France, with its rich cultural heritage, excellent quality of life and diverse landscapes, has long been a favoured destination for expats looking to purchase property. From the rustic charm of Provence to the chic boulevards of Paris, France offers a range of hotspots that cater to different lifestyles and budgets. Let’s look at the current property locations for expats in France, focusing on areas that are popular for both quality of life and value for money.
The Ever-Popular French Riviera
Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez are the jewels in the crown of the Côte d’Azur. This region has traditionally been a playground for the wealthy, drawn by the Mediterranean climate, stunning coastline, and luxury lifestyle. Nice offers a vibrant city life with its famous Promenade des Anglais and bustling markets, while Cannes is synonymous with glamour, thanks to its annual film festival. Saint-Tropez, with its marina filled with super-yachts and exclusive beach clubs, epitomizes the high-end leisure life.
While property prices are among the highest in France, the French Riviera continues to attract expats who are willing to pay a premium for the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle, with the promise of a strong rental market due to tourism. Those looking to enjoy the charm of the Côte d’Azur without the exorbitant price tag, consider exploring areas such as Fréjus or Juan-les-Pins. Fréjus, for example, is steeped in history with its Roman ruins and medieval heritage, and property prices are significantly lower than its more famous neighbors. You might find apartments starting around €200,000, which is a steal compared to the multimillion-euro properties in Saint-Tropez. Juan-les-Pins is known for its jazz festivals and sandy beaches, and it boasts a lively nightlife that is more accessible. Here, the cost for a one-bedroom apartment can begin at approximately €150,000, offering an affordable entry point into the Riviera lifestyle.
These towns also benefit from the Riviera’s well-established rental market, which could provide investment opportunities for those looking to rent out their properties when not in use. The blend of reasonable property prices, strong tourism, and authentic French charm makes these spots a wise choice for those looking to purchase on the French Riviera.
The Lure of Provence and the Languedoc
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, beyond the glitzy Riviera, provides expats with the allure of the French countryside – think lavender fields, vineyards, and traditional stone farmhouses. The Languedoc-Roussillon offers similar charms with the added benefit of lower property prices. Historical towns such as Uzès, with its well-preserved medieval center, and Pézenas, known for its antique markets and 17th-century architecture, are seeing a rise in popularity.
These regions are appealing for expats who are looking for value for money, space, and a more relaxed lifestyle while still having access to the Mediterranean and relatively easy travel to other parts of Europe. For example, Uzès, boasts property prices that can range from €2,000 to €3,000 per square meter, a fraction of the cost compared to prime Riviera locales. Pézenas offers similar value, with charming townhouses and villas available from around €1,500 to €2,500 per square meter.
Paris: The Timeless Metropolis
Paris needs little introduction as one of the most desirable cities in the world for real estate investment. The City of Light draws expats with its unparalleled cultural scene, world-class dining, and fashion. Areas such as the Marais, the Latin Quarter, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés are particularly popular, offering a quintessentially Parisian experience.
Neighborhoods such as Belleville and Batignolles are becoming increasingly popular among those looking for a more budget-friendly option. Belleville, with its vibrant street art, bustling multi-ethnic community, and panoramic views of the city from Parc de Belleville, offers a diverse and dynamic atmosphere. The average price for an apartment here can range from €8,000 to €10,000 per square meter, presenting a more accessible option compared to the steep prices of central Paris.
Batignolles, once a village outside of Paris, has now been absorbed into the city’s 17th arrondissement and has a charming, laid-back vibe. It’s a neighborhood with a strong community spirit and a family-friendly environment, including a new eco-district with modern, energy-efficient buildings. Prices in Batignolles vary but tend to average around €9,500 to €11,000 per square meter, which is quite reasonable by Paris standards, especially for new constructions that come with energy savings and contemporary amenities.
Both Belleville and Batignolles offer the allure of Parisian life but with a more modern, affordable twist, making them excellent alternatives for real estate investment. They retain the Parisian appeal with the added advantage of a lower cost of living, which can be particularly attractive to expats and investors looking for long-term value and a genuine community feel.
Investing for Value: The Occitanie Region
The Occitanie region, which includes the cities of Toulouse and Montpellier, presents an excellent balance of value and quality of life. Toulouse, known as ‘La Ville Rose’ for its terracotta brick buildings, has a strong aerospace industry and is a hub for tech startups. Montpellier is a youthful and dynamic city with a Mediterranean feel, attractive for its vibrant atmosphere and lower cost of living compared to the French Riviera. Both cities have seen a steady rise in property prices, but they remain more accessible and offer good investment potential with the promise of growth.
Within the Occitanie region, certain areas stand out for their particularly high value and growing popularity. The city of Albi, with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral, offers historical charm with more moderate prices, where one can find apartments starting at around €1,500 per square meter. Similarly, the town of Carcassonne, famous for its medieval citadel, offers unique investment opportunities with properties available for under €2,000 per square meter. These locations not only boast rich histories and cultural depth but also provide a cost-effective alternative for those seeking the quintessential south of France experience without the Riviera price tag. These thriving communities, coupled with the scenic beauty and lower cost of living, make the Occitanie region an attractive option for both lifestyle and investment considerations.
Brittany and Normandy: Coastal Charm
The northern regions of Brittany and Normandy offer a different type of appeal with their rugged coastlines, medieval towns, and Celtic influences. The property market here is varied, with options ranging from seaside cottages to country manors.
For expats, these regions provide a fantastic quality of life with the added advantage of being more affordable than the south. Cities like Rennes and Caen are becoming increasingly popular due to their rich history, cultural pull, and strong sense of community. Also, smaller towns like Dinan in Brittany or Coutances in Normandy offer rustic charm at a fraction of the cost, with property prices starting as low as €150,000.
The Underrated Gems: Dordogne and the Lot
The Dordogne and the Lot regions in the southwest of France are often overlooked but are increasingly recognized for their value and quality of life. These areas offer a taste of authentic rural France with picturesque villages, historic castles, and rolling countryside.
Property prices here are more reasonable, and the expat communities are well-established, offering a supportive environment for newcomers. These regions are ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat and a more traditional French experience. While these regions are gaining recognition for their value and lifestyle, there are specific areas like the town of Bergerac in Dordogne or Figeac in Lot that offer exceptional affordability. Properties in these lesser-known locales can start from around €100,000 for a charming stone house, making them attractive to those on a budget. Ideal for retirees or those seeking a slower pace of life, these regions provide a picturesque backdrop for a peaceful French existence.
With the continued strength of France’s real estate market, investing in French property remains an attractive option for expats. While popular areas like Paris and the French Riviera are traditionally seen as safe bets for their sustained demand and rental prospects, emerging regions like Languedoc-Roussillon, Occitanie, and the southwest offer significant value, often with a more authentic French way of life.
