Where are the best country homes in France? - France Property Guides (2024)

With a Welshman winning the Tour de France, will more of Geraint Thomas’s countrymen be keen to swap the valleys of Wales for the fields of France? The British have enjoyed a long love affair with France’s bucolic beauty, and especially the affordable homes to be found there.So, let’s have a look at moving to the countryside in France, from where to go to what to keep in mind before you move.

The route of the Toiur de France showcased France’s picturesque scenery and we’d certainly understand if it got you dreaming of country homes in France. A spacious house, land of your own, wonderful views and clean, fresh air are all easily achievable across the Channel. In fact, it’s a buyer’s market. So, if there was ever a time to make your dream a reality it’s now.

Where are the best country homes in France? - France Property Guides (1)

Regions like Burgundy offer excellent value and an attractive lifestyle for country homes in France.

Where’s best for country homes in France?

Two of the best regions of France to buy are Burgundy, located in the east of central France, and Poitou-Charentes, in the southwest. Both offer rural living in gorgeous scenery, while still having attractive property prices and excellent transport links for the family to come over. And, of course, there’s that enviable French quality of life.

If either of these areas tick all your boxes, you might want to go and see some properties. Get ready with our Viewing Trip guide to make the most of your time.

Living in Burgundy

This historic land of the Dukes of Burgundy boasts a rich history, beautiful countryside and, of course, extensive vines. Property types range from châteaux and ‘maisons de maître’ (manor houses) to traditional timber-and-stone cottages and modern villas. You’re in the countryside but can easily access Paris or the South with the excellent motorway network. By TGV (the efficient high-speed train network), you can go from the regional capital Dijon to Paris in 1hr 30, Marseille in 3hr 20 and Montpellier in 3hr 30.

Burgundy is much loved by the French, particularly Parisians seeking a country second home.

Aside from the beautiful towns of Dijon, Auxerre, Nevers, Macon and Beaune, the landscape is rich and rolling. The Morvan Regional Natural Park is the most rural part, with small villages nestled among 430,000 acres of forest and lake. The Autunois is hilly, while the area around the River Saône is much flatter.

Burgundy is much loved by the French, particularly Parisians seeking a country second home. There are fewer British people than in some other regions, although its popularity amongst us is fast rising.

Find homes in France via our property portal.

What kind of homes can I find?

This is truly the heart of France and the best part is that property prices have largely remained stable in the last ten years or so. A typical house is priced at €1,218 per m2. Messigny-et-Vantoux, the area around Dijon, is the most expensive at €2,141 per m2. Bargains can be found towards the west and north of the region, such as in Nièvre (€942 per m2) and Noyers (€759 per m2).

Finding a beautiful countryside property in this area should not prove too difficult. Take a look, for example, at this stunning 4 bedroomed detached villa, being sold with a large garden, an acre of land and a barn at €250,000. Now where would you find such a place at such a fabulous price in the UK?

Where are the best country homes in France? - France Property Guides (2)

Click on the image to view this home on Rightmove.

Or how about this five-bedroom, 18thcentury mill, set on the edge of the Morvan Natural Park with extensive grounds for €255,000?

Where are the best country homes in France? - France Property Guides (3)

Click on the image to view this home on Rightmove.

The stunning local area, excellent transport links and mild weather make this an excellent area for country homes in France.

Living in Poitou-Charentes

This is a wonderfully diverse region. There’s lush green countryside, seaside towns, wooded valleys as well as canals and superb hiking trails. It’s the perfect area for those who love the outdoors. Access to and from the UK is easy with regular flights from Brive, Bordeaux and Limoges.

This is an ideal location if you’re thinking of country homes in France. The region has three natural parks (Brenne, Loie-Anjou-Touraine, the Marais-Poitevin). The region is largely low-lying, with plenty of rivers and lakes. Anyone familiar with the British weather will be glad to know there’s only around 600-950mm of rain a year and over 2,400 hours of sunshine.

What kind of homes can I find?

Types of property include stately manor houses, stone cottages, converted barns and farmhouses. Prices are very reasonable here, with the average house costing €1,540 per m2. It is worth bearing in mind that the closer to the sea you go, the higher the prices. Postcard-perfect towns like La Rochelle do help to push prices up, with the Charente-Maritime’s average house costing €2,068 per m2. In inland areas like Vienne, it’s just €1,293 per m2.

Take a look, for example, at this four-bedroom, renovated stone rural home with a heated swimming pool. It’s located on the edge of a hamlet, thus offering the peace of the countryside without being completely isolated. The asking price is just €243,800.

Where are the best country homes in France? - France Property Guides (4)

Click on the image to view this home on Rightmove.

Or how about this charming, three-bedroom house with outbuildings and barns, in traditional materials? The asking price is just €218,980.

