Ivan Gillis

Ancient French City Known for its Fine Porcelain Also Offers Excellent Real Estate Deals

French Condos for Less than $125,000 USD

Limoges, France

In southwestern France, about three hours from Paris, is the ancient city of Limoges (10 B.C.), birthplace of Impressionist painter Renoir and a locale known for its manufacture of fine porcelain and detailed enamel carvings on copper.  The residents of this peaceful metropolis (population 240,000) enjoy a relatively mild climate and a high quality of life, thanks in part to the local government imposing strict environmental regulations on industry.  Trolley cars run on electricity, and the city is "green," graced with more than 1,500 acres of parks, grassy areas and flowering gardens.

While it does not have the sophistication of Paris, Limoges has its own allure.  Dining options are many and quite excellent, and the city is safe so strolling through its historic center on a balmy Sunday evening is not a problem.  Perhaps, though, its most appealing draw is the low cost of real estate (the average home price is just $168,000 USD).  Who has not dreamed of owning a home in France, perhaps as a summer get-away or as a base for further European travels?  Within the city, very small condos (300 sq. ft.) are for sale for $79,000 USD; larger units with 500 sq. ft. to 750 sq. ft. (one to two bedrooms) are readily available for $100,000 to $125,000 USD.  We also found a town home with 1,700 sq. ft., three stories, six bedrooms, a terrace and a yard for $236,000 USD.

In the Limoges countryside, real estate deals are just as good, maybe better.  We found a small, absolutely charming country cottage with two bedrooms, one bath, a wood burning stove, a tiled entrance, original wood floors and a small yard with a garden for $110,000 USD.   Thirty minutes from Limoges in the town of  Châteauponsac we found a stone house with a barn and a garden (but needing a bathroom) for $54,000 USD.

Although generally tranquil, Limoges is a university town (site of the University of Limoges) which brings a youthful air to the city.   In late September residents enjoy concerts and drama productions as writers, dramatists and musicians gather at the Festival des Francophonies.   The Musée National Adrien Dubouche is home to a vast collection of porcelain and enamelware and holds some of the finest works ever produced in France.  Limoges also has five municipal cultural centers, an opera company, a large library, ten theater companies, sixteen dance schools and eighteen exhibition halls.

This 2,018 year old city is located in the Limousin region of France, a hilly, rural area known as "the land of a thousand lakes," many clean enough and clear enough for bathing.  Medieval towns, cathedrals, ancient churches (and herds of cattle) dot the countryside, and the area is becoming popular with second-home buyers, many of them English.  The cost-of-living here remains, at least so far, lower than in may other parts of France. 

Keep in mind that nearly 70% of real estate transactions in France are conducted without realtors.  Negotiations take place between the buyer and seller, each with a notaire, a public official who oversees contract executions.  As a foreigner, it is also a good idea to have an avocat (a lawyer), someone that understands property law and speaks French, on your side.

When searching on Google or Yahoo for property in Limoges or in the surrounding countryside, use the keyword phrase "limoges limousin france real estate."