With the Mediterranean sun shining for a full 300 days of the year, miles upon miles of glorious golden beaches stringing together beautiful bays and picturesque towns, the sumptuous food, the towering mountains, the rich culture and heritage – the South of France is undoubtedly one of the very best places to live in the whole wide world.
There’s simply so much to fall in love with. The only trouble you’ll have though and it is a good problem to be faced with – is deciding precisely in which location you want to live.
Thankfully, your friendly and reliable South of France surveyor is on hand to help guide you through your options.
Languedoc-Roussillon
One of Southern France’s best-kept secrets, the Languedoc-Roussillon region offers a beautiful stretch of coastline, unspoilt countryside, and small, authentic villages. There is even a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region, including the Canal du Midi (a 360km network of picturesque waterways linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic) and the Pont du Gard (an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge built in the First Century AD). No wonder those who have discovered this quiet corner of France want to keep it to themselves.
As such, if you’re looking for calm and peaceful location with relatively few tourists and an “undiscovered” feel – plus some of the finest properties in the South of France – the Languedoc-Roussillon region may well be for you.
Aquitaine
An idyllic location between the Atlantic Ocean and Pyrenees Mountains, Aquitaine boasts wonderfully diverse scenery – from the famous Bordeaux Vineyards to the peaceful villages that run through the Dordogne Valley to the stunning Bay of Arcachon.
There is also a whole host of natural treasures to be discovered, combining the joys of beach and ocean – prized by surfers and water sports enthusiasts – with the dramatic surroundings of forests, lakes and mountains. A strong expat community draws many emigrants from the UK and Northern Europe to this glorious region, making Aquitaine the perfect place for those in search of an international living experience with plenty of friendly people to help you settle in.
Poitou-Charentes
Another firm expat favourite, Poitou-Charentes is renowned for its year-round climate, gorgeous coastline and rural lifestyle. From La Rochelle (the capital of Charente-Maritime, boasting a beautiful old port and medieval town) to Île de Ré(an island accessible by bridge from La Rochelle) to Angoulême(classified as one of the French towns of art and history), Poitou-Charentes has many highlights to see and discover.
While the southern departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime have long been popular with expats, their lesser-explored counterparts to the north – Vienne and Deux-Sèvres – with their rolling pastureland and woodland areas, are now beginning to attract foreign residents.
As such, property values vary across Poitou-Charentes – the most sought-after properties are still in the south of the region, pushing prices up, while housing in Deux-Sèvres and Vienne is slightly cheaper.
Final Thoughts
Thinking of buying a property in the South of France but still unsure of which location will offer the lifestyle you’re after? Employing Charles Mackintosh as your experienced and professional South of France surveyor will help you make the right property purchase in the region most suitable to your requirements.
Please get in touch today for more information, and we’ll help you make your dream purchase come true.