Bourges, France

Capital City

With a population of just 64,186, Bourges is a sleepy provincial backwater, far from the glitz and glamour of Paris. The city's greatest claim to fame is its 13th-century Gothic cathedral, which has earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. But beyond the cathedral's impressive spires, Bourges offers little to excite the average expat.

The city's location in central France means it endures a continental climate, with cold, dry winters and hot, wet summers - hardly ideal for those seeking year-round sunshine. And while the town's defense industry provides some employment, the local bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the city's economic decline since a devastating fire in 1487.

Overall, Bourges is best suited for history buffs and architectural aficionados willing to trade convenience and creature comforts for a taste of old-world French charm. For everyone else, this unassuming provincial capital is likely to disappoint.