Introduction Gard (department 30) is one of southern France's most diverse and fascinating departments, situated in the Occitanie region between the Mediterranean coast, Provence and the Cévennes mountains. It combines Roman history, vibrant market towns, vineyards, dramatic landscapes and a Mediterranean climate, making it an attractive choice for English-speaking people considering moving to France, retiring abroad, buying a second home or establishing a business. Living in

Introduction Located in eastern France along the Swiss border, Doubs (Department 25) is part of the Bourgogne–Franche-Comté region. Known for its dramatic river valleys, forests, mountains and strong industrial heritage, Doubs offers a very different experience from the better-known regions of southern France. The department appeals to people looking for an active outdoor lifestyle, excellent public services, easy access to Switzerland, and a high standard of living. Whether

Introduction Situated in the Centre-Val de Loire region, Eure-et-Loir (Department 28) lies just south-west of Paris, making it one of the most accessible rural departments in northern France. Often considered the gateway between the Paris Basin and the Loire Valley, it combines productive farmland, attractive market towns, historic architecture and easy access to the French capital. For English-speaking people considering moving to Eure-et-Loir, retiring in Eure-et-Loir, purc

Introduction Located in the heart of eastern France, Côte-d'Or is one of the most recognisable departments in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Internationally famous for its prestigious vineyards, historic towns and exceptional gastronomy, it offers far more than fine wine. From rolling countryside and medieval villages to vibrant cities and peaceful rural communities, Côte-d'Or combines a high quality of life with excellent transport links and strong public services. Whet

Introduction The Eure (Department 27) is part of Normandy in northern France, lying between Paris and the Normandy coast. It is one of those departments that often surprises newcomers. While many people pass through on their way to the coast, those who stay discover attractive market towns, peaceful countryside, historic villages and excellent transport connections. For English-speaking people considering moving to Eure, retiring in Eure, buying a holiday home or running a bu

Introduction Hérault (Department 34) is one of the most popular departments in southern France, forming part of the Occitanie region. Stretching from the Mediterranean coast to rolling vineyards, dramatic gorges and the foothills of the Massif Central, it offers an exceptional variety of landscapes and lifestyles within a relatively compact area. For English-speaking people considering moving to Hérault, retiring in Hérault, buying a holiday home or starting a business, the d

Introduction Finistère (Department 29) sits at the westernmost tip of mainland France in the region of Brittany (Bretagne). Its name comes from the Latin Finis Terrae, meaning "end of the earth"—a fitting description for a department surrounded by dramatic coastlines, rugged cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. Living in Finistère offers a lifestyle that is quite different from many parts of France. The department combines vibrant historic towns, traditional Breton culture, fishing

Introduction Creuse (Department 23) is one of France's most peaceful and unspoilt departments, located in the historic province of Limousin within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Known for its rolling countryside, forests, lakes and traditional stone villages, it offers a slower pace of life that appeals to those looking to escape busy towns and cities. Living in Creuse is about embracing rural France. It attracts retirees, remote workers, nature lovers, artists, small busines

Introduction Located in the southern part of the Centre-Val de Loire region, Cher (Department 18) is a peaceful and affordable part of central France that often surprises newcomers with its charm. Named after the River Cher, the department combines rolling countryside, vineyards, historic towns and forests with a relaxed pace of life. For English-speaking buyers looking to relocate, retire, purchase a second home or establish a small business, Cher offers excellent value for

Introduction Located on France's Atlantic coast in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Charente-Maritime (Department 17) is one of the country's most desirable coastal departments. Combining historic towns, long sandy beaches, picturesque islands, traditional fishing villages and a mild oceanic climate, it offers an attractive balance between relaxed seaside living and modern convenience. Whether you're considering moving to Charente-Maritime, retiring in Charente-Maritime, buying

Introduction Dordogne (Department 24), historically known as Périgord, is one of France's most popular departments for British and other English-speaking residents. Located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in south-west France, it is renowned for its beautiful countryside, medieval villages, rivers, prehistoric heritage and exceptional food. Whether you're considering moving to Dordogne, retiring in Dordogne, buying a holiday home, relocating your business or simply spending

Introduction Haute-Garonne (department 31) is one of the most diverse departments in south-west France. Situated in the Occitanie region, it stretches from the vibrant city of Toulouse across rolling countryside and fertile farmland to the dramatic peaks of the Pyrenees bordering Spain. Whether you're considering moving to Haute-Garonne, retiring in Haute-Garonne, buying a second home or establishing a business, the department offers an impressive mix of city convenience, rur

Introduction Located in the eastern part of Brittany (Bretagne), Ille-et-Vilaine combines a rich maritime heritage with vibrant cities, picturesque countryside and an excellent quality of life. Bordering Normandy and the English Channel, it is one of Brittany's most accessible departments, with fast rail links to Paris and ferry connections to the UK. Living in Ille-et-Vilaine appeals to a wide range of people. Retirees appreciate its relaxed lifestyle and healthcare faciliti

Introduction Corrèze (Department 19) is one of the three departments that make up the historic region of Limousin, now part of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in south-west central France. Known for its rolling hills, forests, rivers, medieval villages and peaceful countryside, Corrèze offers an authentic slice of rural France that has remained largely untouched by mass tourism. For English-speaking buyers, retirees, remote workers and anyone looking for a quieter way of life, Corrèze pro

Introduction Côtes-d'Armor is one of Brittany's four departments, located on France's spectacular north-west coastline. Bordered by the English Channel, it combines dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, traditional Breton villages, rolling countryside and vibrant market towns. Unlike some of France's better-known coastal regions, Côtes-d'Armor has managed to retain much of its authentic character while offering excellent quality of life. Whether you're considering moving to Côtes-d

Introduction Nestled in the southern part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Drôme (department 26) offers an appealing blend of Provence's sunshine and the dramatic landscapes of the Alps. It is often described as the point where northern and southern France meet, with lavender fields, vineyards, medieval villages and mountain scenery all within easy reach. Living in Drôme appeals to people seeking a relaxed lifestyle without feeling isolated. Whether you're considering movi

Introduction Corsica (Corse) is France's Mediterranean island, located south-east of mainland France between the French Riviera and Italy. Although the historic department number was 20, the island has been divided administratively into Corse-du-Sud (2A) and Haute-Corse (2B) since 1976. However, many people still refer to Corsica simply as "Department 20". Known for its dramatic mountains, crystal-clear coastline, traditional villages and strong regional identity, Corsica off

Introduction Charente (Department 16) is located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of south-west France, between the Atlantic coast and the rolling countryside of the Dordogne and Limousin. Named after the River Charente, the department is best known for producing the world-famous Cognac spirit, its peaceful rural landscapes, attractive market towns and relaxed way of life. For English-speaking people considering living in Charente, moving to Charente, retiring in Charente, bu

Introduction Nestled in the heart of Occitanie in south-west France, Gers (Department 32) is one of France's most peaceful and unspoilt rural departments. Often described as the very essence of the French countryside, it is known for rolling sunflower fields, vineyards, medieval bastide towns and a relaxed pace of life. Unlike some better-known regions of France, Gers has avoided large-scale development, making it particularly attractive to people looking for authenticity, sp

Introduction Gironde (Department 33) is the largest department in mainland France and forms part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in south-west France. Best known for the city of Bordeaux and its world-famous vineyards, Gironde offers far more than fine wine. The department combines Atlantic coastline, vast pine forests, rivers, historic towns, rural villages and a thriving economy, making it one of France's most diverse places to live. Whether you're considering moving to Gi