The South-West of France has always been a popular area for our long term rental customers looking to retire in France. The region has a relaxed pace of life, beautiful villages, a varied landscape, excellent wines & gastronomy and a rich history. The Dordogne has always been a popular destination for visitors to France, but there are also many other areas to explore such as two of my favourite cities, Bordeaux and La Rochelle; the rolling hills of Gascony, the Bordeaux vineyards around Montbazillac, the beef-producing centre of the Limousin and the beautiful coastline of the Basque country.

South-West France is extremely popular with Foreign residents moving to France. For example, over 25% of British people in France, live in Nouvelle-Aquitaine (the administrative region that covers much of South-West France) and the region is also popular with retirees from Scandinavia, Germany, Canada, Ireland and America. By and large, this influx of foreign immigrants/ex-Pats to South-West France is a welcome development. Large parts of Nouvelle-Aquitaine are extremely sparsely populated and have in the recent past suffered from de-population, as young people leave for the cities in search of work. For example, the Creuse department in the far North-East of the region, has suffered a 25% decline in population since 1968.

The French Statistics office, INSEE, has noticed a clear trend of Foreign residents favouring the least populated areas of France in which to live. Foreign residents from North America and other European countries are 16 times more likely to choose to live in areas of France with a declining population or a low density of population and over 92% of foreign residents moving to these areas, purchased a house as their main residence. The departments of Creuse, Haute-Vienne, the southern part of Vienne, the north part of Charente and Dordogne have all seen a steady influx of foreign residents which has halted the population decline [SOURCE: INSEE July 2020].

It is no coincidence, that these areas of South-West France also correspond with some of the cheapest property prices in the whole of France. For example, the city of Limoges in the Limousin remains one of the cheapest place in France to live (with an average house sale price of just €175,200 in October 2024) SOURCE: Notaires.fr.

In this article, I will give you a rough overview of the South-West region of France, as well as pinpointing some good towns and locations which are suitable considerations as a retirement destination.

Retiring to South-West France

I generally regard South-West region of France as covering a geographical area that includes the old provinces of Aquitaine, the Limousin, Pitou-Charentes and plus the Basque country. The region generally corresponds to the modern-day administrative region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with the addition of the Gers and the Lot departments (from the Occitanie region).  

Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is the largest region of France, covering nearly 85,000 km² and is home to just under 6 million inhabitants. The region includes the 12 French departments of Dordogne, Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne, Corrèze, Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, Landes and the Pyrenees-Atlantique. 

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a very diverse region of France. You have densley populated centres such as Bordeaux, La Rochelle and around Biaritz and Bayonne; contrasting with sparsely populated areas like Correze and Haute-Vienne. The coastal area is home to flat plains, marshland and densely wooded forests. Inland, you have the high rocky plateaux of the Perigord, the hills and valleys of the Limousin and the gentle rolling hills of Dordogne, Lot-et-Garonne and the Gers. To the South, you have the mountains and ski resorts of the Pyrenees. 

The weather in South-West France is generally mild throughout the year (although the Atlantic can bring rain in the Winter). The region enjoys beautiful summers that make it a haven for visitors to the long sandy beaches of the coast. In the South-West of France, the pace of life is slow - enabling you to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. The regional gastronomy tilts towards a lot of duck dishes, black truffles, river trout with mild mushrooms and the most famous dish of all, Poule au pot d’Henri IV. 

The regional capital, Bordeaux, is a really beautiful city. I visited it with the family this summer for a few days. I had forgotten what a great city it is. The main shopping area is long straight street - purportedly, the longest shopping street in Europe. But the main delight was simply wandering through all the different squares, stopping for a drink, people watching and admiring all the beautiful old buildings.

The 7 areas of South-West France 

As I have said above, South-West France is not one homogenous region. It is split into a number of contrasting areas. Nouvelle Aquitaine is divided up into 12 departments and when it comes to identifying the true South-West of France, I also think that you can add another two departments: taking the Gers and the Lot departments from the Occitanie region (because geographically this department has more in common with the South-West than the Mediterranean and Pyrenees).

