Eternal France

From quaint villages in the Cévennes or Brittany, to the dazzling white slopes of the Alps, or even the opal green seascapes of Normandy, it is true that France is a beautiful and varied country. Plentiful are the hidden parts of “la France profonde” which are real gems. Some have hardly changed through the ages. These images are magnified in our memories as being basked in glorious sunshine, yet only a small part of France enjoys blue skies all year round. If you are thinking to move to France, we would advise you visit your chosen area in all seasons. It is true that the climate of France is considered on the whole to be rather clement. There are however at least four major zones corresponding to a more specific sub-climate:

• “Oceanic” in Western France from Normandy to the Basque country via the Bordeaux area. From North to South there are variations. However Normandy and Brittany greatly resemble Devon and Cornwall in landscape, vegetation and weather.
• “Continental” in Eastern parts such as Champagne, Burgundy and the Rhône Valley. Those regions enjoy the extremes, from scorching summers to violent storms and sub-zero temperatures in winter.
• “Mountain climate” in the Jura, the Alps, The Massif Central or the Pyrénées. Life and weather are similar to other European high altitude regions such as Switzerland or Austria.
• “Mediterranean” by far the smallest zone of all, along the Riviera and Southern Languedoc. Ironically, this is typically the image most people have of France as a whole. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security as while a city like Montpellier can enjoy on average over 250 days of annual sunshine, the average rainfall there is the same as in Cambridge.

These four climate zones along with approximately 600 micro-climates account for the rich and varied regional delicacies and wines. Remember, like most parts of the UK, France has varied weather depending on the time of year. If you love it in all seasons, rain or shine, then you are ready for the big move!