Information about France

  




Introduction
Regional Locations
The buying Process
Legal Issues to Consider
Financing a property purchase
Investment Potential
Government
Economy
Education
Health




Introduction:



France is situated in Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain.

Four climatic types prevail in France; oceanic, continental, Mediterranean & a mountain climate. In the North & West (oceanic) the winters are mild and the summers are cool due to Westerly winds from the Atlantic. North-Eastern France generally has more extreme temperatures, bringing cold winters and hot summers. This is the continental climate.

The Mediterranean coast is characterised by hot rainless summers and mild and humid winters with an occasional cold north westerly wind known as mistral. Finally severe climates are found only in the mountains. High in the French Alps and Pyrenees, winters are long and snowy, sufficient to support ski resorts.

French is the principal language spoken throughout France, although there are regional dialects and languages they are rapidly declining.

The capital of France is Paris, which is the largest city with roughly 10 million people residing there (more than 15% of the country's population!). Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice, Nantes, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Montpellier, and Lille are other major cities in descending order of population.


Regional Locations:


Alsace

Regional capital: Strasbourg

 
Alsace is located on the eastern border of France, adjacent to Switzerland and Germany. Flanked by the Vosges mountains on its west and the Upper Rhine on
 its east, the region is well known for its numerous idyllic villages, castles and churches.

The abounding supply of wood from the nearby Vosges has resulted in the houses being constructed in half-timbering and cob, lending an alluring feel to the villages which is not seen in such abundance in any other parts of France.

The region has historically been passed between French and German control resulting in a rich cultural blend of the neighbouring states, with a quarter of
the local population still fluent in the ancient Alsatian language.

Alsace is the smallest of France's 26 regions but makes up for it with its charming vineyards, dense green forests and picturesque lakes.

Aquitaine

Regional capital: Bordeaux

Aquitaine is found in the south-western part of France, along the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountain range bordering Spain. It comprises approximately 7.6 per cent of the country's total area, making it one of the largest regions in France. Aquitaine is made up of 5 departments: the Lot et Garonne and Dordogne are situated inland while the Gironde, the Landes and the Pyrenees Atlantiques are situated along the coasts.

 

The region experiences a mild oceanic climate throughout the year predominantly influenced by the effects of the Gulf Stream. National treasures include Europe's largest pine forest along with various fortified towns, castles, cathedrals and museums. Wine-making is the life blood of the region with an estimated 7 million hectolitres of wine being produced in Bordeaux annually.

Other agricultural activities include farming, forestry and the distilling of brandy. Bull-fighting is also popular in the region and internationally recognised produce comprises the Armagnac brandy and the Bergerac and Bordeaux wines.

 

French is the main language in the region while other native languages include various forms of the Occitan and Basque dialect. The inhabitants pride themselves on the food specialities, delicious wines and traditional sports and festivals enjoyed in the region by the locals and visitors alike.

Auvergne

Regional capital: Clermont-Ferrand



This sparsely populated region is located in the centre of France in what is called France's Massif Central, an arid upland area of central France comprising hills and mountains, valleys, forests and rivers and two of the countries largest National Parks - the Parc Naturel Regional des Volcans d'Auvergne and the Parc Naturel Regional des Livradois Forez.

 

Notable cities in the region include its capital - Clermont Ferrand - a university city of approximately 200,000 inhabitants and home of the Michelin Tyre Company, and the city of Le Puy, famous for its lace-making and the rocky volcanic pinnacles which rise up from its centre.

 

The area surrounding the mountains of Auvergne is recognised as the largest volcanic area in Europe and has produced spectacular geological features including hot springs, lava flows, volcanic plugs and organ rocks.

 

Nature lovers and sports enthusiasts will be drawn to the regions various attractions including: Safari parks, a theme park, cable cars to the peaks of
highest mountains, mountain bike tracks and much more.  

Brittany

Regional capital: Rennes

 

Brittany, once called "Lesser Britain", is one of the six Celtic nations and occupies
a large peninsula lying between the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay. The north-western region is home to 4,300,500 inhabitants where the Breton language is the only Celtic language spoken on the continent.

Attractions include numerous intact manors and chateaux as well as several old fortified towns. The walled city of Saint-Malo is a popular tourist attraction and is an important port linking Brittany with the UK mainland. Popular summer resorts on the south coast include La Baule, Belle Ile and the Gulf of Morbihan which attract visitors and locals who enjoy the moderate climate all year round.

