France conjures up pictures of lazy lunches outside a village café or at a long table under the trees at your french house with plentiful wine and exquisite food; a sunlit country road lined with poplars; village markets laden with plump fruit and vegetables; fields of sunflowers stretching into the distance and much more.
Its no wonder that the life-style across the channel beckons with temptations that are hard to resist. Investment in France will always be popular with the British who often find the slower pace of life, The enjoyment of food and wine and the changing features of the countryside a welcome and refreshing change from life in the UK.
One of the attractions of buying property in France is the wide variety of the different regions and styles of french architecture. Whether one is looking for a French farmhouse, a property with gîtes or an apartment on the coast there is so much to choose from.
People looking for property in the Dordogne are often attracted not only by the superb views over the hills and the river valley but the delightful beamed houses with red tiled roofs. It is of course a popular holiday area but is high on the regions where people choose to have a permanent home.
Property in Charente also appeals because of the architecture, the climate and proximity to the French coast. The houses are spacious, often in stone with a long attractive frontage and frequently with an adjoining wine chai (storage area) suitable for conversion. The Charente is known for its warm climate, its sandy beaches its attractive towns such as Saintes and La Rochelle and of course cognac.
Accessibility can be a factor for house-hunters looking for French property. People looking for a weekend cottage might be inclined to seek property in Normandy, Brittany property or a french house in Pas-de-Calais rather than further south. It takes about two hours to get to the Seine-Maritime area of Normandy by car from Calais and about three houses to reach Calvados. It would take six hours to reach your brittany property but with the sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, pretty ports and delightful villages the region has always been popular with British buyers.
Cheap air-fares have opened up other regions of France perhaps previously not so well known to British francophiles. There has been a surge of interest in property in the Aveyron in recent years where reasonable prices, breath-taking countryside and often slightly quirky french architecture appeal. Flights to Rodez have opened up this area which was previously rather off the tourist track.
Once you have chosen the region where you think French properties are the most attractive either because of the architecture, price or accessibility a French estate agent will show you houses. The majority of our link agents speak English. He or she will be on hand to answer any questions you many have and will negotiate an offer you may make with the current owner.
The detailed buying process for properties in France is explained in a separate section of the website under Buying Property in France.
But how can you make your life-style in France come up to your expectations?
Firstly learn as much of the French language as you can. You don’t have to be fluent to own a property in france, but the French appreciate it if you make an effort to integrate. The French have many social events, village fêtes or al fresco meals and you will be invited to join in if you can at least communicate with your neighbours.
Don’t expect to walk straight into a job. Unemployment is much higher in France than in England and it pays to be aware that unless you are bi-lingual you may have difficulty finding a job or have to work at a considerably lower level of your profession.
Sort out your health care entitlement. There have been recent changes which particularly affect people who take early retirement and move to France. CPAM’s (the equivalent of local health authorities) English speaking help line is 0820 904 212. If you have medical problems get your medical records from your UK doctor
If you have children of school age check that the local school has room for your children. This can be done at the local town hall, the “mairie” or at the school itself. Children up to the age of 12 generally integrate quickly into schools and learn the language fairly easily. But the younger they are the less difficulty they will have.
If you want to take a pet to your french property be aware that dogs and cats going with you have to be inoculated, chipped and have a pet passport.
Read as much as you can about France and then visit it and have a good look around before deciding where you want to buy a french property. Enjoy your research and then reap the rewards with a long and fulfilling love-affair with your new French house.
