Many expats head straight to the south when they relocate to France, but what about the north? With brilliant beaches, pretty towns and great transport links, the north should certainly be considered for both a holiday home or a forever home. We’ve highlighted 3 of the best spots to buy a property.
Le Havre
Le Havre is the major port town in Normandy’s Seine-Maritime department. Almost the entire town needed to be rebuilt after World War Two, making it full of interesting architecture and earning its place as a UNESCO world heritage site. With lots of shops, restaurants, a pretty marina and many landmarks and museums, you’ll have all of the amenities you need here, as well as plenty to do and see.
Le Havre also has brilliant transport links, with regular ferries to Portsmouth in the UK and only a 2-and-a-half-hour car journey to Paris.
The average property price in Le Havre is 1 980€ / m², which is below the average of 2 190€ / m² in France but above average for Normandy.
Le Havre is the major port town in Normandy’s Seine-Maritime department.
Rennes
Rennes was recently named the best city to live for expats in France. As the capital of Brittany, it has much to offer, with everything you could want from a large city and the relaxed atmosphere of a small town. The locals are said to be extremely welcoming and it is one of France’s greenest cities, with plenty of parks to explore.
The transport links are also brilliant, both for getting around the city itself and for travelling further afield. Rennes has its own airport, which operates regular flights to the UK, as well as a large train station with services to the rest of Brittany, Paris and French cities in the south.
With all this to offer and more, you may not be surprised to learn that property prices have gone up in Rennes recently. The average price is 3 520€ / m².
Rennes was recently named the best city to live for expats in France.
Côtes d’Armor
The department of Côtes d’Armor in Brittany has a beautiful coastline, wonderful countryside and historic towns. Whether you settle inland or on the coast, you will be surrounded by picturesque scenery and traditional Gallo-Breton culture, with many churches and chapels signifying Brittany’s religious roots.
The Breton and Gallo dialects are still spoken in the area and many feasts and festivals draw on the traditions from both. Roman and Celtic influences also appear throughout the Côtes d’Armor, making this area an exciting melting pot of culture.
Many expats live here and have found success with letting out property, as the department attracts tourists from all over.
Côtes d’Armor is served by Dinard airport and Lannion airport and is easily accessible by car. Saint Brieuc and Lannion stations have regular high-speed trains to Paris.
Property is surprisingly affordable at 1 480€ / m².
The department of Côtes d’Armor in Brittany has a beautiful coastline.
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Why not split the cost and double the fun of owning a holiday home in France by buying with family or friends? Read our guide to Buying Abroad with Family.
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