Where to buy property in France 2025

Firstly, why buy a property in France? 

Picture yourself throwing open the shutters of your stone farmhouse, morning sunlight flooding across ancient terracotta tiles, while the scent of fresh baguettes wafts up from the village below. France's enduring appeal lies in that ineffable quality the French call 'art de vivre' - and it's no coincidence that the country which gave us the phrase 'joie de vivre' remains, in 2025, the world's most visited nation.

Then there's the small matter of becoming custodian to Europe's finest larder (French cuisine was ranked 8th best cuisine in the world by TasteAtlas in 2024). Your local market will showcase some of the 1,600 varieties of cheese produced annually, while your wine cellar (yes, you'll probably have one) can be stocked from France's 792,000 hectares of vineyards - the second-largest wine region in Europe, producing a staggering 48 million hectoliters annually. Whether you're perfecting your coq au vin, savouring honey from Provence, or mastering the art of the perfect quiche Lorraine, life here is a perpetual feast.

For the value-conscious buyer (and who isn't in these inflationary times?), France offers a refreshing counterpoint to its Mediterranean neighbours. While average asking prices in Spain and Portugal have soared to €387,600 and €360,000 respectively, France's average of €284,000 feels positively modest - particularly when you consider what that buys you in a country boasting 59 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The timing looks particularly appealing too. The European Central Bank's aggressive rate-cutting cycle through 2024 has set the stage for what could be the most buyer-friendly French property market in years, with interest rates projected to tumble to 1.5% by year-end. Meanwhile, the French economy continues to display the kind of resilience that would make Napoleon proud, maintaining its position as the world's seventh-largest economy.

For those seeking returns on investment, France's deeply ingrained rental culture offers interesting possibilities. Unlike their northern European counterparts, the French have long embraced renting as a lifestyle choice rather than a necessity. Combine this with the country's extensive rail network and robust healthcare system (ranked 10th globally), and that stone farmhouse in the Dordogne starts looking rather tempting indeed.

Read our comprehensive France Market Outlook 2025 article for more information about the French property market. Not sure which part of France is right for you? Check out our which region in France is right for me guide?  

1. Mougins

 Darling, if you've ever fancied yourself as the next Picasso (or just fancy living where he did), allow me to introduce you to Mougins. Perched in the hills like a smug cat watching the Côte d'Azur chaos from afar, this elegant village has been the retreat of choice for everyone from Winston Churchill to Catherine Deneuve. Because really, who doesn't want to casually mention over dinner that they live in the same town where Christian Dior used to pop by for inspiration? With apartments starting from €170,000 on Kyero, this elegant village offers a range of property options.

Just 15 minutes from Cannes (close enough for the glamour, far enough to avoid the traffic), Mougins is where the smart money goes when they want a pool and garden instead of a postage stamp-sized apartment by the sea. Divided into five distinctly charming neighbourhoods, it's essentially the French equivalent of having your cake and eating it too - especially considering its reputation as a gastronomic heavyweight.

Other reasons to move to Mougins: A proper international school, enough golf courses to satisfy even the most enthusiastic player, and more expat societies than you can shake a baguette at. Plus, there's the rather convenient Arnault Tzanck private hospital, should you overindulge in all that fine French living.

Nearby alternatives to Mougins: While Valbonne offers similar international vibes and Grasse brings the perfume heritage, nothing quite matches Mougins' brilliant balance of authenticity and accessibility.

Hidden gems of Mougins: The Musée d'Art Classique de Mougins (MACM) is where ancient meets modern in the most delightfully unexpected ways. But the real treasure? The International Perfume Museum's botanical gardens, where you can quite literally stop and smell the roses that go into your favourite French fragrances.

Pro tip: Join the English Speakers on the Riviera Facebook group before you move. It's like having a personal concierge service run by people who've already made all the mistakes you're trying to avoid.

2. Paris

 Ah, Paris. The city that needs no introduction but somehow gets one in every article ever written (including this one – we're nothing if not predictable). But really, what can one say about the City of Light that hasn't already been said by countless poets, artists, and estate agents trying to justify those eye-watering price tags?

Let's be honest: if you're considering Paris, you already know about the Eiffel Tower's iron charms and the Louvre's glass pyramid. You've dreamed of morning croissants and evening wine, of wandering through centuries-old streets pretending you're in a French New Wave film. What you really need to know is that yes, it's worth the hype – and yes, the housing prices might make your financial advisor weep. However, apartments on the city's outskirts start from €65,000, offering a budget-friendly entry point to the French capital. 

