I've watched a few Remi Garde interviews (in French) and he seems extemely well spoken and intelligent, charismatic even. I don't know much about his style of play unfortunately, but this guy would definitely be a breath of fresh air in that sence after having had to suffer Pardew for four years.
Also, in the press conference announcing his departure, his chairman (Aulas) seemed genuinely gutted that he had decided to leave the club despite numerous attempts to lure him into staying for at least another year.