As a basic rule, the South of France has fabulous sunshine practically year-round. Whether you want to live in the south or not, though, there are plenty of options for soaking up the sun on your new luxury property in France. Consider living in these sought-after areas for endless sun-drenched days.
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Sunny Inland Towns in France
You don’t have to be right on the coast to enjoy the sun. Some towns that are more inland, like Agen (in Aquitaine, near the Midi-Pyrénées border) gets 1,982 hours of sunshine per year. Take a look at this cozy villa in Agen, set on 14 hectares amongst Gascon’s rolling hills. You’ll be surrounded by woods, prairies and orchards, making it the ideal property for nature lovers or horseback riders. Aside from the main house, the estate also has a guest cottage; a large, multi-purpose barn; a pool; and a tennis court.
Limousin boasts lush greenery which can be attributed to rainfall, but the area also sees a lot of sunshine. In Brive-la-Gaillarde, residents enjoy 2,007 hours of sunshine per year and just 901 mm of rain, which is less than you might expect. Burgundy, Centre and Champagne-Ardenne are also sunny inland areas of France where you may want to look for property. Steer clear of the north coast, though, which sees only 1,600 sunshine hours each year.
Mountain Towns
Mountain towns, while snowy or rainy, also tend to see a lot of sunshine throughout the year. Auvergne, which is located in the heart of France, gets a ton of snowfall during the winter but also has 2,117 hours of sunshine per year, specifically in Aurrilac. Bourg-St-Maurice, which is in Rhône-Alpes (where France’s best ski resorts are located) at the base of the pistes, sees 1,986 hours of sunshine per year. Lyon, the region’s capital, has a bit more sunshine at 2,001 hours. Besançon, in Franche-Comté, is sunny with its 1,836 hours per year, but it has 1,187 mm of rain each year, too, which is a lot more than the 733 mm of rain Nice sees every year.
Even More Sunshine in France
Albi sees 2,113 hours of sunshine per year. This property in Albi seems fit for anyone who loves spending their time outside, thanks to its saltwater pool, expansive courtyard and al fresco dining area. Dating back to the 13th century, this stone country home has three reception areas, five bedrooms and six bathrooms, plus outbuildings.
Bordeaux
Usually associated with wine, living in Bordeaux also treats you to 2,035 hours of sunshine every year. Take a look at this three-level loft apartment, filled with contemporary designs and modern materials. Huge bay windows overlook the terrace, where you can head to relax in the Jacuzzi.
Biarritz
Located a bit south of Bordeaux, Biarritz has around 1,887 hours of sunshine per year – this is less than other sunny spots in France while still offering plenty of glow. This duplex apartment in Biarritz has ocean views and two floors that include an open kitchen, fireplace, multiple bedrooms, and multi-floor terrace. You’ll be just six minutes from the beach, too, so that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to soak up all that sun.
Cognac
Cognac, in Poitou-Charentes, sees 1,995 hours of sunshine per year. This chateau in Cognac has views of the countryside and the Charente River, plus many of its original features from 1880. Outdoors, the property includes a landscaped park, ancient trees, a swimming pool, a greenhouse, various outbuildings, a fish pond and an enclosed paddock.
Montpellier
Montpellier, which is located right on the Mediterranean Sea, gets around 2,668 hours of sunshine per year. This waterfront apartment has spectacular views of the water, while this bright, spacious property in Montpellier includes a private villa, independent apartment, swimming pool and pool house.
Nice
Nice boasts approximately 2,724 hours of sunshine per year. This bright, airy architect’s villa in Nice has panoramic sea views, sunbathed terraces and a swimming pool. In addition to the fully-outfitted main kitchen is an outdoor summer kitchen. You may also want to peek at this apartment in Nice, set on the Promenade des Anglais. Elegant while still being relaxing, this home is refined and stylish, with an open-plan kitchen custom-made storage and multiple bedrooms.
Toulouse
Residents of Toulouse enjoy 2,031 hours of sunshine every year. Set on a wooded park, this property includes a swimming pool, pool house and tennis court, plus an outbuilding that can be used as a wine cellar. There are also two dog kennels and a lake.
HOMEHUNTS estate agents are able to select beautiful, high-end, luxury properties based on your specific search criteria. Use the search bar located above to browse our selection of luxury homes. You can also speak directly to one of our consultants by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