Other reasons to move to Paris: Beyond the obvious cultural overload (130+ museums and galleries, but who's counting?), you've got world-class transport connections via six major train stations and two airports. There's a robust international school scene with over 40 options for your little ones to perfect their eye-rolling in multiple languages. Plus, the expat community is so well-established, you'll never be far from someone who shares your bafflement at French administration procedures.

Nearby alternatives to Paris: There are none, Paris is utterly unique. Though plenty of suburbs will try to convince you otherwise, ma chérie.

Hidden gem: While everyone else queues for the Louvre, make your way to the newly opened Food Society in Montparnasse – Europe's largest food market spanning a delicious 3,500m². With 15 restaurants under one roof, it's like having all of Paris's culinary heritage without the need to traverse 20 arrondissements.

Pro tip: When house-hunting, remember that "cosy" means you'll need to breathe in to open the fridge, and "characterful" means the stairs might kill you. But oh, those ceiling heights!

3. Eymet

 Welcome to Dordogneshire! No, that's not a typo – this charming bastide town in the Perigord purple region has earned its nickname honestly, with roughly 30% of its 2,600 residents hailing from across the Channel. Think of it as a sort of French finishing school for Brits who've decided that retirement means learning to properly pronounce 'croissant' while playing cricket on the continent (yes, Eymet has a cricket team!). 

Located 20km south of Bergerac, Eymet sits prettily on the banks of the Dropt river, mixing medieval charm with modern amenities in a way that makes estate agents positively giddy. The central market square bustles with activity, especially during the Thursday morning markets – where you can practice your French by asking for vegetables, as you inevitably bump into someone from Suffolk. Fixer-upper villas in this charming Dordogne town start at €100,000 on Kyero, perfect for those seeking a renovation project.

Other reasons to move to Eymet: An outdoor pool and recreation centre for those sultry French summers, multiple supermarkets, and – hold onto your berets – a wine cave! Plus, there's an international school nearby, perfect for ensuring your children grow up properly confused about their cultural identity.

Nearby alternatives to Eymet: Bergerac offers a bigger slice of French life, while Sarlat brings the medieval charm in spades. The whole Dordogne region is scattered with picture-perfect villages and châteaux that look like they've fallen straight out of a fairy tale.

Hidden gems of Eymet: La Cour D'Eymet is the town's culinary crown jewel, where the chef's personality is as memorable as his cooking. But the real treasure? The annual white wine and oyster tasting festival in the main square on August 15th. Because nothing says 'I live in France now' quite like eating oysters in a medieval square on a summer's evening.

Pro tip: Learn the local market schedule by heart – Monday in Miramont, Tuesday in Castillones, Wednesday in Bergerac, Thursday in Eymet, and Sunday in Issigeac. Your social and culinary life will literally depend on it.

4. Grimaud

 Can't decide between a medieval hilltop village and a swanky marina lifestyle? Grimaud, you overachiever, offers both. Nestled between Sainte Maxime and Saint Tropez (name-drop away, darling), this split-personality gem gives you the choice of living in either a fairy tale or a yacht catalogue – or both, if you're feeling particularly ambitious. And did we mention Grimaud saw property searches soar by 33.1% in 2024, according to Kyero’s latest data.

The medieval old town is a maze of cobbled streets where getting lost is less of a mishap and more of a lifestyle choice. Meanwhile, Port Grimaud – the 'Venice of France' (because apparently every country needs at least one Venice, France has two - Port Grimaud and Annecy) – offers a purpose-built marina where boats replace cars and your morning commute might involve a gentle putter across the canals to pick up your croissants. Apartments in this Mediterranean gem start from €150,000 on Kyero, providing access to both hilltop village and marina lifestyles

Other reasons to move to Grimaud: You're surrounded by vineyards producing the kind of rosé that makes you understand why the locals drink it year-round (and why wouldn't they?). The property market is as varied as a French cheese board – from sleek marina-front apartments to character-filled old town flats and countryside villas. Plus, you're close enough to Saint Tropez to drop it into conversation, but far enough away to avoid the summer traffic.

Nearby alternatives to Grimaud: Sainte Maxime offers similar charms with fewer tourists, while Saint Tropez... well, if you have to ask about Saint Tropez, darling, you probably can't afford it.

Hidden gems of Grimaud: While tourists queue for ice cream along the marina's restaurant-lined canals, locals know that the real treasure is found in the quiet corners of the old town, where time seems to have stopped somewhere around the 15th century – except for the very modern wine bars, thankfully.

Pro tip: When house hunting, remember that "water views" in the old town and Port Grimaud mean very different things. One involves a distant glimpse of the Mediterranean; the other might mean having a gondolier as your postman.
 

