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In its long and varied history, Alsace has belonged to both France and Germany and has a distinct influence from both cultures. It's a fairly affluent place - so property isn't cheap. Alsace is home to the European Parliament, the European Court and the European Commission on Human Rights.
More on
Alsace... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - BAS RHIN:
BAS RHIN PROPERTY GUIDE
The Bas-Rhin department, with its cosmopolitan
atmosphere, is the perfect home for the European Union. The
constant stream of bureaucrats and policy-makers means that
there is a very buoyant rental market for short-term lets in
particular.
Looking for all the other departments? Use
the following link:
Guide to departments
in Alsace
TOWN HOTSPOT - MULHOUSE:
MULHOUSE PROPERTY GUIDE
Mulhouse, located in the Alsace region of France, is an ideal
base from which to explore not only north-east France, but
also Switzerland and Germany. A large industrial centre,
Mulhouse is economically and culturally rich, and is a
lively and cosmopolitan city.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns in Alsace
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The south west extreme corner of France has a lot more to offer than the
fabulous wine it is so famous for.
More on Aquitaine... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT
- DORDOGNE:
DORDOGNE PROPERTY GUIDE
Located in the South West of the country, many people
think the Dordogne is France's most scenic area. It has
traditionally been the most popular department for foriegn
buyers. The French have dubbed the Dordogne ‘Little
Britain’, although these days it's just as likely to be
Dutch or Germans buying up land here.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
Aquitaine departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - BORDEAUX:
BORDEAUX PROPERTY GUIDE
Bordeaux, situated in the south west of France is considered
to be the most important port in Europe. It is famous for
its neoclassical architecture and spacious town centre,
complete with wide avenues and well looked after parks.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns
in Aquitaine
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Auvergne is seen as a very quiet region and enjoys a low crime rate. Here you can relax among the picturesque setting of lakes, rivers and extinct volcanoes and it's a great place to snap up property bargains.
More on
Auvergne... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - ALLIER:
ALLIER PROPERTY GUIDE
Parisian international buyers are only just beginning to see the immense
potential this department has to offer with its rich Bourbonnais history. It is
quiet department, revolving mainly around agriculture and tourism.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
Auvergne departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - MONTLUCON:
MONTLUCON PROPERTY GUIDE
Situated in Northern Auvergne, near the border with the
Limousin and Centre-Val-De Loire, Montlucon has a population
of just over 40,000 people. For years it has been the economic
driving force for the whole Bourbonnais area and has learnt to
adapt to the changing market needs of the 21st Century.
Looking for all the other towns? Use the following link:
Guide to
towns in Auvergne Back to top
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A comprehensive guide to property in Brittany. If this is
the area you've chosen, then this article may turn out to be a
shortcut to finding your dream home.
More on Brittany... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT
- COTES D'ARMOR:
COTES D'ARMOR PROPERTY GUIDE
The Cotes d’Armor, meaning ‘land of the sea’, certainly
lives up to its name. It comprises the majority of Brittany’s
highly attractive Northern coastline, including a number of
islands. The historic towns of Dinan, Dinard and St Malo
combined with great beaches, coastal walks and beautiful
rivers make the Cotes d'Armor a particularly desirable
department.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
Brittany departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - DINAN:
DINAN PROPERTY GUIDE
Dinan has been a visitor magnet for its preserved medieval
character for many hundreds of years. The whole area is very
popular with British buyers due not only to the beautiful
town, but also the ferry ports in Brittany and Normandy which
provide easy access from the UK.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to
towns in Brittany Back to top
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Burgundy is ideal for those who like to indulge in France's culinary wonders. Fine wines and appetising cuisine make this region stand out. Burgundy is rather neglected by foreign buyers and there is ample opportunity to find some bargains.
More on
Burgundy... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - COTE D'OR:
CÔTE-D'OR PROPERTY GUIDE
The Côte-d'Or is the premier department for fine wines from
the Burgundy region such as Beaune, Nuits Saint Georges and
Pouilly Fuisse. The area boasts many attractions to the
foriegn visitor but is still relatively undiscovered. It is
still possible to find attractive properties for renovation
at a good price.
Looking for all the other departments? Use
the following link:
Guide to departments
in Burgundy
TOWN HOTSPOT - AVALLON:
AVALLON PROPERTY GUIDE
Sleepy Avallon, in the famous wine region of Burgundy, is a
lovely old walled town that sits atop a hill, gazing down on
the Parc Naturel Régional and the River Cousin.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns in Burgundy
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The Centre Val de Loire region is home to great chateaux,
interesting cities and of course the Loire valley. With good
transport links and a temperate climate the Centre Val de
Loire makes a very sensible destination. The area also
contains some of France's best property bargains.
More on
Centre Val de Loire...
DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - INDRE:
INDRE PROPERTY
GUIDE
Indre, department 36, is located
in the South of the Centre-Val-De-Loire. It has a historical
link with the neighbouring department of Cher as together they
form the old province of Berry. This is considered to be the
most attractive part of the Loire Valley. The department is
best known for its scrumptious pies and goat’s cheese, which
are curiously shaped into a pyramid.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
the Central Loire Valley departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - ARGENTON SUR CREUSE:
ARGENTON SUR CREUSE PROPERTY GUIDE A lively atmosphere prevails around Argenton Sur Creuse, which some people have compared to Italy's Venice. Find out what makes this small town stand out in the Centre Loire Valley.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns in
the Central Loire Valley
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This highly renowned region offers a lot more than just the world's most exquisite drink. Affordable prices mean you can own property very close to the two major political and cultural capitals of mainland Europe, Brussels and Paris.
More
on Champagne Ardenne...
DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - AUBE:
AUBE PROPERTY GUIDE
This highly renowned region offers a lot more than just the
world's most exquisite drink. Affordable prices mean you can own
property very close to the two major political and cultural
capitals of mainland Europe, Brussels and Paris.
Looking for all the other departments? Use
the following link:
Guide to departments
in Champagne-Ardenne
TOWN HOTSPOT - REIMS:
REIMS PROPERTY GUIDE
Reims, in the Champagne region of northern France is a city
which positively bubbles with life. Of massive historical
importance as the place where the French kings were crowned, the
modern city has a large student population who add youth and
vigour to its history and tradition. Elegant buildings abound,
yet in the buzzing centre there are a multitude of bars and
restaurants where you can sit and drink in the unique atmosphere
of this fascinating city.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns in Champagne-Ardenne
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You could be forgiven for thinking you've gone into Switzerland when you arrive in
Franche-Comte. The region is often described as the greenest in the whole of France and has breathtaking scenery to rival those on the other side of the border.
More
on Franche-Comte... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - DOUBS:
DOUBS PROPERTY GUIDE
Doubs is nearly half forest - so that and the Jura mountain
range make it a great location for people who love the
outdoors. Another attraction is Besançon - the capital of
Doubs - which is an attractive and interesting city.
Property prices aren't as high as other areas.
Looking for all the other departments? Use
the following link:
Guide to departments
in Franche-Comte
TOWN HOTSPOT - BESANÇON:
BESANÇON PROPERTY GUIDE
Besançon, capital city of Franche-Comté, is both beautiful and
unusual. Viewed from the air it appears to be a huge moated
castle, as it is built on a hilltop with the River Doubs
curving around three sides like a giant horseshoe. There are
also many old fortifications still standing, adding to the
impression of a castle.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns
in Franche-Comte
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Île-de-France, situated at the thriving heart of France, is so named because
rivers surround it - making it an island surrounded by land. With Paris at the centre of the region
it's best not to expect cheap property.
More on Île-de-France...
DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - SEINE-ET-MARNE:
SEINE-ET-MARNE PROPERTY GUIDE
The Seine-et-Marne is the largest of the Île-de-France's
departments and contains vast swathes of protected
countryside and marvellous stately chateaux. This department
offers something for everyone.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
Île-de-France departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - PARIS:
PARIS PROPERTY GUIDE
The nation's capital is a melting point for different
social and cultural groups and has long been a setting for
romance and adventure. The Parisian lifestyle has something
for everyone and there's an almost infinite range of things to
see and do.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns
in the Île-de-France
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A very popular region with people buying French property.
Great climate and property that is considerably cheaper than
many of the other areas in the south.
More on Languedoc-Roussillon...
DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - AUDE:
AUDE PROPERTY GUIDE
Deep in the heart of the Cathar country, the Aude lies in the
Languedoc-Roussillon on the edge of the Pyrenees. The
department has 50km of Mediterranean coastline, but also has
mountains and deep forests to interest those with a taste for
adventure.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
Languedoc-Roussillon departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - CARCASSONNE:
CARCASSONNE PROPERTY GUIDE Find out why this magical town in the Languedoc Roussillon
continues to amaze visitors from all over the world. Do you know
which animated film was based on this town? A vital round-up for
those considering property in the area.
Looking for all the other towns? Use the following link:
Guide
to towns in Languedoc-Roussillon
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At the heart of France - Limousin boasts cheap property and an
unspoilt environment. Perfect for a quiet, relaxed life. As with all our
region guides - this is packed with links so that you can find exactly
what you're looking for.
More on Limousin...
DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - HAUTE-VIENNE:
HAUTE-VIENNE PROPERTY GUIDE
Haute-Vienne is home to some of the best bargains on the
French property market. It is a very rural department yet has
a reputation for both designer goods and militant unionism (an
unlikely combination!)
