The 10 Cheapest Regions to Buy a House in France 🏡🇫🇷

💰 Average price per m²: ~€1,000

Creuse, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is one of the most affordable places in France to buy property. Known for its rolling green landscapes, medieval villages, and laid-back lifestyle, this region offers an excellent quality of life at a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere.

You can find beautiful stone farmhouses with gardens for as little as €50,000. Many properties require some renovation, but even after improvements, the total cost remains remarkably low. If you’re looking for a quiet, rural retreat far from the hustle and bustle, Creuse is a fantastic option.

Why buy here?
✔️ Extremely low prices
✔️ Peaceful countryside and friendly locals
✔️ Ideal for nature lovers and retirees

Aubusson, Creuse – Photo by Bally_Hoo on Wikimedia Commons – CC-BY-2.0

💰 Average price per m²: ~€1,100

Situated in northeastern France, Meuse is a region full of rolling hills, forests, and historic battlefields. Unlike its more expensive neighbor Alsace, property prices in Meuse remain incredibly low.

A large village house with a garden can be purchased for under €80,000, making this a great place for those looking to buy a spacious home on a budget. While it’s a rural area, its proximity to Belgium and Luxembourg makes it attractive for those who need to travel internationally.

Why buy here?
✔️ Very low property prices
✔️ Good transport links to Belgium and Luxembourg
✔️ Quiet, traditional French lifestyle

The city of Bar-le-duc in the Meuse area – Photo by Ketounette on Wikimedia Commons – CC-BY-SA-4.0

💰 Average price per m²: ~€1,200

Nestled in central France, Allier is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and offers stunning natural landscapes, charming villages, and rich history. Unlike its more expensive counterparts in the Alps, Allier remains one of the cheapest places to buy a home in France.

Here, you can buy a countryside cottage or farmhouse for around €70,000. The region’s affordability, combined with its picturesque environment and easy access to cities like Clermont-Ferrand and Vichy, makes it a hidden treasure.

Why buy here?
✔️ Affordable historic properties
✔️ Beautiful rural landscapes
✔️ Proximity to major cities

Moulins in Allier – Photo by Jean-Louis Zimmermann on Wikimedia Commons – CC-BY-SA-4.0

💰 Average price per m²: ~€1,300

Indre, located in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a lesser-known but equally charming part of France. It’s famous for its medieval towns, vineyards, and relaxed atmosphere.

Many old stone houses and farmhouses can be found for under €90,000, making it a perfect destination for those looking for a tranquil lifestyle in the heart of France. Indre is also within a reasonable distance from Paris (about 3 hours by car), making it an attractive option for second-home buyers.

Why buy here?
✔️ Affordable prices for classic French homes
✔️ Close to Paris for occasional city visits
✔️ Stunning countryside and vineyards

💰 Average price per m²: ~€1,400

Aisne, in the Hauts-de-France region, is one of the cheapest places to buy property within a reasonable distance from Paris (about 1.5 hours by train). This makes it a fantastic option for those who want a peaceful countryside lifestyle without being too far from the capital.

The region is dotted with picturesque villages, rolling farmlands, and historic sites. You can find a three-bedroom house here for as little as €90,000.

Why buy here?
✔️ Affordable prices close to Paris
✔️ Excellent for telecommuters and remote workers
✔️ Charming rural lifestyle with good infrastructure

Laon, Aisne – Photo by Pierre Poschadel on Wikimedia Commons – CC-BY-SA-4.0

💰 Average price per m²: ~€1,400

If you’re looking for a home surrounded by forests, rivers, and breathtaking scenery, the Ardennes is an excellent choice. This region, located near the Belgian border, offers fantastic opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor activities.

A spacious village home can be bought for around €80,000, making it a great option for nature lovers and retirees.

Why buy here?
✔️ Beautiful natural surroundings
✔️ Low property prices
✔️ Close to Belgium and Luxembourg

Charleville-Mézières, Ardennes – Photo by Elizaveta Butryn on Wikimedia Commons – CC-BY-SA-4.0

💰 Average price per m²: ~€1,500

Burgundy is famous for its wine and gastronomy, but while areas like Dijon and Beaune are expensive, Nièvre remains surprisingly affordable.

For €100,000 or less, you can own a traditional Burgundy home in a picturesque setting. The region’s charm, combined with its excellent food and wine, makes it a fantastic choice for expats and retirees.

Why buy here?
✔️ Affordable countryside homes
✔️ Close to major wine regions
✔️ Rich culinary and cultural heritage

Nevers, Nièvre – Photo by Jochen Jahnke  on Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 3.0

💰 Average price per m²: ~€1,600

Located in the Auvergne region, Cantal offers stunning mountain landscapes and charming stone villages. Unlike the pricey French Alps, this region provides affordable homes in a breathtaking setting.

A traditional stone farmhouse with land can cost as little as €80,000, making it a dream location for those looking for a peaceful retreat.

Why buy here?
✔️ Spectacular mountain views
✔️ Traditional stone houses
✔️ Affordable prices for nature lovers

Château de Pesteils in Polminhac, Cantal – Photo by Berrucomons  on Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 3.0

💰 Average price per m²: ~€1,600

This lesser-known region in eastern France offers incredibly affordable homes with large plots of land. It’s perfect for anyone looking to settle in a quiet, rural setting with easy access to larger cities like Besançon.

Why buy here?
✔️ Great value for money
✔️ Excellent for farming or rural retreats
✔️ Close to Germany and Switzerland

Pesmes in Haute-Saône – Photo by JGS25  on Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 3.0

💰 Average price per m²: ~€1,700

Normandy is popular with foreign buyers, but areas like Calvados can be pricey. Orne, however, remains a hidden bargain, offering traditional Normandy homes at much lower prices.

A charming half-timbered house can be found for as little as €100,000, making this an excellent location for expats and retirees.

Why buy here?
✔️ Close to Paris (2 hours)
✔️ Classic Normandy charm
✔️ Beautiful countryside and rich history

Alençon, Orne – Photo by Olivier HERON  on Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 4.0

If you’re dreaming of buying property in France without spending a fortune, these 10 regions offer incredible opportunities at budget-friendly prices. Whether you’re looking for a vacation home, a retirement spot, or an investment, there are still bargains to be found in the French countryside.

To help you through the process, we’ve created two essential guides: “How to Buy a Cheap House in France” and “How to Convince the Bank to Let Me Buy a Cheap House in France”.

The first book walks you through every step of purchasing property in France, from finding the right home to handling paperwork and avoiding common pitfalls. The second book focuses on financing—how to prepare your application, negotiate with French banks, and improve your chances of securing a mortgage. Whether you’re ready to buy now or just starting your journey, these resources will give you the knowledge and confidence to make your French property dream a reality.

🚀 Check them out today!