The Best Places to Buy a Holiday Home in France

Buying a holiday home in France is about more than finding a beautiful property at the right price. The location you choose can make a huge difference to how much you enjoy the property, how easy it is to reach and, if you plan to rent it out, how much use and demand it attracts.

The good news is that France offers an enormous variety of destinations. From the beaches of Brittany to the vineyards of the Dordogne and the sunshine of Provence, there is something for almost every budget and lifestyle.

So, where should you start looking?

Dordogne: The Classic French Escape

The Dordogne remains one of the most popular choices for overseas buyers, particularly those looking for traditional French character.

Think stone houses, rolling countryside, medieval villages, markets, rivers and plenty of good food. There is also an established international community, which can make settling into the area easier.

Property prices vary considerably, but the region can still offer good value compared with some of France's more fashionable destinations. The Dordogne also has strong appeal as a holiday destination, which can make it worth considering if you want the option of renting your property when you aren't using it.

View houses in the Dordogne here: https://www.forsaleinfrance.com/property-in-dordogne

Brittany: Great for UK Buyers

If easy access from the UK is important, Brittany deserves a serious look.

The region combines beautiful coastline, historic towns and attractive countryside, while ferry connections make it particularly convenient for British owners who want to drive to their holiday home.

Brittany isn't uniformly expensive. Inland areas can offer considerably better value than the most popular coastal locations. In 2026, the regional median property price was around €2,128 per square metre, although sought-after destinations such as Saint-Malo are significantly more expensive.

Normandy: Character, Coast and Convenience

Normandy offers another excellent option for British buyers.

It is relatively easy to reach from the UK, and you have a mixture of sandy beaches, historic towns, countryside and attractive villages.

The region can also offer good value, particularly away from the more prestigious coastal resorts. Places such as Honfleur and Deauville command premiums, while rural Normandy can be considerably more affordable.

For a holiday home that you can reach relatively easily for long weekends as well as longer summer stays, Normandy can be difficult to overlook.

The Lot: A Quieter Alternative

If you like the idea of the Dordogne but want somewhere a little less established, look south towards the Lot.

The scenery is spectacular, with limestone cliffs, rivers, rolling countryside and beautiful villages. It also offers plenty of traditional French property, including stone houses and farmhouses.

The Lot can be particularly attractive if your priority is space, character and a peaceful lifestyle rather than being right in the middle of a major tourist hotspot.

View property in the Lot here - https://www.forsaleinfrance.com/property-in-lot

Provence and the Mediterranean

For sunshine, outdoor living and that classic southern French lifestyle, Provence is hard to beat.

The region offers vineyards, lavender fields, historic towns and easy access to the Mediterranean. However, popularity comes at a price, and property can be considerably more expensive than in rural western or central France.

If your budget doesn't stretch to the most famous Provençal destinations, consider looking further inland. You may still get the lifestyle without paying the premium associated with the most fashionable locations.

Occitanie: Sunshine Without the Riviera Prices

Occitanie is another region worth exploring, particularly if you want warmer weather and a Mediterranean influence without necessarily paying Côte d'Azur prices.

The region is enormous, stretching from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean, so prices and lifestyles vary dramatically. Inland areas of the Lot, Gers, Tarn and Aude can offer attractive opportunities, while towns and cities such as Toulouse and Montpellier have their own property markets and rental demand.

There Isn't One "Best" Place

Ultimately, the best place to buy a holiday home in France depends on what you want from it.

Do you want somewhere you can easily reach for long weekends? Brittany or Normandy could make sense.

Want traditional villages and countryside? Look towards the Dordogne or Lot.

Dreaming of sunshine and outdoor living? Consider Provence or Occitanie.

And if rental income is important, don't simply choose somewhere because you love it. Research the tourist season, local demand, accessibility and any restrictions affecting short-term rentals. Some French towns have introduced tighter controls on holiday lets, so this should be investigated before you buy.

Most importantly, try to visit your shortlisted areas at different times of year.

A village that feels wonderfully peaceful in August might feel very different in January.

Your perfect French holiday home isn't necessarily in the most famous destination. It is the one in the right location for your budget, your lifestyle and the way you actually plan to use it.

If you want to see more property across France, check out our map of France to find your dream location - https://www.forsaleinfrance.com/map-of-france

and if you want some dedicated support in your purchase overseas, then please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team for further help - https://www.anewlifeinfrance.com/get-help