9 Most Beautiful Places To Retire in Southwest France For English Speakers

Last updated on August 22nd, 2024 at 02:30 pm

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If you’re dreaming of a retirement filled with French cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, the world’s best wine, and a relaxed way of life, the southwest of France is perfect.

Its wonderful blend of culinary delights, scenic beauty, and relaxed lifestyle make it an ideal retirement destination.

Living in this region myself, I instantly fell in love with the architecture, history, and countryside. Add to that the fabulous French lifestyle, markets, community, and a little event called ‘Apéro’Time’, and this part of France really does have it all.

No 1 Sarlat-la-Canéda

Narrow cobblestone alley in Sarlat, France, flanked by traditional honey-colored stone buildings with wrought-iron lanterns, creating a picturesque medieval atmosphere.

Sarlat-la-Canéda is a medieval town in the heart of the Dordogne region, offering the perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Wandering through Sarlat feels like stepping back in time, as you’re surrounded by beautiful half-timbered buildings, narrow winding streets, and a gorgeous market square.

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The town is famous for its foie gras, truffles, and duck confit, which you can find at the weekly markets. Every January, Sarlat plays host to the truffle festival, which draws people from all over the country.

For those who love the outdoors, Sarlat is surrounded by beautiful countryside perfect for walking, cycling, and hiking. The nearby Dordogne River provides opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, and the area is filled with ancient castles from the Middle Ages just waiting to be explored.

No 2 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is a beautiful little village perched on top of a cliff on the edge of the Charente and Dordogne departments. As you walk through Aubeterre’s narrow streets, you feel as though you’re walking into a picture postcard. Everywhere you look are white stone houses with flower boxes filled with blooms.

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One of its most notable attractions is the underground monolithic Church of Saint Jean, carved into a cliff. This church offers a unique glimpse into the area’s rich history. Just off the main village square are the artisan boutiques, and you’ll find plenty of local talent showcasing art, pottery, leather products and jewellery.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Aubeterre. The village is surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and the tranquil Dronne River, perfect for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and canoeing. The local beach along the river is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking during the warmer months, offering a serene escape into nature.

No 3 Brantome

An old Abbey in Brantome overlooking the river with a bridge in front

Brantôme, often referred to as the “Venice of the Périgord,” is a stunning town, once again in the Dordogne region, that quite literally takes your breath away. The main attraction is the Abbey of Brantôme, a masterpiece of medieval design set against the backdrop of limestone cliffs.

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It always feels as if you’ve popped into the pages of a history book as you walk into the village. The Abbey dominates the landscape from every angle, and you almost don’t know where to look. Even some of the shops are housed in old caves with low ceilings and gorgeous preserved stonework.

Brantôme is a paradise for food lovers. Its weekly market is packed with local produce, from fresh vegetables to artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. You have a choice of restaurants on the riverbank, and I can highly recommend Le Moulin de l’Abbeye. It’s a five-star restaurant where the food is superb, and you’re sat right on the waterside.

The River Dronne, which winds through the town, is perfect for a bit of canoeing and kayaking, and you can take a boat trip down for a more relaxed trip.

READ MORE: Discover the history of Brantome

No 4 Poitiers

As dusk descends on Poitiers, the historic cityscape is bathed in the soft purple hues of twilight. The illuminated Romanesque church of Notre-Dame la Grande stands as a beacon, its intricate façade glowing warmly against the cooling sky. The city's mix of ancient and modern architecture is subtly highlighted, capturing the essence of this storied home of the Duchy of Aquitaine.

If you love history, you’ll fall in love with Poitiers in the Vienne department. Even though it’s a university city there is a vibrancy to the place that has nothing to do with students. It’s the city Eleanor of Aquitaine called home and the place where Sainte Radegonde performed miracles.

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At one time, Poitiers had over a hundred churches, earning it the nickname of “la ville aux cent clochers” (the town of a hundred steeples). But it’s not all about history. Poitiers offers plenty of green spaces and recreational activities, including Blossac Park, which covers 9 hectares and features an English and French garden.

If you love a bit of culture, the city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Jazz à Poitiers festival and the Les Expressifs street art festival. The local theatres, galleries, and museums ensure that there is always something interesting to see and do, catering to a wide range of interests.

No 5 La Rochelle

A view across the water of the town of La Rochelle in France

If you want the Atlantic Coast, beautiful beaches, and fabulous seafood, then La Rochelle, in the Charente-Maritime department, is the perfect place. The city’s picturesque old port, Vieux Port, is a focal point, with its historic towers, pretty marina, and waterfront cafes. The port area is also home to excellent seafood restaurants where you can savour fresh oysters, mussels, and fish, all caught locally.

