Click here to choose your newsletter (France, Italy or both)

Bonjour my friend! 👋

You may have seen that registration for BootCamp France is now open.

Get the discounted price until Friday at 10pm EST. Unless the 20 spots sell out before that.

The BootCamp sessions start in January. It's going to be fun.

If you're interested, don't dawdle!

Now, on to the newsletter...

Aisne, France: An Active Lifestyle Awaits

Dreaming of retiring in France?

Aisne, a department located in the Hauts-de-France region, offers an enchanting blend of affordability, outdoor activities, history, and practical amenities, making it a top choice for active retirees.

With easy access to the Champagne region, the Ardennes forests, the northeast coast, and Belgium, the department of Aisne is nicely located.

Your Dream Home in the French Countryside

Aisne boasts a range of affordable property options.

The average cost of purchasing a home here is significantly lower than in major urban centers like Paris.

Charming rural cottages, historic townhouses, and apartments in towns like Laon or Soissons are available at attractive prices.

For those looking to rent, options range from cozy apartments starting around €450 per month to larger homes at €800–€1,200 per month.

Here are 2 properties I found:

Fully Renovated 1 Bedroom in Saint-Quentin

From the listing:

Charming house in Saint-Quentin, completely renovated, offering 3 rooms including 1 large bedroom. This house has been carefully renovated to offer a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

This house does not require any work, ideal for settling in quickly. Located in a quiet area, close to shops and the city center, this house is perfect for a first purchase or a rental investment.

An opportunity not to be missed in Saint-Quentin!

Price: €69,000 euros ($72,600 US dollars)

See Property Photos

6 Bedroom With Stable, 3 Garages On Wooded Lot

From the listing:

Real farmhouse composed of a hall, living room, lounge, kitchen, bathroom, office and toilet on the ground floor. Upstairs: large mezzanine serving 4 bedrooms, dressing room Insulated attic of more than 100 m2 offering great possibilities.

Cellar, storeroom, annex outbuilding. Enclosed and wooded land with stable and 3 garages New heat pump.

The Saint-Quentin canal with it's greenway path is a mile away.

Price: €198,000 euros ($208,450 US dollars)

See Property Photos

Activities for an Active Lifestyle

Aisne’s varied landscapes make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts:

• Walking & Hiking: Explore trails through the lush Forêt de Retz or the rolling hills of the Thiérache region. The Chemin des Dames, with its historical significance and sweeping views, is a favorite.

• Biking: Quiet country roads and well-marked bike trails wind through picturesque villages and pastures.

Ride along the EuroVelo3 aka the Scandibérique.

• Water Activities:

• Paddle through the Ailette River or enjoy kayaking and canoeing on the Canal de Saint-Quentin.

• Try boating or fishing at Lac de l’Ailette, a serene spot perfect for water sports enthusiasts.

History and Scenic Beauty: Must-See Sights

• Laon: Known as the “Crowned Mountain,” Laon’s medieval hilltop city is a marvel. Its Gothic cathedral is a stunning example of early Gothic architecture. The panoramic views from the ramparts are breathtaking.

• Château de Coucy: A testament to medieval grandeur, these castle ruins transport visitors to the 13th century.

• Saint-Quentin: Famous for its Art Deco architecture and the stunning Basilica of Saint-Quentin.

• Fort de Condé: A historic military site offering a fascinating glimpse into France’s past.

Getting Around: Transportation Options

Trains:

• Regular trains connect Aisne’s major towns, such as Laon and Saint-Quentin, to Paris in less than two hours.

• High-speed TGV services are accessible from nearby Reims or Compiègne.

Trams & Local Buses: Local transit is available in towns like Saint-Quentin, offering easy exploration without a car.

Airports:

• Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport: Just over an hour by train, it provides seamless international travel options.

• Beauvais-Tillé Airport: A smaller option for budget flights to various European destinations.

Healthcare: Peace of Mind in Retirement

Aisne is well-equipped with healthcare facilities, ensuring excellent medical support:

• Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Quentin: A modern hospital with emergency services.

• Centre Hospitalier de Laon: Offers general medical care and an emergency room.

• Polyclinique Saint-Claude (Saint-Quentin): A private facility known for specialized care.

Why Choose Aisne?

Retiring in Aisne means embracing an active, affordable, and culturally rich lifestyle. With its scenic beauty, vibrant history, and practical amenities, this charming corner of France is ready to welcome you.

Thanks for reading!

Tommy

American to France™

A surprising part of France 🇫🇷 (low cost)