Living by the Coast
Originally posted on & updated on 8th November, 2024
One of the big attractions when it comes to living by the extensive coast is of course the weather. The decadent Riviera on the Mediterranean coast and Vendée (or Brittany) on the Atlantic have a blissful climate combined with a rich lifestyle where food and fine wine take centre stage.
Beautiful sea views, long stretches of golden beaches and sun-filled days make the French coast a popular choice for property buyers. It’s a large and diverse coastline so here’s a taster of a few areas and what they have to offer.
The Northern Coast
The magnificent beaches of Brittany with their granite rocks and secluded coves and inlets are a real treat. The varied coastline stretches 700 miles and there is plenty to do and explore. The proximity to the UK thanks to Dinard airport and Saint Malo ferry port makes it a popular choice for property buyers with the fine beaches and historic towns proving to be a big draw time and again.
Add to this the region’s culinary delights of crêpes, cider and delicious sea food and it’s not difficult to see the authentic appeal of this beautiful coastline. We have properties in one of Brittany’s most attractive and well-preserved towns, Dinan. Waterside restaurants, arts and crafts, the old town with its labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets and the 13th century castle all contribute to the charm of the location.
The Mediterranean
The French Riviera
Many property buyers are naturally drawn to the leisurely lifestyle of the French Riviera, called the Cote d’Azur by french nationals. Home to some of the finest beaches in the world and glamourous resort cities such as Cannes, Nice and Saint Tropez, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to have their second home or luxury villa here. Lavender fields, olive groves and azure blue seas make for a picture postcard setting. The vibrant French cuisine and cooking is top notch and foodies will love what’s on offer.
Occitanie
The six-mile stretch of sands in Roussillon known as Argelès-Plage near Perpignan in the Pyrenees Orientales area is one of the best beaches along the Languedoc coast and is popular with families and water sports enthusiasts. This area is home to many beaches and the cities of Montpellier, Perpignan and Nîmes (the Rome of France). The geography of Occitanie is impressive too with the wetlands of the Camargue to the mountains of the Cévennes, Montagne Noire and the Pyrenees, all about an hour’s drive away from the coast.
The Atlantic Coast
Beautiful stretches of long golden sands set against a backdrop of pine forests combined with exceptional food and lots of sunshine make the Charente and Vendée another top destinations. It’s popular with families and is considered to have a more laid-back feeling compared with the busier Occitanie. There is still plenty of culture and towns full of historic interest such as the beautiful old port of La Rochelle with its medieval houses and Renaissance architecture.
Live by the Sea
When it comes to living by the coast, the lifestyle has much to offer. A relaxing pace of life together with a warmer climate, exquisite food, cultural attractions, historic towns and villages all combine to make a winning combination. Let us know your criteria and budget so we can help with your French adventure by the sea.
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