France is home to some of the most exciting heritage sights on the planet, from the grand Palace of Versailles, to the many chateaux of the Loire (and beyond). This month sees the 40th annual European Heritage Days event, which aims to celebrate heritage sites across Europe, shining a spotlight on churches, theatres and castles, as well as private homes, catacombs, banks and hotels. If you're dreaming of moving to France and spending your days exploring its rich cultural heritage, check out our round-up of the best heritage destinations in France to buy a property.
Let's get this cultural juggernaut out of the way first. From Impressionist era masterpieces and French Gothic cathedrals to iconic landmarks (bonjour Eiffel Tower!), and cutting edge museums, Paris has it all. With the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and more than 130 galleries and museums on your doorstep, Paris would never be boring. Spend your evenings enjoying performances at the beautiful Opéra Garnier, or watching a classic film at the legendary Cinematheque Francaise.
Other reasons to move to Paris: World-class food, ravishing architecture, picturesque parks and gardens, unparalleled shopping, we could go on but you get the jist. Plus there’s more than 40 international schools and two airports, a supportive expat community, and six train stations, so you’re never far from a cross-country adventure.
Nearby alternatives to Paris: There are none, Paris is utterly unique.
Hidden Heritage Gem: Musée Carnavalet allows you to dig into the personal belongings of Marie-Antoinette, and view Napoleon's death mask.
Art enthusiasts gather round, dreamy Arles once inspired Van Gough, Picasso, and Gaugin. A ludicrously photogenic UNESCO art and history city, with a Roman Amphitheatre, 10th century Abbey and beautiful Romanesque churches. There are eight museums and more than 300 galleries to explore, including LUMA Arles, a huge new art space designed by Frank Gehry that hosts annual exhibitions of major artists. And with 15 publishing houses and a plethora of specialist bookshops in town, you’ll never be short of things to read. If you can find the time.
Other reasons to move to Arles: Timeless Provençal cuisine, the wild landscapes and beaches of the Camargue on your doorstep, and the annual photography and music festivals.
Nearby alternatives to Arles: Slightly larger and definitely livelier than Arles, Avignon was the centre of Christendom for nearly 100 years. The magnificent Palace of the Popes, its crown jewel, is one of France’s top tourist attractions outside Paris.
Hidden Heritage Gem: Since 1904 theMuseon Arlaten has documented the social and cultural life of the citizens of Provençe. Here you'll see costumes, furniture, fine arts, archaeological artefacts, scale models and more.
With origins going back to the time of the Vikings, walk in the footsteps of Monet, Boudin and Baudelaire in the pretty seaside town of Honfleur. There are more than 20 art galleries and museums, and six churches to mooch around, and a dynamic annual events programme including dozens of art exhibitions and installations, a jazz festival and a joyful Marine Day celebration, honouring the town’s maritime heritage.
Other reasons to move to Honfleur: Excellent restaurants, moules mariniere, vibrant food markets (including a summer night market), gourmet shops galore, Normandy cidre, the Garden of Personalities, and the October Shrimp Festival.
Nearby alternatives to Honfleur: Glamorous Deauville and its world famous film festival is only 20 mins down the road. Or Le Havre for its UNESCO recognised modern architecture by pioneering concrete enthusiast Auguste Perret.
Hidden Heritage Gem:Musee Eugène Boudin is not only home to the work of the famous French landscape painter, but also showcases works by Monet and Hambourg alongside the best contemporary local artists.
A picturesque Provençal village set on a hilltop with strong links to Man Ray and Picasso, Mougins is heaven for art lovers. With history dating back to pre-Roman times, there are plenty of arts and heritage-related activities on offer throughout the year. Imagine decorating your holiday home with fabulous works of local art, and spending your days exploring the pretty winding lanes that are thick with ateliers and small galleries. There’s also an excellent photography museum, and the Mougins Classic Art Museum. And you’re only a 20 min drive from the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-Sur-Mer.
Other reasons to move to Mougins: Close to Cote D’Azur resorts and beaches,an astonishing number of highly-rated restaurants on your doorstep,less than an hour from the Italian border and the many delights of Piedmont (and beyond).
Nearby alternatives to Mougins: Frejus is a pretty Roman port town with 2,000 year of history under its belt and boasts a well-preserved amphitheatre, Antibes is a delightful seaside resort offering one of the best weekly markets on the coast, and a castle museum dedicated to the works of Picasso.
Hidden Heritage Gem: Le Lavoir is an old wash house building that’s now used to showcase the work of local artists, and it also plays host to a spectacular nativity display every December.
Famous for its colourful old houses that line the Agoût river, the bustling town of Castres has been the centre of the French cloth industry since the 14th century. Base yourself here and enjoy a rich anrnd varied events programme, including jazz and classical music festivals, fairs, concerts and even a Venetian carnival. Wander past pretty Renaissance mansions, and old leather tanneries and take picturesque walks through 17th century gardens designed by Le Notre, the creator of the gardens of Versailles. And don’t forget to check out the latest exhibitions at the Goya Museum, one of the largest museums dedicated to Spanish art outside Spain.
Other reasons to move to Castres: Perfect for outdoor adventurers due to its close proximity to the scenic Black Mountain Regional Natural Park, friendly local community with a sizable expat population, bustling weekly/monthly markets, and quaint little trips along the river in wooden boats.
Nearby alternatives to Castres: UNESCO World heritage listedAlbi and its spectacular Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, Palace and Toulouse Lautrec Museum, or Medieval Cordes-sur-Ciel, a charming hilltop bastide with stunning views and a middle ages vibe.
