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The Loire region is rich in both history and architecture. Like the river Loire, this vast region runs through the heart of French life. Its sophisticated cities, luxuriant landscape and magnificent food and wine make it a favourite with tourists and UNESCO, who have awarded it a World Heritage Site title. Popular with the holiday home crowd, the Loir is the perfect place for relaxing with nature along the beautiful coastline or in the lush countryside.

Auvergne has grown greatly in size over the years, and it now encompasses most of the Massif Central, an elevated region in the south of France that consists of mountians and plateaus. The region also has two large national parks making it the largest environmentally protected area of France. Unfortunately, the large area of protected land does not lend itself to industrial development, which has caused the population to diminish. Despite all this, Auvergne is the ideal location for a second home for those who love the great outdoors.

Alsace is the smallest region of metropolitan France, but the third most densely populated. t borders Germany on the North and the East and has a semi-continetal climate, with cold, dry winters and hot summers. The Vosges in the west protect the region, maening it has little rain. It's clement weather is one of the factors that contribute towards high property prices in the area; opportunities for property development are limited, but the character of this stunning area more than makes up for the expense.

Situated in the heart of south-west France, Midi-Pyrénées is one of the largest regions in the country, with a landscape of ancient towns, villages, castles, Romanesque churches and an inexhaustible history. Its extensive agriculture makes it a region of farmers and peasants, producing a variety of crops. The region encompasses Lot, a département that has become very popular with foreign buyers, particularly the British, because it neighbours the long popular Dordorgne. Character property is less expensive here and the people of the Midi-Pyrénées are warm, easy-going and receptive to foreigners.

Lorraine is a region with a clear French identity which is only reinforced by the fact that it is bordered by three other countries; Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. Despite its turbulent history, today’s Lorraine is thriving, ranking eighth out of the twenty-two regions of France in terms of prosperity.Much of Lorraine’s landscape has been exploited by the very industries that are now dying away, but the towns and villages of the region more than make up for the sometimes bleak landscape. With low living costs and property prices, Lorraine is the ideal location for those looking for local charm rather than splendorous countryside.

Brittany (French: Bretagne; Alsatian/German: Bretagne) Brittany is located on a giant peninsula that extends about 150 miles into the Atlantic. It is split into four departments: Côtes d’Armor, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine, Morbihan, and Rennes is the capital. Other well-known towns are the naval base of Brest and the major fishing port of Lorient.

Nord-Pas-De-Calais is one of the smallest regions in France with the densest population after Ile-de-France. More than 20 million people pass through Calais each year and it's often scoffed at by those who associate it with day-trippers simply stocking up on booze and fags. Most people rush away without discovering the spectacular coastline with its sandy beaches. The region’s accessibility means that there are many British second home owners, which has driven up the price of property. Bargains can be still found but property is more expensive close to coastal areas.

The Languedoc Roussillon stretches along the Mediterranean to provide a fantastic climate and a coastal setting. The Languedoc Roussillon produces wine in abundance - it has the largest production of any area in Europe. Running through the centre is the Canal du Midi, the region also benefits from several national parks and Pyrenean peaks often ridden by the Tour de France.

Lower Normandy or Basse-Normandie is popular with Britons due to its accessibility. It was even part of the UK in the middle ages, so it's hardly surprising that it can feel like home. The west part of the region is mostly agricultural, whilst the coast is a vibrant collection of seaside towns, ports and beaches. Property in the coastal resorts is expensive but there are bargains to be had further inland. A combination of vibrant modern cities and lush pastoral countryside make Lower Normandy a property hotspot, with something for all tastes.

Poitou-Charentes is the most popular region of France for the English, outside of the Paris area, with 10% of all British immigrants settling here. Charentes is the most affected department – the population has doubled in the last five years. The slow pace of life in the region makes it the ideal place to retire - 55% of those who come to live here are over 50 years old. Prices in many areas of the Poitou-Charentes are on the up - so if this is the region you are considering, then you better not leave it too long!

