IN TODAY'S ISSUE #2
(See past issues here)
📍 Hidden Gem: Albi — a red-brick beauty on the Tarn River with cathedral views and small-town charm.
🏡 Affordable Find: Charming townhouse with park views, exposed beams, and a heated garage — all for €179,000.
🎓 Workshops + Webinars: Making Money in France — a practical session on visas, taxes, and staying compliant.
📺 France Must-Watch: From Tommy’s own surprising reasons to retire in France to a couple’s fresh start learning French in Nice.
👋 Personal Update
This week, my buddy Ben Small and I had an inspiring call with a tour guide in southwest France.
We brainstormed next year’s “mini-retirement” trips — small-group adventures (think 10–15 people) to explore under-the-radar retirement spots across France.
Let’s just say my excitement level is now at eleven — and yes, that’s a Spinal Tap reference for my fellow movie fans.
The guide was calling in from Albi, which instantly reminded me why I love sharing these finds with you. So, that’s where we’re headed today.
Let’s get into it –
📍HIDDEN GEM - Albi
Albi, in the Tarn department of southern France, is the kind of place that makes you wonder why it isn’t on every “must-visit” list.
Known for its striking red-brick architecture, the city sits gracefully on the Tarn River and boasts a medieval heart that feels like stepping into a painting.
The Sainte-Cécile Cathedral towers over the old town, and the cobblestone streets are lined with cafés, bakeries, and boutiques.
Travel here is surprisingly easy: Toulouse is just over an hour away by train, giving you big-city access while keeping your day-to-day life delightfully small scale.
The Tarn’s rolling countryside is perfect for weekend cycling or wine-tasting excursions, and the weather delivers those sunny southern skies without the Riviera’s crowds.
Albi is also refreshingly affordable.
Whether you’re looking for a pied-à-terre or a full-time home, prices here often surprise Paris-weary buyers.
And with its cultural calendar — from art exhibitions to food festivals — you’ll find yourself blending in as more than just a visitor.
📍 Fast Facts: Albi
🚉 Train Station: Gare d’Albi-Ville — 1h10 to Toulouse
✈️ Nearest Airport: Toulouse-Blagnac International — 1h15 drive
🏥 Nearest Hospital: Centre Hospitalier d’Albi — in town
🛍️ Amenities: 🛒 Grocery 🥖 Bakery 🍷 Bars/Restaurants 🌳 Greenways 🎭 Culture
👣 Walkability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Flat terrain, most daily needs within 10 minutes)
🧺 Weekly Market: Yes — multiple days
🌦️ Climate: Mild winters, warm summers, plenty of sunshine
*Anything underlined is clickable 🔗
🏠 AFFORDABLE FINDS
Charming Albi Townhouse with Park Views – €179,000 ($208,350)
In the sought-after Parc Rochegude neighborhood, this T4 townhouse offers a sunny living area with open kitchen, two bedrooms, a home office, and views over the park.
Features include exposed beams, brick accents, a heated garage, and two storage rooms. Ideal for a first investment or seasonal rental.
🔗 View Listing
⁉️ DID YOU KNOW?
Albi’s UNESCO-listed Sainte-Cécile Cathedral is the largest brick building in the world.
🎓 Workshops + Webinars
"Making Money in France - What Retirees & Expats Need to Know"
📅 August 18th
⏰ 12pm EST
💬 Whether it’s art, running a gîte (rental), freelancing, or another venture, earning in France comes with rules — and your visa may depend on them.
Join me and French business expert Valerie Aston for a plain-English breakdown on how to do it legally, stay compliant, and keep your residency secure.
📺 France Must-Watch
🎥 7 Surprising Reasons to Retire in France as an American
Enjoy this replay of our live session from Wednesday.
🔗 Links to the websites discussed are in the description box below the video.
👉 Watch it here
🎥 French Class in France: What It’s REALLY Like
We are new expats in Nice, France and we spent a month learning French at Alliance Française! Brandie took the intensive class (4 hours a day!) and Todd did the regular class. In this video, we share our first impressions, what we’ve learned, the pros and cons, and whether it’s worth it for expats and retirees living in France.
👉 Watch it here
🇫🇷 One Step Closer to France
That’s it for this week. Whether you’re dreaming, planning, or already packing—we’re in this together.
Until next time,
Tommy
PS - Grab your spot for the webinar with Valerie Aston on the 18th!