France remains one of the most popular countries for international property buyers – and it’s not hard to see why. With its varied climate, stunning architecture, excellent food and transport links, and slower pace of life, the country continues to appeal to retirees, second-home hunters and relocating families alike.
Yet for all its appeal, many buyers quickly focus on Paris, the Riviera or Provence – regions where demand has pushed prices to increasingly high levels. What fewer realise is that just beyond the tourist zones you’ll find picturesque villages, natural landscapes and historic towns – all for significantly lower house prices.
In this article, we explore three lesser-known French departments offering outstanding value in 2025. Each location combines natural beauty, local culture and strong affordability – ideal for anyone dreaming of their French escape without an inflated price tag.
Contents
- Corrèze – Forests, rivers and traditional stone villages
- Haute-Marne – Lakes, heritage and countryside calm
- Indre – Castles, wildlife and accessible prices
Corrèze is a picturesque region of France you can call home
Corrèze – Forests, rivers and traditional stone villages
Corrèze is located in the stunning Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of south-central France. Though not among the most talked-about departments, it offers a lifestyle that many buyers dream of: peaceful surroundings, character-rich architecture and vast natural beauty. It forms part of the old Limousin area, known for its rolling hills, chestnut woods and slow rhythms of life.
Villages such as Uzerche, Correze (from which the department takes its name) and the medieval gem of Ségur-le-Château are highly regarded for their heritage and charm. Each has preserved a traditional way of life, with Monday markets, family-run bakeries and friendly communities welcoming new residents – including those from abroad.
House prices across Corrèze remain well below national averages. Renovation properties regularly appear on the market from €60,000, with move-in ready homes often available from €150,000–€200,000. The department is served by Brive-Souillac airport and rail links to Paris and the south. If you long for fresh air, community life and scenic walks, start your French house hunt here.
For a deeper looker at the purchase process, claim your free copy of France Buying Guide:
Haute-Marne – Lakes, heritage and countryside calm
For a rural retreat with deep historical roots, Haute-Marne in the Grand Est region is especially compelling. Tucked between Burgundy and Lorraine, this inland department is shaped by peaceful waterways, green meadows and fortified towns. Despite its beauty and accessibility, it continues to fly under the radar – making it ripe for smart, value-focused buyers.
Charming market towns such as Joinville, Chaumont and Langres reflect Haute-Marne’s Renaissance and medieval past. Around them are hamlets where traditional stone cottages and farmhouses can still be found at fair prices. You’ll see fewer modern estates and more one-off homes, often with land, mature trees and a growing community of European second-home owners.
Transport-wise, the area is practical. Paris is around three hours away by train or car. Basel and Strasbourg airports are within reach for international flights. Secondary schools, healthcare services and local markets are widely available, if spread out due to the region’s rural nature.
Financially, this is one of the most affordable places to buy in France in 2025. Average house price in Haute-Marne is just under €100,000, with plenty of habitable residences available below this. It’s an ideal place for a nature-lover or anyone seeking the kind of slower pace that many associate with the French way of life.
The Loire ties together many of the cities and towns in the region
Indre – Castles, wildlife and accessible prices
Few locations in France blend cultural heritage and affordability as well as Indre. Situated in the Centre-Val de Loire region, this department is often overshadowed by its neighbours to the north – but for the canny buyer, it’s full of promise. This is classic French countryside, with sleepy lanes, open skies and ancient hamlets that have escaped modern overdevelopment.
The landscape is ideal for walking, fishing and birdwatching – thanks in part to the Parc Naturel Régional de la Brenne, one of Europe’s richest wetland ecosystems. Castles dot the hillsides, while villages like Gargilesse-Dampierre and Saint-Benoît-du-Sault offer period homes overlooking historic squares and rivers.
Many homes in Indre come with generous gardens and outbuildings, reflecting its agricultural past. It’s not unusual to find four-bedroom homes for sale under €150,000. Ruins and renovation projects regularly start at under €80,000 for those looking to restore a piece of rural France their own way. Main centres such as Châteauroux and La Châtre offer services, schools and train links to Paris.
Nearby airports in Tours and Limoges provide options for travel further afield. Thanks to regular rail links and national roadways, the department also works well for buyers who want car and train access to the rest of France. Overall, Indre offers one of the best combinations of natural beauty, historical character and cost-effectiveness in the country.
Next steps: how Your Overseas Home can help
If you’re considering buying in France and want help narrowing down your options, our team at Your Overseas Home is here to support you. We specialise in guiding international buyers through each step of their property journey – from choosing the right location and arranging viewings to finding vetted mortgage specialists, estate agents and legal advisers who understand overseas transactions.
Wherever you are in the process – dreaming, researching or ready to move – our free resources, webinars and one-to-one advice can help bring your plans to life. We proudly support buyers from all over the world looking to invest in France’s most beautiful, welcoming and affordable regions.
Speak to a property consultant to start planning your property search.
