12 Quiet and Beautiful Places To Retire in Southern France That Will Make You Pack Your Bags
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If you’ve always dreamt of a retirement filled with world-class wines, fine dining, beautiful beaches, and quaint towns, Southern France is perfect. The South of France has everything, from long sandy beaches and lush vineyard countryside to seaside towns and historic cities.
However, due to the popularity of the region, finding somewhere quiet to retire can be a challenge, especially if you love seclusion and peace. Luckily, though, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of 12 quiet places to retire in Southern France. These destinations offer peace, tranquility, and many things to see and do.
Pau
According to OFX, Pau is among the ten best places worldwide to retire overseas. Known as a seat of royalty, it’s not hard to see why. This glorious city offers all the charm and style of Paris but without the large crowds. It’s the perfect place to retire if you want to enjoy a city lifestyle and a high standard of living but with peace and tranquility.
Offering spectacular views of the Pyrenees, the city is much loved for its historic architecture, some of which dates back to the Gallo-Roman era. Notable points of interest in the city include Château de Pau, a 16th-century castle once used by Napoleon, Boulevard des Pyrénées, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.
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Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is another beautiful city in Southern France that offers charm, elegance, and quiet. The city is arguably best known for its traditional Provençal cuisine, which includes ratatouille and tapenade, but we love it most for its surroundings. Aix-en-Provence is close to beautiful mountains and the ocean, offering endless opportunities to outdoor enthusiasts.
You can explore the mountains on foot, go cycling, hike, swim in the sea, or simply sun yourself on the beach. In the city, you’ll never tire of admiring the local architecture, sipping coffee along Cours Mirabeau, and indulging in regional cuisine. Popular attractions in the city include Aix-en-Provence Cathedral, Hôtel de Caumont, and Fontaine de la Rotonde.
Read also: Best Cities in Europe for Cultural Immersion
Avignon
Set on the Rhône River, Avignon is a picturesque city famed for its fortified palace. Between 1309 and 1377, one of the Catholic Popes called the city home. If the city’s good enough for him, we like to think it’s good enough for us, too. However, the Pope lived in the Palace of the Popes, a palace surrounded by 10-foot-thick walls and the largest surviving Gothic palace in Europe.
In Avignon, retirees can expect plenty of sunshine, excellent food and wine, many outdoor activities, and a relaxed way of life. Watersports are particularly popular. You don’t want to miss Palais des Papes, Jardin des Doms, and Puente de Aviñón.
Read also: European Cities Rich in History
Perpignan
Perpignan is a gorgeous city near the border of Spain and the Mediterranean coast. It’s also close to the Pyrenees, so it’s a fabulous place to retire if you want access to the sea and the mountains. As such, you can spend your golden years strolling along beaches, hiking, and exploring the Southern French countryside.
Meanwhile, the city itself is steeped in rich history. You’ll be blown away by the narrow, winding medieval streets, vibrant Mediterranean architecture, and charming squares lined with palm trees. Famous sights in the city include Perpignan Cathedral, Old Town Perpignan, and Campo Santo. Conveniently, the Economic Research Institute reports that Perpignan’s cost of living falls 6% below the national average.
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Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez is one of France’s most famous and popular cities. However, its laid-back atmosphere, luxury feel, and high-end amenities make it a quiet and dignified place to live. Originally a fishing village, this seaside town has become one of the most chic resorts in the world.
Saint Tropez offers stunning sandy beaches with stunning Mediterranean Sea views, a beautiful old town steeped in history, and endless cafes, bars, and restaurants serving world-class food and drink. Retirees can spend their golden years wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets, admiring historic landmarks, lounging on the beach, and enjoying French cuisine. Significant points of interest include Plages de Saint-Tropez, Gendarmerie Nationale, Azur Park, and Citadelle de Saint-Tropez.
Read also: Stunning European Villages
Menton
The following Southern French retirement destination is Menton. With a population of approximately 30,000, this breathtaking French Riviera town is loved for its old-world charm, pristine beaches, and vibrant pastel-colored architecture. So much so that it attracts mature visitors worldwide.