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to Limousin departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - BELLAC:
BELLAC PROPERTY GUIDE
The lakeside town of Bellac, in the Limousin,
is great for water-sports and other outdoor pursuits. Property in
and around the town remains incredibly cheap.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide
to towns in Limousin Back to top
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Also known as 'the Green Lung', Lorraine is packed with medieval towns and green countryside. If you explore further, you'll come across centuries of captivating history. Do you know what role this region played in the exploration of the new
world?
More on
Lorraine ... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - VOSGES:
VOSGES PROPERTY GUIDE
The Vosges department is great for hikers and lovers of
nature due to its dynamic landscape and deep forests. It is
lucky enough to have two regional parks located on its
territory. Property is reasonably priced but the area has
yet to become a favourite amongst international and second
home buyers.
Looking for all the other departments? Use
the following link:
Guide to departments
in Lorraine
TOWN HOTSPOT - LA BRESSE:
LA BRESSE PROPERTY GUIDE
Although only a small town in the Vosges Natural Park of
north-eastern France, La Bresse is big on sports and outdoor
leisure. There is hardly any mountain related sport that you
can’t do here, and in winter the cross country skiing is
among some of the best in Europe. La Bresse is set in an
exceptional natural environment, and has so much to offer
that locals promise you will never be bored here, whatever
the season.
Looking for all the other towns?
Use the following link: Guide
to towns in Lorraine
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Lower Normandy provides many foreign buyers with the perfect location. Not
too far away from the UK, yet still full of the benefits of a french way
of life.
More on Lower Normandy... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - MANCHE:
MANCHE
PROPERTY GUIDE
Manche stretches from Cherbourg in the North to
Mont-St-Michel in the South and is rich in Anglo-Norman
culture. The latter town, dubbed 'the marvel of the western
world' is perhaps one of the most impressive sights France has
to offer. The department is fast attracting British buyers
that are being pushed out of the more crowded Brittany market.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
Lower Normandy departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - DEAUVILLE:
DEAUVILLE
PROPERTY GUIDE
Deauville is often thought of as the Northern Riviera. It is
an affluent seaside resort with many casinos, a renowned horse
racing track and a very popular beach. Many homes are owned by
wealthy Parisians and prices are high.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns in Lower Normandy
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The Midi-Pyrénées is France's largest region. It has a wide
variety of landscapes and is becoming more popular with
British buyers.
More on Midi-Pyrénées... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT -
TARN-ET-GARONNE:
TARN-ET-GARONNE PROPERTY GUIDE
The Tarn-et-Garonne is a largely agricultural department, with densely
wooded valleys and flatter alluvial plains. The sweeping
panorama of the Tarn and Aveyron rivers is also on display.
The department is more restful in feel than other
departments in the area, with undulating orchards and
sunflowers. It is also home to few historical hotspots.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
Midi-Pyrénées departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - AUCH:
AUCH PROPERTY GUIDE
Auch is the departmental capital of the Gers department in
the Midi-Pyrénées. It is situated along the River Gers and is a
fantastic place for trying authentic Gascon cuisine as well as
making a great base for exploring the surrounding gentle
countryside.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns in Midi-Pyrénées Back to top
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At France's most Northern tip, Calais offers great countryside and some of the cleanest beaches in France. Since the opening of the Channel Tunnel, the region has undergone a regeneration process and has great opportunities for British buyers.
More on Nord-Pas-de-Calais...
DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - PAS DE CALAIS:
PAS-DE-CALAIS PROPERTY GUIDE
Pas-de-Calais has been a favourite destination for Brits for
more than a century and, whilst some may say it can be a bit
dull, its shops and restaurants still bring a smile to even
the most seasoned visitor.
Looking for all the other departments? Use
the following link:
Guide to departments
in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
TOWN HOTSPOT - ST OMER:
ST OMER PROPERTY GUIDE
Saint Omer, a northern French town in the Pas de Calais, is
notable for its history as a Jesuit training centre where it
is alleged that the Gunpowder Plot was hatched in 1605. It's
also known for the Audomarois marshes whose fertile peat
bogs earn a living for some 70 farmers, and these in turn
supply the town’s market with local produce every Saturday.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
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Nestled below Brittany and Normandy is the Pays de la
Loire. The region has the ever popular coastal areas of the
Vendee. Good international access means that this is a good
choice for foreign buyers.
