Where are the best places to live in France? And where are the up-and-coming areas so that you can find a good investment opportunity for the future?
France is the most visited country in the world and this year the world record is set to be broken with more than 85 million visitors expected. Likewise, Paris is on target to be the most visited city, having welcomed more than 30 million people in the last 12 months. Incredibly, by 2020 100 million people are expected to visit France each year.
But where are the best places to live in France? And where are the up-and-coming areas that could help you make a clever purchase?
Best places to live in France
According to Home Hunts, the most popular regions are: Aquitaine, Paris, The Alps, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence and the Riviera.
Unbeatable ambiance in Aquitaine
The Périgord Noir in Aquitaine, south east of the Dordogne, has been attracting a large number of overseas buyers over the last twelve months. With the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda at its heart, this picturesque area is steeped in history and is endlessly charming. “The Périgord Noir is very popular with overseas buyers and their reasons seem to be twofold: the scenery and the ambiance,” says Esther Deneau, a Home Hunts’ consultant.
This five-bedroom traditional stone house (HH-8878069) is a good example of the type of high quality properties available in this area. Located in a small hamlet near Sarlat-la-Canéda, it could make an excellent family home or year-round rental proposition, particularly as it has an independent guest house in perfect condition and an already-established annual rental income. The swimming pool is in a spectacular enclosed position and the property is surrounded by landscaped gardens. It is on the market for €740,000.
Magical Montmartre
Montmartre, with its magnificent city views, winding streets and elegant Parisian ambiance, are what continually keep it as one of the most coveted places to live in Paris. It always delivers on authentic Parisian ambiance, often considered the perfect muse for creative souls.
But for families, it is the Monceau Park area in the 8th and 17th arrondissements that is growing in popularity. With a beautiful park – which includes playgrounds and flower gardens – and a British school, it attracts plenty of overseas buyers looking for family-sized properties.
Year-round rental opportunities in The Alps
Val d’Isère and Meribel (part of the Three Valleys) have emerged as the best-performing resorts in terms of price. However, with Geneva and Lyon airports welcoming a million more passengers during the summer than in the winter, it is mid-altitude resorts such as Chamonix and Megève that are sparking interest with those looking for year-round destinations. 
Just a few minutes away from Chamonix in the area of Les Houches (the pistes here are used for the Men’s Downhill World Cup Ski Championships) this stunning six-bedroom chalet (HH-8059814) is the perfect place to stay during both winter and summer. It was completely re-styled in 2008, and highlights include a south-facing terrace, Jacuzzi and separate one-bedroom apartment. It is priced at €1,195,000.
Live the dream in Provence
Landscapes resplendent with olive groves, lavender and vineyards; a glittering coastline drenched with sunshine for more than 300 days each year; and the promise of a relaxed Provençal lifestyle, Provence has long been a dream destination.
But where are the best places to buy in Provence? Property along the Provence coast, in cities such as Fréjus, and in the Luberon – where gems such as Isle-sur-la-Sorgue can be found – offer stable investment opportunities as demand never dwindles.
Find diversity in Languedoc
Renowned for its diversity – from its smooth sandy beaches to vineyards and wild mountain plateaus – Languedoc offers buyers excellent value for money.
“People choose Languedoc as it hasn’t yet been taken over by mass tourism and therefore it feels like a real French region,” says Phil Rees, a Home Hunts consultant. “Prices are more economical, compared to areas like the Provence, but the climate is the same.”
Buyers looking for good investment opportunities should explore the area around Narbonne.
This attractive four-bedroom property (HH-9825403) shows just how much you can get for your money in the Narbonne area. Located in Portiragnes, it has a beautiful swimming pool and offers views of the surrounding countryside and sea. A property that must been seen to be truly appreciated, it is on the market for €689,000.
Get more for your money inland on the Riviera
With its beautiful sun-drenched coastline and glamorous seaside resorts, the French Riviera is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Sales are up 90% compared with last year, partly due to significant price drops. “House prices inland are now 20% less than in 2008, so more people are buying in the smaller villages away from the fast-paced life of the coastline,” says Tim Swannie, Director of Home Hunts.
Mougins and Valbonne are the most coveted. “Both are very popular for families who want to put their children in the international schools,” says Tim. “But buyers can get more for their money in villages such as Biot, Opio, Roquefort les Pins and Châteauneuf de Grasse.”
Home Hunts are here to help you to find your dream home. If you would like to speak to one of the team to discuss your needs or just to have a chat about the market, you can call us on +33 970 44 66 43 or send us a mail to info@home-hunts.com. If you just want to browse through thousands of beautiful French homes, visit our website at www.home-hunts.com or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