Where are the best country homes in France? - France Property Guides (5)

Click on the image to view this home on Rightmove

Get the most out of the property market by upping your negotiating game.Read our guide: How to Negotiate Abroad for advice and insider tips.

What should you keep in mind buying country homes in France?

Moving to the countryside is fantastic for getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life and getting plenty of space for your pound (or euro). However, it’s important to consider all aspects of daily life to really make a success of the move.

Emergencies and maintenance

Firstly, country homes in France can be quite isolated (hence that wonderful peace and quiet), so know your nearest village and whom to call in an emergency. The French government’s put together an infographic with all the key numbers. 15 is the number for an ambulance, 17 for the police and 18 for the fire brigade. If you read French, you can use the Annuaire online to find your nearest public service.

Secondly, you’ll find many country homes in France aren’t on mains drainage. Instead, they use a septic tank. This isn’t a problem, but it’s worth noting that they must be kept up to current standards and well maintained. As a buyer, your seller is bound to produce evidence that the septic tank is up to scratch. You will then need to keep it so!

Similarly, gas bottles are very common in France as many village and rural homes are not connected to mains gas. Again, this is not a problem (the bottles last for very many months). It just means you need to check out where your nearest supplier is – often a local petrol station or supermarket.

Getting weather-ready

In some parts of France, particularly in the south, you’ll get wonderfully hot weather in the summer. This does, however, mean the occasional thunderstorm (often accompanied by quite spectacular lightening!). Power cuts can happen and your internet connection may sometimes suffer.

Getting someone out to see to any such problems may be trickier and take longer than in a town. It can be worth asking for recommendations of a local handyman as soon as you move in. This way, you’ll already have their number in your phone if anything happens.

Many parts of France do get snow in the winter, particularly at higher altitudes and away from the sea. We even had a freak snowfall in the south of France in May this year! Check the climate averages for where you’re moving and think about your transport. If you’re buying a second home and intended to just rent one while you’re there, make sure it’s equipped for the season.

Where are the best country homes in France? - France Property Guides (6)

.

Holiday country homes in France

Following on from this, what if you’re not going to be there for part of the year? Is there someone local who can go in and keep an eye on things for you? Properties need to be occupied, particularly those which are more remote.

As for generating an income, many properties with good exterior space and a swimming pool will lend themselves to holiday rentals. If you are considering a second home, this is a great option in order to make it pay for itself.

Consider also how popular hunting wild boar, game, rabbits and deer is in France. The hunting season starts in September with designated dates chosen by the local prefecture. Living in the countryside means respecting this as well as the local farmers. You’ll need to understand the seasons, learn about any animals which are raised in your neck of the woods and what grows there as well.

Joining the community

The key to making a success of moving to France is integrating with your local community. This is even more important in the countryside, where you’ll find out about so many events by word of mouth. Your town hall (mairie) is more of a community hub than many councils in the UK. You’ll be able to find out here about local committees, festivals and businesses. Even in the most rural parts of France, there are all sorts of activities and sports clubs in nearby villages. French people will generally welcome anyone who is friendly and wants to make a life for themselves there.

Your town hall (mairie) is more of a community hub than many councils in the UK. You’ll be able to find out here about local committees, festivals and businesses

It’s also good to remember that French culture can seem more formal than in the UK. Don’t be disheartened if many locals are ‘Monsieur …’ or ‘Madame …’ for a while before you begin addressing each other on an informal basis.

All of these matters are worth looking into ahead of buying property in the countryside in France. None of them are too difficult to deal with. But they are important to know about when buying that lovely stone farmhouse you have hankered after for so long.

A great time for buying country homes in France

Prices have remained stable in many parts of France for the last few years. However, there are sure signs in many areas of a gradual rise, making now an incredibly attractive time in which to buy here.

We have several British friends who have bought country homes in France. Not one of them has ever regretted their decision to do so. One couple we know keep chickens and grow their own vegetables; in fact they are practically self-sufficient and have started to sell their own home grown goodies at their local market. Their only regret is that they did not get away from the hustle and bustle of London sooner! So to go back to the beginning, if it is your dream also to get away from it all and buy a countryside property in France, you will undoubtedly be delighted that you did so.

Where are the best country homes in France? - France Property Guides (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular French property website? ›

As of February 2024, leboncoin.fr is the most visited Real Estate website in France, attracting 167.48M monthly visits. seloger.com follows with 25.81M visits, and airbnb.fr records 22.55M visits.

Where do Parisians have country homes? ›

Burgundy is much loved by the French, particularly Parisians seeking a country second home. Aside from the beautiful towns of Dijon, Auxerre, Nevers, Macon and Beaune, the landscape is rich and rolling.

