Do a lot of reading up / surfing to find out which area of France you find the most attractive etc I'd then suggest you come over and stay in that area (in a cheap g�te) for a week or 2 to discover the villages, towns etc. There's always somewhere in the area an english speaking agency and from then on try to get your ideal home. I've heard loads of stories of how the Brits set up in France and usually the house they were dreaming of initially isn't anything like what they fall in love with! So don't stick to one kind of place.