There are four key points as to why the Haute-Vienne is worth getting to know.

Location
A department in the sparsely populated Limousin; borders Creuse and Corrèze

Known for
Delicious beef, Aubusson tapestries, high-quality porcelain, and lots of greenery.

Property market
Some of the cheapest property in France, although capital appreciation is thought to have peaked  

We say
The Haute-Vienne is heaven for nature lovers, but for the buzzing urbanite

Part of the Limousin, which is the least populated region of France, the pace of living in the Haute-Vienne is unashamedly sleepy. The traffic is minimal, the air is clean, and for the most part, farming is the main source of activity. "A property in the Haute-Vienne is perfect as a getaway from city living," comments Trisha Mason, the Managing Director of VEF property who lived in the department for 17 years, "It is very rural!" she adds.

Rumour has it that at any given time, dotted in and amongst the French country folk, there are a high portion of British MI5 servicemen staying in the Haute-Vienne seeking a quiet recluse. It has also been reported that a certain high-profile rock musician habituates the department, often playing low-key gigs in the local watering holes. True or not, such stories are a testament to the department's character and charm. The Haute-Vienne is where people come to forget themselves, delighting in modest pleasures and appreciating the traditional essence of French rustic living. Nick Lowing from Belle France property says, "In some parts of the country, there are pockets of English villages with no French people at all and I think that's a shame. You won't get that in the Haute-Vienne."
     
The Haute-Vienne is most alive during the summer months when holidaying families and couples come to enjoy the lakes and natural beauty of the region. Mason says, "In summer the Haute-Vienne really comes into its own. It is known as the 'lake district of France', although it is not as rugged, there are plenty of lakes with beaches at the edge – it is very good for kids." The magnificent Vassivière Lake in the north and the mountains of Monts de Blond and the Monts d'Ambazac are just some of the terrain's features. Compared to the surrounding departments the weather and climate in Haute Vienne is favourably warm (albeit with a good amount of rain) which, of course, is a major incentive for sun-hungry Brits.

The Haute-Vienne has been shunned by much of the native French population, who, in search of better work opportunities, as well as increased activity and excitement, have moved to more cosmopolitan cities and towns. Around five years ago the area was an investment paradise, though this is not quite the case now. Mason explains, "Limousin is quite the buzz word amongst British property buyers. Prices were very low but it has since been 'discovered' and profiled by the media. In my opinion, it has reached its peak in price appreciation. However, property is amongst some of the cheapest in France, and what you will still find is good value." Philippe Robin, Managing Director of Selection Property, agrees: "The Haute-Vienne is known for its low property prices, but it should not be termed as an investment property 'hot spot'. Prices rose by about 40 per cent in the region in the last six years, and we are unlikely to see much more growth."

The city of Limoges is the heart of Haute-Vienne and also the entire Limousin region. Thanks to the city's airport, the French middle-of-nowhere is now actually very accessible. Budget airlines operate flights into Limoges from all over the UK, including Liverpool, East Midlands and Stansted. Most parts of the Haute-Vienne are no more than a 30–40-minute journey from the airport. This increased airport activity has sustained tourism and visitors to the Haute-Vienne, which in turn has brought money into the department – however, outside of Limoges the economy is very slow. As the hub of the region, Limoges has a good selection of bars, restaurants and shops, which display the region's famed porcelain wares. The city is home to an overall population of about 130,000, part of this number is formed by university students, pumping energy through the city. Robin says, "Limoges is where French people live and work year-round so there is plenty going on."

Property situated in the city can be good if you are looking for more action, but would also like to have the option of day-trips into the countryside. However, prices for Limoges property are substantially more expensive than the rest of the Haute-Vienne. Robin notes that: "A studio in Limoges will be priced around 80–85,000 euros, for the same price you can get a ready to move in three-bedroom townhouse situated in Bellac." Small, picturesque towns and villages such as Bellac and nearby  Le Dorat in the north west, and Saint-Junien further south, are the department's speciality. The larger settlements usually possess a small selection of restaurants and cafés, although be aware that many will not open in the evenings. Lowing says, "There is lots of beautifully unspoilt landscape but out of all the departments in Limousin, the Haute-Vienne is the most populated; in parts of Corrèze you can be miles upon miles from the nearest shop, but it is not quite so much like that in Haute-Vienne." The region's culture and heritage is very apparent in these small towns and you can spend days exploring chateaux, churches and historic medieval architecture. A couple of towns and settlements are located on the Vienne River, which cuts across the department, making for pretty waterside properties. The overall abundance of streams, rivers and lakes provide plenty of scenic walking, cycling and running routes and you will never be too far from a spot great for fishing or any other rural pursuits. Typically, those that buy in the region are looking for somewhere to really get away from it all. Winter can be very quiet in the region with little to do and see, so Mason suggests that British buyers looking for summer holiday property may be more suited to the department than those looking for year-round living in France. The Haute-Vienne is the perfect place to enjoy some family bonding – playing games, cooking barbecues and nature watching. If you want to make the Haute-Vienne your primary home Lowing says, "You will need to have an idea of what you are going to do and be able to entertain yourself in some way, or else you will just go mad!" Those that move to the department generally do so to integrate with the French rather than joining a sub-community of British nationals – learning the language is basically essential.
  
Lowing has found that the area is popular with Brits looking to retire: "We ran a survey in Britain, and out of all of those asked, not one wanted to retire in Britain. However, there are really a mixture of people coming to the region. Many young people are moving here to try their hand at working. Limoges is one of three cities tipped as a cyber centre for the country by the French government and so there is plenty of options if you are based in that field." This tranquillity matched with safe and friendly communities is what attracts many Brits, both old and young.

If you are a hands-on property purchaser, the Haute-Vienne could be just the spot for you. With many of the French having left the region there are plenty of properties to be found that are in need of some work. The work will keep you adequately occupied and there are a variety of housing types and styles to choose from. You will find that the properties are evidently influenced by all different parts of the country. Robin says, "There is no particular style of property for the region, although there are many farmhouses that come with a lot of land. Compared to other areas of France, property comes with more land for less money. If you are looking for a renovation project you will easily find something in the Haute-Vienne."

This bucolic department is not for everyone but if you are tired of manic living and looking for a property that is relatively cheap, perhaps in need of renovation, and with a good dose of serenity thrown in, the Haute-Vienne could be just the property spot for you.

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For further information:
VEF 
Bella France 
Selection Property 

Read other articles about France:
For authentic France think Burgundy
French property bargains are still there
Burgundy and Loire Valley explored

Article published in June 2007