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The measures taken by French public authorities in response to the Covid-19 epidemic caused varying degrees of difficulty for different populations and areas. One example was the weakening of close social interaction, which affected older people to varying degrees depending on where they live. The CONSOL2 (CONfinement – SOLidarités – SOLitude) survey, carried out by the Caisse nationale d’assurance vieillesse (French National Pension Fund) between 22 April and 25 May 2021, revealed instabilities in these interpersonal relationships during the lockdown, as well as difficulties in accessing shops and services as a result of travel restrictions. While there is no doubt that social interaction after retirement depends in part on individual characteristics, other factors also need to be taken into account. In this sense, the effects of the link between the features of the area of residence and the characteristics of retirees have been insufficiently discussed. By matching CONSOL2 data with INSEE’s (French statistical service) database, which cross-references département and commune size of the facilities in different areas of France, the location of the respondents is characterised according to the local services found there. The article shows an association between forms of inter-individual solidarity at the time of the socio-health crisis and the specific characteristics of the areas. This research helps to redefine rurality in terms of the habitats of retired people. These habitats can be opportunities or constraints for retired people living far from metropolitan areas (accessibility of shops and services, proximity and involvement of potential carers, availability of outdoor spaces).