Property Showdown

We assess the benefits of buying in two popular regions of France, kicking off with a real pair of northern heavyweights……

~ Brittany ~

With its enviable beaches and renowned Pink Granite Coast, Brittany first invokes a vision of picturesque stretches of coastline. You can explore the colourful fishing ports and sample the ‘catch of the day’ in such local specialities as Coquilles Saint-Jacques (scallop gratin). Inland, there’s idyllic green countryside to discover, including three National Parks, and you can cycle along the 385km-long Nantes-Brest Canal.

Accessibility

The ferry is the obvious choice, with routes from the UK linking to Saint-Malo and Roscoff. If you’re driving, there are good main roads from the Channel ports, and there’s a decent rail network, with TGV links from Paris to Rennes (two hours) and on to Brest or Quimper (four hours). Airports with flights from the UK, some offering low-cost routes, include Brest, Dinard, Rennes and Nantes Atlantique.

Climate

The North of the region experiences pleasant summers and mild winters, with the rainfall being the highest along the Atlantic coast.

The south, meanwhile, boasts a warmer microclimate. August is the best month to visit, if you want serious beach time.

Prices

Naturally, property prices increase the nearer you get to the coast and you’ll also pay a premium for sea views, but there are still good deals to be found on such traditional homes as fisherman’s cottages.
Further inland in central Brittany, is where you’ll get most for your money, especially if you’re after a home with land, to establish a smallholding or keep horses, but have been priced out of the UK.

Property prices will also increase as you travel south, to the Morbihan département, and as the climate gets more favourable.
Neo-Breton and traditional stone longère properties are found throughout Brittany and are typical styles of the area.

Activities

Should you tire of Brittany’s beaches, there are a wide array of heritage and cultural attractions throughout the area, from such megalithic sites as the Carnac Stones to medieval castles like the Fort la Latte.
You can spend the day hiking the Monts d’Arrée moorlands in the unspoilt Finistère département or check out the stunning architecture of the area’s capital, Rennes.

SEE ALL PROPERTY FOR SALE IN NORMANDY >>>

Article originally published in FrenchEntrée Magazine issue 117