Hi, and welcome to the forum! Big decision you've taken there. Luckily, it looks like you're coming from the UK, which cuts out much of the hassle - visas and such.

Have you thought about what you'd like to find in any location you settle in? Activities such as concerts, theater and fabulous restaurants tend to be centralized in Paris or other larger cities. There is a tai chi group that meets in the Jardin de Luxembourg in Paris, and I suspect more than a few chess games going on there in mid-summer. But living in Paris is expensive.

The rural areas of France can have some surprising resources, but can also be a bit isolated and, like small towns everywhere, it can be difficult to integrate yourself if you have no strong local ties or family. In some areas where there are good sized British communities, the Brits are quite frankly resented by the locals for running up property prices and changing the life style of the area. But with no local anglophones nearby, it can be lonely.

What is it about France that attracts you? Maybe that will give us some clues as to areas to suggest.
Cheers,
Bev