Where to buy by the sea in France?

Living in France doesn’t have to be a dream, it can quickly become your reality if you’re prepared to put in the time, effort and cash to find that perfect property. And if you’re hoping to find a residence near one of the stunning beaches across the Channel, then our iad Overseas property consultants can help you do just that.

1. If you want a change of lifestyle, then France is an idyllic destination. Not only can you find a range of property styles to suit your needs, but you’re also just a few hours away from the UK so can easily travel back and forth when needed.
2. There are plenty of coastal regions to choose from, whether you’ve fallen in love with the glamour of the French Riviera in southern France or fancy the northern shores of Brittany or Normandy, you won’t feel limited when you start your property search.
3. The French economy is stable and strong, so when you invest in property you can feel confident that your money is safe. And, if you ever choose to sell, you can expect to make a profit on your initial investment.
4. If you’re buying a holiday home or a rental property by the sea, then the fact that France is the most visited country in the world is reassuring, as you’ll never have to worry about the residence being vacant for too long as tourism is a major industry throughout the country.
5. Living by the sea offers a variety of health benefits such as better sleep, cleaner air, better physical health[2] and spending more time outdoors. So not only will finding a home along the French coast give you a change of scene, but it can also boost your emotional and physical health.

In this section, we look at the different coastal regions where you could find your dream French home.

Whether it’s the warm climate and sandy beaches of the Mediterranean that have caught your eye or the pretty villages along the Atlantic coastline that have captured your imagination, let iad Overseas help you start your next chapter.

Also known as the Cote d’Azur, this stunning part of southern France has long been a popular holiday destination with visitors from all over the world.

This Mediterranean region enjoys mild temperatures all year round and is an excellent choice if you have a healthy budget for property and want to find the perfect coastal getaway.

Places such as Cannes, Nice, St Tropez and Monaco are loved by the rich and famous, so you can expect to pay a premium if you’re planning to invest here. The average price of apartments in the area are around €5,435 (or £4,5650.86) per m2 and houses are approximately €4,709 (or £3,955.96) per m2.

If you love the French Riviera but can’t afford the opulent villas of St Tropez and Cannes (many of which are priced at well over €10m) then consider areas such as Saint Paul de Vence, Grasse or La Croix Valmer, which are slightly cheaper.

Check out our guide Areas to Invest in Provence to find out more about the beauty of southern France.

Located on the Atlantic coast, Pays de la Loire is characterised by lush green countryside, traditional villages and a stunning coastline. This area is renowned for its vineyards in the Loire valley and historic architecture found all over the region.

Whilst there’s plenty to do around the area, for beach lovers, La Baule offers 9km of fine sand beaches. This seaside resort is packed with restaurants, hotels and sporting activities and is a popular tourist destination.

Nearby Vendee also boasts long, sandy beaches and is a relaxed, family-friendly area. This area offers a variety of property styles from large villas and farmhouses to properties with a pool or right by the beach. Prices start as low as €89,500 (around £75,187.61) for a 3-bedroom villa. Check out our listings for the area here.

With the Atlantic on the west and the Pyrénées mountains to the south, this large region contains 12 areas (or departments). Whilst inland Dordogne is a haven for British expats, so too is Charente-Maritime. The relaxed seaside lifestyle in this chilled out resort, surrounding greenery and impressive cliffs are a huge attraction for foreign investors. The average price of houses in the area is €2,501 (around £2,101.05) per m2 while apartments are €4,925 (around £4,137.42) per m2.

If you’re searching for a coastal area steeped in modern history, then Normandy is the ideal location. This northern region of France is a combination of rural greenery, and historical coastal towns.

Best known for its chalk cliffs, Etretat offers amazing scenery with beautiful pebble beaches and a wild, rustic feel. Part of the Alabaster Coast, the town gets busy with French and foreign tourists over the summer season and is less than three hours from Paris by road.

If you’re planning to invest in a holiday rental or second home, you can expect prices to start at around €150,000 (around £126,012.75). From small farmhouses, to sprawling villas, there are plenty of options in this picturesque Normandy location.

Nearby Trouville is a much-loved family-holiday destination and shows off Normandy’s beautiful golden sands, with a busy fishing port and pretty boardwalk.

Property prices here are slightly more expensive than neighbouring towns, starting at around €5,501 (£4 per m2 for an apartment and slightly more (€5,792 per m2 / around £4,865.77)) for a house.

Other popular seaside locations include Barfleur, a tiny village which is famous for its seafood. Deauville and Honfleur are also worth investigating if you have a larger budget.

Normandy is extremely popular with British expatriates, so you’ll never feel too far from home with this friendly community nearby.

With a coastline of over 700 miles, Brittany is the perfect location for a new life by the sea. With lush green countryside inland, you’re never too far from a beach and holiday resorts in this region of northern France.

From the pretty fishing village of Le Conquet to the world-renowned bay of Morbihan, there is something for every type of property hunter in Brittany. Lorient has five ports to explore and Cotes d’Armor offers stunning views of the pink granite coast whilst . `

The average price of an apartment in Brittany is around €4,136 (around £3,474.59) per m2 and €2,280 (around £1,915.39) per m2 for houses.

Apart from the fresh air and stunning views, there are many more advantages to buying a home by the sea in France. We’ve listed a few below:

• France is a year-round holiday destination, especially in the coastal regions, so if you’re buying a property to rent out, then you don’t have to worry about long periods without tenants.
• Rental income from short term lets could earn you a rental yield of between 6% and 9%, especially in areas such as Southern France.
• Investing in French property is a stable and solid long-term investment as the country has a strong economy and the property market is resilient.
• Expats have long loved life over the Channel, so you can meet and mingle with people from the UK whilst enjoying an authentic and relaxing French lifestyle.

Speak to our iad Overseas property consultants to find out more about why investing along the French coast could be the best decision you’ve ever made.

There are no restrictions on foreign nationals buying property in France. It might be slightly easier for EU nationals to purchase property however non-EU members can still freely invest in French land and property.

As a non-EU national, if you plan to spend longer than 90 days in your seaside home in any 180 days, then you will need to apply for a long-stay visa. The process can be completed online and there are a few requirements as detailed below:

• You will need a valid passport.
• You will need proof of income to show you current financial situation and how you will support yourself whilst in France.
• You will need to show proof of accommodation.
• Health insurance to cover the period of your stay in France
• If you have children, then you will need to show where they are attending school.[12]

Speak to a visa specialist to ensure you meet the requirements and that you apply for the correct type of visa.

Our property consultants are based all over France and are fluent in French and English. They have worked with many expats over the years and can help you to find the perfect seaside property no matter where you choose to settle.

Whether you love the south or north of France, our team will assist you in this exciting adventure.

Get in touch with us today to find out more.