Brittany is also known for its calvaries and carved stonework, particularly in the small town of Carnac, where these elaborately carved sculptures of crucifiction scenes and long rows of standing stones, stretch for at least a mile to the north
of the town.

Burgundy

Regional capital: Dijon

 

Burgundy is situated in the heart of France and covers a surface area of 31,500 sq km. The peaceful and rural region is the most prosperous in France with wine being its most obvious attraction. Burgundy is made up of four departments - Yonne, Cote d'Or, Nievre and Saone-et-Loire and has warm or hot summers with most rainfall being in the months of July and August. Spring and autumn see a mixture of sun and scattered showers accompanied by mild temperatures.

 

Outdoor and cultural enthusiasts will find themselves at home amongst the range of activities that the region has to offer. The wine route through the Cote d'Or is very popular while the Morvan National Park offers a range of activities like fishing and canoeing. Burgundy, along with the regions of Poitou and Provence, became one of the great church-building areas in the Middle Ages and practically every village has its Romanesque church to be admired.

 

If you are considering a permanent move to the region or just buying a
holiday retreat, a different style of home can be found in each of the four departments.

Barns and farms are available to move directly into but many require a fair amount of restoration and can be purchased for considerably lower prices.

Chateauxs are rare but these manor homes of once nobility and gentry are true gems and can still be found.

 

Dijon is the capital of the region and takes pride in its numerous churches and cathedrals, including St. Benigne, Notre-Dame, St. Etienne and St. Michel. The architectural styles of the buildings have not changed since the 18^th century and notable attractions include the Ducal Palace and a Museum dedicated to steak and mustard!

Center

Regional capital: Orléans

Although not in the geographic centre of France, the name of the Centre region was chosen by the French central government based purely on geography, as it consisted of too many historical provinces to use a name that reflected all of them with equal prominence.

 

The slightly-more-north-west-than-actual-center-of-France region consists of the departments of Cher, Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret and Eure-et Loir. Its capital is Orleans.

 

The main feature of Centre is the Loire Valley which has been called the "Playground of the Kings of France" and its rich fertile valleys are home to some of the grandest castles anywhere on earth today. Impressive chateaux exist throughout the region luring visitors with enchanting tales of their history.

 

The region is known for its Cabernet, Pinot and Sauvignon grapes and is a leading producer of barley, corn and wheat. Fifteenth century Catholic saint and national heroine of France - Joan of Arc - also known as "the Maid of Orleans" has left the region awash with medieval history attracting visitors and scholars from around the world.

Champagne - Ardenne

Regional capital: Reims

Champagne-Ardenne is a region in the northeast of France on the border of Belgium. Its diverse landscape incorporates the Ardenne forests to the north, the plateau of Langres in the south and the rolling expanse of vineyards between Reims and Epernay at its centre.

The beauty of the region can be experienced aboard a house boat or bateaux-mouches - literal translation "fly boat" - as you make your way along the 650 kilometers of waterways and lakes extending throughout the region. If you prefer to be off the ground however, the breath-taking views of the countryside can be seen from inside a hot air balloon.

Property in Champagne-Ardene is generally inexpensive with plenty of rural property available for restoration. With its relatively close proximity to both Paris to Brussels the region is a great spot to experience rural living at affordable prices.

A visit to the region would not be complete without a tour of the vineyards at Epernay where you can amble amongst the 20,000 hectares of vineyards stretching all around you or explore the underground cellars which have been carved out of the chalk soil over hundreds of years.

Other attractions include:

• 19 museums
• 16 theatres
• 10 golf courses
• 8 lakes (including the Lake Der-Chantecog, Europe's largest man-made lake)
• The cathedral of Reims

Corsica

Regional capital: Ajaccio

Corsica Island lies off the southeast coast of France. It is the fourth largest
island in the Mediterranean Sea after Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus. The island covers an area of 3,300 square miles with 620 miles of coastline and has over 200 beaches. Geographically it is very mountainous but still remains largely forested.

 

Climate in the coastal zone (below 2,000 feet) is typically Mediterranean with hot dry summers and mild rainy winters. Cooler and wetter conditions occur in the mountainous regions and despite its location the highest peaks are snow capped with small glaciers.

 

Properties in Corsica are generally more expensive than regions on the French mainland but they can still be a great investment with guaranteed rental income throughout the summer months. With development limited on the island properties are always in demand.

Franche-Comte

Regional capital: Besancon

Franche-Comte - literally translated as Free County - is a small region in France on the border of Switzerland. The region was once a part of Burgundy but now independently comprises the 4 departements of Doubs, Jura, Haute-Saone and Territoire de Belfort.

