In response to escalating heatwaves and ecological challenges, geographer Guillaume Faburel proposes a rethinking of where people live, advocating for a more balanced distribution of population between cities and rural areas. In his book Où habiter? (Where to Live?), published by Tana editions, Faburel argues that climate change provides a compelling reason to reconsider the dominance of metropolitan areas, which are increasingly vulnerable compared to rural regions. For instance, during extreme heat, temperatures in Toulouse can be up to 12°C warmer than in nearby forested areas just 40 to 50 kilometers away, highlighting the potential benefits of rural living in terms of climate resilience. Faburel identifies seven geographic regions in France that are particularly well-suited for more autonomous and sustainable lifestyles. These areas are not immune to crises, but they offer greater opportunities for self-sufficiency, community solidarity, and a closer connection to the land. The three hill regions include Breton, Norman, and Poitevin, known for their pastoral landscapes and distance from coastal areas that are prone to flooding and overdevelopment. The four mountainous regions consist of the central Pyrenees, the Massif Central plateaus, the Morvan up to the Meuse coast, and the Prealps. These areas are marked by diverse ecosystems and a more resilient social fabric. To determine these regions, Faburel and his team from the post-urban movement used a range of indicators. These included areas with varied forests rather than single-species plantations, existing housing that can be repurposed without new construction, affordable agricultural land with manageable plots, and local resources for producing materials and energy. Life in these regions would involve greater self-reliance, with production and living spaces closer together. These areas still maintain small-scale farming and communities that practice reuse, repair, and local food production. Social ties are built on proximity and mutual support, with shared workshops, tool exchanges, and community events. Faburel emphasizes the need for a demographic shift away from over-concentrated urban areas, which contribute to higher energy use, pollution, and waste. While cities might seem efficient, their benefits are often offset by increased consumption and travel. Rural areas, meanwhile, have been neglected by a society focused on urban development. As the push for renewable energy grows, rural regions are increasingly used for solar farms, wind turbines, and biogas plants, often without local input or benefit. Faburel warns that without careful planning, rural areas could become new urban centers, displacing current residents and eroding local culture. He acknowledges that not everyone can leave cities, and the goal is not to repeat past mistakes by simply reversing migration trends. In France, about 100,000 people leave metropolitan areas annually, a number expected to double in the next 25 years. To support this shift, Faburel suggests a need for around ten million rural workers, including farmers, artisans, and educators, to ensure food and community resilience. He also cautions that an influx of urbanites could disrupt rural life, as rising capital from cities drives up property prices and gentrifies the countryside. To prevent this, he calls for both geographical and political rebalancing, allowing rural communities to shape their own futures. For those who cannot leave cities, Faburel offers practical steps at the local level, such as reclaiming land, removing asphalt, planting trees that provide shade and food, and fostering community gardens. These actions can enhance local resilience, improve health, and create stronger social ties. The central message of his book is that alternatives to urban living exist, and the resources needed to build more sustainable communities are already available in other parts of the country.