To make it easier and to avoid all these confusing department names, I generally typify South-West as having 7 distinct and different parts:

• 1. the Atlantic coastline and inland plains
• 2. the green flatlands of the old Pitou province in the north of the region
• 3. the cow-country of the Limousin in the north-east
• 4. Dordogne-shire - the popular central region of Dordogne with a few bits added on
• 5. the wine country of Bordeaux in the mid-west
• 6. the rolling hills of Gascony to the south
• 7. the Basque county in the very south of the region

1. Atlantic coastline of South-West France

Biaritz - the Atlantic coast South-west France

The South-West coast of France is a popular tourist region. From La Rochelle and the Charente-Maritimes department in the North of the region down to the Spanish border in the South; the coastline is characterised by long expanses of sandy beaches and flat inland plains. In several parts, the coastline is quite heavily developed with popular holiday destinations such as Biaritz and Saint Jean de Luz in the South, Arcachon (next to Bordeaux ) and Royan towards the North. But you can still find relatively unspoiled stretches of coast (especially in the Landes department) where you can literally be the only person on the beach.

The Atlantic coast features important sailing centres such as La Rochelle (which is a very pretty town), Rochefort, Port Medoc, the Bay of Arcachon and Bayonne.

Inland, the Atlantic coast features 3 distinct landscapes:

• In the North, you have some beautiful sandy beaches, as well as 2 of the most beautiful Islands in France (Île d'Oléron and Île de Ré). Both these islands have protective status and efforts have been made to preserve the natural landscape. Both islands are popular with Parisian second-home owners. 
• In the centre, just above Bordeaux, you have the Saintonge, a large expanse of flat, agricultural land that covers the South of Charente-Maritime and the North of Gironde departments. The area is famous for the production of Cognac and is also home to the large towns of Santes and Royan. 
• In the South you have the densely forested department of Landes. This is the largest forest in France and covers over 67% of the department

Les Landes department South-West France

Obviously, the coastal areas of South-West France are going to be much more expensive to live than inland areas. It is always a dilemma between wanting to be on the coast and being able to afford to live there (especially around La Rochelle, Arcachon and Biaritz). You will also have the two extremes of empty winters and ram-packed summers, when the tourists descend. You also need to consider the climate. The Atlantic coast can get battered by huge storms in the winter period. But if your life is intrinsically linked to the sea (through sailing, angling or just wanting a sea view), then the coastline of South-West France could be a good option. 

2. Poitou - the green flatlands of South-West France

Deux-Sevres department in South-West France [photo courtesy of https://www.instagram.com/deuxsevres_tourisme/]

In the north of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, you have the area of largely flat countryside formed from marshland and a limestone plateau. Although the marshland has long since been drained to make way for agricultural land, the area still features many canals, rivers and waterways. This area of France is often still referred to as the Poitou.

Poitou was an old French province which covered an area now occupied by the Deux-Sèvres and Vienne departments, as well as the northeastern parts of Charente-Maritimes, the north of Charente and the western edge of Haute-Vienne. Its capital was the city of Poitiers.

Today, this area of France is a popular tourist area for French holidaymakers (often referred to as the 'la Venise verte' (Green Venice)). This inland area has one of the lowest unemployment rates in France and as a result, its population has remained stable for the last 250 years (unlike the neighbouring area of the Limousin (see 3. below) which has suffered from chronic de-population).

But the population is still largely rural-based, living predominantly in small villages and town. Aside from Poitiers, there are few towns in the area with populations of more than 10,000 people. 

The area has a very mild climate with warm summers (around 25°C/78°F) and below average rainfall throughout the year.

The area benefits from excellent transport connections, with the A10 motorway providing quick access to Paris (3 hours 30 mins) and the TGV train station in Poitiers providing routes to to Paris (2 hours) and Bordeaux (1 hour 17 mins). Poitiers airport also has regular flights from London Stansted, Edinburgh and Shannon, Ireland.

The popular university town of Poitiers in Central France, is currently in the midst of a property boom. House prices have been increasing quite dramatically over the last 5-7 years, as more and more people leave the big cities in France in search for cheaper provincial cities in which to live.

The University of Poitiers is one of the oldest in France, being founded in 1431. The town has over 27,000 students and 1 in 4 people in the city is a student. Over 30% of the population is under 30 years old. Poitiers attracts over 4,000 foreign students every year and the law degree at the University of Poitiers is considered to be one of the best in France. Poitiers is also home to two prominent business schools (France Business School (FBS) and the Institut d'Administration des Entreprises de Poitiers) and two elite Engineering schools.

