France, with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and renowned cuisine, offers a plethora of fantastic locations for a vacation home. Whether you're looking for a bustling city, the quiet countryside, or a sunny coastal town, France has it all. This guide will explore the top destinations that the team at August considers when searching for second homes in France, each offering unique experiences and lifestyles.
1. Paris: The City of Lights
Best for: Urban energy
Paris, the romantic capital city, is often the first place that comes to mind when thinking of France. With the Pied À Terre Collection at August, a vacation home in Paris means having iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral right on your doorstep. Parisian properties, known for their charm and elegance, range from chic apartments in lively neighbourhoods to grand townhouses.
2. Provence: Countryside Charm
Best for: Country escapism
Provence, known for its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and lavender fields, offers a serene getaway from bustling city life. A vacation home in Provence can be a centuries-old stone farmhouse, a village house, or a luxurious villa with views of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves - all possible with August.
3. Corsica: Island Life with a French Twist
Best for: Island living
Corsica, a mountainous Mediterranean island that blends French and Italian influences. It offers a unique mix of stunning beaches, impressive mountains, and quaint villages. A vacation home in Corsica could be a seafront villa or a hillside retreat with panoramic views.
4. The French Alps: A Wonderland In All Seasons
Best for: Adventure-seekers
If you're a winter sports enthusiast, the French Alps could be your perfect destination. Towns like Chamonix, Megève, and Courchevel offer a range of vacation homes, from inviting chalets to luxury apartments, all set against the backdrop of stunning mountain peaks. Not just reserved for the cooler months, consider Chamonix in the summertime for a flurry of walks, cycling trails and more to do with the entire family. With August, owning a home in the mountains is possible with the Signature, Premium and Prime Collections.
5. Bordeaux
Best for: Epicurean adventures
Bordeaux, renowned worldwide for its wine, offers a delightful mix of city life and rural charm. Owning a vacation home in Bordeaux might mean a city apartment in the vibrant city centre or a vineyard estate in the surrounding countryside.
6. Dordogne
Best for: Rustic appeal
Dordogne, located in southwestern France, is known for its beautiful rivers, verdant landscapes, and charming stone houses. Vacation homes here offer a taste of the tranquil, rural French lifestyle.
7. French Riviera (Côte d'Azur)
Best for: Glitz and glamour
The French Riviera, stretching along the Mediterranean coast, is synonymous with luxury and glamour. The August Pied à Terre Collection offers co-owners a vacation home in the glittering seaside town of Cannes.
8. Biarritz
Best for: Sun, sea and sand
Biarritz, on France’s Basque coast, is a luxurious seaside town popular for surfing, golfing, and its thalassotherapy centres. Vacation homes range from Belle Époque villas to modern apartments with sea views.
Owning a vacation home in France gives you a stake in a country famous for its lifestyle, culture, and natural beauty. Each region offers its unique charm and attractions, and at August, we consider the lifestyle and preferences of our Homeowners when choosing the perfect location for a French vacation home.
Whether it's the romantic appeal of Paris, the glamour of the French Riviera, or the adventure of the French Alps, France offers a wealth of options for those looking to invest in French real estate. Start your journey to second homeownership in France now by downloading our brochure.
