Travelling to your second home in France

France is one of the most popular places for Britons to buy a second home and our closest continental neighbour, but also offers a unique culture and lifestyle. Whether your dream holiday home is a chic apartment in the city, a cosy cottage by the sea, or a rustic country lodge, the diverse property market of France is bound to have just what you're looking for.

With over two decades of experience in building a happy relationship with both England and France, we have used our expert knowledge to bring you some of the highlights from the most popular French regions to help you buy a second home.

Travel to your holiday home during Covid-19

Travelling with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle means you can safely get from the UK to France in your own vehicle and relax in your home away from home while still following safety guidelines.

Be sure to check the latest rules from the UK government on travelling to and from France and our travelling with us page for all our Covid-19 resources.

Travel to your holiday home after Brexit

Now the UK has left the EU, some things have changed of course. We have a page dedicated to travelling with us after Brexit.

Looking to buy or rent a second home in France?

Holiday homes in Normandy

With beautiful stretches of sandy beaches, hidden coves and a relaxed pace of life, if you're looking for an idyllic coastal retreat, look no further then Normandy. This area of Northern France is not only much more affordable than the South of France, you will also avoid the hordes of tourists and it's much safer. For this reason, Normandy is incredibly popular with French holidaymakers, and increasingly with Parisians. It is also a firm favourite with English tourists, which opens up great opportunities to rent your property out for holiday lettings in the months that you aren't there.

Remote, rural Limousin

If you're looking for a slice of genuine 'Old France' then you will instantly fall in love with this region. Remote, rural and dotted with charming stone houses, Limousin has a universal appeal with the English. This could have something to do with the lush green countryside, reminiscent of the landscape at home. The region is centred around Limoges, a charming city and the capital of this part of west-central France. Property in Limousin is generally fantastic value for money, and it is often counted amongst the top property investment destinations around the world.

Holiday homes in Aquitaine

The picturesque rolling French countryside has set this region apart as a favourite amongst Britons. The Dordogne tends to be the most popular area and higher prices reflect the demand here. Neighbouring Lot-et-Garonne, however, is less well-known, but just as beautiful, which means that you can get more for your money. Retaining its authentically French character, Lot-et-Garonne boasts quaint village houses set against a scenic country backdrop. This region of France is also home to the world-famous wine region, Bordeaux. So, if you fancy wine tasting, here is just the right place for you.

Holiday homes in Occitanie

This region of France attracts those who like variety as it is filled with different landscapes, from the Pyrenees Mountains to the romantic Canal du Midi. Long sandy Mediterranean beaches get plenty of sun thanks to the South West location of Occitanie, making a coastal second home very attractive. Occitanie is also the world’s largest wine-growing area, with over 280,000 hectares of vines. The area isn’t as busy with tourism as the French Riviera and Provence but offers many of the same experiences. This location’s year-round activities mean you can enjoy skiing or beach breaks and can rent out your second home easily when you aren’t staying there.

Holiday homes in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Lovers of the great outdoors and outdoor leisure flock to this region to enjoy its unspoilt countryside, hiking trails, ski slopes, and fantastic architecture. Both the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park and Vanoise National Park are located here, but as well as natural beauty, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has a fascinating heritage, with castle forts and villages of great cultural importance such as Annecy, Grenoble (a top foodie town), Le Puy-en-Velay, and Montluçon to name a few!

Buying a second home in Brittany

Always a popular destination for great food, lovely beaches, and some quintessential French towns and villages, buying a second home in Brittany is an attractive option. Surrounded by water, here you will find fresh seafood and pretty ports like St-Malo with a cathedral and walls from when it was a secret citadel. Traditional Breton culture is protected by friendly locals and you’re always sure to find plenty to do no matter the time of year you choose to spend in your second home.

Travel to your holiday home with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

Eurotunnel is the safest way to travel to France. Stay in your car from Folkestone to Calais, which only takes 35 minutes.