Poitiers, South-West France

House prices in Poitiers rose by 2.3% over the last year, but even so, the average sale price was just €195,000 in October 2024. Similarly,  the prices of apartments in the town have increased by a staggering 15.6% over the last 8 years, but they still are reasonably affordable at €2,180 per m2 in November 2024 [SOURCE: Notaires.fr.].

Poitiers was recently voted the #2 Best cities to live in France and was described by L'Express magazine as:

". . . A paradise for young people who benefit from accommodation among the cheapest in France. With its theatres, its cinemas and its street festivals, the city offers a great quality of life and complete safety . . ."

Many festivals are held in Poitiers throughout the year, including:

• an International film festival held in December
• Festival A Corps - a large festival of Dance, which takes place every April
• Bruisme -a Jazz festival at various venues throughout the city in late June/early July
• Les Expressifs de Poitiers - a large street festival held in October

But Poitiers is not all about cheap housing and affordable cost of living. The centre of Poitiers is a very pleasant place to stroll around. It has some beautiful buildings. The narrow cobbled streets of the historic medieval quarter are very pretty. The central shopping district on the Grand Rue has some lovely shops and boutiques.

The popular Futuroscope theme park is located just north of the city and this is the 9th most popular tourist attraction in France, receiving 1,850,000 visitors per year.

So if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful existence, then the area could be a good bet for a long term rental. The property prices are certainly some of the most affordable in France. However, I just wonder - aside from Poitiers - if there is enough going on here to occupy you if you are living here full-time. Here are two long term rental properties located in the ancient Poitou province:

Pet-friendly 2 bed cottage for long term rent in Vienne France (Ref: 2257)

This stunning cottage close to the Loire Valley in central France is available for long term rentals of up to 12 months. The cottage is surrounded by peaceful countryside, yet is just a short drive to several towns. The city of Poitiers is less than 1 hours drive and here you will find an airport and TGV train station. The A10 motorway up to Paris is just 30 mins away..

This beautiful pet-friendly 2 bed cottage for long term rentals is located in the Vienne department, just north of the city of Poitiers. The cottage has been carefully restored and features modern fittings and all new bathrooms. The cottage comes with off-street parking, fast internet, an enclosed garden and tenants are also able to use the Owner's heated swimming pool..

• The spacious living room features a original oak beams and exposed stone walls.
• Fully-equipped Kitchen
• 2 Double bedrooms with fitted wardrobe.
• Private garden with BBQ, table and chairs.
• Secure on-site parking.
• Access to Owner's swimming pool
• Wood burner

The cottage is available for long term rentals between October to mid-June from €800 per month + bills. 12 month rentals are also available (please enquire for a price). Pets accepted through prior agreement..

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Le Poirier cottage long term rentals Vienne France Ref: 2007

Le Poirier is a beautiful 18th century barn-conversion, with original oak beams and exposed stone walls. The cottage is situated on the border of the Vienne and Charente departments in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of South West France. Le Poirier is available for long term rentals between October to May from €600 per month + bills.

Inside, Le Poirier is deceptively spacious (60sqm) and is ideal for a couple looking to rent a place in France for a few months on a house-hunting trip or just a long vacation.

This well-equipped cottage contains exposed oak beams, a wood burning stove and plenty of original features.

• Large open-plan living room with original oak beams.
• Fully-equipped Kitchen
• Double bedroom with fitted wardrobe.
• Private terrace with BBQ, table and chairs.
• Secure on-site parking.
• Wood burner

Les Poirier cottage France, is available for long term rentals over the winter period from €750 per month + bills.  

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3. Cow-country - the Limousin

The old French province of the Limousin is centered around the city of Limoges and covers the modern departments of Haute-Vienne, Corrèze and Creuse. This is one of the least densely populated areas of France. 

The landscape of the Limousin is mostly hills and valleys with green pastures, forests and lakes. The region is famous for its distinctive Limousin cows and agriculture forms a significant part of the local economy.

The only town of any real size in the Limousin region is the city of Limoges, with about 140,000 people. The area surrounding Limoges provides about half of all the jobs in the region.