 

The Jura Mountains which form the border with Switzerland provide a platform for cross-county skiing while the surrounding areas are mined for salt. The region is responsible for producing grains, wine, cheese and a variety of other food products in the agriculturally rich farms of the west.

 

The architecture of the homes in the region is varied from the timbered houses perched on stilts is the Doubs and Loue valleys to the tuye farmhouses which take their name from their huge stone and wood chimneys and fireplaces called "tuyes" in which ham and sausages would be dried and smoked in the past.

 

Weather in the region is generally dry and hot in the summer and cold in the winter with heavy snowfall, particularly in the mountains. Autumn is sunny and warm while spring experiences occasional heavy rain and showers.

Languedoc-Roussillon

Regional capital: Montpellier

This region of France lies to the south of the country on the borders of the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. It is surrounded by the other French regions of Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur, Rhone-Alpes, Auvergne and Midi-Pyrenees on the one side and by Spain on the other side.

It benefits from a superb "Mediterranean Climate" and boasts a rich wildlife and a spectacular coastline.

The regions natural and man-made attractions include mountains, rivers and lakes, ancient cities and towns, thermal springs, cathedrals, chateaux and castles. Languedoc-Roussillon produces the largest volume of wine in the country and is dominated by 740,300 acres of vineyards. 

Montpellier, the region's capital, is an ancient academic city and has the world's oldest continuously operating university. This dynamic city possesses beautiful historic buildings, abundant gardens and a vast central square. 

Limousin

Regional capital: Limoges

Limousin is situated in the heart of France some 350 kilometres south of Paris. This largely untouched region is essentially rural and consists of some of the most unspoilt countryside in Europe. It is the second least populated French region and is famed for its beef cattle farming and is also a major timber producing area. Limousin has an abundance of fresh water rivers and lakes ideal for sun-bathing, fishing, windsurfing and Kayaking. Other outdoor activities include pony trekking, mountain biking and hiking. Picturesque golf courses at affordable prices are open all year round.

 

Limoges, the capital city of Limousin, is less affected by tourism than some of France's other cities but still boasts beautiful architecture in the form of cathedrals, bridges and castles. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the city was a major producer of porcelain and enamel and several museums and galleries are dedicated specifically to these industries.

 

Lorraine

Regional capital: Metz

Lorraine is located in the north-east of France and is the only region to have borders with three other countries: Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. It comprises the four departments of Meurthe-et-Moselle, Vosges, Meurthe and Moselle and accounts for approximately 5.5 % of France's surface area. The region has been an important crossroads in European affairs due to its location however it has also been subject to warfare and territorial disputes over the centuries.

The area remained under German control until the end of WWI and then again during WWII when it was occupied by the German forces. It was returned to France after the war in 1945. The region has a mixed culture of German and French heritage and the dialects of both Moselle and Lorraine Franconian are spoken in the area.

The Vosges Mountains are the source of Lorraine's infamous springs which have been used since Roman times for their purported healing powers. Today, some of the most famous thermal spas in the world such as Vittel, Club Mediterranea and Bains-les-Bains can be found here.

The regions' capital city of Metz has been described by some as "one of the most beautiful cities of France" with the majority of its buildings having been erected with fine Jaumont stone, a golden rock with many different shades.

Lower-Normandy

Regional capital: Caen

Lower Normandy lies in the North-west of France on the coast of the English Channel and is divided into the three departments of Calvados, Manche and Orne. The region has established itself as a major centre for business and trade due to its ideal location between the sea and the French capital of Paris.

 

Lower Normandy will forever be remembered in international history as the place where allied forces landed to liberate Europe from the German occupation during the Second World War. The devastation of D-Day can
still be seen on the beaches of Normandy where bomb craters, concrete blockhouses and underground shelters still exist today.

 

Major attractions of the region include museums such as the Musee du Mur de l'Atlantique at Ouistreham and the Musee du Radar at douvres-la-Delivrande. Military cemeteries such as Colleville-sur-mer and the Memorial de Caen, a commemorative to future peace, are popular amongst visitors to the region.

 

Agricultural activities in the region consist of livestock and dairy farming, and textiles and fruit production which give rise to some of the countries finest  butter, fromage frais, soft cheeses, cider apples, cider, leeks, turnips, and flax.

 

For those wishing to put the grim past of D-Day in the back of their minds, towns such as Deauville or Honfleur offer a more upbeat experience of casinos and luxury hotels, gala evenings and festivals.

