Hi, and welcome to the forum.

Sorry about the break-up, but it does sound as if you've found a good way to get through it all. You may have some "challenges" in trying to rent a place for an indefinite term. As I understand it, there's a difference in the laws that govern renting lodging that is furnished vs. unfurnished. Unfurnished lodging is normally rented on a lease basis - and lease terms here normally run for 3 years at a time. (There are provisions for getting out of a lease on 30 days' notice for such things as a "job related move.")

Furnished rentals are treated more like hotel accommodation - so perhaps the gite idea would work best for you.

As to location, there's lots to choose from across France. Many British expats gravitate toward the south, or at least south of the Loire, where the weather is somewhat nicer than in the northern part of France. But Normandy and Brittany have their own expat communities and their own charms.

Is there any part of France you've visited that might suit what you have in mind?
Cheers,
Bev