Did you know that Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest region in France? It’s as diverse as it is surprising and as for a place to live, it’s renowned for its beauty.
Real estate in Aquitaine belonged to the crown of France for some time and before that it was English territory. In fact, the Dordogne still attracts British expats today. From farmhouses to gites and townhouses to estates, the region has it all.
To help you get a better idea of what is on offer in this land of contrasts, we have collated five towns and villages in Nouvelle-Aquitaine for you to discover.
Aubeterre sur Dronne
Acclaimed as the one of the most beautiful villages in France, it’d be rude not to include Aubeterre sur Drone in our line-up. Sitting on the Dronne River, this small village is one of medieval beauty and is well known for its underground church.
Aubterre
Aubeterre sur Drone is a resting place on the famous Santiago de Compostella pilgrimage to Spain. There’s plenty to see here, despite its small size: lovely little shops and a pleasant village square surrounded by cafés and restaurants.
Expect to find reasonably priced properties with a decent amount of land for €200,000. If you’re prepared to complete renovations, there are plenty of possibilities around the €100,000 mark.
Anglouême
Some Brits like to compare Angoulême to England’s city of Bath. In the department of the Charente, this hilly town has lots to see, from its attractive architecture to river views. The old town has lots of interest. Saint-Pierre cathedral dates back to the 12th century and has a tower and façade carved in the traditional Poitevin Romanesque style.
The town has a National Comic Strip and Image Centre, which is a must-see if you’re a comic book fan. It also plays host to the famous Anglouême International Comics Festival, held annually in January. In fact, the charming city played host to Wes Anderson’s latest film: The French Dispatch.
Real estate in Anglouême shows interest all year round due to its nostalgic appeal. Properties are reasonable in price, and you can purchase a small house here for around €150,000.
La Rochelle, France
La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a beautiful town, beloved for its fishing port and narrow streets that play host to boutique shops, small and cosy cafés. In the 17th century, the port of Minimes was one of the country’s most important seaports. The first French immigrants set sail from La Rochelle to their new home in Canada. It’s retained its charm for centuries and is expected to flourish for many more.
Property prices in La Rochelle are slightly above average, but you can find a decent two-three-bedroom home around the €250,000 mark. Properties by the sea do tend to command more euro per square milage, but there’s a huge variety in types of home available.
If you’re any good at DIY or wouldn’t mind trying your hand at renovation, there’s a market for old barns that need some love. However, if you’re looking for something that’s renovated, there are lots of modern apartments and chateaux to see.
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Pau
Close to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pyrenees mountains, Pau is a stunning French city that has a very welcome feel to it. Not far from the Spanish border, this grand ville is hugely pedestrianised and had a huge café culture in the centre.
The town features a funicular between the Boulevard des Pyrenees and the lower town of Pau. It’s completely free to use and is handily located by the train station. The boulevard is undoubtedly the most impressive street in town. It boasts gorgeous views of the city, grand maisons, a church and open parks along the way.
Property prices are on the higher end of the spectrum in Pau, but if your heart is set on the location, you should be able to grab a small house on the outskirts of town for around €200,000.
Uzerche ville, France
Uzerche
Sitting on a rocky ridge above the river Vezere, the small town of Uzerche can be found. It is renowned for its medieval buildings, restaurant choice and cafés. In 1787, English writer Arthur Young described the Corrèze commune as “the pearl of the Limousin” due to its picturesque setting.
Origins of the town date back to pre-Roman times when the town was home to an influential Benedictine abbey and powerful monastery. Today the unique design of the town attracts tourists year-round as does its magnificent octagonal bell tower.
Often people who search for properties in Dordogne find themselves in the Corrèze due to its reasonable price tags. The outskirts are surrounded by woodlands and gentle streams where you can find a small house for around €75,000.
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