Property for sale in Lower Normandy - click here
Property for sale in Upper Normandy - click here
Normandy
With its proximity and excellent transport links with the U.K, Normandy is the ideal choice for those looking for property for sale in France either for a holiday home or permanent residence.
Its tranquility, beautiful countryside and traditional way of life have long attracted buyers not only from abroad but from elsewhere in France. It has some of France's most visited attractions; Mont st Michel is the second most visited site in France after the Effiel Tower. The World War II beaches are an emotional but essential visit as is the Bayeaux Tapestry.
Along with the rolling countryside of the 'Swiss Normande" area it is not surprising that Normandy is one of the most visited regions of France.
It is not surprising that property for sale in Normandy is a busy market but it is one of our main regions and we have thousands of houses for sale in all shapes and sizes.
This region is divided into Upper and Lower Normandy and comprises the following departments:
Upper Normandy: Seine Maritime (76), Eure (27).
Lower Normandy: Calvados (14), Manche (50) and Orne (61).
Weather
Transport
The ferry ports of Le Havre, Caen and Cherbourg along with excellent road access to the Channel Tunnel makes this area perfect for those needing easy access to the U.K.
Food
The area is renowned for its cheeses, cider and Calvados, and there are numerous restaurants serving wonderful food using locally sourced and often home grown ingredients.
Leisure
Golf, fishing, tennis, horse riding and walking are amongst the sporting activities possible. The coastal areas provide lovely sandy beaches, not to mention the famous Normandy Landing Beaches and all the associated museums and visitor attractions. The beautiful Mont Saint Michel is one of the most visited tourist spots in France, and a day trip to Paris is even possible, with the excellent TGV links to the area.
Property
You are spoilt for choice in this lovely region, with everything ranging from property for sale to renovate up to gracious chateaux for sale !
The styles vary according to department, with colombage houses with thatched roofs in the Seine Maritime and Calavados, and stone built properties in Manche. French estate agents are a friendly bunch so if you are looking to buy french property let us take the stress away from you and help you find that dream home.
All our French estate agents speak English and we have English estate agents on the ground in France selling french property as well. Your home in France could be just a click or call away.
Click here to see all of our properties for sale in Lower Normandy
Or here for all houses for sale in Upper Normandy
CONTACT US to discuss your search for property in Aquitaine or any area of France, or indeed for any further information you may require on buying French property, moving to France, living in France etc. just give us a call or send us an email, we will be happy to help!
Property for sale in Normandy
From its locally sourced delicacies to its rolling countryside and coastal views, Normandy has a certain charm that is difficult to find elsewhere. Steeped in history, it is one of France’s northernmost regions and home to a number of castles, palaces and manors that tell a tale of years gone by. An interesting blend of past and present, Normandy is favoured for its traditional way of life whilst also enjoying easy transport links with the country’s more metropolitan areas.
It’s not hard to see why so many people make this their new home every year. Just a short distance from England, with ferry ports in Le Havre, Caen and Cherbourg, the region is ideal for those from the UK looking to relocate, retire abroad or simply invest in a holiday home. With quick road access to the Channel Tunnel too, it’s the ideal getaway even for short breaks.
Whilst we offer properties across France, we specialise in property for sale in Normandy. Whether you’re searching for new Normandy properties available for your entire family or something smaller for weekend getaways, we’re sure to have something to suit your needs.
New Normandy properties available
Moving home is one of the biggest changes many of us go through in life. From arranging new employment to packing and running last minute errands, the list of things to do can seem endless; especially when your move is overseas.
That’s why it’s so important to enlist the help of someone experienced in their field when it comes to seeking property for sale in Normandy. Not only do we know the market inside out, which gives us a head start on the best new Normandy properties available, but we take care of the entire process, whether you need assistance with setting up a French bank account, translating legal documents, organising home insurance or simply advice on where to find the best oysters!
It may also be a relief to know that all our estate agents speak English too, especially if searching for property for sale in Normandy has left you with little time to brush up on your language skills.
Where can I find the best property for sale in Normandy?
As with any move, if you’re seeking property for sale in Normandy, your priority will no doubt be to get the process completed as swiftly and efficiently as possible. Having lived and worked in France for a number of years now we have been successful sourcing new Normandy properties available for customers regularly and we always strive to take care of as many details as possible to allow you to start enjoying your new life in this idyllic region as soon as possible.
When you’re not taking advantage of Normandy’s famous array of cheeses and ciders, our property for sale in Normandy also puts you in a great position to visit some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations including Mont St Michel and the Bayeux Tapestry.