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Better still, Menton has a much slower way of life, perfect for retirees seeking a more laid-back retirement with delicious food, excellent drinks, and ultimate relaxation. Popular things to do in Menton include walking the 17th-century streets, eating in high-end restaurants, sunbathing on Les Sablettes Beach, and exploring the Old Port of Menton. The one downside to retiring in Menton is that it’s quite an expensive place to live.
Read also: Top European Beach Destinations
Èze
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Located halfway between Nice and Monaco and offering ultimate seclusion along France’s southern coast, it’s no surprise Èze is one of France’s most highly sought-after resorts and residential areas. Property in the village is incredibly expensive, but if you can afford it, you’re in for a real treat.
This hilltop hideaway is gorgeous. Offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you can expect your retirement to be filled with lovely coastal views, days spent strolling through vibrant cobblestone streets, boutique shops, traditional French cuisine, and, most importantly, quiet. To top things off, the village has a secluded pebble-stone beach perfect for relaxing under the sun.
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Grasse
Grasse is an excellent retirement option if you prefer quiet walks, relaxed nights out at your favorite restaurant, and nature hikes. It’s a charming French Riviera town in the hills north of Cannes. Grasse is more affordable than other French Riviera towns and is famous for being the world capital of perfume. The cost of living in town sits perfectly at the national average.
Across the town, you’ll find landmarks and attractions dedicated to perfume heritage. This includes the Musée International de la Parfumerie and perfumeries such as Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard. Other attractions in the town include Grasse Old Town, Grasse Cathedral, and the Provence Art and History Museum.
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Cassis
If you dream of a sunny retirement and a French way of life, look no further than Cassis. Property in this Mediterranean fishing port might be expensive, but it has much to offer. Firstly, you can expect a relaxed lifestyle, beautiful scenery, brilliant Provencal street markets, and a delightful southern climate.
Overlooked by a centuries-old château and a short drive from Marseille, Cassis is best known for its pebbly beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs and colorful harbor featuring pastel-colored buildings. Local vineyards are also famous worldwide for producing Cassis white wine. When you’re not relaxing at Plage de la Grande Mer or hiking in Calanques National Park, tuck into local cuisine at a harborfront restaurant or sip coffee overlooking the sea.
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Moustier-Sainte-Marie
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, or Moustiers, is the ultimate retirement destination for retirees seeking seclusion and isolation. This tiny village deep in the heart of the Verdon Forest has a population of approximately 700, making it a tranquil and peaceful place to live. Better yet, it’s undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking villages in France.
The village is perched on a steep hill and offers residents easy access to Verdon Forest’s best sights, including Verdon Gorge. There isn’t much in the village, with only a single-lane road in and out, but the surrounding area has a lot to offer, such as Pont du Galetas and Lake of Sainte-Croix. There are plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants in the village, though.
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Villefranche-sur-Mer
Next, we have another Southern French seaside town just a 30-minute drive from Monaco. This town offers retirees pristine beaches, beautiful architecture, and a laid-back lifestyle. With a luxury feel, impressive housing, and a picturesque harbor, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a mini Monaco without crowds, celebrities, and exorbitant prices.
Regarding what the town has to offer, retirees are well provided for. There are countless eateries, grocery stores, boutique shops, and things to see and do. You’ll spend most of your time at the beachfront, where you’ll find Plage des Marinières, traditional houses, cafes, bars, and restaurants. You’ll also enjoy the 14th-century Old Town, Saint-Pierre Chapel, Plage de la Darse, and Rue Obscure.
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Fréjus
If you enjoy city life but want to retire somewhere quieter than big cities such as Paris, Marseille, and Toulouse, consider moving to Fréjus. Fréjus is a historic port town on the Côte d’Azur. It’s famous for its Roman ruins, Gothic architecture, and golden-sand beach. In the city, you’ll never be short of things to do.
Your days will be spent strolling along Fréjus Beach, Boulevard d’Alger, and Boulevard de la Libération, exploring the Roman ruins, and eating French cuisine in a seafront cafe or restaurant. Points of interest in Fréjus include the Roman amphitheater, the Roman aqueduct, Saint-Léonce Cathedral, and Notre-Dame de Jérusalem Chapel. It’s also worth noting the cost of living in Fréjus falls 1% below the national average.
Read also: Small Towns in France
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