As rental prices and the cost of living rise steadily in the UK, it’s unsurprising that more people are looking further afield to relocate.
And France is high on the list thanks to its attractive climate, wonderful cuisine, extensive choice of beautiful locations – and our longstanding affection for the country.
We’ve found a selection of places around France where you can live for £500 or under per month including living expenses – a fraction of what you’d typically pay in the UK. Although accommodation is not as cheap to rent in France as its neighbours Spain and Italy, it is still possible to secure pleasant studios and one-bedroom apartments in attractive locations around the country.
We’ve averaged out typical modest living expenses using the online database Numbeo, and based costs on the size of each property featured.
Saint-Médard-de-Guizières, Gironde, Aquitaine – £487
This bright, modern one-bedroom flat in the centre of the town also has a living room with kitchenette – and is just £312 per month
Although Saint-Médard-de-Guizières (population around 2,300) doesn’t have outstanding attractions itself, it’s a good base for exploring the Gironde, such as the Saint-Émilion wine region and the abbey at La Sauve Majeure.
GETTING THERE: There are good rail links from the town to Limoges, Bordeaux, and other major centres. Both Bordeaux and Bergerac Airports are around 60km away.
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month/per person are approximately €202/£175
RENT IT: This bright, modern one-bedroom flat in the centre of the town also has a living room with kitchenette. Available from €360/£312 per month (kyero.com/en/property/19610299-apartment-long-let-saint-m)
Saint-Pierre-de-Trivisy, Tarn, Midi-Pyrenees – £464
Tarn offers ample natural beauty and has fantastic local sights including castles, churches and waterfalls
This village in the Tarn region of Occitanie has a population of around 600 and offers ample natural beauty, plus outdoor activities such as forest hiking, and visiting local sights including castles, churches and waterfalls.
GETTING THERE: Toulouse Airport is 80km away.
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month/per person are approximately €242/£209
RENT IT: In the centre of the village, this one-bed apartment is in good condition, with living room and open kitchen and has double glazing. Available to rent from €295/£255 per month (kyero.com/en/property/19680213-apartment-long-let-saint-pierre-de-trivisy).
Saint-Claude, Jura, Bourgogne-Franche-Comte – £419
Sat on the River Bienne and surrounded by mountains, Saint-Claude is the perfect base to try outdoor activities
On the River Bienne amongst the Jura mountains, Saint-Claude (population around 8,600) in eastern France is perfect for outdoor lovers. Try your hand at regular or cross-country skiing in winter, or hike, bike, or canyon through waterfalls, lakes and gorges as the weather warms up.
GETTING THERE: Geneva Airport is 26km away.
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month €225/£194
RENT IT: This bright studio with integrated kitchenette enjoys generous natural light throughout the day. It boasts stunning views and is ideal for those looking for a peaceful setting, while remaining close to amenities. Available to rent from €260/£225 per month (kyero.com/en/property/19709670-apartment-long-let-saint-claude).
Toujouse, Gers, Midi-Pyrenees – £442
This furnished, cosy one-bedroom apartment is available to rent from €300/£260
This quiet and attractive village has a population of around 300 and ideal for those wanting the rural way of life and a home amongst the beautiful French countryside.
GETTING THERE: Bordeaux Airport is 150km away
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month/per person are approximately €211/£182
RENT IT: This furnished, cosy one-bedroom apartment is available to rent from €300/£260 (kyero.com/en/property/19622232-apartment-long-let-toujouse)
Vierzon, Cher, Centre-Val de Loire – £500
Vierzon has impressive cultural and architectural features, such as the remnants of the medieval walls and historic churches
Although an industrial town, Vierzon (population 25,000) still has impressive cultural and architectural features, such as the remnants of the medieval walls and historic churches. There are museums, major sporting facilities, a theatre and arts complex and a street market where you can sample the local cuisine and wine.
GETTING THERE: Situated at the confluence of the Yèvre and Cher rivers in the heart of France, it has great access to other parts of France, being at the intersection of three motorways. Paris is under two hours away, and Limoges Airport is 165km away.
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month/per person are approximately €257/£223
RENT IT: This studio is situated on the second floor (there is a lift) and has a living room with balcony and kitchenette. It is close to all amenities including schools and is just a 10-minute walk from the train station and city centre. Available to rent with Kyero (kyero.com/en/property/19713184-apartment-long-let-vierzon).
Vézelay, Yonne, Bourgogne-Franche-Comte – £459
Surrounded by lovely countryside, this sleepy village has a good choice of restaurants and quaint shops
This beautiful hill village in Burgundy, with a population of around 465, and its stunning 11th-century Romanesque church are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Surrounded by lovely countryside, the sleepy village has a good choice of restaurants and quaint shops.
GETTING THERE: Paris-Orly Airport is 180km away.
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month/per person are approximately €225/£194
RENT IT: In the heart of the village, this one-bedroom apartment with traditional floor tiles has a living room with an open kitchen area. Available to rent from €307/£265 per month (kyero.com/en/property/19439185-apartment-long-let-vezelay).
