Thanks for the recommendation Val, that's lovely.
Ed, we do own a small campsite here in the Loire and we're often asked if we'd take on a long-term tourer. We've often turned these away, but we're now thinking that maybe we could do it for a limited 'season', in a similar way to the scheme run by the CC in the UK. There are a few sites open year round in France, but not many. We open year round because we live here, it's our home.
There are those I've seen who buy a small plot of land and simply pitch their 'van on it. Some do this whilst building their houses, some don't seem to be building anything at all. This route though would open you up to the rules and regulations associated with becoming a permanent resident. You need to think very seriously about this. What will you live on? What will you do for work? What will you do for healthcare? Many folk are leaving England but many folk are realising the problems associated with having to lead their daily lives in a non-English speaking country too. If you want more help/advice, I'm happy to relate what I know to you via e-mail. To avoid breaking the forum rules, I won't post my website addy here, but if you 'Google' 'Le Chant d'Oiseau', you should find us easily enough.
HTH, and Bon Chance!