Best Places to Retire in France for British Expats

For some people, the idea of retiring abroad means escaping as far away as possible from the UK to start a brand new life. However, not everyone shares this vision. For others, the goal is to get away, but perhaps a little closer to home.

Retiring in France is one of the most popular options for British expats, and for good reason. The quality of life, the proximity to the UK, and the sheer variety of regions to choose from make it a standout choice. But with so many options, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.

To help you work things out, we’ve put together our guide on the best places to retire in France for British expats — covering cost, climate, accessibility, and what everyday life actually looks like in each region.

Retiring in France: At a Glance

•  Brittany and Normandy offer the easiest access back to the UK, with ferry crossings from as little as 4–6 hours.

•  Occitanie is the most affordable option, with average property prices well below the national average.

•  Dordogne and Nouvelle-Aquitaine have the strongest established British expat communities in France.

•  Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur suits higher budgets and offers the warmest year-round climate.

•  Post-Brexit, British retirees need a long-stay visa and residence permit — factor processing times into your planning.

Brittany – Easy UK Access and a Stunning Coastline

One of the most popular spots in France for UK expats to retire in is Brittany. One key reason for this is that it is easy to travel to and from the UK to Brittany, which makes it a great choice if you know that you will need to return on a regular basis. Direct ferry routes from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Saint-Malo and Roscoff mean you can be back on British soil within hours rather than an entire day of travel.

Brittany also boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country and has a mild climate, which is ideal if you want to be out exploring. The cost of living is generally lower than the French national average, and towns like Dinan, Vannes, and Quimper offer a good balance of character, amenities, and affordability.

It’s worth noting that Brittany has a strong sense of regional identity and culture, whether that be the Celtic heritage or its local food scene, which many British retirees find gives the area a distinctive character compared to other parts of France.

Dordogne & Nouvelle-Aquitaine – A Strong Expat Community and Rural Charm

For those who want to live in a part of France that offers plenty of affordable rural properties as well as a strong expat community, then both Dordogne and Nouvelle-Aquitaine might be a great choice for you. So much so that over the years it has become recognised as being one of the best spots in France for those who are hoping to retire in the country.

This is a particularly good choice if you are concerned that once you move, you will feel somewhat lonely or that you need to build a network around you to feel connected. Towns such as Bergerac, Sarlat-la-Canéda, and Eymet have long-established British communities, English-speaking social groups, and even English-language newsletters and events.

The Dordogne is also renowned for its gastronomy, truffles, foie gras, and some of France’s best wine regions are right on your doorstep, and the pace of life tends to suit retirees looking for something genuinely relaxed.

Occitanie – Affordable Living Between the Beaches and the Mountains

Compared to some of the other choices in France for you to retire in, Occitanie is on the lower cost end. Not only is it more affordable than some of the other spots in the country, but it is also really close to both beaches and mountains, which is ideal if you are someone who likes to spend lots of time outside. Not only this, but it also boasts some rather pleasant Mediterranean weather, too.

Many people who move to this particular part of France will be big fans of skiing, as it is easy to reach the Pyrenees to sample the mountain sides. Beyond skiing, the region is ideal for hiking, cycling, and water sports along the Canal du Midi and the Languedoc coast.

Cities like Toulouse and Montpellier provide excellent healthcare facilities and international airports, while smaller towns such as Carcassonne and Pézenas offer lower living costs without feeling isolated. For retirees watching their budget carefully, Occitanie is arguably the best value-for-money retirement destination in France.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur – Warm Weather and a Premium Lifestyle

If you have a much higher budget and can afford to retire in some considerable style, then you may want to consider Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. These are definitely on the higher end of the lifestyle bracket, and this means that living in these places is going to come with a much higher price tag than some other spots in France. It is also a part of the country that has some deliciously warm weather.

The trade-off for that higher cost is a quality of life that’s hard to match. Inland Provence, think Aix-en-Provence, Apt, or the Luberon valley, is significantly more affordable than the coastal Côte d’Azur, while still offering the sunshine, lavender fields, and outdoor markets that define the region. Average temperatures sit above 20°C for around six months of the year, which is a major draw for retirees prioritising warmth.

Healthcare provision in the region is excellent, with several major hospitals in Nice, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence serving the area.

Normandy – Cooler Climate and the Quickest Route Home

If you don’t have warm weather high on your list of considerations for where you choose to live, then you may want to think about Normandy. This is a part of France that has a cooler climate, which, for many retirees, is ideal. It is also easy to get back over to the UK, should you find that you need to, once you have made your move.

Normandy’s ferry links from Caen, Cherbourg, and Le Havre make it arguably the most accessible region in France for British expats. The landscape is green and gentle, often compared to the English countryside, and property prices remain competitive, particularly in the southern départements of Orne and Calvados.

For retirees who don’t want a drastic climate change and value being within easy reach of family back in the UK, Normandy strikes a practical balance between a fresh start and staying connected.

How France’s Top Retirement Regions Compare

Prices are approximate regional averages and will vary by town and property type. Figures based on 2025/26 market data.

A Note on Visas and Residency Post-Brexit

Since Brexit, British nationals no longer have automatic residency rights in France. If you’re planning to retire there, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) before you move, followed by a residence permit once you arrive. The process typically requires proof of sufficient income or savings, comprehensive health insurance, and accommodation arrangements.

Processing times can vary, so it’s sensible to begin the application well in advance of your planned move date. For the latest requirements, check the French consulate website or speak to an immigration adviser who specialises in France.

Ready to Make the Move?

European removals to France is one of our most popular services, and we move customers there year-round. Many of our clients are retirees making the move to these regions, so we know exactly what's involved — the packing, the customs paperwork, the door-to-door delivery, all of it.

As you can see, France has plenty of great options when it comes to finding somewhere to retire and call your home. No matter where you choose to live, one thing is for sure: here at Pinnacle Removals, we can help you to be settled in your new home in no time at all. We do this for people regularly, and we'd love to help you too.

Get in touch with Pinnacle Removals today for a free quote on your move to France.