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What is there not to love about the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, an area that nestles between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, in ...
It is almost impossible to get bored in Nouvelle Aquitaine. Located in western France this is the region of mountains and forests, prehistoric caves, and . . .
Brittany's dramatic 750-mile coastline traces a rugged hem against the chilly Atlantic. Attractions such as St-Malo's 1689 Fort National, the . . .
Stretching from just outside the northern suburbs of Paris right up to the English Channel coastline, the former Nord Pas-de-Calais Picardie region officially . . .
What is there not to love about Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes? This central region of France offers a wide range of different destinations to entertain and satisfy . . .
Unlike its neighbour, Ile de France is one of the most visited regions in France mainly thanks to Paris. After visiting the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame and . . .
What is there not to love about the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, an area that nestles between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea?
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, in southern France, has everything to make visitors happy, the sunny beaches and chic resorts of French Riviera, endless lavender fields, picturesque marinas, secluded creeks with turquoise waters, great hikes and ski in the winter time, vibrant colors and excellent gastronomy.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur , or PACA as it is known locally, is one of the most visited regions of France. The temperatures in the Summer are high and it is highly populated at this time of year with visitors and second home owners, but it doesn't lose its charm and seduction for being the jewel on the south coast for many of the rich and famous that love to visit. It is also an excellent travel destination out of season when the crowds are gone and the temperatures are milder.
Places to visit in the region are Marseille, The Alps, French Riviera, Nice, St Tropez, Cannes, Antibes, Aix-en-Provence, Arles and many more places.
With many of the most beautiful places to visit in France, Provence has scenery and highlights to satisfy the most discerning visitor. With the dramatic mountains of the Alps, unspoiled medieval villages clustered among the olive groves and many other highlights there is an enormous choice of things to enjoy - or you can just relax on the famous French Riviera beaches!
The south of Provence, includes some beautiful coastline and famous riviera resorts such as Saint Tropez. Also along the coast, some of the most beautiful scenery can be found in the Port Cros National Park and the Iles of Hyeres which are just off the Var coast.
As well as the coastal resorts you will also discover several very picturesque villages in the hills just a few kilometers away from the coast.
In the quieter interior of the Var, to the north you can discover many interesting destinations such as the countryside and villages around Aups and the villages of the Cotes de Rhone wine region. The Bouches-du-Rhone department is to the south-west of Provence and has a wide diversity of landscapes from the protected marshy landscapes of the Camargue region, to the dramatic coast east of Marseille which includes the white cliffs of the Calanques of Marseille. The northen department of Provence is the Hautes-Alpes department, and is an area of great natural beauty with the Ecrins National park and the Natural Regional Park of Queyras together occupying a large area of the department.
Between the two parks is the fortified mountain town of Briancon, which, as well as being a popular summer destination, is also a renowned ski area with the extensive ski region, so perhaps a great area to invest in for rental opportunities as well as bit of self indulgence as well.
It is almost impossible to get bored in Nouvelle Aquitaine. Located in western France this is the region of mountains and forests, prehistoric caves and some of the most stunning castles in France. Its 720 kilometers of coasts are a paradise for surfers while people looking for a quiet vacation can enjoy no less than 30 spa towns, including Dax, France’s top spa town. The Aquitaine is also a delight for gastronomy lovers with excellent Bordeaux wines and around twenty Michelin starred restaurants.
Lesser known than its fancy neighbor, Occitanie in southern France, is a fabulously beautiful region situated between the Pyrénées and the Mediterranean Sea.
A little quieter than Provence and the French Riviera but definitely more affordable for both living and purchasing of property, it is an area of sunny stone villages, great hikes in the mountains and fascinating history. A land where its inhabitants like to take their time and enjoy the small pleasures of life.
Occitanie in the south of France has many interesting sights, such as the cities of Roussillon, Toulouse and Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. History buffs can head to Rocamadour or Carcassonne, the gate to the fascinating Cathar Country.
Its tourist attractions also include the Pyrénées, Perpignan, Nîmes and the Canal de Midi where you can hire boats and sail down the canal passing beautiful small villages, a great way to spend a lazy Summer holiday!