The Ile-de-France region includes the city of Paris and the surrounding area. It is one of the smallest regions geographically, covering only 2% of the total area of France, but its 11 million inhabitants, represent almost 19% of the French population, making Ile-de-France one of the most densely populated urban areas in Europe.

Aquitaine (French: Aquitaine; Alsatian/German: Aquitanien) From the flat, sandy plains and pine forests of the Landes to the beautiful lagoon of the Bassin d’Arcachon... Aquitaine is immensely diverse. Bordeaux is one of the best and most established wine growing regions in France, with brandy lovers visiting the town of Cognac.

Center has the best of the best; packed with châteaux and full of historical sights, it is truly a region of visual delights. The banks of the loire, which runs through the region, are the ideal location for a lazy summer's day picnic spent staring out at the splendour of one of the many magnificent fairytale castles dotted around Center. And a day by the river can be followed by a late afternoon stroll through the forests and river valleys. Civilisation is not far away; the TGV gives great access from Paris in just one hour. This though, brings property prices up, but with the right agents and a willingness to search just a little bit harder, there are still plenty of bargains to be found.

Franche-Comté literally translates as ‘free country’, a phrase that perfectly describes this huge area of rivers, lakes and pine woods just waiting to be discovered by those who prefer not to follow the holiday crowds. A place for breathing in the fresh air and taking outdoor excursions, Franche-Comte is top notch for those looking for outdoor pursuits and a chance to commune with nature. Famous for its Gruyère cheese and its watches and clocks, at present the population of the region stands at around 1,146,000.

Although not without its beautiful towns and villages, the jewel in Limousin's crown is undoubtedly its countryside. It is herdsman's country, and possibly where the widespread use of the shepherd's cape - known as the limousine - gave its name to the huge, wraparound twentieth century car due to its distinctive profile. Property and living costs are a lot cheaper than neighbouring regions and, being located next to the Dordogne, it is becoming more popular with British homebuyers due to its proximity to the Dordogne.The availabilty of run-down and deserted properties in the region make it perfect for those looking for a renovation project.

Corsica (French: Corse; Alsatian/German: Korsika) is one of the truly last unspoiled corners of the Mediterranean and has grudgingly relinquished little of itself to developers. The wild unspoilt interior with its dense shrubland complements the sandy beaches and rocky coves of the coastline.

As the scene of the battles of the Somme, as well as Agincourt, Crecy and Saint-Quentin, Picardie has had more than its fair share of troubled history. But despite this, today the region is one of peace and tranquillity, and less commercial than some other areas of France. The region's proximity to Paris has caused many Parisians to buy property in the area and commute, taking advantage of the unspoilt coastlines at weekends. The size of the region and the recent surge in popularity means property is highly sought after, but well worth pursuing.

Champagne-Ardenne (French: Champagne-Ardenne; Alsatian/German: Champagne-Ardenne) Bordered by Belgium to the north, the Paris Basin to the east, Lorraine to the west and Burgundy to the south, Champagne-Ardenne links two famous areas of France into a single administrative district, one of the 22 that make up the country.

(French: Bourgogne; Alsatian/German: Burgunder) is a peaceful rural région at the heart of France, which has a rich and unique history. The Dijon-based duchy ran Burgundy for 600 years until 1477, when the région was jealously snatched by the kingdom of France. There is evidence of the duchy's wealth and power everywhere, such as the many beautiful chateaux and lovely towns and villages.

It's not difficult to see why so many people want to live in this region. The climate and quality of life are among the best in France. Parts of the area, especially those close to the coast, are densely populated. In the summer droves of tourists pack the beaches, towns are clogged with traffic and the pretty fortified hill-top villages are full to the brim with visitors following the arrows of the circuits touristiques. But out of season and away from the crowds the region is full of sights to behold. The downside of buying a home here is that, along with Ile-de-France, it is one of the most expensive regions.

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