5. Pau

 If you've always fancied yourself as property-hunting royalty but your bank balance is distinctly less than regal, allow us to introduce you to Pau – birthplace of Henri IV and currently one of France's best-kept property secrets. Landing squarely in Kyero's top 10 cheapest places to buy in 2024, it's the kind of city where your euros stretch further than your Instagram filter. Studio apartments can be found for as little as €40,000, making this mountain-view city incredibly accessible.

This pedestrianised paradise (car owners, you can stop clutching your pearls – the walkability is actually delightful) offers the sort of lifestyle that makes estate agents wax lyrical: mountain views that would make Julie Andrews burst into song, cultural credentials that don't require a trust fund to enjoy, and covered markets where you can pretend you know your fromage frais from your fromage blanc. 

Other reasons to move to Pau: An international school for your little ones to become properly bilingual, an international airport for when you need to remind yourself what clouds look like (Pau is surprisingly sunny), and you're just a 90-minute drive from surfing on the Atlantic coast. Plus, you're close enough to pop to Spain or Andorra for lunch – how's that for a humble brag?

Nearby alternatives to Pau: Tarbes offers similar mountain views with a dash more industry, while Lourdes brings the spiritual vibes (and tourists, lots of tourists).

Hidden gems of Pau: While everyone else is queuing to see Henri IV's alleged birthplace at the Château de Pau, locals know the real treasure is in the city's network of pedestrian streets, where you can wander from the Joffre district to the castle without seeing a single car (a miracle that rivals anything happening in Lourdes).

Pro tip: When locals say "let's go for a walk," they might mean anything from a gentle stroll through the pedestrianised centre to a full-on Pyrenean hiking expedition. Pack accordingly.
 

6. Nice

Ah, Nice – the city that proves you can have your socca and eat it too. This glittering metropolis somehow manages to be both France's fifth-largest city and everyone's favourite small town, rather like that friend who's simultaneously glamorous and down-to-earth (we all wish we had one). With a population nudging 350,000, it's the most searched-for French city on property websites, and frankly, we're not surprised – it's been batting its Mediterranean eyelashes at tourists since before tourism was even invented.

Thanks to its Italian heritage (it only became French in 1860, making it practically a teenager in French historical terms), Nice offers a delicious cultural mélange that's evident in everything from its architecture to its street food. Speaking of which, if you haven't tried socca (a chickpea pancake that's essentially street food perfection) or pissaladière (an onion tart that puts regular pizza to shame), are you even living? Properties in this vibrant coastal city start at €80,000 on Kyero, offering diverse options for potential buyers.

Other reasons to move to Nice: Where to begin? Perhaps with some of the world's purest drinking water (yes, really), or the 1,800+ restaurants (including 6 with Michelin stars, not that we're counting). There's live music on every corner, enough museums to fill a year of Sundays, and an annual Jazz festival that would make Louis Armstrong proud. Plus, the crime rates are so low, your biggest worry will be choosing between the 15 different hospitals for your annual check-up.

Nearby alternatives to Nice: Cannes brings the glamour, Menton the gardens, Antibes the old-world charm, and Grasse the perfume – but none quite capture Nice's perfect balance of sophistication and street food.

Hidden gems of Nice: While tourists flock to the Promenade des Anglais (lovely as it is), locals know the real magic happens in the Vieille Ville's twisted streets, where the Cours Saleya flower market fills the air with perfume every morning. And don't get us started on the ice cream – it's so good, it deserves its own property listing.

Pro tip: The locals call themselves 'Niçois' (pronounced 'nee-swa'), not 'Nice-ians'.

7. Courcheval

 Darlings, if you have to ask about property prices in Courchevel, you probably can't afford them. Leading Knight Frank's Alpine Property Report with a casual 9% price growth in 2025 (recession? What recession?), this crown jewel of Les Trois Vallées is where oligarchs go to feel middle class. With prices often exceeding €40,000 per m², your spare change won't even buy you a ski locker here. Small apartments begin at €475,000 on Kyero, reflecting the resort's exclusive alpine luxury market.

The resort is actually six villages masquerading as one, each named with refreshing literalness after their altitude. Think of it as a vertical social climbing experiment: the higher you go, the more likely you are to bump into someone with their own private jet. Courchevel 1850 (the one you're thinking of) sits at the top like a perfectly groomed queen bee, dripping with five-star hotels and designer boutiques where fur-clad shoppers totter between Louis Vuitton and their chalet's helipad.