Brittany's dramatic 750-mile coastline traces a rugged hem against the chilly Atlantic. Attractions such as St-Malo's 1689 Fort National, the prehistoric ruins and striking beauty of Gavrinish Island and Brest's Oceanopolis aquarium cling to the rocky shoreline of France's most northwestern province. Nantes, Rennes and Brest are the largest cities. Rennes is just two hours from Paris by TGV. Breton and Gallo, the ancient languages of this Celtic province, are still spoken in pockets throughout the area.
The region of Brittany has always been incredibly popular for buyers from the UK. They fall in love with the countryside, the proud "Breton" culture and, of course, the food and drink made from fresh, local ingredients.
The fact that it's so easy to access by ferry, car or plane, yet having such a different "feel" about it also makes it a hugely attractive holiday home destination. Most second homeowners tend to come by car with the ports at Saint-Malo, Caen, Cherbourg and Roscoff proving popular.
Brittany has around 1,717 hours of sunshine each year compared to 1,341 in the UK (sourced from the MeteoFrance and the Met Office) and combined with an average property price of under 150,000 euros it's a powerful "double whammy".
It is the variety of countryside that gives it great appeal. The westernmost part of France and department of Finistere has the wild and beautiful Parc Naturel Regional d'Armorique as well as a rugged coastline with fjord-like inlets. If you are looking for "authenticity" then look no further as you will hit the jackpot. Similarly, if the seaside is your thing then you're in the right place. The department is long and thin and runs west to east - this means that wherever you are it will be easy to access two different coastlines, so life will never be dull. For instance, Pontivy in Morbihan sits on the confluence of the river Blavet and the Canal de Nates a Brest whilst it's under an hour to St Brieuc on the north coast and 45 minutes to Lorient on the south coast.
Crossed from east to west by the Loire River to the Atlantic Ocean, Pays de La Loire has a stunning coastline, beautiful little towns and villages, varied natural landscapes and cultural cities.
Nantes, the Dukes of Brittany’s historical capital, is packed with interesting things to see and do followed by the historic cities of Angers and Le Mans. The latest is best known for its legendary racetrack and its famous 24-hour race.
This region is steeped in history and is perhaps a good place to look for a place that can be rented for holiday makers with a view to retire to later, a little nest egg for the future!
Get to know the area , travel and explore and talk to people about why they like living there. All of this will help you decide exactly where you would like to be.
Many of the most famous chateaux in France are in the Loire Valley, and for many people that is reason enough to visit. There is attractive countryside, interesting towns to explore, and the River Loire itself is now a listed World Heritage Site.
The most popular attraction in the region is of course the large number of impressive castles along the Loire Valley, and many visitors base their entire trip around their visits to these chateaux.
Don't overlook the chance to explore the villages and countryside, to take a boat trip along the river, or hire a bike to spend a day exploring the quiet lanes of the region.
You will also find some of the most famous abbeys and cathedrals in France in the Centre region, and lots of gardens classified as 'remarkable gardens'.
Last but certainly not least, remember you are here to relax. An hour spent enjoying a drink in a cafe in the local town can be as much pleasure as looking around another chateau full of luxurious furniture! The local restaurants are often of a very high quality and no visit would be complete without sampling the local cuisine.
Normandy in northern France is one of the most visited regions of France by foreigners, and for a reason! Normandy offers the visitor a stunning coastline, picturesque small towns and idyllic countryside. Normandy is a popular weekend getaway from Paris, and many hotels and restaurants thrive in Normandy, especially around the town of Deauville or Honfleur.
The impressionist movement was born in Normandy, inspired by Monet’s “Impression” of the sunrise at Le Havre. Normandy is also famous for its rich history, its tower bells, cows and cheese.
Normandy has many charms, from the beautiful countryside and the lovely local architecture to the historic highlights such as Mont Saint Michel and Chateau Gaillard, and the attractive cliffs and beaches along the coast. Important sights such as the Normandy Landing beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry are also very popular and Normandy is truly a region with something for everyone.