The Limousin is a quiet, but beautiful part of rural France. Nobody is ever going to claim that it is the most exciting place to live in France, but that is the whole point. You would want to come to the Limousin to enjoy a simpler, less-stressful life. If you enjoy nature and the simpler pleasures in life, then this part of France is ideal. There is some fabulous walking country and the Limousin is reputed to have among the best air quality in France.

Limoges, South-West France

The capital of the Limousin region, Limoges, was recently voted one of the best places in France to live. 

Limoges is definitely an affordable place to live. In 2024, apartments in Limoges cost an average of €1,430 per square meter and the average sale price for houses was only €175,000  [SOURCE: Notaires.fr.].

Limoges has its own TGV railway station and the A20 motorway connects Limoges with Orléans and Paris to the north, and Cahors, Montauban and Toulouse to the south. Limoges has its own airport, with regular flights to the UK, Portugal, Croatia, Majorca and Malta.

The area around Limoges is great for visiting grandchildren. Apart from the fantastic Futuroscope theme park located close to nearby Poitiers, you also have a good aquarium, the Reynou safari park, the Limousine Park, which is fantastic for kids and the huge indoor pools at L'Aquapolis.

Best places to live in Limousin

Rochechouart castle, Limousin France

Aside from Limoges itself, there are a number of historic towns and villages in the Limousin that are great choices as potential destinations for retirement.

• Brive-la-Gaillarde is the largest town in the Corrèze department and it benefits from both a TGV train station with services up to Paris and it lies close to the A20 motorway, which runs up from Toulouse to just south of Paris. The centre of the town is very historic and there is a popular weekly market, as well as a number of good restaurants. It is situated about an hour south of Limoges and enjoys slightly warmer weather.
• The small town of Bellac, is located just north of Limoges in the Haute-Vienne department. This pretty town lies on the banks of the Vincou river and has a population of around 4,000 people. It is officially classified as a Village Étape, which denotes places of interest in France suitable for vacations and overnight stays. Property prices in the town and surrounding area are very affordable and the A20 motorway can be reached in 15-20 mins. The town is located on a regional train line, with regular services to Limoges taking just 45 mins.
• Rochechouart, is a famous French walled-town with an imposing Castle, which also houses a Modern Art Gallery. The town is synomynous with early democracy and freedom (way before the French Revolution), when the local viscount, Aimeric XI, abolished the local feudal laws at the end of the 13th Century. The citizens of the town could move freely and sell their goods free from any local taxes. The town was run by 4 consuls, chosen by the local inhabitants.  Today, Rochechouart has a population of around 3,500 people and a good range of local services such as banks, supermarkets, schools and boutiques.
• The beautiful town of Eymoutiers in the Vienne department, is perfect for people who enjoy the great outdoors. Located on the edge of the Millevaches Regional Natural Park, Eymoutiers provides a wealth of hiking trails and horse riding paths. Located on the bank of a river, this walled-town offers a surprising range of facilities from a cinema, to a communal swimming pool, an annual literature festival and numerous shops and restaurants. 

The Limousin is a great choice if you are looking for cheaper long term rentals in France.  You can often find a one bed property for around €550 per month + bills and a 2 bed property for €650 per month + bills. Here is a selection of the long term rental properties in the Limousin region:

Le Tuffeau long term cottage rentals Loire Valley France Ref: 1937

Le Tuffeau cottage in the Vienne department, is located on the edge of the beautiful Loire Valley in central France, close to the historic towns of Tours and Poitiers. This 2 bedroom cottage provides comfortable accommodation for a couple and contains exposed oak beams, a private terrace and plenty of original features.

• Large open-plan living room with original oak beams.
• Fully-equipped Kitchen
• Twin bedroom and Double bedroom with fitted wardrobe.
• Private terrace with BBQ, table and chairs.
• Secure on-site parking.

Le Tuffeau cottage France, is available for long term rentals over the winter period from €600 per month + bills.  

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La Perdrix rural cottage for long term rentals France Ref: 2008

La Perdrix is a beautiful 18th century cottage, with original oak beams and exposed stone walls. The cottage is situated on the border of the Vienne and Charente departments in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of South West France. The cottage comes with 2 bedrooms and can sleep 2 people.

