Paris, France -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/18/2014 -- The image of retirement has changed dramatically in recent years. With the state pension age creeping up and financial uncertainty on the increase, more and more individuals are facing the prospect of working well beyond their official age of retirement. But it's not just the age of retirees that has changed - these days, a growing number are demanding 'active retirement.'

One previously marginalised group in particular, the LGBT community, has tapped into the joie de vivre and increasing accepting attitudes towards the "gay and grey" available in France with buyers keen to snap up one of the one level, eco-friendly villas at the new The Villages Group - Rainbow development.

The Villages Group - Rainbow, a 17 are gated community of affordable one level eco-friendly/energy efficient "village-houses" with concierge services nestled in the heart of the Languedoc region of South West France, is a private oasis for the Gay & Lesbian (LGBT) Community who want an “Active & Healthy Lifestyle” in a warm, friendly, healthy climate set on the banks of the Canal du Midi; between Vineyards & Olive groves and near to several typical Languedoc Villages.

Designed especially for LGBT living, the Villages Group Rainbow offers typical French “village” houses set within outstanding natural environments with full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and a quality entertainment programmes. The “Village” includes its own Hotel with restaurant; bar; gym; saunas; theatre/meeting room; library.

The emphasis is on active living and the wide range of activities on offer includes tennis, archery, aerobics, equestrian events, sailing, boating and swimming in the village's outdoor and indoor pools. Owners enjoy special membership to the stunning nearby golf course and free bicycle hire. The development even boasts access to four ski resorts, all within a 55 mile radius.

Social engagements abound, with a focus on arts and crafts, music, dance, wine and theatre.

Located on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, "Last Chance" gas station the village will be perfect as a hide-away but close enough to the Med to make the most of all that France has to offer.

The Canal du Midi has become a popular tourist destination in its own right due to the beauty of the waterways and surrounding countryside. Initially used to transport good from the Atlantic to the Med - the Canal has now become a tourist attraction and place for leisure activities, with many people rowing, canoeing, fishing or even cruising on luxury hotel barges.

The Languedoc-Roussillon is easily accessible by air, rail and road. With five main airports in Nimes, Montpellier, Carcassonne, Beziers and Perpignan and the TVG from France & Spain is just a 15 minutes drive.

The Villages concept is certainly not a place where the older generation go to live out their remaining days in seclusion or to go back into the closet. For us, we have a positive forward thinking approach about our own Villages in France, providing a lifestyle that we believe will be most attractive to active 50+s from the LGBT community who want to live their lives to the full in one of the top ten expat countries in the world that affords a relaxed pace of life, stunning natural landscapes and low living costs.

House prices at Le Village-Canal du Midi start from around 236,000 Euros which includes all closing costs and the first year's management fee and taxes; weekly maintenance costs are just 70 Euros per house per week including all activities. All houses are finished to an exceptionally high standard and clients have a choice of colour scheme and have an input into interior design factors such as the style of kitchen.

The great weather, French gastronomy and picturesque location provide perfect reasons to spend your latter years here across the Channel and offers the opportunity to live out your days with pride.

For more information on retiring to France and the first gay retirement community, The Villages Group snc is a leader in Europe of "Active Lifestyle" Retirement Villages with developments thru-out Southern France. - Telephone on +33 1 4007 8625 email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit http://www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow.