Re: Morzine cost – I had a look at homes out there a couple of years ago when I was flash.
Theres two types, 1) close to a lift or “ski in, ski out” (even if it’s not really) loadsamoney or 2) a 5 mins drive or 10 min ride away or ideally in a non-lift village cheapasbuttons well compared to 1 anyway. I guess they’re expensive to maintain though as they have to keep that rustic look.
As for the original question, France. Not massively fussed where, not Paris, probably not the Alps but an hour or so down the road might work, can’t stand snow. Frankly if I had the time/money now to learn the language to a working standard I’d go now.