A change of scenery to live your retirement. More and more French people are tempted by adventure. Abroad, Morocco or Portugal are among their favorite destinations for settling long-term. But there’s no point going so far away to give yourself a second youth once the constraints of work are behind you. The real estate developer Nexity thus achieved a ranking of the best cities in France to spend happy days in retirement.
Relayed by Capitalthis ranking takes into account five main criteria. Firstly, the cost of living, which can “vary considerably from one city to another”. Infrastructure, “sometimes insufficient or unsuitable for seniors”. The climate, because “sensitivity to temperature changes increases with age”. “The Mediterranean climate of the south of France, the Atlantic air and the Rhône-Alpes region” are unsurprisingly favored by retirees. The living environment, for a pleasant and peaceful retirement. And finally accessibility, to move easily “between stores, leisure activities, or healthcare centers”.
This ranking is made up of several coastal towns but not only. Here are the ten ideal cities to spend your retirement.
Andernos-les-Bains (Gironde)
Andernos-les-Bains is a town of 12,000 inhabitants located in the Arcachon basin. “It is renowned for its oyster port, its splendid beaches and its natural spaces, offering a pleasant living environment,” indicates Nexity.
Arcachon (Gironde)
A few kilometers away as the crow flies, Arcachon also has many attractions to attract retirees. The ocean of course, but also “a vast network of cycle paths, around the Arcachon basin, and a dense transport network”. This famous seaside resort has all the necessary services to welcome you.
Vannes (Morbihan)
Direction Brittany this time with Vannes, which allows you to take advantage of the services offered by a city of more than 50,000 inhabitants in the magnificent setting of the Gulf of Morbihan. Its climate, with mild temperatures in winter and pleasant temperatures in summer, is a major asset.
Narbonne (Aude)
Those who love the South and the Mediterranean will be delighted in Narbonne and its “exceptional living environment”. Listed as a World Heritage Site since 1996, this city has a unique historical and natural heritage.
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez (Vendée)
According to Nexity, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez “has all the necessary infrastructure to accommodate seniors, both in terms of housing, transport and activities”. A perfect destination for lovers of the ocean and seaside walks since it benefits from 13 km of coastline.
Challans (Vendée)
Still in Vendée, Challans also knows how to attract retirees with “a rich community life, quality sports facilities and various infrastructures”. And the beaches are only a few kilometers away…
Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes)
For a retreat in the sun, head to Cannes and its famous Croisette. Its Mediterranean climate is an undeniable asset for many retirees, as is its world-famous film festival. And if you are looking for tranquility above all, this city has an island district with the Lérins Islands.
Limoges (Haute-Vienne)
For a green retreat, you can settle in Limoges (Haute-Vienne). This city of 130,000 inhabitants (185,000 for the entire conurbation) has 50 m² of green spaces per inhabitant. And you can very quickly find yourself in the countryside for quiet getaways.
Agde (Hérault)
Return to the edge of the Mediterranean with Agde, one of the first tourist resorts in France. Its marina will appeal to those who like to set sail. This town of 30,000 inhabitants also has a dense infrastructure network.
Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine)
We finish this top 10 in Brittany with Saint-Malo. Nexity mentioned in particular “its geological site, its very oceanic temperate climate, its 8 kilometers of beach, its cultural and sporting facilities, its various infrastructures”. A perfect place for an outdoor retreat.
