1: Relocating to Languedoc - for a better climate?

Compared to (say) the UK, the weather in Languedoc is sunnier, and hotter, for longer. The Mediterranean climate zone is characterised by fairly mild winters and very hot, humid summers with a lot of sunshine and sometimes quite stormy, extreme weather.

Let’s be honest though: this is not the Costa del Sol. Head inland in Languedoc – to the Cévennes or Black Mountain areas, for example – and it is generally cooler and wetter, all year round. And the Aude department is notorious for its winds (hence the wind turbines on the hillsides near Fitou).

Everyone we know who has actively chosen to base themselves in Languedoc-Roussillon cites the weather as a positive boon. Most of us are happy to live in warmer climes, appreciating the outdoor lifestyle that comes with this.

However, living in a “better climate” is not always better. Summer temperatures in Languedoc-Roussillon can hit the high thirties and early forties, for weeks at a time. Languedoc can swelter in July and August (the large number of azure blue rectangles that you’ll see if you look out of the window as you fly into one of Languedoc’s five international airports will give you a clue about the sort of weather here).

Suffice to say that living here full-time is not for those who feel faint at the slightest hint of a heatwave.

Remember too that although Languedoc weather is pretty balmy, if you live here you will still have to do things like earning a living, running a household, and raising children. So don’t kid yourself you’re going to be sitting round the pool topping up your tan 24/7.

Still, chances are you’ll have more barbecues than in Blightly. According to official weather statistics, you can go to the beach or the sun-baked rocky hinterland for a life-enhancing stroll and a daily dose of vitamin D some 300-odd days of the year (see Languedoc weather stats here).

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Rent a Languedoc property before committing to a Languedoc property purchase (find Languedoc property rentals here).

The fierce sunshine of Languedoc-Roussillon (and other parts of the south of France) is not conducive to intense physical activity, small children, certain animals (you don’t see many cows here), old folk, or… lawns.

It is however great for grapes (Languedoc is the world’s largest wine-growing region), thyme, rosemary, olives, Seasonal Affective Disorder sufferers, naturists… and anyone with an aircon or pool installation business.