There are so many wonderful, interesting and unique features of France, from the types of properties available and distinct aspects of its cities and towns to the French property buying process. Here are 10 facts to know about France when relocating.
Picture living in a French castle that looks like it leaped out of a fairytale. There are approximately 40,000 chateaux in France spanning all types of styles. You can also blend life with work by investing in a chateau that can be used as a tourism business, like a B&B.
- The French consume 11.2 billion glasses of wine each year – great news for vineyard owners! Vineyard properties can be used seasonally while you’re on holiday or full-time if you plan to relocate permanently and range from small stone residences to sprawling farmhouses.
- There are 157,000 UK citizens living in France, the second highest number in Europe. The close proximity to France is a big benefit for UK residents, as is the variety of properties available, from ski chalets in the mountains to high-end, luxury Paris apartments and seaside homes on the French Riviera.
- With 82 million visitors a year, France is the world’s most popular tourist destination. A few of France’s most popular areas include Cannes, with its glamorous lifestyle and VIP events; Paris’ worldliness, high fashion and leading gastronomy; and Provence, located close to Italy, boasting unique villages and countryside views.
- When purchasing property in France, buyers are allowed a 10-day “cooling off” period during which they can pull out of the transaction without a penalty – they won’t even lose their deposit. Once you’ve signed the compromis, your notaire will explain the conditions of this period, along with your deadline to make changes.
- The conveyancing process takes approximately three months and is handled by a notaire. Note that along with property and agency fees, you’ll need to be prepared for conveyancing fees, which are typically 7 to 8 percent.
- France has 3,427 km of coastline, which is roughly the same distance from Paris to Luxor, Egypt. There are plenty of choices if you want to live by the sea! For example, the French Riviera’s many villas and apartment have sea views and private beach entry.
- France has a welcomingly laidback lifestyle, with meals often lasting for two hours and shops and government buildings (other than those in major cities) regularly closing from noon to 2 p.m.
- France is one of the largest wine-producing countries in the world. On average, France produces over 6 million bottles of wine a year. One-third of all French wine is exported and is worth over 10 billion euros per year. More good news for vineyard owners, particularly those in Bordeaux, Cassis, Provence, the Rhone Valley or St-Émilion.
- Marseille, the second largest city in France, is also the country’s sunniest locale with 2,801 hours (or 264 days) of sunshine a year. Is there a better place to start your property search?
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