Whether you’re looking for coastal luxury, a peaceful countryside retreat or a thriving urban hub, France offers something for everyone. But from year to year, different villages, towns and cities earn their place in the limelight. Whether it’s an industry boom or a cultural milestone, where to buy in France is always changing.

We’ve looked through the headlines and consulted with our experts and picked the ten best places to buy in France in 2025. They’re all primed for good things in the years to come. Whether its upcoming celebrations like the European Capital of Culture or the announcement of major infrastructure projects, these ten destinations are poised to shine for buyers.

Each location on this list has a unique reason for being recognised and, whether you’re looking for a holiday home, a place to retire to or an investment opportunity, you will find somewhere to explore below.

Let’s dive into why these locations are worth considering and why 2025 is the year to buy.

More affordable and less busy than Cannes, Èze-sur-Mer is an attractive alternative

Èze-sur-Mer

A picturesque village on the French Riviera, Èze-sur-Mer is renowned for its breathtaking Mediterranean views and medieval charm. Holiday home buyers seeking exclusivity, retirees craving tranquillity, and investors targeting high-end rental markets will find Èze a perfect fit. 

Property prices along the French Riviera are forecast to rise as luxury real estate demand outpaces supply. Plus, “The robust American economy and a notable increase in wages in the UK are fueling [a] comeback of foreign buyers,” Sotherby’s said in a recent report. Buying this year may mean securing a property before prices rises in the years to come.

France’s second-largest city, Marseilles has seen huge investment in recent years

Marseille

As France’s vibrant second-largest city, Marseille offers a mix of cultural richness, coastal living, and investment potential. Recent urban regeneration projects have transformed neighbourhoods, enhancing the city’s infrastructure and liveability. 

The completion of key projects within the Euroméditerranée initiative is set to enhance Marseille’s appeal. Buying in 2025 allows you to capitalise on property values before these improvements are fully reflected in market prices, whether you plan to move to the city or use the property as an investment opportunity.

Due to be capital of culture in 2028, Bourges is set to be in high demand

Bourges

Located in central France, Bourges is a hidden gem combining medieval charm with affordability. It’s perfect for retirees seeking a peaceful lifestyle in a city known for its historic architecture and cultural events. 

With rising interest in affordable, picturesque cities outside France’s traditional hotspots, Bourges is poised to gain attention. The spotlight will also be on the city on the run up to 2028, when Bourges will become the European Capital of Culture.  

Riquewihr is often described as a fairy tale village

Riquewihr

Found in the Alsace wine region in the north of France, Riquewihr is a fairy-tale village that attracts wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Close to the border with Germany, you will find a unique blend of traditional French and German cultures. Its charming half-timbered houses and proximity to vineyards make it an idyllic choice for holiday home buyers. 

The Alsace region’s growing focus on eco-tourism and wine tourism is drawing more visitors to picturesque villages like Riquewihr. In December alone, the town sees 450,000 tourists visit its Christmas market. This popularity rental properties in high demand so prices are likely to rise if you wait.

Only 90 minutes from Paris, Rennes is a growing commercial hub

Rennes

The capital of Brittany, Rennes, combines a rich cultural scene with a youthful energy thanks to its student population. It offers a vibrant lifestyle for holiday home buyers and a high quality of life for retirees. Plus, it’s only 90 minutes from Paris by train. 

The newly expanded TGV connections to Paris and other parts of France are boosting Rennes’ accessibility and desirability. With new high-speed trains hitting the rail network in 2028, reducing travelling times and making Rennes even more popular among commuters, 2025 is a strategic moment to invest.

It may be best-known for its wine, but there is much more to Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is an iconic destination for wine enthusiasts and a hotspot for luxury real estate. It’s an excellent choice for holiday home buyers and retirees seeking a sophisticated lifestyle. 

Bordeaux is entering a phase of sustainable urban expansion, with eco-friendly developments and transport upgrades planned through 2025. Development is finally beginning on La Jallère, a large sustainable housing development, and new park-and-ride facilities will reduce car use in the city. These initiatives will likely drive property appreciation, making now the time to secure value before the market surges.  

A favourite of French travel shows, Locronan is ideal for a holiday home

Locronan

A quaint village in Brittany, Locronan offers timeless charm with its cobblestone streets and historic stone houses. It’s ideal for those seeking a peaceful countryside retreat. The small village, displays a strong Celt influence, giving it an almost English feel. 

Locronan’s increasing visibility in travel media is spotlighting its historic charm. The continued rise in domestic and international tourism, alongside renewed interest in rural French properties, makes 2025 a prime time to buy before demand drives up prices.

Investment in Arras is turning it into a business hub in Northern France

Arras

Located in the Hauts-de-France region, Arras is famed for its Flemish-Baroque architecture and historic significance. It’s a unique destination for holiday home buyers and retirees and offers easy travel to the UK thanks to its proximity to Calais. 

In recent years, French development efforts, such as a new transport hub, business park expansion, and tourism initiatives have laid the groundwork to establish Arras as an affordable alternative to Paris. With more investment on the way, 2025 is a good time to buy in the area before prices potentially increase.

Ever-popular with tourists, Carcassonne is a remarkably preserved city

Carcassonne

This fortified medieval city in the Languedoc-Roussillon region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favourite among history enthusiasts. Its dramatic setting and vibrant cultural events make it an excellent choice for holiday homes. Plus, being in the south of France there is an enviable climate all year round. 

Regional investment in heritage preservation and tourism infrastructure is set to peak in 2025, enhancing Carcassonne’s appeal. The city will host the 15th stage of the Tour de France and the annual Festival de Carcassonne. Also, the city will likely benefit from the €1.9bn earmarked for tourism infrastructure investment. Buying now offers a chance to benefit from the anticipated surge in visitor numbers and property demand.

The quiet medieval village is in one of the most beautiful regions of France

Lalinde

Located in the Dordogne Valley, Lalinde offers picturesque landscapes and a quintessentially French rural lifestyle. It’s perfect for holiday home buyers seeking serenity and retirees looking for affordability. 

Interest in the Dordogne Valley continues to rise, driven by international buyers seeking authentic rural escapes. Demand could see property prices increasing as much as 4% in 2025. As French countryside properties gain traction, Lalinde’s affordability makes 2025 an excellent time to purchase before the market tightens. 

Whether you want an apartment, cottage or chateau, France delivers

Whether you’re planning a move, investing for the future, or searching for the perfect getaway, 2025 offers unique opportunities to enter the French property market. These ten destinations combine timeless charm, strategic location, and promising market dynamics, making them top picks for the year ahead.