Expat Life in the South of France

I have read comments on several expat forums on France about the loneliness and difficulty of some new arrivals in meeting people.   The AVF or Accueil des Villes Française is an invaluable port of first call. It has 350 local associations all over France and they help newcomers integrate into  local life. They are very welcoming, have a raft of activities, among which French conversation sessions, English conversation for foreigners, hikes, square dancing, etc. or you can start up an activity of your own. They are all open to members for an annual fee of 50€.  We have made some wonderful friends of all nationalities and have found it most rewarding. The website is very informative (if you read French) and will tell you where in each region AVF exists. Go fot it and watch your social life explode!