This beautiful cottage is located in an idyllic part of France with beautiful open countryside, slow running rivers and streams and quaint villages. The nearby towns of Civray and Charroux provide the local shops, supermarkets, restaurants and services that you will need on a day-to-day basis and the cities of Poitiers and Limoges provide all the big town services you will require. Both are 1 hour drive.

• The spacious living room features a double height ceiling with original oak beams and exposed stone walls.
• Fully-equipped Kitchen
• Double bedroom with fitted wardrobe.
• Private terrace with BBQ, table and chairs.
• Secure on-site parking.
• Wood burner

La Perdrix is available for long term rentals between October to May from €700 per month + bills.

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4. Dordogne-shire

In the central inland area of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, you have a place the French call 'Dordogne-shire'. It takes its name from the popular Dordogne department, but the addition of the Anglo-Saxon '-shire' at the end signifies that it is an area very popular with English visitors and residents.

In my mind, Dordogne-shire doesn't just cover the Dordogne department, but it roughly corresponds with the ancient province of Perigord, which extends North into the Charente department and South-East into the Lot department and parts of Lot-et-Garonne. It basically covers the Central-Eastern part of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Apart from having a lot of English people living in this area of South-West France, it is also typified by a very green landscape, wide river valleys, ancient Chateaux and pretty chocolate-box villages. When you conjure up images of rural France, this is the area of France you are probably imagining.

According to the 2016 French Census, Dordogne is the second most popular area in France for British people to live (the first is Paris). Just over 7,800 British people live full time in the Dordogne department - which doesn't sound very much. But when you consider that there are only 149,000 British living in the whole of France (0.2% of the total population) and in Dordogne the Brits make up nearly 2% of the department's residents, it goes to show how popular the department is. 

There are just under 39,000 British people living in the whole of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, so the Dordogne contingent make up 20% of this number. But the department is just 10% of the total land mass of the region - so again it illustrates how concentrated the British residents are in this department.

I would also argue that this figure underestimates the true extent of British diaspora in Dordogne. When you add in the number of second-home Owners and summer tourists, the number of Brits in the department can swell to nearly 15% of the population of Dordogne at certain times of the year. The airport at Bergerac (in the South of the department) receives over 300,000 passengers per year. It is estimated that nearly 78% of these visitors were of British nationality.

The Census also shows that these foreign residents are clustered around certain locations (where they can make up nearly 10% of the population of the town or village). The area around the town of Eymet is the most popular destination for British people living the department, with 9% of the local population made up of British residents. In Eymet there is even a local cricket club and an English pub. Ribérac is the next most popular destination with around 4.3% of the local population and other popular destinations being Sarlat, St Aulaye and St-Jean-de-Cole.

The ancient province of Perigord, covers much of the modern day areas of Charente, Dordogne and the Lot. Périgord is still used as a tourism term to distinguish the different landscapes of this region. 

• Périgord Noir (Black), is located in the east of the region (mainly the Eastern half of Dordogne) and with the town of Sarlat as its capital. It takes its name from the dark oak forests that predominate here. In the South of the region lies the unspoilt area known as the Quercy, with its historic small towns such as Cahors.
• Périgord Blanc (White) is located in the centre of the region and is named after the numerous white limestone plateaux in the area (the stone from which was quarried and used to build many of the buildings). The historic town of Perigueux is the located in the centre of this area.
• The French writer, Jules Verne (who wrote Around the World in Eighty Days) was the first person to use the term Périgord Vert (Green) to describe this area of northern Dordogne and the Southern belt of Charente. The name comes from the forests, lush grass meadows and wide river valleys that dominate the landscape. The area also includes one of the top 10 prettiest villages in France: Brantôme.
• Périgord Pourpre (Purple) covers the famous vineyards of the Bordeaux and Bergerac wine regions. The area correlates to the border between southern Dordogne and the Lot.

It is wrong to typify this part of France as just 'full of English'. You will find large pockets where you can truly feel part of deepest-France, rather than Les Cotswolds. You also have some of the most beautiful villages and towns in France on your doorstep and a lovely relaxed pace of life. But if having an active Ex-Pat community with which to interact with, is an important consideration for you, then Dordogne-shire could be a good option, especially if you are looking to move to France to retire. I do get a sense that Charente and Lot-et-Garonne tends to attract the more down-to-earth people, whereas Dordogne is definitely more Waitrose than Tescos. These areas also tend to have cheaper property prices.

