Always a favourite amongst discerning British holidaymakers and those looking to buy property overseas, France holds world’s attention hosting the Rugby World Cup 2023. The thrills and spills of this great game take place across the country’s nine main stadiums. Thousands of supporters from across the globe are descending to support their country on the pitch, enjoying the attractions of their host city outside.

Nantes, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Saint-Etienne in Loire, Paris, Nice and Toulouse have their own appeal and interest, excellent transport systems and connections – in areas with much appeal.

We thought we’d highlight some attractions of each and check out the views, highlighting what you can get for under (or around) a million through our international network:

Bordeaux

The wine capital of France and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007, included on the recent tour of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Surrounded by glorious countryside and vineyards, close to beaches and just 2hrs from Paris by speed rail, this city is an architectural and historical wonder. Easy to walk around, or hop on a tram, there is much to explore, with excellent shopping, food and drink options.

Cénac, Gironde

A superb five bedroom family residence in the lovely town of Cénac. The charming garden has a swimming pool overlooking a magnificent view of a beautiful wood.

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Lille

France’s fourth largest city, this commercial and cultural capital has both French and Flemish heritage, and is just just an hour north of Paris by train. Easy to explore on foot, visitors can take in the old town architecture, memorials, cultural centres, museums as well as shopping and green spaces. A local speciality is the Maroilles cheese, served with eggs, ham and mustard.

Dohem, Pas-de-Calais

Under 50 miles from Lille city centre is Dohem, Pas de Calais and this historic, renovated seven bedroom manoir with large gardens, heated pool and outbuildings, only 45 minutes from the Eurotunnel, Calais Car Ferry or Eurostar station at Frethun.

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Marseille

France’s second largest city and the oldest city in France, dating back to ancient civilisations where it was a major port and trading centre known first as Massalia. Multi-cultural, there are many attractions and nearby beaches to be enjoyed alongside its Mediterranean climate. Belle de Mai is tipped as an area popular with expats.

Carnoux-en-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhone

Enjoy the Provencal-style terrace garden at this large property in Carnoux-en-Provence, five minutes’ drive from the beaches of Cassis and 25km to Marseille. With potential for improvement, this 280m2 villa makes a spacious detached family home, or rental property. Currently a three bedroom apartment and a 4 bedroom apartment with terrace and roof terrace with views of the surrounding hills. There is a pool with views, pool house with summer kitchen (including a kitchen sink!) and parking.

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Lyon

For some, this is the Food Capital of France, with 91 Michelin Guide restaurants and ‘Cite Internationale de la Gastronomie de Lyon’. Located in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region where the Rhone and Saone rivers cross, Lyon is the country’s third largest city with history dating back to 43BC. A UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city in which the Cinematograph was invented, there is much to do and see.

Sainte-Foy-Les-Lyon

In Sainte-Foy-Les-Lyon, just moments from Lyon centre, discover this 138m2, three bedroom apartment offering high-end amenities and levels of comfort. The heated saltwater swimming pool (pictured) is private and there are two parking spaces.

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Nantes

This vibrant university town sits on the Loire, in the Pays de la Loire region, just 30 miles from the Atlantic coast and about two hours by train from Paris. It was the birthplace of Jules Verne, then a bustling harbour and shipbuilding centre and now a city invested in the arts. It’s the eighth largest city in France.

Saint-Aubin-des-Chateaux, Loire-Atlantique

Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the grounds of this fully renovated three bedroom farmhouse, with pool, self-contained three bedroom gite and fishing lake in 9.8 acres nearby St Aubin des Chateaux, 10km from centre of Chateaubriant with connections to Nantes.

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Nice

Ever popular capital of the famous French Riviera, this well connected, seaside city with its pebble beaches and upmarket attractions is a hub for tourism, arts, culture and technology. The surrounding areas are accessible and appealing for expats and visitors alike.

Nice, Alpes Maritimes

Take in the view from the balcony of a stunning two bed 80m2 fully renovated, luxurious apartment in Nice, located inside a prestigious gated condominium in the sought after Fabron district. Tranquil, yet close to the city’s vibrant heart, Promenade des Anglais. A private underground garage and a cellar are included too.

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Paris

The French capital is so famous, it needs no introduction and is (according to Mastercard) the third most visited city in the world, after Bangkok and London. For many it is the City of Love, images of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre or the Mona Lisa. For others there are the magnificent sights, the bustle, the architecture, history, food, fashion and shopping. Home to some of the world’s most desirable prime real estate.

XIII Arrondissement, Paris

A sunning two bedroom apartment, with breathtaking views towards the eiffel tower. The corner apartment enjoys a superb panorama at sunset over the horizon.

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Saint-Etienne

This creative city is the capital of the Loire department and a UNESCO City of Design. Also best known for its legendary football team, ‘Les Verts’. There are city attractions, with easy walking tours, and contrasting sights and hikes in surrounding nature, such as the Loire Gorges Nature Reserve and Pilat Regional Nature Park.

Andrézieux-Bouthéon, Loire

A contemporary design seems appropriate for this location. This four ensuite bedroom cubic home lies in Andréziux-Bouthéon, 18km from the city (just over a 15 minute drive). Built in 2016, this 165m2 village property has underfloor heating, a well in its grounds, pool, terrace, courtyard and large connected garage.

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Toulouse

The fourth largest city in France is also known as ‘The Pink City’ – La Ville Rose - due to the glow of the distinctive pink red bricks in the evening light. A hub for tech and start ups, research and France’s Space Centre, Toulouse is a city of cultural mix, great for young active families, on the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO Heritage Site. The Pyrenees are close by.

Saint-Felix-Lauagais, Haute-Garonne

In Saint-Felix-Lauragais sits this spacious five bedroom converted farmhouse, ideal for family retreats and gatherings. Features include 1.7 acres, an above ground swimming pool, vegetable garden and views. There is a bus service to Toulouse, or a 44 minute drive by car (around 26 miles). (Ref: A23674JG31) Asking price €550,000

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