Marmande, France

Capital City

With a population of just 17,328, Marmande is a sleepy, provincial town that lacks the glamour and economic opportunities of larger French cities. The town is renowned for its tomato production, with the average household income at a modest €19,520 per year. While the historic church and annual music festival offer some local charm, bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the town has changed hands multiple times over the centuries, enduring sieges and occupations. For those seeking a quiet, agricultural lifestyle in southern France, Marmande may fit the bill, but ambitious professionals and cosmopolitan urbanites should look elsewhere.