I think if you are still working or planning to open a business in France, unless this is strongly linked to the UK market, I would probably look at different areas of France. I just wonder if there is enough of a working community here.

One more point I would make, is that it is always important to look at the climate all year around. For me, the summers in this part of France are perfect - averaging a pleasant 26°C / 77°F in July and August. You do get the odd heatwave and some summer storms, but in the main it is a very comfortable summer temperature, rarely getting above the mid-30's. You can also experience some lovely Indian summers in September and into October.

The winters however can get cold (averaging 9°C / 47°F in December to February). But that is the average daytime temperature and it will often go below zero, especially at night. There is also a reason why the countryside is so green in this part of France. In March, it often averages around 12-15 days of rain per month (ie, on average there are only 15 dry days per month). So this is something to consider if you are looking to make a permanent move to France.

Houses to rent in Dordogne, Charente and the Lot

Best places to live in Dordogne-shire

Here is a selection of our long term rental properties in Charente, Dordogne and the Lot:

Riverside farmhouse to rent long term in Lot France Ref: 1995

This beautiful 3 bed farmhouse by the edge of the River Lot in South West France, is available for long term rentals between October to May from €1250 per month + bills. The farmhouse is located on the border of the Dordogne and Lot departments, in between Bergerac and Cahors. The nearby village of Albas has a restaurant and shop and within 15 mins you can visit some beautiful sites. The house contains:

• 3 bedrooms
• 3 bathrooms
• Well-equipped kitchen
• Pet friendly
• WiFi internet
• Large garden
• Direct access to river + rowing boats
• Close to restaurant and shop

This house is available to rent between October to May. The guide rental price is €1250 per month + bills.

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Cottage in Dordogne France for long term rentals sleeps 8 (Ref: 1502)

If you are house hunting in the Dordogne, France, then these properties for long term rentals are a great place to be based. There are two long term let properties located in a beautifully-restored old stone barn. Both barns come with 4 bedrooms and can sleep up to 8 people. The barns are comfortably furnished and benefit from UK TV, WiFi, a washing machine and plenty of outdoor space. Pets may also be accepted. The barns are situated in the small village of Fajoles, close to the Dordogne river and the beautiful villages of Domme, La Roque-Gageac and Sarlat. The property comes with:

• 4 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Well-equipped kitchen + washing machine 
• Private parking
• WiFi and flat screen TV
• Large garden
• Pet-friendly

Available for rental between October-April each year from €800 per month + bills. The Owner will accept pets through prior agreement. Minimum stay 3 months. 

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St Jean de Cole 5 bed house to rent in Dordogne France Ref: 1891

A beautiful 5 bed house to rent in Dordgne, France, available for 3-6 month rentals from €1650 per month. This stone-built house sits on the edge of the river in the picturesque village of St Jean de Cole.

This stone-built house is located in the centre of the village, next to the small river. The house is laid out over 3 floors. The house is newly renovated to a high standard and comprises

• 5 bedrooms
• 3 bathrooms
• The kitchen is recently installed with new appliances and includes a 6 seater breakfast table.
• There is also a dining room table for 10 people.
• 2 living areas - one with a fireplace and one with views of the river.
• Outside there is a large terrace with beautiful views of the river and village.

This Dordogne house for long term rentals in France, also comes with a good sized garden and parking.

The property is available for long term rentals from mid-September to May.

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5. Gascony

The inland region of Midi Pyrénees, capital Toulouse, includes much of historic Gascony, a large rural area of gently rolling hills and plains, rising up to the Pyrenees.
This region is famous for its medieval bastide towns that can be found throughout the region. 

Midi-Pyrenees 5 bedroom house to rent in France long term (Ref: 1638)

This is another large 5 bedroom house in South France that we have added in the last 2 weeks. The house is already attracting a lot of interest from customers. We are still awaiting some updated internal photos of the house. Situated in the heart of the Armagnac producing region of France, the main benefits of this house include:

• private swimming pool
• large garden
• beautiful modern kitchen
• Satellite TV + WiFi
• Peaceful location, but close to a village with shop and restaurant
• Picturesque town of Condom 15 mins drive

This Midi-Pyrenees house is available to rent from November through to April each year. The monthly rental price is €1450 + bills.