For new Normandy properties available and a friendly and professional service, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.
Property Finding Service: We will do a property search for you to match you criteria but also you can try our Advanced Search: including saving your favourites and getting updates of new properties for sale in France and price reductions direct into your inbox, and you can also add your comments to our blog pages - simply sign up for your own account here.
For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk
Property for sale in Pays de la Loire -
Pays de la Loire
This is a diverse and fascinating region bordered by the Bay of Biscay to the west, Brittany to the north and west, Lower Normandy to the north, Centre to the east, and Poitou-Charentes to the south.
If you are looking for value for money in your French property purchase then there are some areas where property for sale is cheap but there are also some very upmarket location in the stunning area of France.
From the rural beauty of Mayenne in the north to the sophistication of the Loire Valley Chateaux this charming region has something to suit all tastes. The Mayenne has the largest concentration of rivers and lakes in France and is also home to the 'horse stud farms' of the rich and famous.
The Pays de la Loire includes some of the most sought after property for sale in France, but also offers some of the best value.
The region is divided into the following departments:
Loire-Atlantique (44), Maine-et-Loire (49), Mayenne (53), Sarthe (72), Vendée (85).
Weather
Transport
All departments are within easy driving distance of the channel ports, and of course transport links between this vibrant area and Paris are excellent. A great location for property hunters.
Food
Pays de la Loire has an abundance of small farms for sale, and the predominant agricultural pursuit is the raising of cattle and pigs and the making of dairy products. This means that like Normandy to the north, there is a wonderful choice of locally produced cheeses, good quality meat dishes and even Loire River Cray fish! The Atlantic coast fishing ports provide superb opportunities to eat fish and sea food.
Leisure
Le Mans is one of the best known towns in the region, and known all over the world for its annual endurance race and historic centre. Nantes is a sophisticated port with wonderful nearby beaches, and the chateaux of the Loire Valley are a must for any visitor. The horse is king in this area, especially in Mayenne where there are numerous race meetings throughout the season. Rural charm and smart cities offer variety and interest.
Property
Stone built farmhouses for sale and stunning Chateaux are numerous in the North and West of the region, with seaside villas and apartments further South. Property is still amongst the cheapest in France in the Mayenne, with prices increasing slightly towards the coast. However, in comparison with the South of France, and even the seaside locations in the U.K, coastal property here remains excellent value.
Click here to see all of our properties in Pays de la Loire
CONTACT US to discuss your search for property in Aquitaine or any area of France, or indeed for any further information you may require on buying French property, moving to France, living in France etc. just give us a call or send us an email, we will be happy to help!
Property Finding Service: We will do a property search for you to match you criteria but also you can try our Advanced Search: including saving your favourites and getting updates of new properties for sale in France and price reductions direct into your inbox, and you can also add your comments to our blog pages - simply sign up for your own account here.
For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk
Property for sale in Poitou-Charentes - click here
Poitou-Charentes
The Poitou-Charentes region conceals many attributes, as well historical and cultural there are also culinary. Like Aquitaine the region was ruled by the English and it is only in 1373 that the duchy was attached to the kingdom of France. Famous for its religious architecture and its multiple Romance abbeys, the Poitou-Charentes region is today a great destination for countryside lovers.
Property for sale in Poitou Charentes is varied from cheap property to renovate right through to holiday homes for sale and onto stunning Chateaux at reasonable prices.
The Green Venice of the Poitevin Marsh which you visit by boat will enchant you with many scents and colours. Poitou-Charentes is also a place looking towards the future in the shape of the Futuroscope Park which attracts visitors from all over the world. Don't forget the exclusive island of Ile de Re for a stunning holiday.
The region is divided into the following departments:
Charente (16), Charente-Maritime (17), Deux-Sèvres (79), Vienne (86).
Weather
Transport
By road the A10 motorway goes through the region and enables access to many towns including Chatellerault, Poitiers, Niort and Saintes, and connects the region to Bordeaux and Paris. By Train through Poitou Charentes from Paris. By air: main airports are Angoulême, Poitiers and of course La Rochelle. The rail network links the region to the rest of France and to Paris. Poitou-Charentes has no direct ferry link but there is one in Aquitaine to go to Spain or the UK. Good road links when looking for the right French property for sale.