Other reasons to move to Courchevel: Beyond the obvious bragging rights, you'll have access to Les Trois Vallées, the world's largest linked ski area. The resort is properly ski-in/ski-out (none of that tedious walking business), and there's a free shuttle between villages for when you're slumming it with the merely wealthy. Plus, you're next door to Val Thorens, which just nabbed 'World's Best Ski Resort 2024' (though Courchevel residents would rather not talk about that).

Nearby alternatives to Courchevel: Val d'Isere is showing a mere 7% price growth (practically bargain basement), while Méribel offers similar access to Les Trois Vallées with slightly less oligarch-watching potential.

Hidden gems of Courchevel: While everyone's fighting over tables at the Michelin-starred restaurants in 1850, savvy locals know that the lower villages offer equally spectacular views with slightly less spectacular prices. And if anyone asks, just say you're staying in "Courchevel" – no need to specify the altitude unless specifically pressed.

Pro tip: If you have to google "how much is too much for a hot chocolate," you might want to consider a different resort. Perhaps somewhere where the emergency services don't include helicopter champagne delivery.
 

8. Montpellier

 Once owned by Majorca until they flogged it to France for 120,000 golden ecus, this sun-drenched university town has transformed from sleepy backwater to France's answer to Silicon Valley. With medieval streets, cutting-edge architecture, and a vibrant arts scene, it's becoming one of France's fastest-growing hotspots.

Wander through the honey-colored limestone alleys of the old town, catch avant-garde exhibitions at MO.CO., or linger for hours at a pavement café watching the world go by - this is a city that knows how to blend innovation with the art of slow living.

Other reasons to move to Montpellier: Four Michelin-starred restaurants, endless local markets, and reliable Mediterranean sunshine make the good life easy to embrace here. The tech scene is booming, the beach is a 12km cycle away, and yes, you might spot flamingos on your morning commute. Two international schools and a thriving expat community mean you won't feel like a fish out of water.

Nearby alternatives to Montpellier: Palavas-les-Flots for seaside living, or the historic city of Nîmes with its remarkable Roman architecture.

Hidden gems of Montpellier: The world's oldest operating medical school, where Nostradamus studied before getting expelled for disobedience. Legend has it he predicted the city's demise would coincide with the death of two pine trees atop the Tour des Pins - thankfully, the city's still thriving long after the trees bit the dust.

Pro tip: Time your property search during university semester breaks for better availability, investigate tech sector connections, and understand Mediterranean microclimate's home maintenance needs.

9. Saint Jean d'Angely

 If you've ever fantasised about living in a medieval French town without sacrificing modern conveniences (or succumbing to terminal boredom), this charming spot might be your perfect match. Just 40 minutes from the Atlantic coast and historic La Rochelle, with easy access to the islands of Oléron and Ré for weekend seafood pilgrimages, Saint Jean D'Angely boasts a historic centre full of half-timbered houses and pedestrianised streets that make you feel like you've stepped into a particularly well-preserved postcard.

The town is built around two squares (because one is never enough in France) - Place de l'Hôtel de Ville with its imposing 19th-century buildings, and Place du Marché, where you'll find the historic market hall and some seriously photogenic old architecture. Unlike many small French towns that roll up the sidewalks after lunch, this place knows how to keep things lively with historical reenactments, funfairs, and regular food truck festivals.

Other reasons to move to Saint Jean D'Angely: The covered market is housed under magnificent wooden beams from 1853 (they don't build them like that anymore) and brings locals together twice weekly for fresh produce and quality gossip. There's a surprisingly robust selection of amenities - a community pool complete with hammam (because why not?), a museum, cinema, performing arts centre, and more than a dozen restaurants. Plus, there's a hospital, schools, and enough sports clubs and societies to keep you busy until you've perfected your French accent.

Nearby alternatives to Saint Jean D'Angely: Saintes for Roman ruins and riverside charm, Matha if you fancy somewhere smaller and quieter, or Royan for art deco architecture and proper beach resort vibes.

Hidden gem of Saint Jean D'Angely: Place du Pilori, where a pretty stone fountain sits beneath an imposing belltower. Grab a café at one of the surrounding terraces and watch local life unfold - it's people-watching at its most French.

Pro tip: Engage with local associations to integrate quickly, learn French market days for the best produce, and explore property renovation grants for historic buildings.

10. Antibes 

 If you've ever dreamed of living where the mega-yachts outnumber the local fishing boats, welcome to Antibes - the Côte d'Azur's playground for the nautically obsessed. Set on the largest peninsula of the French Riviera, this former Greek trading colony has transformed from Antipolis into a glamorous haven where international professionals and maritime enthusiasts converge.

