Find your new life
Old houses are appealing because of their timeless charm and beautiful masonry, which can be found in regions such as Brittany, Limousin and Aquitaine. From a 15th-century cottage to a barn in need of renovation or a property nestled in a small rural hamlet, each project offers a unique experience for lovers of authenticity. Some areas such as Basse-Normandie, Poitou-Charentes and Auzances offer real opportunities at affordable prices. When buying a property to renovate, several elements need to be taken into account, such as the roof, the framework, the windows, and sometimes plumbing or façade work. Fortunately, there is assistance available to finance the restoration of these properties.
Angers charms with its unique architectural heritage, where the tufa stone houses with slate roofs bear witness to the history of the city and its privileged location on the banks of the Loire. Its historic neighbourhoods, such as La Doutre or Saint-Jacques, offer old residences full of character, often carefully renovated.
In terms of lifestyle, Angers seduces with its cultural dynamism, its green parks, its imposing medieval castle and its banks of the Loire, perfect for relaxing and strolling. An ideal environment for those who dream of an old house in a city where life is good.
Angers, a city in full transformation, is characterised by its spacious and bright lofts in former mansions, renovated warehouses or industrial buildings. These atypical properties appeal to a clientele looking for open spaces, high ceilings and a blend of old and contemporary. The city centre and the Saint-Serge district are particularly popular for these modern homes in the heart of a historic environment. With an average price per square metre of around €3,500, Angers offers an attractive alternative to the big cities.
A city of 150,000 inhabitants, it is very easy to get to, with a TGV station that can take you to Paris in 1 hour 30 minutes, and quick access to the A11 and Nantes airport.
With its preserved historic centre, Nantes offers magnificent old stone houses, often tastefully renovated. Located between the Loire and the Atlantic, it offers a pleasant living environment.
The average price per square metre is around €4,000, with high demand in central districts such as Graslin and Bouffay. With a population of over 300,000, Nantes is a strategic crossroads with its TGV station (2 hours from Paris) and international airport.
Between the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the Machines de l'Île and the banks of the Erdre, Nantes combines heritage and cultural effervescence.
Brittany is an ideal region for buying a farmhouse, an old house, a stone house or a mill, offering a preserved setting between green countryside and wild coastline.
The farmhouses, typical of Morbihan and Finistère, are often long, stone buildings with outbuildings, large plots of land and slate roofs. They appeal to those interested in renovation and agricultural projects or tourist accommodation.
The old houses of Finistère and Morbihan are recognisable by their thick granite walls, exposed beams and monumental fireplaces. They are located in towns and villages of character, such as Quimper, Pont-Aven or Vannes, and offer timeless charm.
The stone houses of Morbihan are ideal for those looking for a characterful home close to the ocean or in the countryside, with materials typical of Breton architecture.
Breton mills, often nestled by rivers or streams, are rare and sought-after for their bucolic setting, their history and their potential for renovation. They can be found in the Blavet and Oust valleys, among others.
Prices are generally affordable, with an average of €2,500 per square metre, although coastal areas (Morbihan, southern Finistère) are more expensive. Easily accessible by TGV (Rennes, Brest) and with several regional airports, Brittany also attracts visitors with its many activities: hiking on the GR34 trails, sailing and cultural festivals. Ideal for: lovers of nature, the coast and traditions.
Brittany is an ideal region in which to acquire a manor house or a castle, offering a unique architectural heritage and a preserved natural environment between wild coastline and legendary forests. In the Côtes-d'Armor, particularly in Guingamp, the Breton granite manor houses are characterised by their slate roofs, monumental chimneys and vast wooded estates.
Often steeped in history, these properties offer a rare authenticity, perfect for a prestigious residence or a charming accommodation project. The Breton châteaux, scattered throughout the region, bear witness to Brittany's noble history.
Whether in Morbihan, Ille-et-Vilaine or Finistère, these residences offer landscaped parks, outbuildings and breathtaking views of the countryside or the sea.
Brittany is a prime destination for buying an apartment, house or villa by the sea, offering an unspoilt coastline and a unique living environment of cliffs, beaches and characterful ports.
In Morbihan, seaside apartments, particularly in Vannes, Carnac or Quiberon, offer panoramic balconies, direct access to the beach and breathtaking views of the gulf. These properties are very popular as second homes or upmarket rental investments.
The seaside houses, located in Finistère, Morbihan, Côtes-d'Armor, Dinard or Saint-Malo, are appealing for their granite architecture, their vast gardens and their proximity to wild beaches. These typically Breton residences combine traditional charm and modern comfort, with breathtaking views of the ocean. The more exclusive seaside villas are nestled in privileged environments with swimming pools, panoramic terraces and private access to the beach. They can be found in particular in La Trinité-sur-Mer, Perros-Guirec and Belle-Île-en-Mer, true havens of peace for a clientele in search of prestige.
Brittany offers a wide choice of contemporary, manor, architect-designed and luxury houses, combining character and modernity.
With its emblematic pink brick architecture, Toulouse is full of old houses of character, often with inner courtyards and façades typical of the South-West. Nestled between the Garonne and the Canal du Midi, the city offers a dynamic setting combining historical heritage and green spaces.