Food
One of the main attractions is of course La Rochelle which is a superb fortified port on the Atlantic Coast. In one of the many restaurants of the old city you can savour the delights of the Ocean or a plate of Oyster Marenne d'Oléron. Along the country roads of the region you can call in to one of the many wine cellars of the area, you can taste the delicious Pineau des Charentes, pleasant at any hour. For those who are fond of delicacies try the snails, Burgundy is not the only destination! Also worth a mention is the famous Poitou-Charente Butter, the Salt of Ile-de-Ré, the Bouchot Mussels, the Mojhette or the wines of High-Poitou. And we cannot finish this regional review without the town of Cognac, universally known as the fatherland of famous drink of the same name, which is also used in delicious recipes and astonishing cocktails.
Leisure
Venise Verte or "Green Venice" covers much of the sea-level flat land inland from the coast, it is an area of slow moving rivers and channels, woods and fields. Boating and kayaking, angling, rambling and riding are among popular activities here. There is a good network of marked cycle tracks. Angoulème (16) is an attractive hill town. Aubeterre sur Dronne: (16) small town with unusual romanesque "monolithic" church is rated as one of the "most beautiful villages in France". Cognac (16) Visit the great cognac houses.
La Rochelle (17); historic Altlantic port city, with mediaeval fortifications. The Aquarium at la Rochelle is one of the 20 most visited attractions in France. Rochefort (17). Small city just inland from the coast has old naval buildings, including the old naval rope works, and the Maritime museum, with historic collection of model sailing ships, and a shipyard where a replica 18th century frigate, the Hermione, is being built. Royan (17) : classic seaside resort. The la Palmyre zoo is one of the best in France. Jardins du Monde offers a discovery of garden styles from round the world, plus a butterfly house. Saintes (17). Lying on the river Charente, Saintes was once the capital of the Roman province of Aquitaine. The historic Abbaye aux Dames is the largest example of Saintonge romanesque architecture. There are so many villages, harbour marvels of medieval heritage, that sometimes they are not even signposted. Iles de Ré and Oléron - Popular offshore islands, accessible via road bridges from the mainland.
Niort (79). The capital of the Deux-Sèvres department is a classic old French town. Niort is an old town of sleepy stone buildings dominated by a medieval castle overlooking the river Sèvre Niortaise . Parthenay (79) . Small town on the river Thouet, best known for its impressive mediaeval fortified bridge.
Chauvigny (86) the town of the five castles. Five impressive castles and a romanesque church make up the medieval quarter of this old town built on a rocky spur beside the river Vienne, just east of Poitiers (86), Regional capital, Poitiers is an old hill-town with an attractive old centre. The city is most famous for its ancient churches, including the mediaeval frescoes in St. John's Baptistry, reputedly the oldest place of Christian worship in France, and the Notre-Dame la Grande church, one of the most famous and distinctive romanesque churches in France.
Futuroscope (86) A future-based theme park, famous for its variety of high-tech cinemas including IMAX and 3D.
Property
There is a wide selection of property for sale available from Stone built farmhouses with terracotta tiles to stunning Chateaux for sale as well as coastal properties and old mills. Property is still good value in the region and of course offers warmer weather than its neighbours further north. In comparison with the South of France and the more central regions property here remains excellent value.
Click here to see all of our properties in Poitou-Charentes
CONTACT US to discuss your search for property in Aquitaine or any area of France, or indeed for any further information you may require on buying French property, moving to France, living in France etc. just give us a call or send us an email, we will be happy to help!
Property Finding Service: We will do a property search for you to match you criteria but also you can try our Advanced Search: including saving your favourites and getting updates of new properties for sale in France and price reductions direct into your inbox, and you can also add your comments to our blog pages - simply sign up for your own account here.
For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk
Property for sale in Picardy - click here
Picardy
Picardy or Picardie consists of just three departments, the Aisne (02) capital Laon, the Oise (60), capital Beauvais and the Somme (60), capital Amiens and this is also the regional capital. The southern part of this modern region, virtually all of the Oise department, was not part of the original Province of Picardy, it was added when the region was created in the 20th century.
The triangle between Paris, Amsterdam and London is of course the historic centre of warfare action in western Europe, Picardy is an area with a very interesting history indeed.
It was this region of France that witnessed some of the most famous battles of French and European history, notably the battle of the Somme and the battle of Crécy.
And in the course of the last 1000 years or so the area that is now the main part of modern Picardy was ruled over by the English, the Habsburgs, the Spanish and the French; I said it has a very interesting history indeed.
The Picardy or Picardie region consists of only 3 departments:
Aisne (02), Oise (60) and Somme (80).
Weather
Transport
Easy to get to by train from Paris Gare-du-Nord , or from Lille, Calais or Boulogne.