Stretching from just outside the northern suburbs of Paris right up to the English Channel coastline, the former Nord Pas-de-Calais Picardie region officially became, in 2016, the northernmost French region.
The Hauts-de-France region is full of beautiful cathedrals, belfries and citadels, and its plains bear witness to its mining history. It is also a region of beach resorts on the Channel coast or relaxing seaside getaways on the Opal Coast. Grand Est, in eastern France, regroups the former regions of Alsace, Champagne-Ardennes and Lorraine. Bordering Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland, Grand Est is a place with many top French tourist attractions, a land of memory and theater, of some of the most important battles of the WW1.
Alsace is a land between the Germanic and Latin worlds, a mosaic of hills, mountains and plains; dotted with castles, vineyards and picturesque villages. Champagne is best known for its bubbles and historical cities like Reims or Troyes. Former Bourgogne region is famous for its Romanesque heritage, some of the best vineyards, good food and Medieval castles. In addition, Bourgogne has the largest network of inland waterways in France.
Franche-Comté, is well known for its diverse landscapes and large open spaces thanks to the wealth of the Vosges Massif, the Jura mountains and its many lakes and forests.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is definitely an excellent combination of heritage – gastronomy, and nature at its best.
What is there not to love about Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This central region of France offers a wide range of different destinations to entertain and satisfy every taste of traveller.
Auvergne is the land of volcanoes and hot spas but also the land of snowy peaks such as Mont Blanc, in the French Alps a fantastic place to visit to ski, sledge, hike and try the local gastronomy. It is home to picturesque stone villages, and also the region of vibrant cities like Lyon.
Protected natural reserves, almost a hundred volcanoes and more than 20.000 kilometers of waterways, walking trails, Romanesque churches . . . all this and more is in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Why not go and visit Lyon, the French Alps, and Mont Blanc, the Auvergne Volcanoes, famous ski resorts of Chamonix, Courchevel, Mérivel, Val d’Isère, Lake Annecy the spa town of Vichy, Clermont Ferrand, Bourges’ beautiful cathedral and there is much more to explore in this beautiful natural area.
Unlike its neighbor, Ile de France is one of the most visited regions in France mainly thanks to Paris. After visiting the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, venture beyond the Boulevard Périphérique to explore what Ile de France has to offer.
Many of the attractions such as the amazing Chateau de Versailles and Disneyland Paris are known to all, but there are many more interesting things to see and do in Ile de France.
Visitors can enjoy nature and relaxation in one of the four regional natural parks, while history buffs can learn about the Kings and Queens of France in amazing historical sites such as Château de Fontainebleau or Saint-Denis Basilica-Cathedral. Picturesque villages are never far from the capital, immortalized by Van Gogh, Renoir or Pissarro.
Paris is in the Paris department of the Paris-Isle-of-France region. The French historic, political and economic capital, with a population of only 2.5 million and the city is divided into 20 "arrondissements" (districts) which are numbered 1 to 20. It is located in the northern part of France. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Home to historical monuments such as Notre Dame, the Eiffel tower, Bastille, Louvre and many more. Much of the city was re-designed by Haussmann in the 19th century.
Nice, the fifth largest city in France, acts as a magnet attracting people from all over the world, for a multitude of reasons. Not only renowned for its grace, Nice has become a hub for research in industry, science and advanced technology since the creation of such centers as Acropolis and Sophia Antipolis, the silicon valley of this prestigious area.
Nice is also a city of art and culture and after Paris, has the most museums in France. The Promenade des Anglais which is 7km long is also a great place for people to gather every day of the week, popular with runners, cyclists and skateboarders alike and overlooks the beautiful mediterranean sea.
Valbonne is a very beautiful little old town situated about 10km from Cannes , built in a peaceful valley bursting with Mediterranean vegetation.
It is very chic and residential and has grown tremendously since the beginning of the 70s, at the same time as the nearby science metropolis known as Sophia Antipolis. The engineers and researchers from all over the world who work there have either bought or built villas and country houses in the surrounding area.
Valbonne is lucky in that it has a historic centre sheltered by its rampart of village houses, conserving its charm and beauty. It is a lovely place to visit, and has been beautifully restored and maintained.
Also known as the cultural capital of “Provence”, City of water, city of Art, Aix en Provence perfectly embodies this Provençal art of living so praised around the world.
It is a small college town in Southern France, but you don't have to be a student to have a good time. The province area is an ideal escape from the bustling metropolis; stroll through peaceful gardens, enjoy artworks in art galleries, and shop at local markets. The city has a rich heritage that you will never tire of admiring while strolling through the city, and many museums, true jewels of Aix culture. There also are many festivals that enliven Aix throughout the year which make it shine far beyond Provence. What is also great about Aix is that it gives pride of place to markets. Every day of the year, it is possible to fill up with traditional provincial and french gastronomy.
With a population of about 265,000, Montpellier is France’s 8th largest city. Unlike many of France’s other large cities, Montpellier’s roots aren’t Roman or Greek. Throughout Montpellier’s rich history, the city has been known for many things, such as being one of the biggest trading centers in the 12th century, as a cultural hot spot where people of many different religions could co-exist peacefully, and as an industrial center. Montpellier is sure to inspire you, from its medieval streets ideal for shopping to new neighbourhoods combining natural spaces and buildings designed by the greatest international architects, via its new modern tram lines designed by Christian Lacroix. It is a fantastic place to live, ideal for families with children of all ages, amazing schools and many sports facilities available to all ages.
Narbonne is situated about one hour west of Montpellier. It is a thriving, bustling and attractive town with much to do and see. Its economy has been boosted by the wine and tourist industry. Its center is an attractive place for shopping and sightseeing. The town is nestled beside the Canal de la Robine and is dotted with riverside bars and cafes. The daily award-winning food market, La Halles, is reputed be one of the best in France, overflowing with local produce and on Thursdays there is also an open-air market stretching along the canal bank near the Halles.
Situated in the Languedoc Roussillon area it has some very attractively priced properties and is a great place for rural walks and exploring the countryside.
When thinking about French history, many people refer to tales about the French revolution in 1789 and the French resistance movement against the Nazis in Second World War. One of its better known cities is Bordeaux which rests on the Garonne River and it can be an interesting place to visit for a holiday and an amazing place to think of settling to live.
Bordeaux has a great quality of life. Although it is a big city, the locals seem to have found the perfect balance between working hard and enjoying their downtime. The fact that it is a very bicycle-friendly city and that a lot of people use bicycles as their primary way of transportation is a great way to break down the fast-paced rhythm that other places in France are used to.
The diversity found in Bordeaux and its region is one of the key points that makes it very attractive. During the year, there are many opportunities to take day trips to get to know the Nouvelle Aquitaine region. The ocean is only a hour's drive away and the Pyrenees are only a quick two hour drive, where you can find some amazing ski resorts.
Bordeaux, is of course, one of the most famous regions in France for its delicious wines, alongside its gastronomy which is why you will find many restaurants belonging to an array of famous chefs both French and other parts of the world.
Regardless of which city you go to, there is always a safety risk, but incidents of crime are pretty low in Bordeaux. You should feel perfectly comfortable travelling on the trams late in the evening, as it is often crowded and has a video surveillance system in place.
Sarlat-la-Canéda – by its full name – is a gorgeous medieval town located in the Dordogne Valley in southwestern France, within the greater region known as “la Nouvelle-Aquitaine". As of the last census dating back to 2016, the city had a total population of 9127 people known as “sarladais(es).
Sarlat is also the capital of a region known to locals as the “Périgord noir” (Black Périgord). It is a town steeped in history and a major tourist destination that attracts between 2-3 million tourists annually. The town center is made up of picturesque streets dating back to the medieval ages, boutiques, hotels and restaurants.
The "place de la liberté" is in the center of the town, which is also where the weekly farmer’s market is held and where the many regional specialties are offered for sale: black truffles, the world famous “foie gras” (duck liver paté), figs, nuts and more.
