France is the most visited country in the world, welcoming around 90 million tourists during a normal year. This of course means that it's also a popular country to move to and buy a second home in. But with 13 different regions in France, each one vastly different, it can be difficult to decide which area is right for you.
If you're thinking of making the move and buying a property in France, but are having a tough time deciding on where, read on to find out about each of the country's 13 administrative regions which were introduced in 2016.
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Grand-Est (Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine)
Located in the northeast of the country, Grand-Est is made up of the three former regions of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine. It borders Belgium and Luxembourg to the north, Germany to the east and Switzerland to the southeast, meaning it's very easy to hop across to other countries for the weekend. It's of course one of France's most famous wine regions, famed for its Champagne and the Alsace wine regions. Strasbourg is the region's capital and one of the most populous cities there, while Reims, the centre of Champagne and quaint Colmar, lies at the heart of Alsace. This French region suits professionals and families.
Situated in the southwestern corner of the country. The largest of France's 13 regions, Nouvelle-Aquitaine stretches all the way from the Spanish border and the Pyrenees in the south to the Loire Valley in the north and runs along the Bay of Biscay. The region's capital is the city of Bordeaux, known as one of the best wine destinations in the world. Other popular cities include the Basque seaside resort of Biarritz, the white city of La Rochelle and Limoges with its grand cathedral and botanical gardens. One of the most popular areas with foreign buyers is the Dordogne, the charming river valley filled with cute hilltop towns of honey-coloured stone houses and known for its ancient cave paintings. The region is ideal for retirees, families who like a slower pace of life and remote workers.
Situated in south-east central France Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes borders both Switzerland and northern Italy. As the name suggests, this region is known for its soaring mountainous landscapes, including the famed Mont-Blanc. Its capital, Lyon is the foodie Mecca of the country, while Annecy offers one of the most spectacular mountain lakeside locations, and riverside Grenoble is backed by snowy peaks. It's ideal for winter sports fans, being home to some of France's best ski resorts, where you can enjoy downhill runs from December to May and then enjoy warm and sunny summers. Spa towns lie to the north, ancient volcanoes in the centre and verdant forests to the south. The Rhône Valley is one of France's most popular areas for tourists and foreign buyers.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté lies in eastern France, along the border with Switzerland. Its capital, Dijon, is famed for its mustard and old half-timbered houses and is known as a city of art and history. But it's not just its capital that draws people to this French region. Home to no less than three mountain ranges, several rivers and lakes, and three nature reserves, it's popular with nature lovers too. One of France's major economic hubs, its leading economy, is based on car production, the steel industry and dairy products, such as delicious cheeses. Located inland, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté experiences hot summers, long and cold winters and mild springs and autumns. It would suit everyone, from professionals and retirees to foodies and those who want a laid-back lifestyle.
Occitanie is the southernmost region in mainland France, bordering the pint-sized country of Andorra and the Spanish region of Catalonia. Tucked in between the Pyrenees to the south and the Cevennes natural park to the north, it's most definitely a region for mountain lovers. Its capital is the pink city of Toulouse, so called because of the rose colour of its stone, is one of the most laidback cities in the country. Other notable towns and cities in the region include Nîmes, Montpellier and the medieval UNESCO World Heritage towns of Carcassonne and Rocamadour. A land of vineyards, this region enjoys over 2000 hours of sunshine per year. Winter sports lovers, beach lovers and nature lovers, this area of France is perfect for anyone from families and retirees to remote workers.
The northernmost region of France, Hauts-de-France borders Belgium to the east and is also one of the closest regions to the UK, which is just a short hop from the town of Calais. Rolling countryside, vast beaches and delightful historic villages make up much of this French region. Its splendid capital of Lille is the country's fourth largest in the country and one of its most underrated too. Comprising French and Flemish architecture, it has great nightlife, excellent gastronomic offerings and fantastic art museums. The towns of Amiens, Dunkirk and Saint-Quentin also make great options for those who want both culture and countryside.
Normandie, referred to as Normandy in English can be found in the country's north and borders the English Channel. For those from the UK, it's an excellent choice for those who may need to commute back often. The region is known for its dramatic white chalky cliffs, historic beaches of the D-Day Landings and the magical Mont-Saint-Michel, a rocky tidal islet topped by a magnificent abbey. Its largest cities are Rouen, Le Havre and Caen. From draw-dropping castles to rugged coastlines and plenty of hiking and cycling routes, it's an ideal region for history buffs and nature lovers and suits those who enjoy a relaxed pace of life.
Bretagne or Brittany as it's called in English is located in the northwest of France and is a peninsula which juts out into the sea just above the Bay of Biscay. It's characterised by its rugged, mountainous interior and stunning Pink Granite Coast. Rennes is the capital of the region and the largest city in this area of France. Other popular towns and cities in Brittany include Vannes, Quimper and Brest. Many foreign homebuyers base themselves along the coastline in chic resorts like Saint-Malo. The area is known for its prehistoric megaliths, being the crêpe capital of France and its delicious cider. Best for families with kids and retirees, Brittany offers a chance to live in one of France's most stunning rural regions.
