Without a doubt France is a very beautiful and much loved country. It seems to have a magical charisma that draws visitors back time and time again and for some it becomes their new home. But why? What is it about France that people can’t resist? Why does France prove to be such a popular destination for those looking to start a new life or buy a second home abroad? Everyone has their own reasons for falling in love with France but here are some of our thoughts on why France makes the perfect location in which to live.
Accessibility
France has to be one of the most accessible countries around and for those looking to move abroad or buy a second holiday home it’s perfect. For one it’s positioned at the heart of Europe and has an extensive network of airports, many of which are serviced by regular, low cost airlines, thus, making travelling to your new home an easy and cheap affair. France also has an excellent rail network serving the whole country as well as its surrounding neighbours of Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany. The channel tunnel also makes France easily accessible to those looking to make the short journey across the English Channel from the UK.
The Weather
France offers a varied selection of climates but it is fair to say that the further south you venture the warmer the weather gets, especially during the summer months. This is one of the main reasons why the South of France and the Côte d’Azur is such a magnet for those seeking to settle in France.
The Food
France is famed for its love its gastronomic heritage, it’s widely regarded as one of the worlds finest places for food. The French are very proud of the freshness of ingredients used and coupled with the climate and landscape this only adds to the magic of the French lifestyle.
France is also famous for the high standards of its Wine and Champagne production. The numerous vineyards throughout France produce some of the best wines in the world at very reasonable prices as well.
The Healthy Lifestyle
The general outlook on life in France is a lot more laid back than in many other countries such as the UK or US. The idea that pleasure and style are considered far more important than the trappings of success and wealth go altogether to make for a much more pleasant way of life.
Many visitors to France are taken aback but the fact that most shops are closed on Sundays and in some cases Mondays as well and that the whole country seems to down tools between 12noon and 2pm for lunch. The pace of life is definitely a lot less stressful, less materialistic than else where but also more active and focussed on living life itself and not letting it past you by.
The Surrounding Landscape
France provides an extensive choice of backdrop. The stunning mountainous landscapes of Alpine peaks provide excellent skiing while in contrast the beautiful beaches of the Cote d’Azur provide an perfect opportunity to top up the old sun tan. If lazing on a beach or skiing isn’t your thing then what about the Pyrénées-Atlantiques near Biarritz which offers some of the best surfing in the world (or at least Europe). Not satisfied with this? The Mediterranean coast offers some amazing wind surfing and not forgetting walking in the Pyrénées or climbing in the Alps. If you’re a city person then there is no better place to settle than Paris, one of the most romantic city’s in the world. No matter what you’re looking for by way of activity or lifestyle, France has the landscape to compliment it.
A stable property market
Finally, France is able to offer a long established and stable property market. While it’s true to say France isn’t the cheapest place in the world to buy property, it can offer the reassurance that the property market into which you’re buying is stable and has a history of growth. The recent recession has meant the property market worldwide has suffered but due to France’s stability it has been able to weather the storm and still offers good mid-long term investment potential.
France is also well regulated with estate agents having to meet stringent legal requirements before even being granted a ‘Carte Professionelle’, the certificate that allows them to buy and sell property in France. This makes France a safe purchase opportunity.
This is just our view on the reasons which make France one of the best places to live in the world. What are yours?
