Forget Paris. The French want to move to rural France for peace and fresh air…
In a survey by the French Institute for Public Opinion Research (IFOP), 81% of French people think that life in the countryside is “an ideal life.” They associate country living with a higher quality of life, tranquillity, natural surroundings, less pollution, and a lower cost of living.
So why aren’t they living this “ideal” life?
Well, it’s for the same reason you find fewer and fewer people occupying the plains of northern Germany, the hills of the Spain-Portugal border region, or the islands of Greece.
For decades, there’s been a steady flow of people leaving the countryside to move to bigger towns and cities in search of employment (in 2023, 81.7% of France’s population lived in urban areas).
And that means some incredible real estate bargains…
Browse any French real estate listings website and you’ll find plenty of farmhouses and village homes listed for low prices.
The thing to remember is rural properties don’t always have to be “rural.” There are still many smaller towns in France where you can experience that quintessential French way of life—excellent food, a lively art scene, and buzzing cafés—while snagging a bargain.
Take this three-bed, one-bath house for sale in the picturesque village of Monclar d’Agenais.
It’s nestled in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in the southwest of France. Agriculture, viticulture, and tourism are a few of the region’s top industries.
This three-bed, one-bath house is for sale in the village of Monclar d’Agenais. Listing here.
This house was recently renovated. The ground floor has a lounge with fireplace, a kitchen, and WC. There are three bedrooms upstairs, together with a bathroom with a shower. The property also has a cellar and garage. It’s on sale for €96,360 ($101,400). Find more details here.
Or there’s this two-bed, one-bath house is in La Chapelle, also in the scenic southwest of France.
It has a courtyard through which the property is entered. There’s a downstairs bedroom, a lounge with a tiled floor and wood burner, a WC, kitchen, and dining room. Upstairs is a bedroom with balconies to the front and rear.
This two-bed, one-bath house has a courtyard, balconies, and a garage. Listing here.
The property has a garage with outside parking, and a new roof was completed in September 2023. This property is on the market for €115,000 ($121,000). Find full details here.
Normandy in northern France is a place of special historical interest. The area is famous for its white-chalk cliffs and as the site of the D-Day landings during World War II. These days, the area couldn’t be more peaceful.
Mont-Saint-Michel, a stunning tidal island and medieval abbey, is just off the coast. Rising dramatically from the sea, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Its unique beauty and rich history make it a major tourist destination, attracting over three million visitors annually.
This five-bed, three-bath house in Manche, Normandy, is a 25-minute drive from Mont-Saint-Michel. The plot of land covers about 8,230 square feet while the house covers about 1,570 square feet. The property is rural, yet close to amenities. There’s an outdoor terrace for summer dining. This property is on the market for €152,000 ($159,900). Find more information here.
This house in Normandy is a 25-minute drive from Mont-Saint-Michel. Listing here.
As you can see, there’s stunning value in the French countryside for less than $160,000.
But let’s see what a slightly larger budget gets you…
The Loire Valley in central France is known as the “Cradle of the French” and the “Garden of France” for its vineyards, orchards, and rich agricultural heritage. It has historic towns, stunning architecture, and world-renowned wines.
The village of Monts-sur-Guesnes is a peaceful village in the South Loire Valley with a population of about 900 inhabitants. It has all essential amenities within walking distance.
This five-bed, two-bath house dates from 1650 and 1850 and retains its historical charm, with oak or pine parquet flooring throughout much of the house and working fireplaces in most rooms.
This five-bed, two-bath house dates from 1650 and 1850. Listing here.
It comes with over 1.9 acres of landscaped park planted with century-old trees. In autumn the ground is covered in a blanket of cyclamens. There are also numerous outbuildings including stables, a barn, an old ice house, and two cellars.
The ground floor has a kitchen, dining room, and living room with windows looking out onto the garden. The upper floor has four bedrooms, an office, and an attic could be converted into another bedroom.
The property is on the market for €399,900 ($420,800). Find more information here.
Ronan McMahon, Founder, Overseas Dream Home & Real Estate Trend Alert
P.S. If you’re interested in any of these listings you should hire an attorney and do your own due diligence. We haven’t done any due diligence on them.
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