IL Postcard

Your Own Home in a French Village…3 Hours From Paris—$54,000

Date: 01/29/2008

Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008
Limoges, France

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Some say Limoges (in central France) is too quiet—and it’s true that disgraced army officers were exiled here out of the way, to ponder their wrongdoings—but for my money, the slower pace of life, the sleepy Sunday afternoons, and the low cost of living are worth all the bustle and pollution of Paris. Limoges, just three hours from Paris, regularly ranks high in quality of life surveys of French towns, it’s safe to walk around in the evening, and the people are friendly. And best of all, it’s one of the cheapest places in France for real estate.

And it’s not just a sunset city for seniors. The university and high school students make the town livelier during the academic year—and they’re always looking for a room or small apartment to rent while they study away from home.

I like the historic center of Limoges—the exposed oak beams of the old houses and the cathedral quarter are very atmospheric. And, as you would expect in a city devoted to les arts de la table, this is the best place to find good food. I visited the gourmet restaurant Les Petits Ventres, or Little Tummies, a while ago, and the memory of the tender local lamb still makes my mouth water.

The low-priced property hasn’t escaped notice of the English. Houses in the surrounding countryside—easily accessible from the recently upgraded airport—are being snapped up as an affordable alternative to the popular region of Charente.

If you fancy slowing down in this backwater, you won’t be out of pocket. Here are a few property samples to whet your appetite:

A south-facing two-bedroom apartment of more than 600 square feet with a view of the cathedral garden for €75,000 ($110,000). A downtown studio of more than 300 square feet in a building with a lift for €52,000 ($76,500). If you want space to invite friends and family, I saw a traditional townhouse advertised on www.pap.fr. This home is on three floors with six bedrooms, a dressing room, dining room, living room, kitchen, and a bathroom and WC on each floor, plus a cellar, terrace, and small yard. With a total living area of more than 1,700 square feet, the price of €160,000 ($236,000) seems like great value. For an idyllic peaceful setting, there’s a modern three-bedroom house of nearly 1,300 square feet on the banks of the Vienne river with a large basement and a garden for €265,000 ($390,000).

And if you prefer a more rural setting, the prices get even better. About half an hour away in Châteauponsac, a stone village house with a barn and garden, just needing a bathroom, can be found for €36,500 ($54,000). And five minutes from Limoges, a cute detached stone house with two bedrooms on half an acre is going for €137,000 ($202,000).

Leigh Fergus
Roving Europe Editor, International Living

P.S. I reveal more about this hidden corner of France in the February edition of International Living magazine; in it, you'll find out why it's a good time to consider investing there. Plus, there's news of a proposal that may save you money. Subscribe to International Living magazine now.

Editor’s note: If you would like to know more about living and buying property in France, Leigh will be available to answer your questions at IL’s Ultimate Event in Cancun, Mexico, May 28–31. Book before Feb. 8 to get the early bird discount, as well as a free hotel room.

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