We spoke with Jane and Simon, who made the move to Gironde in 2016. Jane shares how they came to the decision and how life looks for them now. "When we finally made the move to France in 2016, it felt less like a bold leap and more like the natural conclusion to a conversation we’d been having for years. My husband and I had always been drawn to the idea of retiring abroad, but like many people, we went back and forth endlessly. Was it the right decision? Would we miss family

What buyers should expect when renovating property in Bordeaux, vineyards and coastal areas Renovating in the Gironde can be very rewarding. The department offers beautiful stone houses, vineyard properties, farmhouses, coastal homes and Bordeaux townhouses, many with strong potential. However, renovation costs vary depending on location, property type and condition. The Gironde tends to sit slightly above the national average for renovation costs, particularly close to Borde

What buyers can expect across Bordeaux, coast, vineyards and countryside Property prices in the Gironde vary more than almost anywhere else in France. The department stretches from the elegant city of Bordeaux to Atlantic coastline, world-famous vineyards and quiet rural villages. This creates a diverse market where prices can change dramatically within a 30–60 minute drive. For buyers, the key is understanding how location influences value. Bordeaux and coastal areas command

A practical checklist for viewing property in Bordeaux, vineyards and coastal areas The Gironde offers a wide range of property types — Bordeaux townhouses, vineyard homes, rural farmhouses and coastal properties. This checklist is designed specifically for the types of properties commonly found in the Gironde and the things buyers should pay particular attention to in this region. You can print this and tick off each section when viewing. 1. First Impressions & Location ☐ Ho

A complete trip covering Bordeaux, vineyards, countryside and Atlantic coast This 5-day itinerary is designed for buyers who want a thorough understanding of the Gironde property market. It balances property viewings with time to explore towns, villages and lifestyle. By the end of the trip, you will have experienced the key buyer areas and seen a wide mix of property types. The route moves logically: Day 1 — Bordeaux & commuter villages Day 2 — Entre-Deux-Mers countryside Da

A balanced trip combining property viewings with exploring Bordeaux, vineyards and coast This 3-day itinerary is designed to give you a broad feel for the Gironde property market. It mixes Bordeaux outskirts, vineyard countryside, and Atlantic coast locations, while leaving time to explore towns, villages and lifestyle — which is just as important as the properties themselves. The aim is not to rush, but to understand the different “micro-markets” in the Gironde so you can de

From Bordeaux villages to Atlantic coast and vineyard countryside The Gironde offers one of the most diverse property markets in France. Buyers are typically drawn to specific pockets depending on lifestyle priorities — proximity to Bordeaux, access to the coast, vineyard surroundings, or better-value rural areas. Unlike some departments where one or two towns dominate, the Gironde has multiple “micro-markets,” each with a distinct feel and price level. Understanding where bu

Vineyards, coast, countryside and one of southwest France’s most desirable markets The Gironde is one of the most sought-after property departments in France, and for good reason. It combines Bordeaux city living, Atlantic coastline, vineyard countryside, and excellent transport links. This creates a property market that offers both premium lifestyle locations and quieter, better-value rural opportunities. Unlike some areas of France where property prices are relatively consi

The Gironde is one of those parts of France that quietly offers almost everything. Atlantic coastline, world-famous vineyards, elegant historic cities, rolling countryside, rivers, forests, and a lifestyle that manages to feel both refined and relaxed at the same time. It sits in southwest France, within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, and is centred around Bordeaux — but the real appeal of the Gironde is that life here extends far beyond the city. For many people considering