The Facts

  • Departments - Corrèze (19), Creuse (23), Haute-Vienne (87)
  • Access – There are good airport connections into Limoges from Stansted and Southampton and the Limousin is around a 6 hours drive south of Calais.
  • Climate – The climate is oceanic and variable according to your altitude - the average being 300m - and the area has moderate rainfall.
  • Well known for - its excellent beef and milk fed veal. It is also known for its charcuterie, saussison and pâtés which often feature the chestnuts. There are of course cheeses and the batter based cherry clafoutis and apple falugnarde.

About the Region

Limousin has a population of around 710,939. With only 42 inhabitants per kilometre, Limousin is the least populated region of France.

The terrain in this country lover’s paradise offers opportunities for numerous sporting activities. These include: mountain biking, horse riding, hiking and rambling as well as water sports of all kinds ranging from waterskiing to windsurfing and sailing, canoeing and fishing. Limousin also has seven golf courses.

Quietly situated away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, the region enjoys wonderful lush countryside criss crossed by an abundance of rivers and lakes (hence the water sports are popular).

The region is also rich in history, châteaux and medieval villages. In all there are seven of the most beautiful villages of France (“Plus Beaux Villages de France”) including Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte and Mortemart. When Richard the Lionheart set off on the third crusade with the French King Philippe-Auguste, the overlords strengthened their defenses against him and a line of fortified towns and Châteaux along the south west border of the Viscounty of Limoges was the result.

Property for Sale in Limousin, France

In the north of the Limousin, the 'long house' is quite popular with its light yellow stone with granite clay mortar and grey slate roof. These are often attached to a stable or barn. Where this is the case, there tends to be quite a dip in the roof, clearly separating it from the actual house. The windows tend to be small, with charming lozenge or heart shapes cut out of the shutters.
In the south, you might be lucky enough to find a 'grange chapiteau', or oval shaped barn. Also in the south, you can find almost Perigourdian style properties as it touches the fringes of the Dordogne. With steep roofs and turrets they are stone, once again with the grey slate tiles. Many are rendered and you will often see dormer windows making the most of the light.
This region is one of the few remaining regions where it is still possible to find a Château or indeed any French property ranging from a Manoir to a farmhouse, for a comparatively modest sum. The Limousin is still relatively unknown as a holiday destination and the region is just beginning to enjoy the popularity for which it is well deserved.
Prices in this region are said to be the 'keenest' in the whole of France and there are certainly lots of bargains to be had. But prices are rising fast as more and more people want to buy into this untapped market.

Properties needing much loving care and attention start from as little as €25k. For a completely renovated and ready to move into house, around €80-90k. By contrast, further south an imposing and enormous manor house with lots of surrounding land will set you back €450k and you can even buy a 12th century fortified castle for €610k. There is clearly something for every budget in this vast region.

The website currently advertises several properties for sale in Limousin, with the list changing frequently.

Property for Rent in Limousin, France

The website currently advertises over 100 self-catering rental properties in the Limousin and over 30 chambre d’hotes, hotels or Auberges.

Prices start at around €45 per room per night for bed and breakfast and around €300 a week for a 1 bedroom self-catering property.