A rural paradise, plenty of space – and lots of affordable properties in pretty villages and historic towns. Relax and enjoy a property hunt in Creuse with Leah Rottier
Learn more about the regions of France completefrance.com/regions-of-france
With costs rising everywhere and the economic crisis seemingly here to stay a while longer, more and more of us are looking to get the most for our money. Tucked away in the centre of France, there is one small department that still manages to give homebuyers real value for money in these tough times – the stunning, rural department of Creuse.
This tranquil spot is rarely in the news and often forgotten, but don’t let its size and quiet reputation fool you – this idyllic department is full of beauty and character. With its magnificent forests, stunning lakes and friendly population, once you visit, you’ll never want to leave.
SPLENDID ISOLATION
In the historic Limousin region, nestled in central France, Creuse is home to approximately 118,000 people – about a third of the population of two of its neighbouring departments Haute-Vienne and Allier – making it the secondleast-populated department in France. There is plenty of space here, with an average population density of just 21 people per square kilometre, and nature is abundant.
The region is full of small towns and villages with nothing between them other than forests, fields of sturdy Limousin cattle and the occasional farmhouse. The towns are small – only one in the entire department has a population of more than 10,000
– but packed with character and beauty. In the west of the department, the lively town of Bénévent-l’Abbaye is a Petite Cité de Caractère with beautiful traditional stone buildings and a Romanesque abbey at its heart. It is the first sight you see when arriving in the town, and the interior is just as pretty as the exterior with its exquisite stained-glass windows and immense statues.
The commune welcomes thousands of visitors each year to see the glorious abbey, the Maison de Patrimoine and Le Scénovision (an incredible experience that takes you back in time to life in the region a century ago). It’s also on the Santiago de Compostela route, so hundreds of pilgrims pass through this beautiful village on their travels each year.
AFFORDABLE IDYLL
If you’re looking for an idyllic village lifestyle, with friendly neighbours and nature on your doorstep, then this corner of Creuse is for you. It’s amazingly affordable too. Three-bedroom village houses, about 100m2 in area with a small garden, sell for €70,000-€90,000. They usually require updating, but are worth the investment.
For less than €200,000, you can buy an entire farm to renovate, complete with outbuildings and two hectares