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Pyrenees stone farmhouse for long term rentals France Ref: 1970

This spacious 3 bed stone-built farmhouse in the Gascony region of France is available for long term rentals from 3 to 12 months from €1250 per month + bills. The farmhouse features and enormous 80m2 open plan living room and is set within a 2000m2 plot. The property provides total peace and tranquillity.

The farmhouse is located close to the popular village of Garlin and 30 kms from the larger town of Pau.

The property features:

• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Off-road parking
• Huge summer living room
• Wood burner

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6. Wine country - Bordeaux

 and of course, in the Aquitaine region around Montbazillac Bordeaux lie miles and miles of famous vineyards, producing a wide range of wines that include some of the best and most expensive in the world.

 Need photo of vineyard first

History of Bordeaux wine

English and french

Modern day Bordeaux

Wine industry

Places to live

Lot-et-Garonne department in France

Monflanquin, Lot et Garonne France [Photo courtesy of www.instagram.com/tourismelotetgaronne/]

When an area of France keeps getting mentioned as "one of France's best kept secrets", then perhaps the first time you hear this, you think "OK, I better take a look". But when it is mentioned all the time, you do start to wonder, is this just a backwater of France that hasn't died off yet? (unlike the Indre and Cher departments, which you have also probably never heard of, but are both on life support).

I think that it is fair to say that you are never going to die of an adrenalin rush in Lot-et-Garonne. But to be fair to the department, it does have some charm. The department remains mainly an agricultural area, especially in the production of fruit and veg (tomatoes and prunes being notable crops - there is a joke in that sentence waiting to come out!).

It has some beautiful villages (especially the fortified villages of Pujols and Villeréal) and some notable historical castles and chateaux, for example, Chateau de Bonaguil, Chateau de Duras and Chateau Gavaudun. It also produces some decent wines, on the border with the Bergerac wine region (the Côtes de Duras and Coteaux de Monbazillac being the most prominent). The Northern part of the department, close to Dordogne, is especially pretty. But the main advantage of Lot-et-Garonne, is that it is noticeably cheaper than Dordogne.

So for example, in the commune of Soulaures, which is in Dordogne, the average house price is €2,360 per m2 (so on average a 120m2 house is going to set you back €283,200). In the neighbouring commune of Lacapelle-Biron, which is in Lot-et-Garonne, that same 120m2 house is going to cost you only €146,280 [SOURCE: RealAdvisor.fr 2021]. Now that is an extreme example, but Lacapelle-Biron is a pretty little village with a lovely hilltop Church. It doesn't compete with the imposing Chateau at Soulaures, but you literally drive 5 kms over the Dordogne border and prices have dropped by almost 50%.

The Lot-et-Garonne department gets its name from the two river valleys which cut through the countryside in this part of France. The department contains deep forests (mainly in the South West), vineyards in the North West (bordering the Bergerac and Bordeaux vineyards) and a large limestone plateau in the centre and Eastern part of the department (Pays de Serres).

The department borders Dordogne to the North, the Gers to the South, the Landes and Gironde departments to the West and (rather confusingly), the Lot department and the Tarn-et-Garonne department to the East. 

The Lot-et-Garonne has a population of 331 970 people. The ancient city of Agen is the capital of Lot-et-Garonne and has a population of over 80,000 people. Other key towns include Marmande (famous for its local beefsteak tomato) , Villeneuve-sur-Lot - a large fortified town, famous for its annual Jazz festival, and Nérac, a small town located on the banks of the river Baïse and used as the setting for Joanna Harris' novel, "Chocolat".

The small bastide town of Monflanquin in the North-East of the department is a popular tourist destination and is officially designated as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. This stunning old fortified town lies on a small hill and features many hstorical monuments. Its history can be traced back to 1252.

The Lot-et-Garonne is a popular location for second home owners, especially in the North of the department, close to the Dordogne river valley. Some 7% of houses in the department are classified as second homes (nearly 12,000 properties out of a total of 185,000 residences). 

7. Basque country

The ports of La Rochelle and are very attractive, as well as being popular with yachtsmen.

Along its southern edge, the Pyrenees rise majestically to the Spanish border, providing southwest France's area of high mountin terrain, with ski resorts in winter.
In Biaritz, during March it often receive 12 days of rain per month (as opposed to 6 days in Beziers on the Mediterranean coast).

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