Thanks for replying. I love the sea, for a start, but I also love the country!

I can imagine the locals resent large ex-pat communities, I think people everywhere feel a bit invaded when there are very large groups of foreign nationals on their doorstep. When you look at some of the settlements in Spain ........................! So I think I would like to try somewhere where there is a small community of ex-pats who are perhaps better integrated - or less intrusive.

I do like some company but am also very fond of my own! So I am not looking for an overwhelmingly friendly group of people. I wondered about learning to play bowls (or is that boules?) or something I could join in with. I will probably be writing a bit so that will take up quite a bit of time, and I plan to run a website also. I love opera but I could always go to Paris for that. It would be nice if there were a local club who organised outings, for instance.
I know there is not going to be a tailormade spot answering all my exact requirements, but I have time yet and intend to start taking long weekends when I decide where to try.

Bye for now!

LaChatte