It is one of life’s greatest puzzles that the Auvergne has hereto been overlooked by British buyers in favour of France’s southernmost regions, for property prices here are cheap in comparison and its enviable position offers easy access to Paris, the seaside and ski stations along the Massif Central. In fact, property prices are cheap in comparison to anywhere – with even the most expensive department, Puy-de-Dôme, commanding an average price of just €1,620 per square metre. Property prices here grew 11.1% in 2007 – due largely to the gradual redevelopment of Clermont-Ferrand, the departmental and regional capital.
The city’s Basilica de Notre Dame du Pont is a UNESCO World Heritage site and perfectly illustrates the Auvergnat style of Roman architecture. Meanwhile, Volvic water springs forth from stone fountains dotted throughout the quaint pedestrian streets, which are lined with antique shops and art galleries. The Montferrand district features houses built between the Middle Ages and the 18th century. The town’s TGV link to Paris and its proximity to the Mont Dore ski resort make it an attractive rental prospect, although tourism is not yet as fully developed as it might be.
Clermont-Ferrand wasn’t the only part of the Auvergne to experience heady growth over 2007. Cantal, to the south-east, saw house prices boom 20.5% for an average of €132,300 in 2007 – though average prices for apartments were considerably more staid, rising just 3.5% to €1,220 per square metre. Aurillac is the department’s most successful district – with property prices rising to €138,500 around this bustling, modern town. Aurillac can offer the best of both worlds to residents and tourists alike with a winding old quarter and a modern district that provides entertainment and employment for the local population. Aurillac is the historical capital of the umbrella, though don’t let that deter you, the weather isn’t that bad – despite its (unjustified) reputation as one of the coldest cities in France.
Next door, the Haute-Loire department is home to magnificent views, with volcanic spurs crowned by religious buildings hogging the horizon. Property is inexpensive here, even in the charming town of Le Puy-en- Velay, with its UNESCO-protected cathedral. Le Puy-en-Velay acts as an artistic and cultural centre for the department and hosts several conferences throughout the year. House prices average out at €110,200 in the Puy-en-Velay district, rising to €143,700 towards the smaller, more rural Yssinguex towards the Languedoc border.
The northern department of Allier houses spa town Vichy, a town that has become increasingly popular with Brits thanks to its booming tourism trade and therefore lucrative rental market. That doesn’t mean that property is prohibitively expensive, however – in fact the Allier department is one of Auvergne’s cheapest, with apartments costing €1,210 per square metre and house prices averaging out at €110,600, rising to just below €120,000 for property in Vichy. Meanwhile, Montluçon, one of Bourbonnais’ oldest towns, offers incredible value, at just €99,600. The town has been designated a Ville d’Art for its 15 listed buildings and 22 works of art and its medieval roots are clear in the abundance of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. Last but not least is Moulins sur Allier, a designated Ville d’Art et d’Histoire, thanks to its timber-framed houses and winding medieval streets.
Source: French Property Buying Guide - French Property News
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