More on Pays de la Loire... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - VENDEE:
VENDEE
PROPERTY GUIDE
The department of the Vendee is almost half way down the west
coast of France. As a result it enjoys a pleasant climate -
not as hot and stifling as further south, but considerably
better than the north. Hence it should be no surprise that it
is a favoured holiday destination. Property has been rising
for some time due to the area's popularity. It's a good
location for a second home.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
Pays de la Loire departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - LE MANS:
LE MANS PROPERTY GUIDE
Le Mans is inextricably linked with the motor industry. It
is known all over the world for its annual endurance race but
has other attractions to interest visitors. The historic town
centre, fine art museum and impressive cathedral are just a
few of Le Mans' highlights.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns
in Pays de la Loire
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Containing the historically significant Somme department,
Picardy is an interesting region with good links to Paris, as
well as easy access to the ferry ports and Channel Tunnel.
More on
Picardy... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - AISNE:
AISNE PROPERTY GUIDE
Although the Aisne is very close to Paris and the Ile de
France the property prices here remain surprisingly
reasonable. The region shares many similarities to its
neighbour the Champagne Ardenne.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
Picardy departments TOWN HOTSPOT - COMPIÈGNE:
COMPIÈGNE PROPERTY GUIDE
Compiègne is a thriving and lively town in northern France.
It has come to be regarded as a suburb of Paris in recent
times, and is well placed for access to the capital. Despite
this proximity to Paris, however, the town is surrounded by
some of the most beautiful and well loved forestry in
France, the Forest of Compiègne.
Looking for all the other towns?
Use the following link:
Guide to towns in Picardy
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On the west coast of France - the Poitou-Charentes is a
popular region for tourism and second home owners. A pleasant
climate and reasonably priced properties are the obvious
attractions.
More on Poitou-Charentes... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - VIENNE:
VIENNE
PROPERTY GUIDE
Vienne has attracted even more interest in recent years due to the construction
of its highly ambitious Futuroscope theme park close to the charming city of
Poitiers. The department is popular with British buyers.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
Poitou-Charentes departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - MONTMORILLON:
MONTMORILLON PROPERTY GUIDE
Located not far from the Vienne river, Montmorillon is a town
with a relaxed pace of life. It has benefited from the creation of
Futuroscope, a futuristic theme park which has attracted both tourists and high-tech industry.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns in Poitou-Charentes Back to top
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Located in the very South-East of France, this region's delightful
Mediterranean climate attracts many British buyers each year. Hardly surprising, as the area has a whole host of action-packed opportunities both in winter and summer. Alternatively, you could relax and take in the magnificent environment.
More on Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - VAR:
VAR
PROPERTY GUIDE
The prosperous Var department is
located in the most extreme south-easterly point in France and
has an unsurpassable climate, except in early spring when the
heavy showers arrive. Property prices are high although prices
do fall a little inland. The rental market is stable so it is
possible to make a good return on investment.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - NICE:
NICE PROPERTY GUIDE
Nice is a dynamic multicultural city in the heart of the
French Riviera. This guide provides information about property
in the area as well as the usual array of links for more
information.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns in Provence-Alpes-Côte
d'Azur Back to top
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The renowned Rhône-Alpes, while offering breathtaking scenery and an idyllic way of life, is not as expensive as Paris or Provence. Its many mountains, rivers, dense forests and gorges make it perfect for those with a love of the outdoors.
More on
Rhône-Alpes... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT - HAUTE-SAVOIE:
HAUTE-SAVOIE
PROPERTY GUIDE
As far back as the 18th Century, Haute-Savoie was a
destination for tourists from the UK - the main draw was its
spectacular glaciers. Today, the lakes, mountains and charming
towns attract visitors throughout the year. With its range of
attractions and strong lettings market, Haute-Savoie property
prices are fairly high.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
Rhône-Alpes departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - MONTELIMAR:
MONTELIMAR PROPERTY GUIDE
Montelimar, the home of the famous nougat is a lively and
colourful town with wide Parisien style boulevards and
interesting museums. Property prices are reasonable.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns
in the Rhône-Alpes Back to top
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Like Lower Normandy, Upper Normandy has excellent
connections to the UK so it has developed into a very
popular destination for those looking for a home in France.
More on Upper Normandy... DEPARTMENT HOTSPOT -
SEINE MARITIME:
SEINE-MARITIME PROPERTY GUIDE
Not only is the Seine-Maritime an intriguing
destination due to its history and architecture, its
proximity to Paris and incredibly easy access from the UK
means that it's ideally placed for the growing British
buyers market. The department has ports in Dieppe and Le
Havre and a TGV station in Rouen.
Looking for all the other departments? Use the following link:
Guide to
Upper Normandy departments
TOWN HOTSPOT - EVREUX:
EVREUX PROPERTY GUIDE
Evreux, in Upper Normandy in northern France, is a delightful
and ancient town surrounded by some of the most stunning and
famous gardens in France. Set in the spectacularly beautiful
and fertile Norman countryside, Evreux, with its Gallo Roman
remains, is one of the oldest towns in France.
Looking for all the other towns? Use
the following link:
Guide to towns in Upper Normandy Back to top
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