Description

Modeled for centuries by families, aristocrats, officials and farmers, French countryside is one of the most enjoyable on earth. Preserved houses full of history meet pristine nature with fresh food and tasteful wines. The diversity of French landscape and food is quite impressive for such a small country.

Since the 19th century foreigners are buying properties in France for their holidays or their old age. Russian aristocrats were traditionally attracted to the French Riviera, the casinos and the Mediterranean sea, when the Americans liked to chill out in the peaceful villages of Provence and the Englishmen enjoyed the quietness of Normandy, Perigord and the proximity to Bordeaux and the atlantic sea.

These «historical» national trends did affect the market for properties. The French Riviera, as well as Provence did suffer from the financial crisis, but recovered quicker than other as the Russians have saved some money not selling their house when the ruble fell down and as they are actively buying properties there.

In Bordeaux and Perigord, the situation is different. When the crisis touched London, many owners of french properties were obliged to sell. The offer was exceeding the demand and, in a time of crisis, for french as for the english, a second-home is not the priority.

Therefore, until last year, the market in Bordeaux region was still falling down. It is only recently that, because of the low prices french buyers, americans and newcomers like chinese (specially for wine estates) are stabilizing the market. Therefore you can buy a historical castle with 14 rooms and a lot of land for the price of 140 sqm in Paris.

This won’t stay for ever as to spend time or to develop a side activity in tourism or wine business in France was, is and will stay a trend.