Spring 2022

Limousin
Limousin has been my home for many years. I
moved across with my family and we saw our
quality of life sky-rocket. We are surrounded
by clean air, open spaces and delicious food.
The region is best known to holidaymakers
for its outdoor pursuits, thanks to the
proliferation of rivers that flow through
the area, as well as numerous springs and
lakes. Cycling, sailing, canoeing, kayaking
and fishing are very popular such as at
Lac Vassivière, a man-made lake of 1000
hectares where you can swim and do all
manner of water sports as well enjoy walking
trails and boat rides to a central island with a
sculpture park, café and museum. Summers
here are long and hot.
This is the least populated region in mainland
France, though that doesn’t mean there’s
not plenty to do year-round. A roll-out of
high speed fibre optic in Limousin as well
as Government support for the area to
be rejuvenated as a potential tech centre
has seen both second and permanent
home status rocket in the last two years.
The properties available here are simply
remarkable value for money. The average
house price in my department – Haute
Vienne, which is home to the city of Limoges,
is €121,500 while in the neighbouring Creuse
they are just €80,000!
Burgundy
Burgundy is the place to explore if you like
vineyards, rolling hills and exceptional food.
The locals are proud of the wide choice of
incredible wine they can choose from – much
of it from little known vineyards, off the beaten
track. Local agent knowledge about where to
live is the key here as it’s such a diverse area.
Without that expertise you could miss out on
discovering the most popular villages, where to
get the best wine and which markets offer the
freshest produce. If you enjoy the finer things
in life you’ll love Burgundy.
e Puy en Velay
Burgundy
Auvergne
Limousin cattle
Auvergne has the most dramatic landscape
of all the regions. It’s a land of dormant
volcanoes, hulking mountain ranges and
bustling towns and cities. If you like the
outdoor life then this region has to be on your
shortlist. Hiking, biking, skiing, snow-boarding
and jumping off the side of a mountain in a
wing suit are just some of the madcap things
on offer. And, if you like being close to a ski-lift
but find the prices in the Alps or Pyrénées a
little heady then take a look in the Auvergne.
Mont Dore ski resort at the foot of Puy de
Sancy is ideal for beginners, intermediates
and families. The resort has a connection to
Besse ski resort. A Spa town with traditional
restaurants, shops, ice skating rink, bowling
alley, casino and cinema. Equally as busy with
summer activities and music festivals. It’s ideal
for permanent residence, a holiday home or
just a rental investment with almost all year
round rental potential.”
The average house price in the Puy de Dome
is just €160,000.
Find out more properties in the Auvergne
The Good Life France | 101