sur-Allier, famed for its Parc Floral gardens, and Sagonne, with its hilltop medieval tower. Cher boasts rolling vineyards, lush forests and tranquil rivers, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and fishing – especially around the River Cher and Sologne forest. The nearest airport is at
Tours, while Paris is only two hours away by train.
7
Indre is home to some picturesque villages, such as Argenton-sur-Creuse
town Nevers is on the River Loire, and other charming places include Château-Chinon on the Vienne river, Clamecy and Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire. The closest airport is at Paris.
5
INDRE Average house price €905/m2
In the Centre-Val de Loire region – known for the châteaux and other historic sites of the Loire Valley – Indre often flies under the radar of British househunters, but it has much to offer. For a start, there are lakes,
forests and marshlands in the Brenne Regional Natural Park, picturesque villages such as Argenton-sur-Creuse, La Châtre, Gargilesse-Dampierre and St-Benoît-du-Sault, and
On the market
“Indre oſten flies under the radar of British househunters, but it has much to offer”
the Renaissance-style Château de Valençay with its formal gardens. The departmental capital is Châteauroux, whose old town has lovely 16th- century houses (testament to its importance as a textile centre in the Middle Ages). The town is surrounded by the Châteauroux forest, which has plenty of leisure trails. Valençay is another lovely medieval town, while Le Blanc, La Châtre and Issoudun are sous-préfectures. The nearest airport to Indre can be found at Tours.
6
CHER Average house price €1,020/m2
Next door to Indre, this fellow Centre-Val de Loire department has a notable capital, Bourges, which has the Unesco-listed St-Etienne cathedral, cobbled streets and medieval architecture. The other main towns are St- Amand-Montrond and Vierzon. Overlooking the Loire, the
village of Sancerre is world- famous for its white wines. Other pretty spots include the Plus Beau Village of Apremont-
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ALLIER Average house price €1,030/m2
The Auvergne-Rhône- Alpes region is known for its mountainous scenery, especially the Alps. But head further west, on the Massif Central, and you’ll find several departments with equally stunning scenery and much more affordable property. In the heart of France, Allier
has natural gems such as the Gorges de Chouvigny, the ancient oak forest of Tronçais and the River Allier, said to be Europe’s last wild river. The department has no fewer than three spa towns – Vichy, Néris-les-Bains and Bourbon- l’Archambaut – and a Plus Beau Village, fortified Charroux. The capital, Moulins, was
named after the mills that once lined the riverbank. The former Duchy of Bourbonnais, Allier has various historic buildings from this time, including the Château des Ducs de Bourbon in Montluçon. The closest airport is at Clermont-Ferrand.
8
€326,480 Cher Beautifully renovated four- bedroom rural property with pool, land and magnificent countryside views
€99,000 Allier Three-bedroom detached house with easily convertible loſt space, garage, cellar, large two-storey barn and large garden
62 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: March/April 2025
€71,600 Cantal Semi-detached stone village house for sale partially furnished, with a large living room and two large bedrooms, 10km from Mauriac
ARDENNES Average house price €1,035/m2
Located in the Grand-Est region, on the Belgian border, Ardennes offers a forested landscape crossed by the River Meuse, which you can tour by boat. The Ardennes Regional Natural Park is popular with walkers, mountain bikers and anglers. The peaceful countryside is a far cry from the battles of the world wars and older conflicts once fought here. The area has many museums, forts and historical landmarks such as the Château de Sedan, one of Europe’s largest castles, which hosts a popular Medieval festival. The capital, Charleville-Mézières,
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