The Dordogne has long been a favourite for people who wish to move to France from abroad. So, what is it about the area that continues to attract overseas property buyers? We take a look.
Picturesque scenery
The Dordogne encapsulates the best of the French countryside. With picture-perfect villages, wide-open spaces, meandering rivers and beautiful vineyards, you’ll constantly be surrounded by brilliant scenery and plenty of opportunity for outdoor activity.
A strong expat community
The Dordogne has long been a favourite with expats, meaning that you’re likely to move into a fully-fledged expat community. The area is sometimes nicknamed ‘Dordogneshire’ because of the number of British people that choose to move there. You can, therefore, manage here with very limited French language skills, although it is still good-mannered to speak French when possible.
Great travel connections
Dordogne is served by two airports at Bergerac and Brive-la-Gaillarde. Across the border in Gironde is also the international airport at Bordeaux. To travel to other parts of France, a train line can take you to Paris and elsewhere. To explore the Dordogne valley itself, however, a car would be handy.
Beynac-et-Cazenac village
History and culture
The Dordogne is bursting with history and culture. The town of Sarlat-la-Canéda in Dordogne has the highest density of historic monuments of any town in France. Other beautiful villages host monuments such as Castelnaud-la-Chapelle and La Roque-Gageac.
If you’re a lover of good food and drink, then the Dordogne is ideal. Fresh produce is available in abundance and it is also home to two French classics – foie gras and truffles. Bergerac is famous for its wine production and life in general centres around good food and excellent wine.
Reasonably priced property
The Dordogne has a healthy property market and a variety of prices and types to choose from. The average price is 1 250€ / m² for old houses and apartments. Even though it’s a popular place for expats, you can still get more for your money here than in the UK. When you move to the Dordogne, you are not only buying a house or apartment, you are buying a lifestyle. So, there’s no wonder that the culture, countryside and climate draw more overseas buyers every year.
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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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