Easy to get to by car from the UK, cross to Calais, then drive down either of the motorways in the direction of Paris or Reims. The A16, the A26 or the A1 motorway, if you are planning to drive further south from Calais you will find yourself in Picardy within the first hour.
Beauvais has an airport with direct low-cost flights from the UK or Paris Charles-de-Gaulle airport is just a few kilometres from the southern edge of the Picardy region.
Food
The region offers a hearty and varied cuisine thanks to the abundant local crops and markets in the region of Picardy are very popular, they can attract the "foodies" from Paris and London who look for gourmet products like paté-de-canard from Amiens or the Flamiche leek pie which is my personal favourite.
A family favourite is 'chantilly' whipped cream from the town of Chantilly believe it or not! and you must try the delicious gateau battu whilst in Picardy.
Leisure
It goes without saying that a visit to the famous attractions like "Parc Astérix" or "La Mer de Sable" are the best places to have fun for children and, dare I say it, adults alike but after all that excitement there is plenty of Hiking, walking, cycling and mountain biking, water-sports and Horse riding
Property
Picardy is a region that is divided quite distinctly into two areas, the department of the Oise and Aisne, in the south of the region, are economically attached to the Paris region so property can be expensive. Towns like Compiègne, Beauvais and Chantilly form part of the outer circle of Paris so people can commute into Paris.
Amiens, the regional capital, is even close by commuter train for people working in Paris; you have to go out into the countryside and local villages to find the best property but when you get there the farmhouses and cottages of the region are lovely.
Click here to see all of our properties in Picardy
CONTACT US to discuss your search for property in Aquitaine or any area of France, or indeed for any further information you may require on buying French property, moving to France, living in France etc. just give us a call or send us an email, we will be happy to help!
Property Finding Service: We will do a property search for you to match you criteria but also you can try our Advanced Search: including saving your favourites and getting updates of new properties for sale in France and price reductions direct into your inbox, and you can also add your comments to our blog pages - simply sign up for your own account here.
For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk
Property for sale in Provence Alpes-Cotes d'Azur - click here
Provence Alpes-Cote dAzur
You know it... ever since Peter Mayle's novel 'A Year in Provence' made it into the international best-sellers list, Provence has held a special fascination for people from all over the world.
But to suggest that Peter Mayle somehow discovered Provence and put it on the map, would be a serious mistake and could cost you dearly if you were to mention this to a 'local'. The book and TV series that followed portrayed, in a reflective fashion, the life of a French village that, to be fair, could have been located in any region of France.
For me Provence has always been very firmly on the map and I have spent several holidays relaxing there in the almost permanent sunshine.
In historical terms, Provence is actually older than France itself, it was the centre of culture, learning and commerce long before Paris acquired the importance it has today.
The Provence Alpes-Cotes d'Azur region consists of 6 departments:
Var (83), Vaucluse (84), Hautes-Alpes (05), Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04), Alpes-Maritime (06) and Bouches-du-Rhone (13).
Weather
Transport
Provence is about as far away as you can get from the UK so driving is a two day ordeal, perhaps a stop of in Dijon? but with the wide choice of options for travelling to France from the UK and Ireland, we have to look at the particularly convenient and low costs of air travel.
Food
Garlic, olives, seafood and a host of spices are the order of the day, especially the typical Herbes-de-Provence that complement every Mediterranean dish and fish dish. The Provence-Alpes / Cote d'Azur cuisine ranges from fine sauces like Pistou or the more popular, in the UK at least, Tapenade to the authentic recipes of Bouillabaisse, Ratatouille and Cod-Brandade. Most demanding gourmets will not be left wanting in the fantastic local restaurants that fill the towns and villages.
Leisure
There are many outdoor activities throughout Provence and on the French riviera, walks in the many and vaired parks, horseback riding, guided tours of the cities and historcal sites, boat rentals on the rivers and the coastline resorts, electric bike and cycle rentals, canyoning in the Verdon; this list is endless.
Property
Properties are many and varied in this glorious region and famously the area is known for lavender and wine production so there is an abundance of large farmhouse style property as well as old workers cottages and landed gentry style mansions and chateaux.
Click here to see all of our properties in Provence Alpes-Cotes d'Azur
CONTACT US to discuss your search for property in Aquitaine or any area of France, or indeed for any further information you may require on buying French property, moving to France, living in France etc. just give us a call or send us an email, we will be happy to help!
Property Finding Service: We will do a property search for you to match you criteria but also you can try our Advanced Search: including saving your favourites and getting updates of new properties for sale in France and price reductions direct into your inbox, and you can also add your comments to our blog pages - simply sign up for your own account here.
For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk
