RetiretoFrance

I'm always open to advice. We are planning to move to inland Aude - not too far south (say no further South than Limoux) and would consider southern Tarn (e.g. north to Castres) and the tips of Haute Garonne and Ariege. (That could all change, of course, now that we are retired and will have more time to wander). My impression is that winters, although perhaps colder than we have here at times are going to be shorter and brighter - usually, anyway. There are always exceptions. Am I more or less right? Incidentally, as to being quiet in February, we live in rural Herefordshire and it's pretty quiet and dead for most of the year!

We have visited the area in which we want to buy a number of times. Admittedly, this has always been in the warmer months, although we have carefully researched the climate all year round - especially in relation to where we live now in the UK and to other areas we might want to consider. We are planning to do a longer trip next spring and to incorporate some other areas which could be possibilities. In the past 20 years we have toured much of France and can eliminate some parts before we start. I take the point about a buyers' market and I do feel that there are some agents - principally selling for Brits to Brits, whose prices are over the top. Many properties have been around for a long time (this is also true of private sales) and seem to be maintaining their asking prices.

There are lots and lots of ads (e.g. Le Bon Coin) placed by private sellers, as well as signs on buildings and so on. Has anyone bought this way? If so, we would like to hear your story. Is there anyone who has done this with basic language skills?