Corsica is an island located in the centre of the Mediterranean, 160km from mainland France. It's closer to Italy than the country it's part of France. This means that life on Corsica is different to that of mainland France. Nicknamed the Island of Beauty, the island is characterised by long sweeping sandy beaches, turquoise waters and craggy peaks. The island would suit those who like a stay active, crisscrossed by hiking trails and offers plenty of opportunities for water sports. Choose to buy a property in Corsica, and you'll learn to love days exploring the island followed by dishes of wild boar stew, brousse cheese and fresh seafood.
The Centre region of France lies to the south of Paris and encompasses the lush Loire Valley. Split by the grand Loire River, the area of France comprises grand chateaux, vineyards, small villages and farmland. One of country's primary wine areas, it's a great region in France for those who want a slower pace of life and love spending time in the countryside, particularly exploring it on two wheels. Centre's main cities include Tours, Orleans and Bourges, each known for its historic architecture and rich culture.
Île-de-France is one of the smallest regions in France but one of its most important. It's, of course, home to country's capital – a fashion centre, city of lights and city of love; many monikers know Paris. Choose to live in or near Paris, and you'll never tire of things to do. Whether it's browsing world-famous artworks, shopping, dining out, going to the theatre or experiencing the wild nightlife, Paris has it all. It won't come as a surprise that Île-de-France is one of the most expensive regions to buy a property, but it could be one of the best investments. Île-de-France would suit professionals, young families, digital nomads and those who want to experience life in one of the world's most famous capital cities.
Pays de la Loire is situated just south of Brittany and Normandy. Its wild and rugged coastline runs along the Bay of Biscay, while its interior is filled with elegant chateaux and picturesque vineyards; the Loire River bisects this French region. Its major towns and cities include Nantes, Le Mans and Angers. The medieval capital city of Nantes was once the capital of Brittany, and it still retains much of the vibe of its neighbouring region. Vendée is one of the most popular areas with tourists and foreign home buyers, home to over 200km of sandy beaches, substantial salt marshes filled with birdlife and magnificent religious architecture. The region is ideal for families and retirees.
The south-eastern region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur evokes pictures of romantic lavender fields and star-studded beach towns. It's made up of three distinct areas – the Alps to the north, dreamy rural Provence in the centre and the hip Côte d'Azur coastline to the south. Whether you choose the historic towns of Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, the French Riviera and the chic resorts of St-Tropez, Cannes and Nice or the bustling multicultural metropolis of Marseilles, there's something for everyone here. It goes without saying that property prices are some of the most expensive in France, but there are still some bargains to be had in the rural central and northern areas. This region suits everyone from young professionals and digital nomads to families and retirees.
Find your dream home in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
If you're thinking of moving to France or buying a property here, we hope this guide has given you an insight into the various regions in France, what each one is known for and what type of person it might suit. It aims to give you a taster of what to expect from each area while inspiring you to do more research and get out and explore for yourself.
Hello Kathryn, yes, we have estate agents advertising properties for sale and for rent in Corsica, please see the link: https://www.kyero.com/en/corsica-property-for-sale-0l63611. Please use the enquiry form on the property page, to contact the advertising estate agent. If you require help with your search, contact us at [email protected].
Jo
19 Mar. 2023
I'm torn between Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Nouvelle-Aquitaine So many beautiful places!
Admin
23 Mar. 2023
Hello Jo, yes, both are beautiful areas, from mountains, to ski resorts, wine production and much more. We have many advertising estate agents in each area advertising gorgeous properties, we have emailed you directly.
Jennifer Tarin
22 Apr. 2023
I'm most definitely a Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur girl. I love the climate, the history, the being right on the Mediterranean small towns next to big cities. I recently discovered Villefranche-sur-Mer and fell in love. I love that it is walking distance to Nice and Cap Ferrat and the train to Nice is just a few minutes ride.
Admin
25 Apr. 2023
You summed it up perfectly Jennifer, thank you! The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur sure does tick a lot of boxes!
6 comments
Add your voice01 Feb. 2023
Properties in Corsica ?
06 Apr. 2023
Hello Kathryn, yes, we have estate agents advertising properties for sale and for rent in Corsica, please see the link: https://www.kyero.com/en/corsica-property-for-sale-0l63611. Please use the enquiry form on the property page, to contact the advertising estate agent. If you require help with your search, contact us at [email protected].
19 Mar. 2023
I'm torn between Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Nouvelle-Aquitaine So many beautiful places!
23 Mar. 2023
Hello Jo, yes, both are beautiful areas, from mountains, to ski resorts, wine production and much more. We have many advertising estate agents in each area advertising gorgeous properties, we have emailed you directly.
22 Apr. 2023
I'm most definitely a Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur girl. I love the climate, the history, the being right on the Mediterranean small towns next to big cities. I recently discovered Villefranche-sur-Mer and fell in love. I love that it is walking distance to Nice and Cap Ferrat and the train to Nice is just a few minutes ride.
25 Apr. 2023
You summed it up perfectly Jennifer, thank you! The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur sure does tick a lot of boxes!