Hidden Heritage Gem: The Bishop’s Palacewas designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, architect to Louis XIV and designer of the Palace of Versailles.
Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses 2,500 of history. There are enough towers and drawbridges here to thrill a Charles Perrault heroine. There’s also eight museums, including the spooky Museum of Torture, arts and crafts ateliers dotting the streets, plus nearby Cathar castles, pre-historic caves, and old world villages to explore. Historic events and classical music festivals dominate the annual events calendar.
Other reasons to move to Carcassonne: Supportive expat community, airport close by, gateway to hours of fun on the Canal du Midi, Carcassonne Festival, Michelin-starred restaurants, historic vineyards in every direction, Mediterranean beaches only 45 mins away, world-renowned firework festival every July.
Nearby alternatives to Carcassonne: Narbonne is a picturesque seaside town famous for its sprawling gothic cathedral, Cistercian monastery, and excellent Archaeological Museum , Limoux is a pretty village 30 mins from Carcassonne famous for its timber houses and the only Piano Museum in France.
Hidden Heritage Gem: Carcassonne Fine Arts Museumis located in a stunning building and specialises in paintings and ceramics from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
A wildcard, but hear us out. Steeped in history, Les Epesses offers a glimpse into France’s Medieval past with its charming 11th century architecture and historic landmarks. The town is best known as the home of Puy du Fou theme park, famous for its captivating historical reenactments and spectacular shows that transport visitors back in time. Moreover, the region is dotted with picturesque châteaux, ancient churches, and fascinating museums, providing endless opportunities for cultural exploration.
Other reasons to move to Les Epesses: Vino! Les Epesses is located in one of France’s premier wine regions - the Loire valley, the nearby bocage vendeen is a delightful wooded backwater with paths and nature trails to explore, the Atlantic Coast is one hour and 20 min drive away.
Hidden Heritage Gem: The Cinesceny Of Puy du Fou is a spectacular show following the life of a family from the Middle Ages right through to WWII put on twice a week featuring 1200+ actors, thousands of costumes and plenty of fireworks.
Picturesque Lille, a University city that was once a key trade hub in French Flanders, is full of historic sites, museums and galleries. Spend your days wandering around the 17th century old town, dotted with colourful Flemish houses, or checking out the latest exhibitions at the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, one of France's largest fine arts museums, featuring works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Rodin. Lille's Belfry (Beffroi de Lille) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and there’s a citadel and fortress to take your friends and family to when they come to visit. The annual Arts festival in September is always a hit with locals and visitors, and the WWI & II battlefields and the fascinating museums that have sprung up around them would be on your doorstep.
Other reasons to move to Lille: Excellent train links to the rest of the continent; two hours to London, 60 mins to Paris, 40 mins to Brussels, property prices are lower than other major French cities, mouth-watering Flemish cuisine, beer culture, lots of green spaces to relax in such as the Citadelle Park.
Nearby alternatives to Lille: Arras is 50 mins south, and a more compact alternative to Lille, with a pretty old town, several museums and art galleries and the Boves d'Arras - a Medieval network of underground tunnels and cellars beneath the city.
Hidden Heritage Gem: La Piscine - Musée d'Art et d'Industrie André Diligent is located in the nearby town of Roubaix. This museum is housed in a beautifully restored art deco swimming pool and features a stunning collection of art, textiles, and design objects.
Stunning Rocamadour, sits on top of a rocky plateau above the Alzou valley, and is one of France's top pilgrimage sites after a spate of medieval miracles. There's a chateau, various spectacular churches and chapels, and prehistoric caves to explore. Plus you're surrounded by the historic villages, chateaux and castles of the Dordogne.
Other reasons to move to Rocamadour: Breathtaking views across the valley,regional food is to die for; truffles, duck, foie gras, walnuts, fruit wines, the list goes on! Within driving distance of 10 Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, animal lovers will love La Forêt des Singes, a park where monkeys roam free and bird watchers will love Rocher des Aigles bird park.
Nearby alternatives to Rocamadour: Charming Sarlat-la-Canéda is not only the food capital of the region but it's full of remarkable heritage, museums and galleries, while picturesque Périgueux is the gateway to the famousLascaux cave paintings known as the 'Sistine Chapel of Cave Art.'
Hidden Heritage Gem: St Michael's Chapel contains well preserved 12th century frescoes.
Once a medieval port by the green waters of the Sèvre, Niort offers a charming old town to explore and its most striking heritage attraction is the vast 12th century donjon (innermost keep of a castle), built by Henry II and Richard the Lionheart, which played an important role in the Hundred Years War. It's now a museum of local arts and crafts.
Other reasons to move to Niort: Less than one hour to Charente beaches, La Rochelle, and holiday hotspot Ile d'Oleron, fantastic indoor market open 6 days a week, Niort jazz festival, buzzing cafe culture, dog walks (or any kind of walk) through Marais Poitevin Nature Reserve.
Nearby alternatives to Niort: Saintes has an extraordinarily rich architectural heritage, from Roman amphitheatres, to 11th century abbeys and 15th century churches. Or if maritime history is your thing, 17th century Rochefort was purpose built by Colbert as a ship building centre, and boasts seven museums.
Hidden Heritage Gem: Offering up a cabinet of curios, Musee d'Agesci exhibits ceramics, sculpture and paintings from the 16th to 20th centuries, as well as natural history objects and coins.
Next up:
Moving to France after Brexit: Things you should know
Find out everything you need to know about moving to France after Brexit with our handy guide, written by an expat in France.
