I'm attracted to Savoie and would like some feedback pls

I hope this kind of message is appropriate.

By now, having been there for about 2 years, your French should be functional.  However.....

Firstly, forgive the intrusion; I'm seriously considering coming to live in the Annecy/Chambery/Aix/Evian/Thonon area and I'd be very grateful if you could answer a few questions.

I've been living in France for some time and I know the country well.  I speak good/fluent French.

I'm attracted to Savoie for a variety of reasons; mountains, outdoors, scenic beauty and proximity to airports.

I'd be very interested to know the extent of the ex-pat community in the region.  I'm sure it's patchy but I imagine that the three big towns I've mentioned would have substantial English speaking communities.  Any information in this regard that you could provide would be most gratefully appreciated.

My intention would be to buy a house with some land - upwards of 1,000m2 - in a village within striking distance of a bigger town.  My interests are largely sporting (rugby), but I also enjoy cultural events such as music and theatrical productions. I'm also very keen on gardening. I'm presently living on my own, but am flexible as to to the future.

In light of the above, I'd be grateful if you'd venture to suggest towns/villages which might conform to my interests. It doesn't necessarily have to be on the water, given my budget of around 350,000 euros.

Again, I hope I'm not intruding too much and I look forward to hearing from you.  [email protected]

BY THE WAY, I'D BE GRATEFUL FOR REPLIES FROM ANYONE.

Kind regards

Alan Slomowitz