The average price per square metre is around €4,000/m², but can be higher in sought-after areas such as Capitole or Saint-Étienne. With more than 500,000 inhabitants, Toulouse is well served: TGV station, Blagnac international airport 15 minutes from the centre, and quick access to the A61 and A62 motorways.
In terms of local life, Toulouse seduces with its lively atmosphere, its markets, its Cité de l'Espace, and of course, its Stade Toulousain matches.
Toulouse is a dynamic city where you can find superb penthouses in contemporary buildings, particularly around the Capitole, Carmes or Saint-Cyprien district. These exclusive properties have spacious terraces with views of the Garonne or the city skyline.
With its canals, lively squares and green spaces, the city combines historical heritage and modernity. The average price per square metre for a penthouse varies between €5,500 and €9,500, depending on the location.
With gourmet markets, aeronautical industries and festivals, Toulouse is an ideal destination for a penthouse combining prestige and quality of life.
Toulouse, the Pink City, offers a wide range of exceptional properties, from townhouses steeped in history to ultra-modern contemporary residences.
With its authentic villages, the Vendée offers many old houses and typical buildings, often renovated with character. Between beaches, marshes and hedged farmland, the landscape is varied and pleasant. The average price per square metre is around €2,500/m², but varies according to the proximity to the coast.
With a population of nearly 700,000, the Vendée is well connected to Nantes and La Rochelle via the A83 motorway and has a TGV station in Les Sables-d'Olonne. In terms of local life, the Vendée is appealing with its fishing ports, Puy du Fou and popular beaches.
The Vendée is seductive for its unspoilt natural setting and architectural diversity, offering everything from sleek contemporary homes to prestigious mansions.
You'll find contemporary houses by the sea or in the countryside, these residences favour large openings, modern materials and light-filled spaces, particularly around Les Sables-d'Olonne or La Tranche-sur-Mer.
Master houses: character residences in stone or tufa, with large wooded parks and outbuildings, often located in the Vendée hinterland or near Fontenay-le-Comte and Challans.
A popular destination for the purchase of a farmhouse or an old house, offering an authentic living environment between green valleys, medieval bastides and listed villages.
The farmhouses, typical of the Périgord Noir and Périgord Vert, often consist of long, white stone farmhouses with slate or tiled roofs and large agricultural outbuildings. Located in a preserved natural setting, these properties are perfect for a second home, agritourism or rural gîte project.
The old houses, particularly in towns such as Sarlat-la-Canéda, Bergerac or Périgueux, combine exposed stone walls, wooden beams and imposing fireplaces. These charming residences, often located in historic villages, offer a medieval atmosphere and a peaceful setting
Ideal for: lovers of heritage and unspoilt nature.
Country houses for sale in the Dordogne
The Dordogne, a land of history and nature, is a favourite destination for those looking to buy a manor house or a château, offering an unspoilt setting of green valleys, rivers and medieval bastide towns.
In Bergerac, the manors in blond Périgord stone are characterised by their flagstone roofs, wooded parks and vast interiors with monumental fireplaces. These charming residences are often located in the heart of wine estates or along the Dordogne, perfect for an exceptional residence.
The châteaux of the Dordogne, particularly in Bergerac and Périgueux, offer remarkable architecture with moats, medieval towers and period reception rooms. Many are surrounded by forests, farmland or vineyards, ideal for a family home or a prestigious hotel project.
The Dordogne is renowned for its blonde stone houses, often nestled in the heart of green estates, with large gardens and interiors of noble architecture.
Between valleys, rivers and forests, the region offers an exceptional natural setting. The average price per square metre varies between €2,000 and €4,500, depending on the location and surface area of the property. With a population of around 410,000, the Dordogne is well served by the A89 motorway, Périgueux railway station and Bergerac airport.
Aveyron is an ideal destination for buying a farmhouse or an old house, offering an unspoilt natural environment and a rich architectural heritage.
The farmhouses of Aveyron, often built of granite or limestone with slate or lauze roofs, have large outbuildings, barns and spacious grounds, perfect for a renovation project, agritourism or family residence.
They are mainly found in green valleys or on the plateaus of the Aubrac. The old houses, particularly in towns such as Rodez, Villefranche-de-Rouergue and Millau, combine exposed beams, stone walls and medieval charm, with affordable prices compared to other regions.
These properties are often located in picturesque villages and listed country houses. With prices ranging from €1,500 to €3,500/m², depending on the condition and location of the property, Aveyron is an attractive area for a heritage purchase or a second home project.
When you start looking to buy an old house, you also need to think about the compulsory diagnostics and any structural problems. Calling in an expert will help you assess the work that needs to be done and optimise your investment. For those looking for a peaceful setting, a quiet hamlet in Charente-Maritime, such as Romazières, or a discreet village such as Plonévez-du-Faou, may be an ideal option.
The adverts highlight properties with land, sometimes with outbuildings or a plot offering great development potential. Whether you are looking for a great renovation project or an already restored property, the diversity of what is on offer in France means that every buyer can find something they love. It's up to you to seize the opportunity that corresponds to your desires and bring your future home to life.
