Thanks to the Limousin's scant population, property prices have remained low, however,
immigration from northern Europe, particularly Brits and the Dutch, has helped to
keep the market buoyant and contributed to some impressive rises over the last few
years. In 2007, the market appeared to level out, with house prices rising a respectable
5-10% across the department, significantly lower percentage increases than those
experienced in the previous five years.
Nevertheless, the unspoilt scenery, peace and solitude acts as a considerable draw
for Brits looking for some splendid isolation. The Limousin landscape can be divided
into three main areas: mountainous hills, reaching an altitude of 978 metres, which
sit above the Plateau de Millevaches, the plateaux themselves (which range from
300-700 metres in altitude) and the Brive basin, which has an altitude of below
200 metres.
Sun worshippers would do well to heed the altitude of any particular area when househunting,
as it makes a difference to climate – a significant drop in temperature can be felt
as you climb higher. In the Brive basin and towards the Dordogne, temperatures rise
and the climate becomes more mild.
The Limousin also has the added benefit of bordering onto the perennially popular
Dordogne. While house prices in the Dordogne average out at €1,440 per square metre,
neighbouring Haute-Vienne can undercut this figure considerably – house prices here
stand at just €1,390. What's more, for such an underpopulated region, the Limousin
sure has a lot of transport options. Trains run directly from Paris to Limoges,
which also has an airport served by low-cost carriers. The airport has recently
been upgraded and, although previously little more than a shed with a runway, it
is now quite smart.
The rail network in this department is also quite well developed with local trains
stopping off at small villages and towns such as Bussière Galant on their way from
Limoges to Bordeaux. Limoges itself is a strange city: in parts extremely pretty,
with its 12th-century church, Gothic cathedral and arched bridge, but it can feel
distinctly down at heel in some places and, considering it is both a departmental
and regional capital, has relatively few shops and amenities, especially when compared
to bustling Périgueux just across the border in the Dordogne.
Nearby Chalus is a pretty centre for its commune, with the ruins of the Château
de Chalus Chabrol containing the bowels of Richard I – he was killed here in 1199.
Mortemart, meanwhile, is designated Plus Beaux Villages status and is locally known
as the ‘petit Vatican Limousin' because it boasts no less than three monasteries.
To the south, the Corrèze is slightly more expensive, with prices averaging €1,420
per square metre – this department has also experienced a greater increase in the
last year, growing 13.1% in 2007.
Sub-prefecture Brive is known as Brive la Gaillarde (the brave) thanks to its role
as regional centre of resistance networks during World War II. The medieval centre
is now the commercial district and, because of its shops and amenities, house prices
here are a steeper €1,510/m2.
Nearby Collonges la Rouge is one of France's Plus Beaux Villages and it's clear
to see why: the car-free centre, red stone houses and tiny alleyways are stunning
– and even better – advertising boards are banned. Nearby, Curemonte is another
to earn this prestigious title, thanks to its three châteaux.
To the north-east, nestled in above the Haute-Vienne and Corrèze departments, is
Creuse, where house prices are cheaper still – just €1,080 per square metre on average.
Dominated by the Massif Central, the landscape here is hilly, covered with vast
stretches of woodland. Subprefecture Aubusson is celebrated for its weavers, who
have been knotting carpets and tapestries since the 14th century.
The nearby Tapestry museum houses a collection some 600 carpets produced in the
area between the 17th and 19th centuries.
The village of La Celle Dunoise inspired impressionist Monet thanks to its Gothic
bridge, Roman church and exceptional views over the surrounding landscape.
Source: French Property Buying Guide - French Property
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