Best Places to Live in France for a Quieter Life

One of the biggest attractions of moving to France is the possibility of a slower, quieter way of life.

For some people, that means escaping busy roads and crowded towns. For others, it means having a garden, being close to countryside, knowing the people in the local boulangerie and having a little more space around them.

France has plenty of places where you can find that feeling. The trick is working out what quiet means to you.

Do you want complete rural isolation, or would you rather be in a small town where you can walk to the shops? Do you want to be within an hour of an airport, or would you happily trade convenience for peace and quiet?

The Dordogne

The Dordogne is an obvious choice for anyone looking for a quieter life in France.

Away from the better-known tourist hotspots, you'll find small villages, rolling countryside, rivers, woodland and plenty of properties surrounded by land.

The area is particularly popular with people looking for a traditional French lifestyle, and there are established international communities in some parts of the department.

If you want beautiful countryside but don't want to be completely cut off, look around smaller market towns and villages rather than focusing solely on the most touristy areas.

The Charente

The Charente can be a great option if you want rural living without necessarily disappearing into the middle of nowhere.

It is known for its gently rolling countryside, rivers, vineyards and attractive villages, while towns such as Angoulême and Cognac provide more facilities when you need them.

Property can also be more affordable in some parts of the department than in France's most sought-after regions.

For someone looking for space, peace and a genuine local community, the Charente is certainly worth exploring.

The Limousin

If your idea of a quiet life involves plenty of countryside and fewer crowds, the Limousin should be on your list.

The former Limousin region, covering areas including Haute-Vienne, Corrèze and Creuse, has extensive rural landscapes, forests, lakes and small communities.

It isn't necessarily the place to choose if you want to be close to the coast or a major city. But if your priorities are space, nature and a slower pace, that can be exactly the point.

The Lot

Further south, the Lot offers a mixture of dramatic landscapes, beautiful villages and extensive countryside.

There are popular areas around places such as Cahors and Figeac, but head away from the main tourist attractions and you can find wonderfully peaceful communities.

The landscape is a major attraction, with limestone plateaux, valleys, rivers and wooded areas creating plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and simply enjoying the outdoors.

Rural Brittany

If warmer weather isn't your main priority, rural Brittany could be another excellent choice.

Once yo

u get away from the larger towns and popular coastal destinations, Brittany has plenty of small villages, farmland and quiet lanes.

It also has a strong identity and culture of its own, which can appeal to people looking for somewhere with a real sense of place.

And while the weather may not be Mediterranean, the Atlantic climate can be appealing if you prefer cooler summers.

Don't automatically choose the most remote location

One of the biggest mistakes people can make when searching for a quieter life is assuming that the more remote, the better.

Living miles from your nearest shop might sound wonderfully peaceful when you're sitting in your current home dreaming about France.

But what happens when you need a doctor, a supermarket, a prescription or somewhere to meet people? For many people, the ideal location is actually a small town or village on the edge of the countryside.

You can have peace and space while still being close enough to everyday essentials.

Ultimately, the best place in France for a quieter life isn't necessarily the most remote part of the country. It is the place that gives you the pace, space and lifestyle you want, while still providing enough facilities and community to make everyday life enjoyable.

Take your time exploring different areas, visit outside the main holiday season and, if possible, spend more than a week or two in the places you're considering. After all, you're not choosing somewhere for your next holiday. You're choosing somewhere to live.