 

Midi-Pyrenees

Regional capital: Toulouse

Midi-Pyrenees, the largest region in terms of surface area, is located in the south west of France on the border of Spain. The name chosen for the region was based purely on its geographic location: Midi or "southern regions" and Pyrenees - made with reference to the Pyrenees Mountains that are on its southern border. Apart from the area of Toulouse at its centre, the region is sparsely populated and used predominantly for agricultural purposes.

 

Midi-Pyrenees has over 60,000 active farms and is responsible for some of
the finest beef, lamb, dairy products and wine produced in France. There are a number of activities available to tourists and inhabitants of the region which include: horse-riding, canoeing, hang-gliding, golf, fishing, climbing and caving.     

 

The economy of the region is based on a number of key factors but the most notable in terms of both reputation and jobs is surprisingly the aeronautics and space industry.

 

The global headquarters of Airbus are in Toulouse and the A380, the Caravelle and the Concorde all took their maiden voyages in the skies above the city. Midi-Pyrenees is well known for its underground sites such as the caves of Padirac, in the lot, as well as the decorated Niaux cave which tells the story of early Homo sapiens. For those interested in a spiritual journey, the pilgrim roads to Santiago de Compostela provide an alternative way of experiencing the area.

 

For anyone looking to begin a new life in France, the 2.6 million hectares of readily usable land in the region provide the perfect opportunity. Besides the land and farmhouses for sale; watermills, mills, stone houses and small cottages are available either to move directly in or to renovate.


North-Calais

Regional capital: Lille

This region of France is situated in the northern most part of the country on the border with Belgium. It comprises the departments of Nord and Pas-de-Calais. The region was historically part of the Netherlands but gradually came under the control of France in the latter part of the 15^th century.

 

The majority of the inhabitants of Nord-Pas-de-Calais are French speaking however the two minority languages of French Flemish and Picard are also spoken here. The region became a major centre of industry in the 19^th century focusing predominantly on coal mining and steel and textile manufacturing. The region provides a link to the UK mainland via the commercial port of Calais.

Paris-Isle-of-France

Regional capital: Paris

Ile-de-France - literally translated as "Island of France"- is one of the 26 administrative regions located in the north central part of the country. It is composed of 8 departments, three of which form what is known as the petite couronne or small ring - with the remaining five making up the grande couronne or large ring. The region has approximately 11.6 million inhabitants and is one of the richest regions in the world. Its capital Paris is one of the most visited cities on the continent and is regarded as the international capital of art, fashion, style and romance. Paris attracts 25-30 million visitors every year and below are some of the top attractions responsible for drawing them all in.

 

The Eiffel Tower

This is one of the world's most recognized monuments and offers breathtaking views over the city. At night it lights up and in its presence one can see why Paris is referred to as the city of lights.       

 
Louvre Museum

Home to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece - Mona Lisa - the Louvre is arguably the world's most famous art museum and attracts up to 6 million tourists every year.

 

Centre Pompidou

This modern art museum is the third most visited site in the capital and is devoted not only to art but to literature, theatre, film and music.

 

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city living and to experience more of the natural beauty of France the region also boasts 3 National parks and 4 National Forests. The banks of the Seine in Paris also offer visitors a break from the museums and monuments while the Disneyland resort is an ideal day out for the whole family.

 

Property prices in Paris range from € 190,000 for a 20 sq.m. apartment (€ 9,500 per sq.m.) all the way up to € 2.4 million for a 200 sq.m apartment (€ 12,500 per sq.m.). The rental yield varies between 3.3 and 5.2 % per annum which works out to between € 33 and € 40 per sq.m. depending on the size of the property. Smaller apartments are generally in higher demand from a rental perspective.

Pays-de-la-Loire

Regional capital: Nantes

Pays de la Loire is a region of western France comprising the departments of Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Sarthe and Vendee. It has a long coast on the Bay of Biscay to the west and lays claim the two offshore islands of Noirmoutier and Yeu. Numerous fishing and shipping ports are found on its Atlantic coast while further inland the agricultural pursuits of pig and cattle farming are predominant along with the production of dairy products.

The region is divided into east and west by France's longest river, the Loire. Its source originates in the mountains at Cavennes from where it meanders through the region for over six hundred miles before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. Quite confusingly, the Loire Valley, which comprises the castles and chateaux of historical nobles and kings, is officially in the adjacent region of Centre and not Pays de la Loire.

