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We’ve mentioned the French news magazine l’Express and their recent “France for senior citizens” survey before (see our previous Property News Flash “Aude voted best for quality of life”), but some of its results have surprised us so much that we want to share them with you.
According to the findings, published at the end of 2007, the Languedoc-Roussillon département of Lozère – yes, lowly, little-known Lozère, France’s least-populated area – is the very best place to retire to, all things considered.
Unlikely as it might seem, Lozère came top of the class, considered Best Retirement Destination by the judges, who measured France’s départements against a list of key points of particular relevance to those contemplating retirement.
Given Lozère’s tiny population (around 73,500, so a density of approx. 14 inhabitants per square metre), some of its key attributes are unsurprising: peace and quiet, unspoilt landscapes, excellent local produce, quiet roads, low pollution and crime rate are what you might expect of an area which has an ageing population (the number of Lozère inhabitants aged 75 or over is 25 per cent higher than the national average).
The average age of Lozere’s population has lead the département to take some serious measures to ensure that its ageing inhabitants are well provided for when it comes to retirement homes, hospital beds and home nursing.
OK, so there’s rather less on offer when it comes to cultural stimulation (Lozère is ranked 94th out of 96 on this particular point), so there are undoubtedly better places to purchase a retirement or holiday home if you’re a culture vulture; Lozère is more suited to nature lovers.
However, one attribute flagged up by the Express is “un coût d’immobilier particulierement attractif” – particularly attractive property prices, with the département ranked 7th nationally. It’s easy to see what great value for money Lozere offers in the real estate stakes by using the Crème de Languedoc property price calculator.
For more information about Lozere property, see our dedicated page.
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