Saint-Quentin, Aisne, Hauts-de-France – £417
The picturesque town of Saint-Quentin has a good variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants
Situated in northern France, Saint-Quentin (population 53,000), capital of Upper Picardy, is popular with history buffs, being near World War I battlefields. Impressive architecture includes a Gothic basilica and medieval, neo-Classical and Art Deco buildings. There’s also a good variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
GETTING THERE: Paris Orly Airport is 107km away.
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month/per person are approximately €203/£175
RENT IT: This compact studio is ideal for simple, affordable living at €280/£242 per month (kyero.com/en/property/17398588-apartment-long-let-saint-quentin).
Lons-le-Saunier, Jura, Bourgogne-Franche-Comte – £493
Tthere are plenty of shops and restaurants in Lons-le-Saunier to satisfy shopaholics and gastronomes
Lons-le-Saunier (population approximately 17,000) has an attractive historic town centre and saltwater spa. Wine-lovers will enjoy discovering the vineyards in the region, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants to satisfy shopaholics and gastronomes.
GETTING THERE: Dole Airport is 51km away, and Geneva is 109km distant.
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month/per person are approximately €230/£199
RENT IT: This bright, furnished studio is ideally located close to the city centre in a quiet and secure residence. Available from €340/£294 per month (kyero.com/en/property/19062442-apartment-long-let-lons-le-saunier).
La Ferté-Macé, Orne, Lower Normandy – £498
La Ferté-Macé has a population of just 5,000 – but holds festivals throughout the year, as well as many markets
A main draw for this town (population 5,000) is a nearby lake with a sandy beach, ideal for swimming and water sports. Hiking, climbing and horse riding are also popular. There are festivals throughout the year as well as regular markets.
GETTING THERE: Caen Airport is 80km away.
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month/per person are approximately €223/£193
RENT IT: This second-floor studio has shops, restaurants and a cinema nearby. There’s also a market every Thursday. Available from €353/£305 per month (kyero.com/en/property/19584376-apartment-long-let-la-ferte-mace).
Mont-de-Marsan, Landes, Aquitaine – £451
Mont-de-Marsan boasts 12th century Romanesque houses, Madeleine and flamenco festivals, regular lively markets and a robust local cuisine scene
This is a great base for families, history lovers, lovers of the outdoors and more. It boasts 12th century Romanesque houses, Madeleine and flamenco festivals, regular lively markets and a robust local cuisine scene.
GETTING THERE: Pau Airport is 57km away, and Biarritz is 95km distant.
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month/per person are approximately €191/£165
RENT IT: This €330/£286 studio flat is nice and bright, with French doors opening to a small balcony (kyero.com/en/property/19621267-apartment-long-let-mont-de-marsan).
Pau, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Aquitaine – £500
Pau is rather under the radar despite its attractiveness, and has a relaxed air
This pleasant town in southwest France, the capital of Béarn, has a population of around 78,000 and enjoys great panoramic views of the Pyrenées mountains – and is close enough for day trips there. It is rather under the radar despite its attractiveness, and has a relaxed air.
GETTING THERE: Pau Airport is 9km away.
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month/per person are approximately €197/£171
RENT IT: This €380/£329 per month studio apartment has the advantages of a balcony, parking and close proximity to public transport and amenities (kyero.com/en/property/19482398-apartment-long-let-pau).
Cubières, Lozere, Languedoc-Roussillon – £488
This one-bedroom furnished apartment includes a fitted kitchen and parking and is just £216
With a population of only around 190, this pretty village is for those wanting a quiet life. It has historical charm and offers a slice of traditional rural village life.
GETTING THERE: Montpellier Airport is 169km away
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month/per person are €314/£272
RENT IT: This one-bedroom furnished apartment includes a fitted kitchen and parking and is €250/£216 (kyero.com/en/property/19620181-apartment-long-let-cubieres).
Auch, Gers, Midi-Pyrenees – £412
With galleries, museums, and a good choice of restaurants, cafes and shops, you’ll have plenty to do in this very pleasant town
Situated in the region of Occitania in southwest France, Auch has a population of around 23,000. With its Gothic architecture including a UNESCO-listed cathedral, plus galleries, museums and a good choice of restaurants, cafes and shops, you’ll have plenty to do in this very pleasant town.
GETTING THERE: Toulouse Airport is 63km away.
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month/per person are approximately €242/£209
RENT IT: This compact yet bright furnished studio is being rented for €235/£203 per month (kyero.com/en/property/19719804-apartment-long-let-auch).
Laval, Mayenne, Pays de la Loire – £478
You’ll be immersed in the genuine, non-touristy way of life living in this attractive town set on the pretty Mayenne River
You’ll be immersed in the genuine, non-touristy way of life living in this attractive town set on the pretty Mayenne River. The historic buildings include a castle and cathedral, and there is a lively Saturday market as well as a good range of shops, cafes and restaurants. It has a population of around 50,000.
GETTING THERE: Rennes Airport is 71km away.
SUM UP: Typical living costs per month/per person are approximately €248/£214
RENT IT: This unfurnished small one-bedroom apartment is €305/£264 per month (kyero.com/en/property/19693486-apartment-long-let-laval).
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .