Bag a bargain!


cheapest areas


TOP 10


Nièvre’s main town,


Nevers, is on the banks of the River Loire


Looking for a property you’ll love that won’t break the bank? Karen Tait reveals some lovely locations in France where you can get the most for your money


A 1


s long as you stay away from super- pricey places like Paris and the Côte


d’Azur, you’ll fi nd a wide choice of aff ordable and attractive properties in France – and there are some places where your budget will stretch even further. Broadly speaking, these areas are in landlocked central France, far from the expensive coastal resorts, and in the north-east. Rural areas with beautiful countryside, they off er tranquil landscapes perfect for those wanting a peaceful retreat, fresh air and plentiful outdoor activities. So here are the 10 best-value French departments in which to look for your dream home.


CREUSE Average house price €681/m2


Within Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the old region of Limousin, Creuse has the lowest property prices in France. Sparsely populated and agricultural,


France's largest leisure lake, Lac de Vassivière in Creuse,


60 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: March/April 2025


this verdant department is known for its russet-red cattle (which outnumber its human residents), charming villages, walking trails, rivers and lakes, including Lac de Vassivière, France’s largest leisure lake. You’ll fi nd laidback towns such as the capital Guéret,


France’s tapestry capital Aubusson, Bourganeuf (once a base for the Knights Templar) and La Souterraine. The Chabrières forest is home


to the Monts de Guéret wildlife park, where wolves live in large enclosures similar to their natural habitat. It's no surprise


tht Creuse attracts those who enjoy peace and the great outdoors. The closest airports are at Limoges and Brives.


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HAUTE-MARNE Average house price €784/m2


Part of the old Champagne-


© SHUTTERSTOCK


© SHUTTERSTOCK


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