Introduction to Property in Normandy
Stephen Buss introduces us to the fascinating area of Normandy and the properties and housing available.
There’s a fantastic variety of property to chose from in Normandy, from small and inexpensive renovation projects – through mid-range family homes (both old and traditional or modern and efficient) – right up to stunning chateaux with extensive grounds and facilities. There’s building land, campsites, lakes, beach properties, gite complexes and business opportunities.
All this within an hour or so of the ferry terminal! Why spend a day driving across the whole country? We may not have such hot temperatures here as in the south, but it’s every bit as green and rural as the UK but with better weather.
About the area
The region where we’re lucky enough to live and work, in North West France, has plenty of landmark features to put it on the map. Bayeux, with its famous tapestry, and the D-Day landing beaches need no introduction and offer a poignant reminder of the area’s history, as well as attracting visitors all year round. It’s an area famous for its seafood and dairy produce, especially its cheeses – Camembert and Pont L’Eveque to name but two – also for its cider, pommeau and Calvados apple brandy. And with its long coastline of unspoilt sandy beaches, its gently rolling countryside, the quiet roads and – that magic ingredient – a slower pace of life, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
There are great opportunities for walking and cycling here, with numerous planned routes to make life easy and mountain-bike (VTT) routes for the more adventurous. Also horse-riding, kayaking, wind-surfing, even bungy-jumping – the list goes on. Plus there are excellent rail links to connect you with the rest of France – Bayeux to Paris takes a mere two hours.
Access from the UK couldn’t be easier, with major ferry ports and airports at Cherbourg, Caen and Le Havre, making it the ideal spot for a weekend getaway. And with no long drive on this side, in no time at all you’ll be relaxing and experiencing le joie de vivre in true French style. That’s got to be a plus!
About the Normandy Leggett team
We are a group of enthusiastic and hard-working people who love the area and have a passion for property. Mostly of English origins, but all of us are bilingual English/French (one Dutch) and have a wealth of experience of the French property market to draw upon.
Over the years we’ve dealt with most issues relating to property purchase and renovation – from local taxes and planning permits, to finding artisans and landscaping – and we’re happy to help with any queries you may have.
