I’ve spent some time in the south over the last several months, and it’s a whole lot different that the Pacific Northwest. A friend who lives there raved about where she lives, asking me if I didn’t think that living there would be wonderful. So I thought about it. Could I live in the South?
If we’re talking about the southern United States, then the answer is definitely no. But since I’ve been traveling around Europe this summer, I have thought about what it would be like to live over here.
First of all, I’m not cut out to be a global nomad. I want a home, a place to put roots, a place to build friendships and to come home to. I’m not opposed to multiple homes (when I win the lottery or sell the Great American Novel), but as much as I love to travel, for me home is where the heart is.
Everyone knows that I love Italy, but there are other places that could make my list of places to live. What I look for is a combination of access to a large city (or cities), yet a smaller town feel. Somewhere I could enjoy the greatness of shopping, art, theater, and the busyness of a large metropolis, yet still settle in to enjoy the charm, thoughtfulness of living, and slower pace of a smaller village.
France has much to offer, and much like Italy it offers a wonderful combination of cities large and small, wonderful food, art, shopping and culture. But Paris is definitely out. Love the city, love to visit there, love to go to the museums and shop and eat, but then I’d have to leave or go crazy.
The area of Luberon offers some nice choices. It has slightly more moderate weather than in the north, band I loved the book A Year in Provence, so it just might be a good fit.. OK, so maybe the book romances moving there a bit, but it is an area with a combination of large cities to make you feel connected to the world as well as picturesque little towns that ooze in history and culture. Add in great food, wine, fields of lavender, and a sense of adventure, and I could create a wonderful home away from home. Mmmmmm, I can almost taste the flavors and smell the aromas now.
And who am I kidding, if I lived there maybe I’d catch a celeb or two in the area for the Cannes Film Festival!
Finding a South of France property wouldn’t be easy, the best things in life never are, but what a wonderful place for my home away from home. Want to come visit? We could wander, relax, and enjoy some of the very best things in life.
Photo credit: SXC (Arles); (lavender)
NOTE: This post was sponsored by Erna Low Property; the opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author..
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