Evening all

It was quite hot though even when I visited in September.

I spent a few days there in July and it was comfortable. I think one of the appealing features is the backdrop of the Pyrenees that you get as you go further south but I also love the rollin* countryside and unspoiled villages.

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Only as a hub. They will continue to fly from Toulouse and many of the existing routes and timetables should be unaffected, at least for the moment. The service to Bristol is very unlikely to be affected I think because of the large Airbus presence in the city. I use this route in the winter and it’s always absolutely rammed.

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Further south towards the mountains tends to be cooler in the summer. Further east, south of a line between Pamiers/ Mirepoix down towards Tarascon-sur-Ariege is very nice as are some of the Aude / Herault Black Mountain villages, although these can feel a bit remote. For both, you’re not too far from Toulouse airport or Carcassonne or Beziers airport all of which fly to the UK although winter flights are limited.

Edit: Carcassonne to Stansted seems to be an all year route as does Beziers to Luton. Toulouse has lots of options to the UK. I did BA to/from Manchester once as it was cheaper than Ryanair.

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Yes that can be priceless. Here is the view from our swimming pool at our previous house on the border of Gers and H.Garonne.

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You guys are not making this any easier you know… :smiley:

I’m sorry ,I didn’t realise that was the objective. I can send you my lucky dice which is as good as any method of coming to a decision on where to hang your hat.

Thank you I would appreciate that. :smiley:

Joking aside I do appreciate all the suggestions and everyone passing on the benefit of their experiences in living in different parts of the country - it is really helpful.

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Welcome Mr C. My English other half and my Irish passported self have a little cottage not far from you near Saumur. We visit 5/6 times a year and never find the surrounding chateau towns too busy, although to be fair we do avoid August as it’s usually too hot. We chose the Loire Valley area for beauty, history, wine, gardens, temperate climate as France is getting much hotter, and multiple routes from the UK in case of French grèves! But usually use LeShuttle for convenience - 8 hours door to door without rushing - and ferries to go home in the calmer months. Chinon is a lovely town, we often visit and combine it with a trip to the extraordinary gardens at Château du Rivau. Enjoy Spring in the Touraine!

I actually think that the area that you’ve suggested is at the top of your list is the best option. The others are only a motorcycle ride away for the occasional visit.

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Thanks @Longtallannie ! Must admit we’ve not been to that chateau yet - so many chateaus, so little time :grinning: My long time favourite Loire chateau is the one at Villandry which has amazing gardens.

That was the first announcement hairbear. Predictably there was a more recent further announcement and Easyjet"s Toulouse-Gatwick route has bitten the dust. Future flights on their làst remaining prime route to the UK are not in the timetable : I couldn"t believe it so I checked.

Easyjet canned Toulouse to Luton early in Covid. Edinburgh -Toulouse seems to have disappeared more recently than that Gatwick Toulouse has just been eliminated after quite soon so that kills all major UK destinations from Toulouse for Easyjet.

I did notice they recently ish reinstated Milan Toulouse after a long period since thry cancelled it. I used to meet a number of Airbus staff each time I flew it. So if Toulouse Bristol survived then it sounss like Airbus is supporting these Easyjet routes.

I think Bordeaux airport basically bought the business away from Toulousr. Personally I"m gutted.

It was on the loss of Easyjet"s Toulouse Gatwick route going firward, that BA and Ryanair prices to London seemed to have leapt when I did some scouting…

Interesting. Although Toulouse-LGW is still in the list of airports served, no dates are selectable. Bristol seems to still be there. Bizarrely, it’s 4 days per week in the winter and reduces to 3 days per week in the summer.

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I love Villandry too! Rivau is known for its roses, so June is a great time to visit. Over 500 varieties apparently! Plus interesting art installations in the garden and château…

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Not sure if this is any use to anyone but squeezyjet has taken over the Bordeaux - Edinburgh route previously managed by Ryanair…

Hopefully they can be persuaded to take over a few more. They are a somewhat less insane airline than BrianAir.