I get peppered with questions about Quillan. Where is it? Why that place? How do you even pronounce it? Let’s take a step back and unpack my top 10 thoughts/reasons.

QUILLAN: MY TOP 10

1. Time to Paint

First and foremost, I’m not painting as much as I want to. It’s challenging enough to create when you’ve got a full-time job, a 3hr commute, and sprinkle in a few mortgages – forget it. Over the next few months, I’ll be downsizing and preparing to live off of hustling my artwork. Less bullshit, more painting.

2. Thank you Formica

Quillan fits my budget. After the Formica factory (yes, the countertop people) closed in 2003-2004  many people left town. This left a lot of good buildings that just needed some TLC. After a few weeks hanging out with friends who’d already settled here, the choice was easy.

3. The Light!

Quillan has an inspiring light—maybe it’s the Mediterranean, maybe it’s the Pyrenees, maybe it’s the wine. Whatever it is, every corner of the village seems like it’s posing for a painting. I was sold from the first step into town.

4. Ex-pats Everywhere

Quillan is home to about 3,500 people, and roughly 35% are English-speaking ex-pats. These folks are not only helpful but downright delightful. They’ve figured out how to escape the grind and are happy to share their secrets. Plus, they’re always ready to head out and grab a glass of wine.

5. Close But Far

Quillan has a sweet balance of being remote but not isolated. It’s 1.5 hours to the Mediterranean, with a €1 bus to Perpignan or Carcassonne (yes, the one with the medieval castle). Barcelona is just 3 hours away if you want to practice your Catalan. Toulouse, with its airport, is only a couple of hours away. So, while Quillan is a charming escape, you’re never that far from civilization.

6. Fresh Food

The food here is next-level. Markets in Quillan run twice a week and nearby towns like Esperaza host colorful markets bridging with vibrant wares and hippy chatter. The flavors of Occitanie? IMO unmatched.

7. It’s All Fun & Games

The people are the kindest. They’ve introduced me to pétanque (imagine boules), There’s a great French language group plus hiking and biking groups, and a growing community of artists. 

8. Slow Down There

The local schedule? Start around 10 AM, break for a 2.5-hour lunch at Noon, and wrap up by 5 PM to rest before dinner and whatever the evening entails. There’s a local saying. Don’t work too hard in the morning, take it easy in the afternoon. I love it.

9. Festivals Galore

Summers in Quillan are buzzing with festivals. Among others, There’s the Celtic Festival , a celebration of Celtic culture; Romeria , a Spanish fiesta with flamenco and flair; Jazz Fest , which brings Europe’s finest musicians; and the Big City Festival , featuring concerts, a fun fair, and the Critérium de Quillan—the oldest cycling race in France. Oh, and don’t forget the grand beef-on-a-spit meal.

10. How Do You Say Quillan?

It’s pronounced “Key-oh.” How one gets that from “Quillan” is anyone’s guess. But hey, I’m not here to argue with French phonetics. All I know is, I love it.

So, there it is—my top 10 for heading to Quillan. It might seem like an unlikely choice for some, but for me, it’s the perfect mix of inspiration and community. Quillan has everything I need to create, breathe, and just be.

More to come…