Central
FranceIf you're looking for peaceful
countryside, quiet lanes and
the finest farmhouses in all of
Europe, this is the place for you
Kevin Andrews is our
area coordinator for the
Haute Vienne.
Contact him at
kandrews@leggett.frttp://leggett.fr" target="_blank" title="Visit leggett.fr">leggett.fr
56 leggettfrance.com
F
OR OUR PURPOSES
we have defined the
centre of France as
four regions: Limousin,
Centre, Auvergne and
Bourgogne - or Burgundy, as
it is better known throughout
the world.
This huge area includes
dramatic volcanic landscapes,
beautiful rolling hills bedecked
with vineyards, peaceful river
valleys, fairytale châteaux and,
of course, some of the finest
farms and agricultural land in
all of Europe.
Central France is an area
that hasn't only been discovered
by UK buyers. You'll also
find a healthy selection of buyers
from Belgium, Holland and
Switzerland. They are attracted
by the low property prices
and the possibility of finding a
property with land, which they
simply couldn't afford in their
home country.
British buyers lead the
way, though. Historically, they
were in love with the Loire Valley
and the Limousin - where
they made up 80% of the
international market and spent
just €95,000 on average. Now,
however, they are spreading
further afield.
The four regions are very
different and it's dificult to
convey the feel of each one in a
few words.
CENTRE
This is a wonderful region
that takes in all of the very
best Loire Valley châteaux. The
names trip off the tongue: Blois,
Chenonceaux, Chambord and
Villandry are four of the best,
and the gardens in the latter
are truly a sight to behold.
Visitors come throughout the
year, helping the local B&B and
gîte businesses. Imagine a real
life Disneyland, and you'll be
on your way to picturing this
incredible region. The slow
moving river Loire also plays
host to some wonderful towns
and villages, which always
prove popular with international buyers.
House prices around
the two cities of Tours and
Orléans are at a premium. But
once you move into the country
LIVING IN CENTRAL FRANCE
NB : Climate shows average sunshine hours per year supplied by Meteo
France & compared to UK rate of 1,341 pa. Property prices supplied by
Notaires de France and correct at time of going to press.
REGION OF FRANCE
CLIMATE
AV HOUSE €
Centre 1,833 €145,000
Limousin 1,899 €105,000
Burgundy 1,848 €125,000
Auvergne 1,913 €116,000