Expatriates from around the world flock to this medieval jewel of a city, in the search of sunlight, culture, food and overall lifestyle. The proximity of the Dordogne River, along with its many outdoor activities. such as canoeing, rafting, fishing, biking and hiking, is a huge draw for people of all ages and from all walks of life. You will therefore routinely hear English, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, German and of course French, spoken in the streets of Sarlat as well as in the surrounding towns and villages of Carsac, Cenac, La Roque Gageac and Beynac.
More than 50,000 expats, including many retirees, live in Pau, in the Béarn region of France. This sizable and welcoming community has developed for two reasons—the oil and gas industry and the historical connection of this part of France with the UK.
The city of Pau, also known as the “Green City” and the “Garden City,” has one of the highest ratios of greenery per square meter per person of any European city. Pau’s greenery is tremendously diverse and includes trees and plants from Japan, the Caribbean, Mexico, Lebanon, the Mediterranean, Chile, and California. This huge variety of plants is in part thanks to the English settlers who came here after the Napoleonic Wars and brought with them their love of gardening and parks.
Pau is a landscape of accessible woodlands, the steep slopes of Jurançon wine country, the history-packed Plaine de Nay and its main town of Nay, and the pretty rolling countryside and ancient towns of the Gaves de Béarn. Pau is a university town, with close to 12,000 university students living on and off campus, helping to keep it lively.
Its cost of living is low so it is an ideal place for people to retire to, beautiful surrounding villages make it an ideal place to explore for a permanent residency or a holiday home.
In Britanny, the city holds a prominent position. Saint-Malo, located at the northern tip of the Isle-et-Vilaine, on the Normandy coast, and just a few kilometers from Mont Saint-Michel, is also a gateway to the English-speaking islands and England. Place of history and legends, cradle of illustrious characters, the city knew, in spite of dark hours, to preserve an authenticity conferred by its ramparts, its cobblestones and its old stones.
Experience the charm of a stroll along the ramparts after a shopping trip to the walled town filled with small shops and sunny terraces, and then make the most of the clean sea air as you make your way back along the beach.
Additionally, Saint-Malo hosts numerous cultural and athletic events, including the Tall Ships Race, the Etonnants Voyageurs Yacht Race, and the Quai des Bulles Literature Festival.
On the map of France, the region of Angers is situated in the Loire Valley's center, directly to the west. Due to its vegetation, it is part of the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
The Plant Capital is another name for Angers, the greenest city in all of France.
With a little imagination, we can also imagine the connection between the current balance of the city of Angers' plants and the ancient existence of the troglodyte houses, which have also been built in harmony with nature for centuries and have witnessed a true and enduring union between humans and their place of origin, the earth.
Today, Angers' natural theme park, "Terra Botanica," serves as an illustration of how the economic and botanical worlds can coexist.
Thanks to a collection of paintings by Claude Monet, the facade of Rouen Cathedral is among the most well-known in the entire world. Each one represents the Gothic building and the various seasons in a particular light. In the fifteenth century, Rouen was one of the most opulent cities in Europe, and the cathedral is just one of the magnificent specimens of medieval construction that coexist in the city with more modern structures.
It doesn't take long to feel at home in Rouen. Nothing is far away, and for longer journeys, there is good, subsidised public transportation.
What is also wonderful about Rouen and that is really different to most French cities is that accommodation is reasonably easy to obtain and reasonably priced, so living near the center is a good option for a city like Rouen.
Alsace's city, Strasbourg, is located in eastern France and shares a border with Germany, giving it a special blend of the two nations. It is located in the Bas-Rhin department and has a distinctly Franco-German culture due to centuries of French and German occupation.
Historically, the city was a German-speaking area, but today, a mass audience speaks French as their primary language. With its advantageous position and multicultural vibe, Strasbourg was selected as the capital of Europe after the Second World War. The city is a shining example of international harmony, showcasing the finest of various cultures, and serving as a unifying link between France and Germany.
Grand German architecture and picturesque River Îll banks that wind through the old city provide two distinct perspectives of a buzzing capital, making it one of Europe's most alluring locations. Because there is so much to see in this fantastic city, visitors should leave enough time for it.
