One of the most common questions people ask when planning a move is: “Where should we live in France?” It sounds simple — but in reality, it’s one of the hardest questions to answer. France is incredibly diverse. From coastal villages to bustling cities, mountain regions to peaceful countryside, there are countless beautiful places to choose from. The truth is, there is no single “best” place — only what is right for you. So instead of trying to find the perfect location stra

France is roughly the size of Texas — yet the differences between its regions are so profound that choosing 'France' as a destination is really only the beginning of the decision. From the sun-baked villages of the south to the dramatic Atlantic coastline and the gentle rolling hills of the centre, where you settle will shape every dimension of your daily life. Here's a framework for thinking it through. The Key Questions to Ask Yourself Do you want warmth and sunshine, or ar

France is blessed with an extraordinary coastline — nearly 2,000 miles of it. From dramatic Atlantic waves to Mediterranean glamour, from rugged Brittany cliffs to vast sandy beaches in the north, there truly is something for everyone. If you are considering living in France and the coast plays a part in your dream, it is important to understand what each coastal region offers — and how that might influence your property search. Having explored all three of France’s coastline

Many of you house hunting in Brittany will have seen a neo-Bretagne house. They are, to me, the marmite house, love it or hate it but their history is born from loss and hope so this month it’s back to school with a quick blog on the Neo-Bretonne house. When we think about the Second World War, we often picture soldiers, battles, and politics — but the war also left deep scars on the landscape of France. Cities were destroyed, villages vanished, and entire regions had to be r

When people think about moving to France, the same destinations tend to come up time and time again. Provence, the French Riviera, and Paris often top the list. And while these places are undeniably beautiful, they also come with higher property prices, more competition, and in some cases, a lifestyle that feels more tourist-driven than truly French. The good news is that France is full of lesser-known regions that offer incredible value, authentic living, and just as much ch

Let’s be honest: buying property in France isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about daydreaming, sipping wine on a sunny terrace, and wandering cobbled streets that look straight out of a storybook. If you’re hunting for that perfect fairytale village vibe, we’ve rounded up 10 enchanting spots where owning a home feels like living in a postcard. 1. Riquewihr, Alsace Picture colourful half-timbered houses, vineyards everywhere you look, and a Christmas market that feels

Do you love the idea of owning a riverside property? These are the benefits of waterside living and a look at what you need to consider when buying on the waterfront Living in a riverside property is often the dream for many people. Whether it’s for the rhythmic sound of water flowing, the abundance of wildlife nestled into the river banks, or the stunning views, there’s something very calming about living next to water. About ten years ago, I was lucky enough to live in a ho

One of the biggest surprises for many people considering a move to France is just how affordable property can be… if you know where to look. While hotspots like the Côte d’Azur or central Paris come with eye-watering price tags, there are still plenty of regions where you can find excellent value, often with more space, more character, and a better quality of life. The key is looking beyond the obvious. Here’s a guide to some of the best affordable regions in France right now

The Creuse, located in the heart of France within the Limousin region, offers a unique blend of tranquillity, natural beauty, and historical charm. Named after the river that flows through it, this department is renowned for its lush landscapes, mediaeval architecture, and centuries-old tapestry tradition, particularly in the town of Aubusson. With a focus on maintaining its historical charm, the Creuse remains a region where you can find charming, old stone farmhouses built

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

The Gers is a department in the Occitanie region of southwestern France, situated southeast of Bordeaux, northwest of Toulouse, and northeast of Pau. It lies in the heart of the historic Gascony province. This hidden gem is often referred to as the "Tuscany of France" and it’s easy to see why. This region boasts some of the finest countryside to be found, a mellow and welcoming climate, captivating history, and charm at every turn, making it a prime destination for overseas h

There are places in France that impress instantly, and then there are places that reveal themselves slowly, layer by layer. Albi sits firmly in the second category. At first glance, it’s the cathedral that dominates, the immense, fortress-like Sainte-Cécile Cathedral rising above the River Tarn in a wash of warm red brick. But spend a few days here, and it becomes clear that Albi’s real appeal lies not just in its beauty, but in how effortlessly it works as a place to live. F

Choosing where to live in the Tarn is less about ticking boxes and more about aligning lifestyle with landscape. This is a department of contrasts, lively small cities, vineyard-dotted valleys, quiet rural hamlets and where you settle will shape your entire experience of life here. Unlike some regions of France where one or two hotspots dominate, the Tarn offers a spread of appealing areas, each with its own rhythm, personality, and type of buyer. What follows is a closer loo

This week, we’re in Civray, exploring some fantastic properties in one of the most underrated parts of France. Located in the Vienne, this area offers the perfect balance of rural charm and everyday convenience. Civray itself is a lively market town with cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and a popular twice-weekly market, making it ideal for both French locals and expats looking to settle into authentic French life. With beautiful countryside, riverside walks along the Charen

Situated in the heart of the Perigord region, Bergerac is a town rich in history and culture situated on the Dordogne river. With a beautiful old town, a variety of restaurants where you can try the local specialities and a weekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays there is plenty to do in the area. From exploring the mediaeval houses of the old town to visiting the statue of Cyrano de Bergerac, or from taking a scenic boat trip on the Dordogne river to sampling the local wi

This week on A New Life in France, we sit down with Sophie Ward, an independent property consultant with Beaux Villages Immobilier, to explore what life is really like in the Charente, specifically the Ruffec area in the Upper Charente. 🇫🇷 Having lived in the department for over 20 years, Sophie offers a unique perspective — not only as a local resident but also as someone who specialises in helping people buy and sell property in the area. In this episode, we cover: What

The beauty of buying in the Vienne is that there isn’t just one “hotspot.” Instead, the department offers a series of distinct pockets, each attracting a slightly different type of buyer depending on lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans. What makes the Vienne particularly appealing is that you’re not forced into one expensive, over-subscribed area . You can choose based on how you want to live—whether that’s being close to a city, tucked into the countryside, or somewhere

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

For many people dreaming of a new life in France , Haute-Vienne quietly appears on the shortlist. Located in the historic Limousin region in the centre-west of the country, the department offers exactly what many international buyers imagine when they picture rural France: rolling green countryside, traditional stone houses, lakes, forests, and a slower pace of life. Unlike some of France’s more famous regions, Haute-Vienne remains refreshingly authentic. It has not been o

Where to Live, How Life Feels, and the Areas Expats Choose Most The Loire Valley has long been one of France’s most quietly desirable regions. Less flashy than the Côte d’Azur and less tourist-heavy than parts of the Dordogne , it offers something many movers are really looking for: a balanced, sustainable French life . Stretching roughly from Orléans in the east to Angers and Saumur in the west, the Loire Valley combines historic towns, elegant villages, vineyard landscap