Best places to retire in Languedoc

Languedoc-Roussillon was once a region in its own right but was merged with Midi-Pyrenees in 2016 to become part of the larger region of Occitanie. The area is fiercely proud of its strong culture and history, with fishing, farming and traditional foods still going strong throughout.

Here are some of our top reasons for choosing Languedoc for your retirement:

1. If you’re looking for natural beauty and a stunning coastline, then this part of Southern France is the right place for your retirement home. With modern amenities close at hand, set against a backdrop of vineyards, blue seas and sandy beaches Languedoc-Roussillon is a gorgeous place to call home.
2. Property prices in Languedoc-Roussillon are far more reasonable than other parts of Southern France such as Provence.
3. Long, hot, dry summers and mild winters make this a climate perfect for lovers of the outdoors lifestyle. With 300 days of sunshine, you’ll forget the cold, grey days of the UK after just a few weeks of your new life.
4. If you’re a wine lover**, then it might interest you to know that the Languedoc region is responsible for a third of the total wine produced in France. There are hundreds of vineyards to explore, and endless wines to enjoy here.
5. Wherever you choose to retire in France, it’s good to know that the country has a double taxation agreement with UK. This means you’ll only pay tax on your pension and any other income in one country – wherever you choose to take (or keep) tax residency.
6. The French healthcare system is rated as one of the best in the world, which is a huge advantage if you’re in your retirement years and may need access to medical care.

Sitting at the heart of Southern France, Languedoc stretches from the Rhone Valley in the east all the way to the Spanish border in the southwest. The main city of the area is Montpellier, a busy cosmopolitan bursting with art and architecture, busy squares and shopping areas. Other important cities in the region are Nimes, Carcassonne and Perpignan.

Spanning a vast area, you’ll find strong Catalan influences as you near the Spanish border, strong French traditions towards the centre and Alpine life in the mountainous areas.

The region is popular with expats and there are plenty of English-speakers in Languedoc as well as German, Dutch and American people who have found a home here. Foreign investors are attracted by its proximity to more famous areas such as Provence, its warm climate and of course, its affordability.

If you want to live a happy and settled retirement without constantly worrying about cash, then choosing Languedoc could also be better for your bank balance in the long run. Setting up home in or near Montpellier, is much more affordable than choosing somewhere like Paris with the cost of living being 18.3% less than in the capital city. It’s also 27.1% cheaper here than in London, UK and 5.2% cheaper than in Manchester.

Languedoc is divided into five departments: Lozère, Gard, Herault, Aude and Pyrenees-Orientales. Each department has its own unique characteristics and a range of housing styles.

Below, we’ve detailed average prices for apartments and houses in each department as of June 2024.

Whilst prices in the region are on par with average property prices throughout France (which are around £2,024/sqm2), you can get a lot more space for your pounds here.

Houses are usually medium to large and are often sold with more land than you’d find in more urban parts of France.

In this section, we look at each department of this beautiful wine-growing region to understand why choosing Southern France won’t be a decision you regret.

Right in the centre of Languedoc, Herault is home to Montpellier as well as plenty of pretty fishing villages and seaside towns that you could soon be calling home.

The countryside is full of working vineyards, and the Mediterranean Sea is caressed by soft sandy beaches. The seaside towns of Sete and Grande Motte are popular holiday resorts for French nationals and are the most expensive areas to buy property in this department.

Surrounding villages such as Roquebrun and the historical city of Beziers are perfect for a peaceful retirement.

In Montpellier house prices have been on the rise as the city grows in popularity and currently cost an average of £3,889/sqm2. For a more budget friendly option, head inland. Although you’ll be further away from the coast, you can find larger and more affordable properties in rural areas.

From vineyards to olive groves, beautiful villages and prehistoric caves, Aude is a quieter, more laidback option than Herault. It’s also a lot more affordable.

Its main city is Carcassone, a UNESCO world heritage site, which is a pretty but sleepy area for those seeking a peaceful retirement. Most residents choose the newer part of the city, as the old town is a tourist hotspot. Here, you can expect to pay an average price of £1,663/sqm2 for a house – which is among the cheapest in Languedoc.

Quillan is at the foothills of the Pyrenees and is extremely popular with expats. Average property prices for a house are around £1,260/sqm2. Limoux, situated on the Aude River, is famous for its sparkling wine and vineyards. Average property prices for a house are around £1,435/sqm2.

For something a bit different, the department of Pyrenees-Orientales offers a taste of France combined with Catalonian culture (as it belonged to Spain until 1659). So you can live in France and feel a little bit Spanish at the same time!

There are approximately 226 towns and villages in the department, and its main city is Perpignan.
This sun-soaked department enjoys thousands of hours of sunshine every year and is very popular with foreigners buying second homes. From a busy urban lifestyle in Perpignan, to a quieter beach-side existence, the Pyrenees-Orientales really does have it all. You can even invest in ski chalets in areas such as Font-Romeu or Les Angles.

If you fancy retiring right in the middle of things, then Perpignan, Collioure or Canet-en-Roussillon are the most popular. Collioure, a charming seaside town, is the most expensive, with average property prices reaching £6,626/sqm2.

If you love Provence, but find it too expensive, then Gard is the next best thing. Boasting vineyards, lavender fields and a Mediterranean coastline, Gard is rich in culture and historic sites perfect for exploring on warm sunny days.

This department loves a celebration, and every year you will enjoy multiple festivals that take place in the different towns and cities. Its capital, Nimes was once an important Roman city and there are plenty of sites and artefacts to showcase its history. Just a short drive away from various stunning coastlines, the average property price in this small, thriving city are around £2,200/sqm2.

Another town to consider is Uzes, a hidden medieval gem in the sprawling region of Occitanie. This small town offers a busy weekly street market, plenty of outdoor sports and is surrounded by vineyards and fields. Property prices are slightly higher than Nimes, with a house costing an average of £2,874/sqm2.

For lower prices in Gard check out the city of Alès (£1,774/sqm2) and Le Vigan (£1,521/sqm2), which is surrounded by green hills and characterised by narrow streets, medieval houses and an impressive bridge.

The sparsely populated department of Lozere is your dream location if you really want to get away from it all and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s probably the least popular location when it comes to foreign investors, but that’s perhaps because they’re searching for something more Mediterranean and less rugged than Lozere, which is home to the Gorges du Tarn, France’s most impressive canyon.

Most of the towns are based around farming land and the capital city Mende is a sweet yet subdued place. Property prices here are £1,100/sqm2, which is among the cheapest you’ll find in Languedoc.
Villages in this department are very rural and secluded. Despite the cheaper prices, this area will only appeal to the few.

If you need help to make your Southern France retirement dream a reality, then our team can help.

Every year, we help hundreds of foreign investors make their dream overseas purchase, whether they’re looking for a holiday home, planning a big family move or searching for a retirement property.

Our property consultants are fluent in French and English and have lots of knowledge about the French property market. Let’s start your search together. Contact our team today.

** Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.