Limousin is arguably one of the last areas of "real France" largely untouched by mass investment in infrastructure and tourism. If you enjoy the serenity of the countryside and outdoor life in general then this region could be just what you're looking for. The price of property here is also very reasonable with a 2 bedroom house with a garden starting from just £60,000.

Location:

Limousin is situated in central France bordering the regions of Centre, Auvergne, Midi-Pyrenees, Aquitaine & Poitou-Charentes. It comprises the departments of Correze, Haute-Vienne & La Creuse and sits 350km south of Paris. Its main airport is at Limoges but a new airport is about to open in Brive-la-Gaillard operated by some low-cost airlines.

Attractions:

This rural area offers a multitude of attractions but is most famous for its multitude of lakes and rivers which supports many water activities including fishing, swimming, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking or simply relaxing on one of the sandy lake beaches. Other outdoor activities in Limousin include pony-trekking, walking and golf on one of its many good value courses.

Dotted around the region are thousands of traditional French villages with authentic architecture, cafes, restaurants and parks which are far less affected by tourism than many other regions. In these villages you will find extremely good value stone-built cottages and farmhouses and friendly neighbours. However you cannot expect the local people to speak English to you so you will need to brush up on your French if you wish to integrate yourself into the community and fully take advantage of the area.

Places of Interest: Limousin holds many places of interest too which include its numerous chateaux such as Chateaux de Boussac and Chateau de Chalus and its museums like the "Moulin du Got"; one of last remnants of the flourishing paper making industry in the area. There are a number of wildlife parks including "Les Loupes de Chabrières in Gueret", Parc de Reynou near Limoges and the Aquarium in Limoges itself. If you prefer to get more up close and personal with nature then a visit to the Creuse department is worthwhile. Covered in large swathes of Forest of Oak, Pine & Chestnut, criss-crossed with many streams and lakes this department offers great mountain-biking and walking territory where you can see and hear much of the local wildlife and take in the beautiful surroundings.