Major communities in the region include: Angers, Nantes (the region's capital) and Le Mans, home to the annual car race that attracts visitors from all over the world. Real estate in the area can still be found at reasonable prices with a choice of stone houses, out houses, chateaux or castles.  

Picardy

Regional capital: Amiens

Picardy is located in the north of France on the English Channel. It includes
the departments of Somme, Oise and Aisne and the region has three main geographical areas. The plateau north of Paris is an important agricultural
area where farming fuels the region's principal economy.

The Somme River valley contains the manufacturing cities of Amiens, Abbeville and Saint-Quentin and was the scene of bloody battles and trench warfare in the First and Second world wars.  The third geographical area of course, is the coast, which is plays an important role in the regions fishing and tourist industries.

 

Nature lovers are drawn to the region for its numerous nature reserves and its 320,000 hectares of wood and forest. Picardy is home to the largest woodland and forest in Europe as well as the largest bird park, the Marquenterre. Other outdoor activities in the region include: hiking, speed sailing, kayaking, horse-riding and fishing.   

 

The architecture in the villages has a distinct characteristic apart from the other villages in France as the houses are built from dark red bricks. Notable structures in the area are made up of Celtic fortresses and castles as well as cathedrals such as the well known Notre Dame Cathedral of Amiens.

 

Poitou-Charentes

Regional capital: Poitiers

Poitou-Charentes is located in the central western part of France. The region comprises the four departments of Charente, Charante-Maritime, Deux-Sevres and Vienne. The regional capital is Poitiers.  Agriculturally, the region focuses on the farming of wheat, corn and cattle while industrially it produces machinery, chemicals and dairy products. 

The Atlantic coastal region of Charante-Maritime is attractive to Parisians, Britons and other Europeans looking to purchase second homes. The area boasts the second best climate in France with loads of sunshine all year round and relatively mild winters. The islands of Ile de Re and Ile d'Oleron as well as the lovely coastal town of La Rochelle are particularly popular attractions of the region. Two airports and the high-speed TGV rail link to Paris have added to the popularity of the area due to the relative ease with which it can now be accessed.

Due to the ongoing popularity of the country's coastal regions, property prices in the maritime department of Charante-Maritime are likely to continue to rise in the future making it a good area for investment. In other parts of the region land can be purchased at bargain prices of between € 9,500 and € 11,500 for a 1600 sq.m. plot of land. Buildings such as apartments and barns in need of renovation can also be acquired at prices of between €15,000 and € 25,000.    

Provence-Alpes-Azur

Regional capital: Marseille

This diverse region of France is located in the far south-east part of the country. It stretches from the Southern Alps to the French Riviera, with the border of Italy and Monaco to the east and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The region comprises six departments and is bounded by Rhone-Alpes to the north and Languedoc-Roussillon to the west. The principal city in the area is Marseille.  

 

The climate of Provence is typically Mediterranean with hot dry summers and mild winters. Sunshine is experienced all year round and it is not surprising that the region produces the majority of the countries olives, rice and eating grapes. Further produce includes apples, peaches, nectarines, cherries and pears. Apart from the excellent weather a number of diverse attractions such as art, shopping, unique architecture and sandy beaches can also be experienced.

 

The largest city in the region is Nice which is a major tourist attraction and like the other coastal cities, it is heavily populated. Other notable cities in the region include Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, Cannes and Avignon. Property prices in the region are generally high but this can be expected when considering what the region has to offer.

Rhone-Alps

Regional capital: Lyon

The region of Rhone-Alpes, named after the Rhone River which runs through it and the Alpes mountain range on its eastern border with Italy and Switzerland, is located in the east of France. The western part of the region contains the start of the Masif Central mountain range and Lake Geneva is on the east. Rhone-Alpes is particularly scenic with dense forests, huge lakes, deep gorges and picturesque mountains.

 

Three of France's major cities are located in Rhone-Alpes forming the economic core of the region. Collectively the cities of Lyon, Grenoble and Saint-Etienne are home to approximately 2.6 million inhabitants. Lyon, the regions' capital, is considered the gastronomic capital of France and its specialties' include Lyon sausage, salami, tripe and quenelles. The city was built on the west bank of the Saone River and attracts visitors and property buyers with its theatres, museums, architecture and large gardens.

