This week on A New Life in France, we head to the beautiful Dordogne, specifically the commune of Eymet, to meet Andrew Nicholson, an Independent Property Consultant with Beaux Villages Immobilier. 🇫🇷 Our aim was to get a real insight into one of France’s most popular departments for overseas buyers — exploring what life is really like in the Dordogne, the types of properties available, and why so many people choose to make the move here. In this episode, Andrew shares his

Chris and James moved to the Dordogne around three years ago, where they found a property they’ve since transformed into a dream project with the help of French Plans. Today, that journey has led to the opening of their restaurant and microbrewery, Brasseurs Du Pont. Their Story: The fog hangs gently over the River Dordogne, softening the edges of the landscape and giving the morning a quiet, cinematic feel. Down here in the heart of the Dordogne, the river moves slowly, conf

We spoke with Sarah , who moved to the Dordogne in 2020 after leaving the UK in search of a slower, more balanced way of life. Like many people considering a move to France, she weighed up several regions before settling on the Dordogne, a decision shaped by lifestyle, affordability, and a desire to feel part of a real, working community rather than a tourist hotspot. Below, Sarah shares why she decided to make the move, what drew her specifically to the Dordogne, and what e

These costs vary depending on property size, condition, insulation, heating type and occupancy , but the ranges below reflect what most buyers experience after settling in. Property Type Typical Annual Costs Village house €1,500–€2,500 Country home €2,500–€4,000 Large stone house €4,000–€7,000 Manor / estate €7,000+ Let's delve deeper: 1. Village House Typical annual cost: €1,500 – €2,500 What this usually includes: Taxe foncière: €400 – €800 Heating & electricity: €600 –

These figures are real-world Dordogne averages , not best-case scenarios. It is worth mentioning that getting professional advice before creating your budget is key in France. French Plans are fully qualified English speaking architects and planning consultants - and you can use our Ask the Expert form to get your questions answered quickly! Light Refresh – €5,000 to €20,000 ☐ Painting and decoration ☐ Flooring replacement ☐ Kitchen refresh (not full replacement) ☐ Bathro

These are realistic, lifestyle-focused ranges , assuming standard resale property (not forced sales or exceptional bargains). Up to €200,000 – Entry Level & Renovation Focus Typical properties Village houses requiring updating Rural homes needing renovation Smaller stone houses Basic countryside cottages What to expect: ☐ Older electrics and plumbing ☐ Little or no insulation ☐ Possible septic tank upgrade ☐ Cosmetic and functional work needed Best suited for Buyers happy to

A practical, on-the-ground checklist for buyers viewing homes in the Dordogne Use this checklist during viewings to compare properties objectively, avoid costly surprises, and stay focused on long-term livability , not just first impressions. 1. Location & Setting ☐ Village, hamlet or isolated countryside ☐ Year-round access (roads, lanes, winter conditions) ☐ Distance to nearest- Bakery / shop: Market town: GP / pharmacy: Hospital: ☐ Noise levels (roads, farms, tourism) ☐

Ideal for: permanent movers, retirees, renovation buyers, income projects Day 1 – Orientation & Sarlat Area Area drive around Sarlat 2–3 property viewings (move-in ready) Market visit, café stops, parking checks Evening meal locally Day 2 – Dordogne Valley Villages Focus on river villages and hillside homes View: Character stone houses Properties with terraces and views Gîte-friendly layouts Lifestyle emphasis: summer crowds vs winter calm Day 3 – Bergerac & Transport Links

Ideal for: first-time buyers, second-home owners, or a focused short trip Day 1 – Sarlat & the Dordogne Valley (Périgord Noir) Morning Base yourself near Sarlat-la-Canéda View 2–3 properties: Stone village houses Renovated farmhouses Homes with gîte potential Focus on proximity to shops, markets and year-round amenities Lunch Lunch in Sarlat’s old town to gauge year-round atmosphere (not just tourism) Afternoon Drive along the Dordogne River toward Beynac-et-Cazenac and

The Dordogne has long been one of France’s most sought-after property destinations, particularly for international buyers looking for character, space and a genuine rural lifestyle. Unlike trend-driven hotspots, the Dordogne’s appeal has remained remarkably consistent over decades — rooted in its landscape, architecture and enduring sense of place. For many buyers , the Dordogne represents a return to something more grounded: stone houses, mature gardens, village cafés, wee

The Dordogne is one of those rare parts of France that seems to capture everything people dream about when they imagine a life here. Rolling countryside, golden-stone villages, historic châteaux, slow local markets and a deeply rooted way of life all combine to create a region that feels both timeless and welcoming. Located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwest France, the Dordogne has long been a favourite with British, Dutch and increasingly American buyers , ret