mustain99

Hi. Can anybody recommend a place to live in France? I'm looking for a small historic town or city or even suburb of a larger city, which has a Bohemian feel. By this I mean probably with a university near by, lots of bars, restaurants, live music, theatre etc. Would prefer a friendly place with an international feel with people engaged in arts, politics etc.

Thanks x

EuroTrash

I think you have described Montpellier to a T.

mustain99

I've had a feeling Montpellier may be the place.

Thanks

loy loy

I always think Albi is a bit like that, lots of art and culture

grannybunz

Or possibly Aix-en-Provence?

InVinoVeritas

Yes Aix definitely but perhaps a little pricey.

Uzés fits the bill too and is probably cheaper.

markek

Hi,

Though moving with kids, I also like a bit of Bohemia, and university towns tend, imo, to be better places to live - more open-minded.

Can anyone in the know give a bit of a description of Montpelier? Including - schools, bars, restaurants, distance to nice beach etc

Tweedpipe

Loads of info HERE.
Schools, universities etc see Chapt. 6.2

dmu

I live in north Hérault and go to MTP from time to time (for shopping or a bit of culture). My two daughters studied at Uni and enjoyed living there.
No idea about schools, though; don't frequent bars; good restaurants of all types; beaches not far, provided you've got a car - the tramway will only take you so far and there may be connections with a bus, I don't know...
Not much help, I know! There's at least one BE member who lives there, who can advise better!
P.S. Bearing in mind you wanted mountains nearby, you won't find any nearer than the Cévennes to the north of MTP, which is in a F L A T coastal plain...

dmu

markek

Thx for all info.

Looks like we really need to spend time exploring around there in a long term let when able to do so.

Tweedpipe

Apologies for my previous post. Although Markek did request advise on 'Montpelier', I wasn't trying to be facetious.
A genuine mistake, as I'd initially called up both 'Montpel(l)ier' sites and attached the wrong link.
Didn't realise the errors of my way until I saw DMU's .
HERE's the link I meant to send.

To quote Mme TP, 'I must try harder'........

markek

Hi, been off on other things. Thanks for link
Now seeking an automatice hire car in Perpignan (where we fly in) for Easter if have any ideas.
Salut! (Or do people not use it like 'cheers'? Guessing not )

Shirtback

Salut is correct/acceptable

I know you specified "small town" rather than a city, but I'm thinking Toulouse or Carcassonne (for varying reasons) might suit you in the South. Caen in the North.

SB

markek

Thx.
We'd love to be closer to the sea than Carc. or Toul. , though Ive read great things about both. Caen and area Ive heard is great but we want the South for more Med weather, and also possibility of Pyrenees skiing.
We have 2 weeks to explore (assuming we find an automatic car!), wondering about plans now. Maybe including: Perpignan, Ceret, coastal towns near there, Beziers and surrounds, and Montpellier. Will hook up with an estate agent or two. Also on look out for out of season rental accommodn with (ideally indoor) pool going cheap.
Cheers