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La Rochelle has a rich history, and the port was once the headquarters for the famous Knights Templar. The old town features beautiful half-timbered houses, narrow winding streets, and impressive monuments like the medieval Saint-Nicolas Tower and the Renaissance Hôtel de Ville. The Maritime Museum and the Aquarium La Rochelle are must-visits if you want to learn more about the city’s nautical heritage.

The nearby islands of Île de Ré and Ile d’Oléron, each accessible via a bridge, offer some of the best beaches in France. And if it’s culture you’re after, the Francofolies Music Festival and the International Film Festival of La Rochelle are just two examples of the numerous festivals held throughout the year.

No 6 Saint Emilion

A birds eye view of the old village of Saint Emilion on France

Saint-Émilion is a gorgeous little village just a 30-minute train ride from Bordeaux. It’s bursting with historical charm, medieval buildings, and old cobbled streets. It even has a monolithic church carved into limestone.

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The village is famed for its exceptional wines, with vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Saint-Émilion’s wine heritage dates back to Roman times, and its vineyards are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s perfect for retirees who love their wine, as there is almost a winery for every day of the year!

The village hosts various events and festivals, such as the annual Saint-Émilion Jazz Festival and, of course, plenty of wine-related celebrations. And if you like a good story, Chateau Ferrand has weaved its history as the owner of BIC (the biro company) into the wine it produces.

No 7 Cognac

An old Medieval street with timbered buildings in Cognac France

If you love your brandy, then you’ll have heard of Cognac in the Charente department. The town is synonymous with the production of Cognac, and exploring the local distilleries is a must. You can tour prestigious houses like Hennessy, Martell, and Rémy Martin, where you’ll learn about the intricate process of crafting this renowned spirit.

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The town centre is lovely and sits on the banks of the Charente River. It has plenty of Renaissance and medieval buildings, including the Château de Cognac and the Saint-Léger Church.

The town’s markets and restaurants all highlight the local specialities, such as Charente lamb, oysters, and, of course, dishes enhanced with a splash of Cognac. If you love music, the Cognac Blues Passions festival, held in the summer, has some big names headlining each year, and Fête du Cognac is three fun-packed days of music, food and drink.

No 8 Narbonne

An old French covered market building in the town of Narbonne

Narbonne is a historic city in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Its Mediterranean location, rich history, and modern amenities make it an ideal retirement destination. Dating back to Roman times, the main square still has part of the Roman Via Domitia, the main Roman road during the Roman Empire. Plus, the vaults of the Horreum, an underground Roman warehouse, are also in the city.

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If you’re looking for a food experience like no other, Les Halles de Narbonne, the covered market in Narbonne, has won awards, and I can see why. You’ll find every type of food stall you can imagine, and people gather there to eat at lunchtime. It’s the quintessential French lifestyle

For the best views of the city and the surrounding countryside, climb up Donjon Gilles Aycelin, a tower built in the Middle Ages. Once you’re up the top, you’ll see the cathedral up close, it’s as if you could reach out and touch it.

The Ramparts and castle at Carcassonne in France

No 9 Carcassonne

The Walled City of Carcassonne is a medieval fortress in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. It’s best known for the Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a medieval citadel with double-walled fortifications and fairy-tale towers that transport you back in time.

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It’s an absolute paradise for history enthusiasts. The Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus is Gothic and Romanesque architecture at its best. The Musée des Beaux-Arts and the School Museum offer further insights into the region’s art and educational history.

The Bastide Saint-Louis, also known simply as the Bastide, complement the historic Cité. Established in the 13th century, its grid layout typical of bastide towns, with wide streets and squares, is easy to navigate. The central square, Place Carnot, is a bustling hub of activity featuring plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops.

There is so much to do and see in this area that you’ll never run out of things to do. The Canal du Midi, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is perfect for leisurely boat rides, cycling, and walks along its picturesque banks. The nearby Montagne Noire and Pyrenees mountains offer stunning landscapes and opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and outdoor adventures.

The city also hosts lots of great festivals and events, such as the Carcassonne Festival, which features music, theatre, and dance performances throughout the month of July. The Medieval Festival of Carcassonne is another highlight, celebrating the city’s heritage with reenactments, markets, and medieval games.

Retiring To The Southwest of France

Speaking from experience as a British Expat living in Southwest France for the past seven years, it’s the perfect place to retire. The weather, the people, and the way of life are just three of the many reasons why retiring to France offers so much.

Plus, all of these places have a great Expat community, so if your French isn’t perfect you can take your time to learn.