Alsace:
Located on the eastern border of France, the region of Alsace draws much of its character from neighbouring Germany and Switzerland. The regional capital, Strasbourg, is a unique mix of German and French culture, and attracts hundreds of tourists every year with its rich history and attractive architecture. The weather in Alsace is generally hot and humid on the plain during the summer and cool year-round in the more mountainous areas. Prime regional attractions include the yearly summer flower festival, a number of famous vineyards, and the hundreds of medieval villages scattered around Strasbourg and the Rhine valley.   

Aquitaine:
A prime favourite with golfers due to the number and quality of its golf-courses, Aquitaine is also famed for its wine and cuisines. The vineyards of Bordeux produce Margaux, Medoc, Sauterne and Saint-Emilion wines, while regional culinary specialities include foie gras and truffles.
Tourists tend to visit Aquitaine either for its historical associations or to engage in the numerous outdoor sports on offer in the region. Popular visitor sites include Lascaux, La Madeleine and Rouffignac. For those looking to purchase an affordable property in France, Aquitane is still a viable option. Prices have not increased so quickly as in many other areas of France, although with a number of cheap airlines recently beginning to serve the area this could change.

Auvergne:
The Auvergne is distinguished by its volcanic landscape, which has given birth to mineral water brands Volvic and Vichy as well as some world-famous spas. The landscape lends itself to winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, and is also popular with nature-watchers and walkers in the summer. The main city, Puy-en-Valey, has a rich architectural heritage and boasts a charming 16th century town centre as well as being overshadowed by a 10th century chapel which can only be accessed through stairs carved in the rock. Property prices in the city are on the pricey side, but there are numerous opportunities to pick up bargains in the form of restoration projects.   

Departments:
Ain:
Close to Italy on the Swiss border, Ain is one of the most diverse of the French departments. Beloved by walkers due to its striking and beautiful terrain, the department is also a profitable agricultural centre.

Aisne:
The undulating hills and lush countryside of Aisne are strongly reminiscent of the British home counties. Due no doubt to the similarly British-style weather, the department has yet to catch on with foreign buyers and is therefore reasonably cheap. The average price for a four-bedroom house is between 155,000 and 175,000 euros. However, the distance from the sea means buy-to-lets are not necessarily profitable.

Allier:
The most northern of all the Auvergne departments is Allier – known for its thick oak forests and central vineyards. The Bourbonnaise mountains rise to the south east of the department, while the dramatic Siuole gorges provide walking and viewing opportunities to the south. The historic prefecture town of Moulins draws increasing visitors every year, as does the popular spa town of Vichy.

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence:
For many, the scenery of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence epitomises France and is one of the prettiest French regions. It combines vast lavender-filled plains with snow-capped mountains and deep nature-rich gorges. The department is incredibly easy to access, with Nice, Toulon and Marseille airports all served with flights direct from the UK. In spite of this accessibility, the inland location of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence means property prices are still relatively low.

Alpes-Maritimes:
The playground of the rich and famous, Alpes-Maritimes has a typical Riviera feel. The prefecture of Nice is the unofficial capital of the French Riviera, and combines a relaxing beach culture with a young and buzzing nightlife. As might be expected of one of the richest departments in France, property in Alpes-Maritime is extremely expensive, although it is occasionally possible to pick up bargains if you are prepared to head further inland. Ryanair, British Airways, Easy Jet, Flybe and Jet2 all offer regular flights from the UK into Nice.

Ardeche:
The department of Ardeche is attractive, serene, and as yet largely undiscovered. It combines mild weather with lush swelling hills interspersed with typically French rural villages. Property is inexpensive, and given that tourists have as yet to catch on to the department, it could be a shrewd investment. A four-bedroom house in Ardeche will set you back between 260,000 and 280,000 euros.

Ardennes:
The heavily forested landscape of Ardennes played host to some of the most famous battles of the First and Second World Wars. Towns like Rethel and Sedan still stand witness to the destructive effect of bombs and fighting, and many of the department's urban areas have a modern feel, having been effectively rebuilt in the aftermarth of the Second World War. In spite of this, however, the Ardennes boasts some charming small towns, as well as a patchwork of rugged and striking landscapes. The north of the department is particularly popular with international buyers, due to affordable property and limited restrictions on renovating.