Which city in France is best to buy property? ›

The French Riviera, Paris, Provence and southwest France are four of the country's prime spots for buying property.
  • French Riviera. The French Riviera is all about exclusivity, from its VIP-only beach clubs and cultural festivals to the superyachts that dot the coastline. ...
  • Paris. ...
  • Provence. ...
  • Southwest France.

Is it easy for Americans to buy property in France? ›

Americans can get a French mortgage under some circumstances, but it is extremely difficult. The 'Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act' (FATCA) is part of the US tax code and was introduced in 2014 to help counter tax evasion. French banks find the cost of complying with this to be prohibitive.

Why is property in rural France so cheap? ›

Additionally, the fact that mechanisation, which arrived relatively late in France, meant farms could operate with fewer people, helped push even more people into the cities. Many rural properties were either left empty, or used only as holiday homes. With lots of supply and little demand, prices fell.

What is the best property app in France? ›

Get ready to swipe your way to the perfect crib – it's house-hunting time!
  • Le Bon Coin – Your French Fairy Godparent! ...
  • Se Loger – Where Home Dreams Take Flight! ...
  • Bien'Ici – Your Personal House Whisperer! ...
  • Logic Immo – Where Logic Meets Home Sweet Home! ...
  • Jinka – Your House-Hunting Sidekick!
Jan 25, 2024

How to buy a country house in France? ›

The process of buying a property in France
  1. Making an offer. If you're buying property in a seller's market, there's a good chance the owners won't accept an offer below their asking price. ...
  2. Hiring a notary. ...
  3. Signing a purchase agreement. ...
  4. Paying the deposit. ...
  5. The final contract. ...
  6. Completing the sale.

Where do most foreigners live in France? ›

Most expats in France live in Paris. But Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg, and Nice are not far behind.

Where do rich French live? ›

What are France's wealthiest regions? Unsurprisingly, the greater Paris region of Ile-de-France is the richest in the country, even though the gap between richest and poorest is more striking than elsewhere.

Is it wise to buy property in France now? ›

The French property market has remained stable, thanks to the continuous demand from both domestic and international buyers. However, non-cash buyers have found it challenging to enter the market due to high interest rates and unfavourable borrowing conditions.

Is it wise to buy property in France? ›

In terms of pricing, France faces the housing prices in 10 years, with a raise of 5.85% during the first half of 2021 (4.41% when adjusted for inflation). The tendency is that the French property market keeps strong — which brings opportunities for foreigner investors looking to buy a home in the country.

Which part of France is cheapest to buy property? ›

The relatively sparsely populated departments in Central France (Creuse, Vienne, Haute Vienne, Indre, Cher, Allier and Loiret) have traditionally been the cheapest places to buy property in France.

What are the pitfalls of buying a property in France? ›

Seven French Property Pitfalls to Avoid
  • Investigate tax, succession and inheritance.
  • Be smart with your cash, save on currency.
  • Work with a qualified English speak agent.
  • For properties with land, learn about SAFER.
  • Be realistic about renovation costs and timeframes.
  • Budget for property taxes and additional costs.
Dec 1, 2020

How long can I stay in France if I own a home there? ›

Once you have bought your dream home in France If you would like to relocate to France or visit for longer than 90 days you will require a visa, which is easy to obtain once you are the owner of a French property. You may wish to apply for a Long stay visa valid for residence (VLS-TS).

Can I retire in France as an American? ›

France has visa requirements for retirees, and you must meet specific eligibility criteria. The most common visa for retirees is the Long-Stay Visa for Retirement (Visa de Long Séjour pour Retraite).

What is the biggest online marketplace in France? ›

Most Visited Marketplace Websites in France
RankWebsiteCategory
1amazon.frEcommerce & Shopping > Marketplace
2aliexpress.comEcommerce & Shopping > Marketplace
3temu.comEcommerce & Shopping > Marketplace
4ebay.frEcommerce & Shopping > Marketplace
1 more row

How do I find property in France? ›

Finding a property in France. You can pick up local property magazines or visit local realtors (agents immobiliers) to find properties for sale. However, some people rent and sell properties without going through agencies (a process known as particulier à particulier) – these offers are available on the pap.fr website.

What is the website to sell stuff in France? ›

Veepee. Veepee is the leading online flash sales platform in Europe, with over 72 million members and 6,600 partner brands. Veepee is a French marketplace that operates in 14 European countries, including France. Veepee offers a wide range of products in categories such as fashion, home, beauty, travel, and more.

What is the most popular housing website? ›

As of February 2024, zillow.com is the most visited Real Estate website in United States, attracting 373.71M monthly visits. craigslist.org follows with 240.67M visits, and realtor.com records 134.6M visits.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 6006

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.