Graham Greene once proclaimed it the only place on the Riviera that preserved its soul, and he wasn't wrong. The walled old town sits just a stone's throw from the vibrant Juan-les-Pins, offering a perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary cool. With Port Vauban - one of the world's largest marinas - dominating the landscape, you'll be surrounded by more nautical expertise than you ever thought possible, and an international crowd that makes "local" feel like a fluid concept.

Other reasons to move to Antibes: Picasso's former stomping ground offers more than just yachting bragging rights. A stellar covered market, craft flower market, and multiple museums including the Picasso Museum ensure you're never short of cultural stimulation. International schools cluster conveniently in nearby Mougins and Valbonne, and a local hospital means you're well-covered for life's unexpected moments. Early evening apéritifs at spots like the Hop Store will quickly introduce you to the who's who of the local yacht scene.

Nearby alternatives to Antibes: Cannes for film festival glamour, Nice for urban sophistication, or Juan-les-Pins if you want to be right next door but slightly less buttoned-up.

Hidden gem of Antibes: The Picasso Museum, housed in the Château Grimaldi where the artist once worked, offers a glimpse into the creative soul of this remarkable coastal town.

Pro tip: Investigate marina berthing costs, understand yacht club membership requirements, and be prepared for a high-cost lifestyle.

11. Arcachon

 Nestled on the Atlantic coast of southwestern France, Arcachon is a resort town that's equal parts sophisticated playground and natural wonderland. The town is famously divided into four distinct quarters - Summer, Winter, Autumn, and Spring - each with its own architectural character and charm, creating a unique urban landscape that shifts like the seasonal tides.

At the heart of Arcachon's appeal is the magnificent Dune du Pilat, Europe's tallest sand dune, which towers dramatically over the landscape. The town itself is a haven for oyster lovers, sitting on the edge of the largest oyster-producing basin in Europe, where marine farming has been an art form for generations. Surrounded by pine forests and Atlantic beaches, it offers a lifestyle that seamlessly blends maritime tradition with modern luxury.

Other reasons to move to Arcachon: World-class seafood straight from the basin, a microclimate that's milder than you'd expect, and proximity to Bordeaux. The town boasts beautiful Belle Époque villas, a vibrant market, and enough water sports to keep even the most active resident entertained. Sailing, surfing, and oyster-tasting are basically mandatory weekend activities.

Nearby alternatives to Arcachon: Cap Ferret for a more exclusive peninsula experience, Bordeaux for urban sophistication, and Biarritz if you're after serious surf culture.

Hidden gem: The Winter Quarter, with its collection of ornate 19th-century villas that were originally built as health retreats, offering a glimpse into the town's glamorous past when the wealthy would escape here for restorative sea air.

Pro tip: Check seasonal property value fluctuations, understand microclimate implications for property maintenance, and research oyster basin environmental regulations.
 

12. Gordes 

 If you've ever fantasised about living in a picture-perfect Provençal village that looks like it was art-directed by a Hollywood cinematographer, Gordes is your dream come true. Perched atop a Luberon hillside, this stone-clad marvel has starred in its own Ridley Scott film (A Good Year with Russell Crowe) and continues to steal the show with its breathtaking views and postcard-perfect charm.

The village is a labyrinth of narrow streets cascading down the hillside, punctuated by a dominating chateau and surrounding landscapes that look like they've been painted by a particularly talented impressionist. Just below the town, a collection of restored beehive-shaped drystone huts (the Village des Bories) offers a glimpse into the region's architectural past, while the nearby Abbaye de Sénanque - with its now-iconic lavender-lined approach - stands as a testament to Provençal beauty.

Other reasons to move to Gordes: The weekly market is a sensory explosion of Provençal delights - think lavender-infused honey, artisanal bread, homemade tapenades, and local wines that will make your taste buds dance. Summer brings Les Soirées d'été, a cultural festival that transforms the landscape into an open-air performance venue. A luxurious spa hotel ensures you're never far from total relaxation, while the proximity to other Luberon villages means adventure is always just a short drive away.

Nearby alternatives to Gordes: L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for its famous antique markets, and Carpentras for a more bustling Provençal experience.

Hidden gem of Gordes: The Abbaye de Sénanque, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery that becomes a photographer's paradise when its lavender fields are in full bloom - basically Instagram heaven before Instagram existed.

Pro tip: Budget for stone property maintenance, understand heritage preservation restrictions, and prepare for potential tourism-driven price variations.

Looking for more location inspiration? If you’re a foodie, check out our favourite food & wine themed destinations in France to buy a property. History buff? Take a look at our favourite heritage destinations in France to buy a property. Are you looking to buy in the South of France? Don’t miss our favourite locations to buy property in South of France.