CAMARET-SUR-MER

CAMARET-SUR-MER FINISTÈRE, BRITTANY This charming fishing town is the most westerly on the Crozon peninsula. It's a beautifully rugged coastal area of towering cliffs and rocks with coves and sandy beaches, gently sloping hills, and ancient megalithic sites. It's a wild and remote piece of Brittany so you really need a car - and the nearest ferry is Roscoff 96km away. But it’s a favourite among French holiday makers as well as visitors from across Europe who come for the water sports - boating, sailing, fishing - but also those in love with the outdoors. Artists and writers also love the light and colours, and the town has an artists' quarter with over 20 galleries. In the town there’s a great fishing port, marina, many fish restaurants, crepéries and a sandy beach. So what do people buy? “There are lots of types of properties for sale in this region from ruins to fancy modern villas, beautiful character properties and everything in between,” says local agent, Clara Bay. Expect to pay €100,000 for a 50m2 apartment in the town, or for a threebedroom house in the surrounding Crozon area, from around €125,000. ST-JEAN-DE-MONTS Vendee, pays de la Loire This popular modern seaside resort in the northern Vendée is located at the corner of the ‘Côte de Lumière’ between Notre-Damede-Monts and St. Hilaire de Riez. It’s a fantastic stretch of coastline blessed with beautiful beaches and 2,300 hours of annual sun, so little different from the climate of southern France. Split in two by a long plantation of pine trees, stretching from north to south along the coast, the centreville lies to the east of the cordon, while the seafront forms a lively centre to the west. The recently restored seafront offers a network of footpaths and cycle tracks.

LA ROCHELLE CHARENTE-MARITIME, POITOU-CHARENTES Whilst the pathways between the sea, sand dunes and forest are great to explore by foot, bicycle, rollerblade, horse or even by sand-yacht, there are traditional nautical activities and a superb golf course 300 metres from a 15km long sandy beach and 700-hectare forest with trails. The laid-back town with such a choice of activities attracts both retirees seeking a full-time base and families seeking a second home. “Expect to pay around €200,000 for a two-bedroom home, €300,000 for a thatched-roof home in the marshes or €450,000 for something close to the sea, or with more prestige,” says Anne-Sophie Gaultier, local agent. Sitting in the hub of the sun-drenched Bay of Biscay, the historic old port of La Rochelle should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s known as the sunniest town of the southwest of France, and it's true, thanks to the region’s microclimate. This buzzy capital of Charente-Maritime is a university town and yachting centre. It is a great place for both relaxing, or exploring this fantastic area. “Choose between having a drink or a meal in the historical old port or the market square, wander the streets admiring the many architectural styles or join in one of the many local festivals,” suggests Elinor Murless, local agent