Exactly, Cassis. Nice weather is a bonus - not the main reason for us moving to another country. I am probably viewing France with rose tinted specs but it looks so lovely. From what I've read the main downsides are bureaucracy and flies, so if that's as bad as it gets I can't wait! However, there is so much wonderful property out there in every region that the prospect of actually choosing anything is very daunting. Did any of you folk find it so? We had previously thought of moving to Spain but (apart from the heat!) the prices are ridiculous. For the price of a square, featureless box you can buy some brilliant houses with loads of character, outbuildings, land etc - but I'm preaching to the converted aren't I?