Aube:
Named after one of the Seine's tributaries, Aube is predominantly an agricultural department. It produces some of France's most famous wines, including Les Riceys, Bar-sur-Aube, Bouilly and Laines-aux-Bois. Troyes, the departmental capital, is popular with shoppers, and has some beautiful architecture. Property prices are reasonable, and cheap compared to the rest of the Champagne region. A four- bedroom house in the department will set your back approximately 228,000 euros.

Aude:
Languedoc-Roussillon has been hailed in recent year as the new Provence – and the Aude is no exception to the regional character. It stretches from the Mediterranean in the east to Castelnaudary in the west, and encompasses both stunning beaches and peaceful inland landscapes. Along with the rest of the Languedoc region, the Aude was recently tipped by some developers as 'the best property investment prospect in France'.

Prefectures
Aurillac:
In spite of its popularity as a tourist destination, the capital of Cantal has retained its local traditions and quaint atmosphere. Aurillac hosts a large and busy market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where it is possible to buy everything from clothes to cows. It also has a famous street theatre festival which takes place every year in August.

Angouleme:
The cathedral city of Angouleme is split into two parts – the historical hillside town and the modern, industrial one. There is a strong culture of fine wine and cuisine in the prefecture, and residents also reputedly enjoy one of the healthiest 'outdoor' lifestyles in France. Property prices are high, but are balanced by the year-round busy rental market.

Ajjacio:
Ajjacio is the capital of Corsica and the birthplace of Napoleon. It has a reputation as a relaxed rather than lively town, and tends to be favoured by retirees who enjoy the laid-back café culture and wealth of good restaurants.

Auch:
Armagnac and foie-gras are both specialities of this bustling cathedral town. Historically an important trading post linking Toulouse with the Atlantic coast, Auch is perfectly situated for exploring the surrounding Gers countryside and its picturesque villages.

Agen:
Initially built by the Romans, Agen prospered in medieval times when it was given as a dowery by Richard the Lionheart to his sister's husband the Count of Toulouse. Today, the town is both attractive and beautifully situated, in close proximity to the Garonne Valley and the Armagnac Vineyards.

Angers:
Angers is the capital of the Maine-et-Loire, a region known as the 'Garden of France'. It lies on the River Maine, and is dominated by an imposing castle. The city is a centre for culture and education, and is home to over 30,000 students, who add to the buzzing and lively atmosphere. Angers has an active property market and prices are reasonably high.

Alencon:
The busy town of Alecon has a thriving nightlife culture and a host of shops and restaurants. Pretty pedestrianised streets run through the town centre, while just outside the boundaries is the Foret d'Ecouves with its pleasant leafy walks and abundance of wild boar.

Arras:
Arras is a small town in the north of France, known for its beautiful architecture and year-round festivals. A number of memorials are testament to the important part the town played in the Second World War. 

Annecy:
Sometimes referred to as 'the Venice of the mountains' Annecy is the capital of the Haute-Savoie department in the French Alps. The town is crisscrossed with canals and overshadowed by the majestic Alps. Annecy is a desirable place to own property, so prices are very expensive. Buyers should consider property just outside the town, where it is possible to get a little more for your money.

Amiens:
Amiens is the largest city in the Picardy region of France. It is characterised by waterfront cafés, lugubrious canals and cobbled streets. Properties are still cheap in the city, but are increasing as Amiens becomes more popular and accessible. 

Albi:
Situated in south-west France, Albi was largely constructed using distinctive and attractive red brick. The city is both beautiful and functional, with excellent infrastructure and numerous gardens and parks. Property prices have increased substantially in recent years due to improved transport links, but those who look hard enough will find it is still possible to pick up a bargain.

Avignon:
The beautiful city of Avignon lies on the banks of the Rhone, and is surrounded by delightful rolling countryside. The city's narrow cobbled streets and medieval squares are a magnet for tourists, so property prices are sky-high. It is nigh impossible to pick up a bargain anywhere in the vicinity of Avignon, but the city is still incredibly popular with those whose pockets are deep.

Auxerre:
Capital city of the Yonne department, Auxerre is an old city rich in cultural and historical treasures. Half-timbered houses and winding streets add substantially to the city's character. Despite its many attractions, however, property in Auxerre is relatively inexpensive – largely because it is still undiscovered by international property buyers.

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Read other articles about France:
France 2006 Market Report
Getting to know Aquitaine
Brittany and Normandy as popular as ever

Article published on 16 April 2007