“300 days of sunshine” sounds like a tourist slogan… but it’s surprisingly accurate (although less so this year!). Even in winter, days are often bright and clear, and temperatures are much milder than in northern France or the UK. You still get four seasons, but without the long stretches of grey that many people are trying to escape. Summers can be hot — sometimes very hot — but life adapts. Early mornings, shaded terraces, slower afternoons and regular trips to the sea make it manageable.For many people, it’s not about constant heat. It’s about light, blue skies, and being able to live outdoors much of the year. 👉 How important is sunshine and climate in your decision to live in France?

Compared with much of the Mediterranean coast, property prices in and around Perpignan remain highly accessible. Apartments can still be found at modest prices, and family homes with gardens are available at achievable budgets for many buyers — particularly compared with the Côte d'Azur. This affordability is one of the reasons people look seriously at this area when relocating or buying a second home. My husband, Mark, has been selling property in and around Perpignan since 2003. Here's his take: 'Perpignan is one of the best value cities in France to buy property, despite its enviable location close to the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees and Spain. It’s refreshingly accessible compared to Provence and the Côte d’Azur. One-bedroom apartments can still be found from around €60,000, while two-bedroom, ready-to-move-into apartments typically range between €110,000–€140,000.' You can read his full article on property in Perpignan here: https://tinyurl.com/49r6yhjx 👉 Is property price a deciding factor for you when choosing a region in France?

Few places in France offer such a mix of landscapes in such a small area. Within an hour, you can move between long sandy beaches, rocky coves, vineyards, market towns and mountain villages. The Pyrenees rise inland, while the Mediterranean stretches out to the east. This variety means very different lifestyles are possible — hiking, cycling, watersports, skiing, or simply enjoying village life. Whatever scenery makes you feel most at home, chances are you’ll find it nearby. I'm generally a beach girl, but over the years the mountains have wheedled their way into my affections! 👉 Are you more sea, mountain, countryside… or a bit of everything?

When people imagine the south of France, they often think of luxury villas, crowded resorts and eye-watering prices. But further south — close to the Spanish border — there’s a very different Mediterranean France. One that’s rich in culture, shaped by history, and still relatively affordable. Perpignan and the surrounding Pyrénées-Orientales is often overlooked, yet it has a lot going for it if you’re considering a move to (or within) France. Over the next few posts, I’ll share six reasons why so many people are drawn to this area — from lifestyle and landscape to practicality and cost of living. 👉 Have you visited this part of France before, or is it still completely unknown to you?