Upper-Normandy

Regional capital: Rouen

Located on the north coast of France, Upper Normandy is separated from Lower Normandy by the Seine River. Lower Normandy is generally known for its history and cities whereas Upper Normandy remains rural and maritime. It has a lot to offer in terms of scenery, old castles, great food and its infamous white cliffs. Rouen is the region's capital and its attractions include museums, Gothic cathedrals, half-timbered houses and church spirals.

 

Due to its proximity to both Paris and the UK the region is popular with Parisians and British property buyers alike. The types of properties available vary from traditional stone built properties to large country homes and newly built apartments in the regions' capital. Coastal properties are also available in the popular ports of Honfleur and Deauville. Property prices, like the architecture, are varied but do start cheaply and offer value for money. 

 

The buying Process:


Property sales in France are generally looked after by notaires whether you buy privately or through an Estate Agent. A notaire is the only person permitted by law to perform conveyancing in France. As a UK buyer, it may be worth appointing a UK based solicitor who specialises in French law to oversee the buying process and paperwork.

Notaires fees do vary, and can range from as little as 2.5% to as much as 8% of the net property price. The Notaires fee will usually be added onto the price of the property although it is not uncommon when buying through an estate agent for these fees to be included in the price.

A Notaire will usually act on behalf of both the buyer and the seller as he is required by law to remain impartial. Again, if you are not comfortable with the French language, it may be worth utilising the services of someone capable of translating.


The standard buying process will include:

• Finding the right property for you.
• Doing your homework by checking both the floor plans as well as the boundaries for the property you are interested in.
• Making an offer on the property you wish to purchase.

If your offer is accepted:

 

Expect for the whole process to take around three to four months from start to finish.



Legal Issues to Consider:


If you decide to seek additional legal advice, this will be a cost that you will have to cover.

If you decide to withdraw from the property purchase once the cooling off period has ended and your deposit has been paid, you may lose any money already paid.

It is worth taking advice on French inheritance law as it is vastly different to the UK.



Financing a property purchase:

Financing an overseas property purchase is easy when you deal with professionals...

 

If you are thinking about buying an overseas property, then you also need to be thinking about the best way to finance your purchase. At Sublime Location we work closely with a number of specialised lenders who have all been carefully selected based on trust, experience and reputation.

 

Selecting the right product and making the right decision when it comes to financing a large investment could save thousands.

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Investment Potential:



France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations and is the third largest country in Europe.

Many properties are being bought as an investment, for retirement as well as for a change of life-style in France, with the largest number of buyers is from the UK. Many of these second homes are being offered to the short term rental market.

It's not difficult to understand the interest in France for property purchase. Prices are still relatively low compared to most North European countries, the climate is superb and the quality of life is very high. Health, education, culture, history, tradition, food, safety are thought by many to be the best in the world. These undeniable qualities combined with the fact that the French Government is now backing leaseback plans, giving investors tax relief on their purchases, is drawing in more and more investors into the country.

It is very simple and safe to buy property in France, there are very few limitations or restrictions and the process is straightforward. In recent years the French buy-to-let market has also grown significantly, and this appears to have affected the market, with higher demand pushing the price of flats up faster than the price of houses.

France is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, perhaps because it is very diversified, appealing to the sun worshippers, the cultural hungry, and of course those who wish to sample the wine! France has always attracted British buyers probably because it is so easily accessible. Approximately 60 % of Foreign Buyers purchasing property in France are British.



Government:


France is a presidential republic with a centralized national government. France's current system of government, known as the Fifth Republic, is based on a constitution that was adopted by popular referendum in 1958.



Economy:


France has substantial agricultural resources, a large industrial base and a highly skilled labour force. Its economy is exceptionally diversified. Agriculture and the agro-food industries account for a large share of economic activity than in many other west European countries. France's greatest strength in manufacturing are in sectors such as motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals, transport equipment and aerospace (civil and military).



Education:


The French educational system is highly centralised and well organised. Much like the rest of Europe and the UK, It is divided into three different stages: primary, secondary and higher education.

All education programmes in France are run buy the Ministry of National Education.



Health:


The French Health care system has been regarded as one of the best in the world.

France offers a government subsidised medical system where doctors and dentists can establish private medical practises. Patients are free to attend any medical institution and will be reimbursed by the state for up to 85% of the medical costs. Most private medical practises are concentrated in the cities.

The French healthcare system is funded by the working population. French employees pay about 20 per cent of their gross salary and self employed people pay more.

It is important to note that not all EU Expats will have access the French Health Care system, State cover depends on your status. In the past all EU expats arriving in France were eligible to join the French healthcare system. However, due to a French government ruling made in 2007 this has changed.

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