Expat Community > France

Saudia
Joined July
Posts: 2

Pau or no?

1 month ago

When I retire, I plan to spend 6 months in France, probably May through October, and the other six months in Southern California. (I don’t want to completely abandon my friends and family!) I thought I had settled on Pau but am starting to get concerned that it might be too rainy? Are there any other mid size cities I should consider? I’m looking for a place with the charm of Provence without the blazing heat; the beauty of the Mediterranean (I need to be near water!) but again without the broiling temps; the refreshing temperatures of the north but without the gloom. And like I said earlier, mid size, like a population between 50 and 100,000. I won’t have a car, so I’ll need great public transportation and would like plenty to do - parks, recreation, clubs, classes, and lots of opportunities to meet a variety of people (I lived in a small town for 14 years and that’s definitely not my vibe!). Anyhow, with global warming, Pau might be perfect? And just for some additional context, many years ago, I lived in Cannes, which I loved. The entire Mediterranean coast is an absolute dream; just too hot and crowded in the summer. I’ve also lived in Paris which I loooove but can’t afford (and it can be too gloomy at times). Some people have recommended Montpellier, but it’s too hot in the summer and is not super charming in my humble opinion. Thoughts? Thanks!

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