Where to Buy in Aquitaine: The Most Beautiful Villages in the Region
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Where to Buy in Aquitaine: The Most Beautiful Villages in the Region

Mahaut Fauquet
-
Modified on
9/23/2024
Aquitaine
Summary
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Aquitaine, now part of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is the southwesternmost region of France. With its mild climate, varied landscapes, and rich historical heritage, it attracts nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful place to settle. From the beaches of Biarritz to the vineyards of Bergerac, the Bordeaux region to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, and from the lively coastal towns to the peaceful inland villages, there’s something for everyone, no matter their taste or budget!

What are the best places, the nicest towns and the most beautiful villages to buy a house in Aquitaine? We tell you more about it here!

The Most Beautiful Villages of Aquitaine

Saint-Émilion (Gironde)

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this wine-producing village is one of the jewels of the Bordeaux region. In addition to offering endless views of vineyards, Saint-Émilion provides a peaceful lifestyle in a medieval village rich in history. If you are a lover of fine wine and old architecture, this is a must-see place to settle in the southwest!

Photo of Saint-Emilion

La Bastide-Clairence (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

Located in the heart of the Basque Country, La Bastide-Clairence is one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France." With its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, this village offers a picturesque atmosphere, perfect for those who love peace and authenticity. Its proximity to the Basque coast makes it a popular spot for retirees seeking tranquility while remaining close to Biarritz or Bayonne.

Photo de Clairence

Monpazier (Dordogne)

A fortified medieval town founded in the 13th century by King Edward I of England and listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," Monpazier boasts around thirty classified historical monuments, stunning examples of medieval architecture! Its half-timbered houses, charming squares like the arcade-lined Place des Cornières, and its lively yet tranquil atmosphere make it increasingly popular for those seeking a peaceful place to settle in the southwest. If you're looking for a spot where time seems to stand still, surrounded by lush landscapes, this might be your ideal destination!

Photo by Monpazier
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Towns and Villages by the Sea

Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

An iconic city on the Basque coast, Biarritz is famous for its beaches, festive atmosphere, and privileged lifestyle. Whether you’re enjoying the ocean, surfing, or festivals, Biarritz masterfully combines a relaxed way of life, fine cuisine (with truffles and foie gras), and a dynamic cultural scene. Highly sought after by both vacationers and those looking for a better quality of life, Biarritz offers a real estate market with prices far above average, where beachfront prices per square meter even exceed those in Paris. This comes as no surprise given the town’s tranquil lifestyle, its direct proximity to the ocean, the mountains, and Spain!

Photo of Biarritz

Arcachon (Gironde)

Famous for its stunning bay and the Dune of Pilat, Arcachon is one of the most popular seaside destinations on the Atlantic coast. Ideal for families and retirees, the town offers a gentle, peaceful atmosphere with easy access to Bordeaux. Townhouses, seaside villas, and apartments with views of the bay offer a wide range of real estate options. Like Biarritz, Arcachon’s real estate prices are far above the French average, even exceeding those in Paris. These prices are justified by the exceptional quality of life in this extraordinary environment.

Photo du bassin d'Arcachon

Hossegor (Landes)

For lovers of the ocean and surfing, Hossegor is a gem on the Landes coast. With its wild beaches, pine forests, and charming villas, this seaside resort attracts both athletes and those looking for a natural, preserved living environment. While Hossegor may seem ideal primarily for a second home, it actually offers a fantastic year-round living environment, just a stone’s throw from the Spanish border!

Photo de la plage Atlantique

The Périgord Countryside

Sarlat-la-Canéda (Dordogne)

Nestled in the Périgord Noir, Sarlat is considered one of the most beautiful villages not just in the region, but in all of France! A village with character, rich in medieval heritage, and surrounded by rolling, verdant landscapes, it’s particularly suited to those who wish to live in the heart of France's history. Sarlat is also ideal for those looking for a vacation home to rent out during peak season.

Photo of Sarlat

Eymet (Dordogne)

This village, highly favored by British expatriates (10% of Eymet's population is British!), stands out for its vibrancy and its international community spirit. With its colorful markets and friendly atmosphere, traditional bakeries, and English tea rooms, Eymet is a perfect option for those who want to immerse themselves in village life while benefiting from the proximity to Bergerac and its airport.

Photo of the village of Eymet

The Atlantic Pyrenees

Salies-de-Béarn (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

Situated between the ocean and the mountains, Salies-de-Béarn is a small spa town, perfect for those looking for a relaxing living environment. With its famous saltwater springs (excellent for arthritis) and medieval streets, it’s an ideal retreat in the southwest of France. Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts will appreciate its proximity to the Pyrenees.

Photo of Salies-de-Bearn

Luchon (Haute-Garonne)

If you’re drawn to the mountains, Luchon, although technically in Haute-Garonne near the Aquitaine border, is a Pyrenean spa town perfect for investing in a mountain home. Summer or winter, it offers outdoor activities and an exceptional quality of life, all within a few hours of Toulouse.

Vue de Luchon

Conclusion

Aquitaine is a perfect region for real estate investment, whether by the sea, in the mountains, or in the countryside. Every village and town has its own charm, suited to different lifestyles, whether you're seeking the quiet of a medieval village or the vibrancy of a seaside resort. Whatever your choice, Aquitaine will always offer an exceptional setting for your new home. So, have you decided where you want to buy your future home?

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