Why More Expats Are Moving to Occitanie in 2025

If you're thinking about starting a new life in France, you're not alone and you're certainly not the only one considering Occitanie. This southern region is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices for expats in 2025, thanks to its affordable property, diverse landscapes, laid-back lifestyle, and excellent transport links. But what exactly makes Occitanie such a draw?

Let’s take a closer look at why so many people are packing up and heading south.

Where is Occitanie?

Occitanie is one of the largest regions in France, stretching from the Pyrenees mountains on the Spanish border to the Mediterranean coast. It includes departments like Hérault, Aude, Tarn, Lot, Gard, and Haute-Garonne, and major cities such as Toulouse, Montpellier, Carcassonne, and Albi.

It’s a region that offers something for everyone: beaches, mountains, rolling vineyards, historic towns, and buzzing urban hubs. Whether you're drawn to rustic living or lively city culture, Occitanie has a corner to suit your lifestyle.

Property Prices: More for Your Money

One of the biggest reasons expats are choosing Occitanie in 2025 is property affordability—especially when compared to Provence or the French Riviera.

For example:

• In Tarn, you can find charming stone houses with land for under €200,000.

• Aude and Lot offer beautifully preserved villages where €250,000 can still buy you a spacious family home.

• Even parts of Hérault, which borders the Mediterranean, still offer reasonably priced countryside properties within reach of coastal amenities.

Buyers are discovering that their dream of a French home, whether it’s a lock-up-and-leave holiday cottage or a gîte-ready renovation project, is more attainable here than in many other parts of the country.

A Slower, Sun-Kissed Lifestyle

Occitanie is blessed with over 300 days of sunshine a year in many areas, particularly around the coast. The climate is Mediterranean near the sea and pleasantly temperate inland. This draws in retirees, remote workers, and families looking for a better balance.

Life here moves at a gentler pace. Long lunches, quiet afternoons, and local markets form the rhythm of daily life. The local culture is welcoming and deeply rooted in community. You’ll find vibrant village fetes, wine festivals, and a strong emphasis on food, family, and living well.

Great Transport Links—Without the Crowds

Another major plus is how easy it is to get to and from Occitanie.

• Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and Montpellier Airport both offer regular flights to the UK, Ireland, and across Europe.

• Smaller airports like Carcassonne, Béziers, and Perpignan provide affordable connections with budget airlines.

• The TGV high-speed rail connects cities like Toulouse and Montpellier to Paris in just a few hours.

• The A75 motorway (toll-free!) links central France to the south, making it an accessible drive for house-hunters and removals.

Despite these links, the region hasn’t been overrun. Many of the rural areas and small towns feel undiscovered, offering peace and space without total isolation.

Where Are Expats Moving Within Occitanie?

Some of the most popular areas right now include:

• Tarn – Beautiful countryside, charming towns like Albi and Cordes-sur-Ciel, and affordable properties.

• Aude – Home to Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi; a favourite for gîte businesses and wine lovers.

• Hérault – For those who want a mix of countryside and coast, with dynamic towns like Pézenas and Béziers.

• Lot – Lesser-known but rising in popularity; think limestone cliffs, rivers, and market towns like Cahors and Figeac.

These areas offer good internet connectivity (essential for remote work), access to services, and strong expat communities without feeling too expat-heavy.

A Region with Room to Grow

Occitanie still feels like a place of possibility. Many people moving here in 2025 are not just retiring, but launching new lives starting gîte businesses, renovating old stone farmhouses, or simply seeking space and calm.

Local authorities have been encouraging rural regeneration, and some communes even offer incentives for people to buy and renovate older homes. That spirit of renewal appeals to those looking to build something new not just find a holiday base.

Final Thoughts

Occitanie is no longer just a region to pass through on the way to Spain. In 2025, it’s a serious contender for anyone dreaming of a life in France. Whether you're seeking sun, space, community, or affordability, it delivers on all fronts without the price tag or pressure of more famous French destinations.

If you’re just beginning to explore your options or are ready to take the plunge, Occitanie is well worth putting at the top of your list.