Lyon is the third largest city in France and is one of Europe's most important banking centers, while the chemical, pharmaceutical, software and biotech industries are also vital in the city. As such, expats planning life in Lyon can look forward to a variety of working opportunities. France is famous throughout the world for its culture and Lyon is no different, with the city also plays a vital role in the history of cinema. Lyon is the home of the annual light festival ‘Fête des Lumières’, which runs for four days starting on 8 December each year — Lyon is sometimes known as the Capital of Lights because of this.
Gastronomy is very important in Lyon and two of France’s best known wine-growing regions are located close to the city, making it a great place to live for food and wine lovers.
Lyon is not far from everything you want in France. The Alps are just down the road and the riviera coast is about 300 kilometers south.
Beautiful, vibrant and lively, Lyon has everything to offer a young explorer or family looking to relocate to France.
Tucked away in southeastern France, Annecy sits at the tip of the picturesque Lake Annecy and overlooks snow-capped mountains.
The beautiful Lac d’Annecy, one of the biggest lakes in France, sits among snow-capped mountains and is known as the cleanest lake in Europe. Painted by Paul Cézanne, Lake Annecy is partly ringed by cycle paths that locals and visitors use on a daily basis. Spend a few days exploring the whimsical canals of Annecy. Also known as the “Venice of the Alps”, the winding cobblestone streets of the Vieille Ville, or old town, are lined by pastel houses and bright flower boxes that will make you fall in love with this small French town. Stop for a croissant at a boulangerie, or have an ice cream at one of the town’s many gelaterias and spend the afternoon doing what the French love to do, people-watch, and also admire the amazing architecture. Annecy also hosts a farmer’s market, Au Rendez-Vous du Terroir (Tuesday and Saturday) and in the Old Town Market on the Rue Sainte-Claire (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday), there are also various markets on throughout the week selling an array of fresh foods and market wares. The Sunday Annecy market is one of the finest markets in France, with its colourful stalls lining the old town’s streets and canals, a site to be seen and to be tasted!
Of course the Alps is a great place to invest, not just in Annecy, but across the many resorts that have numerous off plan and resale chalets and apartments for sale. After a long day of skiing and snowboarding, why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage or a comforting jet bath in your own personal chalet? The luxurious amenities included inside of French ski resorts is what makes them incredibly popular amongst travellers from all over the world. There is nothing better than living in a lap of luxury while on skiing holidays in France. A great place to invest as rental income could be 12 months a year, the Alps being as popular in the Summer as the Winter, for off road Mountain biking to trekking and horse riding. Fun for all the family all year round.
Paris has so much to offer for anyone looking to invest or make a permanent relocation. Here you have Michelin-star restaurants next to historic cafés and an abundance of Museums that it is said even if you visited one everyday of the year you wouldn't visit them all! They are all a brisk walk away from well-stocked flea markets. You’ll never be short of things to see and do while living in the French capital, for example there are 421 municipal parks and gardens in Paris, covering more than three thousand hectares of the city’s territory. So if you love nature you’ll never get bored.
Some of the city’s landmarks include, the secret orchid fields in the Luxembourg Gardens, and the waterfalls and cliffs of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont grottos, right in the centre of the capital.
Of course Paris boasts the timeless architecture of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Pompidou Center and the classic Louvre where you can spend time enjoying French history and exploring the beautiful streets full of small cafe bars and French gastronomy.
When considering purchasing a property in Paris the first step is to identify the neighborhood where you would want to live. There are so many beautiful areas in Paris, and each one has unique characteristics and charm. A Lot of the arrondissements are “colorful and emerging” - many with good new investment potential - and apartment prices tend to be cheaper as a result. Some neighborhoods such as the 6th and 7th are more expensive, but are still the most sought-after by buyers. Maybe you would prefer to be on the outskirts of the city outside of central Paris? You will find the outlying suburbs that are known as Les Banlieues. to the west of Paris are wealthy, attractive suburbs and much-desired neighborhoods.
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