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine remain among the most appealing regions in France for British retirees – and for good reason. They offer a blend of affordability, community, healthcare access, and cultural richness that’s difficult to match. With large numbers of fellow British residents already settled there and local populations that reflect a slower, more balanced way of life, you’re unlikely to feel out of place.

These are places where you can enjoy your retirement without compromise – somewhere you can feel both welcome and at home, surrounded by landscapes that still leave room to breathe. Whether you’re looking for a home by the sea, a quiet place in the hills, or a village with just enough bustle, the southwest offers a wide choice – and the support you need to make a smooth transition.

Ready to take the next step? Get in touch to discuss your plans, explore suitable properties, and make sure your finances are set up to support your life in France. We’re here to help you make the move – and to make it work for you. Book a free consultation today.