France may only be on the other side of the Channel, but it is worlds away in terms of culture and lifestyle. While the UK is renowned for pubs, high tea, sport and music, France is famous for wine, haute cuisine, art and fashion.

Compared to the UK, France also takes a more relaxed approach to life, with shorter working hours, longer lunch breaks and more bank holidays – making it an appealing place to relocate to.

However, at almost 213,000 square miles, France is a huge country, so deciding where to buy can be tough. To help make the decision less overwhelming, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to buy property in France:

1. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Located in the southeast corner of France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is a picturesque part of the country, boasting miles of sparkling coastline, rolling vineyards, soaring mountains and stylish cities.

On the Côte d’Azur – also known as the French Riviera – you’ll find the historic cities of Nice and Marseille, plus glamorous coastal resort towns like Cannes, Monaco and Saint-Tropez. Head further inland for pretty villages like Gordes and Roussillon.

With its Mediterranean climate, sandy beaches, boating scene and ski resorts, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region is perfect if you like living an outdoor lifestyle.

2. Île-de-France

Paris and its surrounding area is a sophisticated blend of historic charm, modern amenities and natural beauty. From iconic city landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre to the forests of Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes, there’s plenty to see and do in the region.

Outside of the city centre, you have suburbs like Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais and Montmarte. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is known for its chic cafes and upscale shops, Le Marais for its historic buildings and vibrant LBGTQ+ community and Montmarte for its artistic heritage and bohemian atmosphere.

If you love history and culture and you never want to be without something to do, Paris is the place for you.

3. Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Covering the southwest of France, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is most famous for its vineyards, but it has many quaint towns and miles of dramatic coastline too.

The Dordogne and Bordeaux are arguably the most famous places in this scenic region. The city of Bordeaux is known for its world-class wine and beautiful architecture, while the Dordogne area is home to charming villages, picturesque valleys, rolling hills and Medieval castles. Along the coast there are some lovely seaside towns like La Rochelle and Biarritz.

This region is perfect if you seek a relaxed, nature-filled lifestyle with excellent food and wine.

4. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Situated in the southeast-central part of the country, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in France. Home to the French Alps, the landscape is dominated by snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows and world-class ski resorts.

In the region’s capital, Lyon, you can enjoy a rich culture scene with exceptional cuisine, while the surrounding areas provide ample opportunities for skiing, snowboarding and hiking.

If you love nature, winter sports and being outdoors all year round, you will love the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

5. Occitanie

Occitanie is the southernmost region of mainland France, combining Mediterranean beaches and coastal towns with mountains and vineyards.

There are many beautiful villages in the region, such as Conques and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, as well as historic cities like Toulouse, Montpellier and Carcassonne.

Thanks to its mild climate and easy access to both mountains and the sea, the Occitanie region is one of the best places to buy property in France. If you’re seeking a mix of historic charm, seaside living and rural villages, start your France property search here.

 

As you can see, each of these regions has its own unique features and where it’s best to buy will depend on your lifestyle preferences and investment goals.

For more information about buying property in France, download the free France Buying Guide.

 

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Written by PropertyGuides for Rightmove