Hi all,

I would start off by saying that this is by far the most interesting and informative forum I have come across on the web...and after some time lurking, am ready to get involved!

I am hoping to persuade my employer that I can be of use by relocating to their Avignon office, and things are starting to look positive. I would bring my family, including 10 and 7 year olds, and the move would be permanent or at least semi-permanent and long-term. French language isn't a problem for any of us, although we have never before lived in France.

There are too many questions I would like to ask, but the main ones are to do with deciding on best location to target, finding accomodation, cost of living, schooling etc. We are thinking about one of the smaller towns within easy commuting to Avignon - Saint Remy, Tarascon, Villeneuve, Orange... and will likely start off by renting either a holiday home or maybe unfurnished place for the first few months. Wherever it is, the kids will want to start school and it would be best not to move them around too much after getting them settled. Our timescale is hopefully to make the move before the summer holidays - so many things to think about!

I have seen a few threads about this area of France, so any thoughts, opinions or advice would be more than welcome.

Thanks so much in advance.

Welcome to the forum. Don't forget to be rude at times and double entendres are de rigour. Now, down to business as the Bishop said to the Choir Boy.

Saint Remy: Is really a lovely small town. Beautiful situation near the Alpilles and a good market.

Tarascon: My memory of this place is that it is a real town. By that I mean a big scuffy and healthily unpicturesque in places.

Villeneuve: dunno

Orange: Famous for having National Front council - not a good sign unless...

I'd go for Saint Remy, without any hesitation.

Thanks Treskillard. I'll probably visit a few times in advance and visit all those places, but there is some information that will always only ever come from those who have experienced it personnally.

Also forgot to ask, but is there a sort of "newcomers association" in France for those moving to new areas and trying to work out the ins and outs of their new environment? Not necessarily for expats, but all those moving in.

Look on the website of the AVF (Accueil des Villes Françaises): www.avf.asso.fr and click on Région "Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur-Corse" or the town of your choice.

I live in st saturnin les avignon which is a 20 mins bus ride into Avignon centre ... there are LOADS of villages around but depends on where your kids will go to school and if you want to be in a town vs a village etc ... to drive or have the option of public transport etc
i know people who live out literally in the styx and pay a lot less for a bigger house ... you could check out www.erafrance.com for rentals
Good luck, this area is really beautiful but can be pricey - renting near avignon from June-Aug can be frightfully expensive especially in July because of the theatre festival.

That looks like a really good website for when we decide on where to aim for - thanks a lot. It looks like they even help with searching out accomodation!

I would assume that all the smaller towns have at least a primary school, but what happens at secondary age - do they all have to take a bus to Avignon? Also, do you find that you have to go into town for all your amenities and shopping? Thanks for your comments.