10 properties in France that would make a charming second home

Each year we run a survey to find out what you want to know about buying in France. Whether that’s an insight into the buying process, how to get your pension in France or a collection of properties suited to your requirements, it helps us gauge what you’re looking for.

Our 2024 survey, which over 1,000 of you completed (thank you if that includes you!), revealed that over 50% of buyers in France are looking to purchase a property as a holiday home or second home.

Knowing how you’ll use the property is essential when buying a property in France as it’ll influence your requirements from the property. For example, a holiday home should provide a certain means of escapism, be that either in the heart of the French countryside or just minutes from sandy beaches. You’ll also want to consider how you’ll get to the property, which depends on where you’re currently living.

To help you understand what to look for and things to consider, we’ve handpicked 10 properties at varying price points across France that we think would make charming second/holiday homes. Please note, that the properties are listed in no particular order.

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Perfect for: Families seeking a spacious holiday home or those buying with friends

Located in the bastide town of Lalinde in the Dordogne, this spacious property boasts four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The design guarantees a bright, open-plan living space which combines with the kitchen and dining room. Outside, there’s a large garage which has previously been granted planning permission to convert into a two-bedroom property. This home would suit a family seeking a place to holiday or those buying with friends or family to split the costs and double the fun.

Price: £288,900

Location: Lalinde, Dordogne (Close to Bergerac)

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Perfect for: Couples seeking a blend of old and new.

This two-bedroom, two-bathroom property lies in the heart of the market village, Lauzerte in the southwest of France. The property has been beautifully renovated and retains charm in line with the historic village that lies just a few steps outside the front door. The location is perfect for

Price: €325,000

Location: Lauzerte, Tarn-et-Garonne (1h from Toulouse Airport)

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Perfect for: A nature-loving family of four or a social couple.

Nestled in the heart of the Dordogne in the bastide town of Lanouaille, this gorgeous three-bedroom home is key-ready and would make a charming holiday home. With a renovated modern interior, spacious grounds and a pond, this property would suit a couple that plans to bring guests to their holiday home or a family that could fit in three bedrooms. With nature on your doorstep, there are lots of great trails to be discovered nearby.

Price: €191,700

Location: Lanouaille, Dordogne

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Perfect for: Those seeking an exciting pied-a-terre in a prime location

Sitting at the bottom of the famous Boulevard de Cimiez, a rare apartment is available in a prime location in Nice. The property is clean, bright and modern, with a French Art Deco exterior and great views across Nice. The area is highly sought-after and this property is bound to be snapped up soon, so act quickly if you’re interested!

Price: €149,000

Location: Nice, Alpes-Maritimes

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Perfect for: Someone with an eye for interior design.

On the market for just over €125k, this four-bedroom property is an absolute steal. Situated in Bazelat in Creuse, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, this property comes unfurnished so would suit someone with an eye for interior decorating. The ground floor houses two double bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom/WC, study and lounge. From the kitchen, the stairs lead to another two bedrooms. Not only that, but the property also has a large garage and workshop. The property is peaceful, yet just 15 minutes from the popular medieval town of La Souterraine.

Price: €125,350

Location: Bazelat, Creuse (Less than an hour’s drive from Limoges Airport)

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Perfect for: Beach lovers seeking rental opportunities.

If you’re looking for a serene retreat on the Cote d’Azur that comes with rental appeal, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is a great option. This apartment lies in a shared apartment building in a quiet residential area on the Cap d’Antibes. Ilette Beach is just a short walk away and the property’s prime location makes it a great rental property when you’re not using it.

Price: €495,000

Location: Cap d’Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes

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Perfect for: Weekends away.

If you’re searching for a holiday home that you won’t spend hours getting to and from, this property in Marina Baie des Anges will suit you nicely. Just 18 minutes by car from Nice Airport, this two-bedroom apartment is a new-build property in an elegant, gated residential development with access to a pool a shared pool and an underground car park. Plus, the property is just 900 metres from the beach and Park de Vaugrenier is nearby.

Price: €489,000

Location: Villeneuve-Loubet, Alpes-Maritimes

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Perfect for: Those seeking a character property.

This property in Lacaune, Tarn offers a melange of alpine and country influences with its stone façade – it used to be an old stone mill. The interior offers a unique take on traditional French interiors with exposed beams and a mezzanine. The property has four bedrooms, a garage, 1,500 square metres of land and is just 20 minutes from Lacaune and 30 minutes from the lakes. Castres-Mazamet Airport is just under 23 miles away, which offers both local and international flights.

Price:  €259,200

Location: Lacaune, Tarn

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Perfect for: A pied-a-terre in a tourist town.

This three-bedroom apartment lies in Pezenas, a lively, dynamic tourist town just 20 minutes from Beziers, the beaches and with all amenities available on foot. The location offers attractive rental income all year round, great for buyers seeking to make a little extra from their second home when not using it. This is a rare find, especially in the heart of town, so I encourage you to enquire should you be interested.

Price: €194,400

Location: Pezenas, Hérault

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Perfect for: Bargain hunters willing to renovate.

This pretty village house has three bedrooms, one bathroom and a cosy private courtyard. The property is just 10 minutes from Beziers and the River Orb, and 25 minutes from the beach. The property comes fully furnished but could do with a refresh. It’d make a charming pied-a-terre once renovated and styled.

Price: €89,100

Location: Murveil les Beziers, Hérault

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Buying property in France