Investing in property in France could become even more popular after the country was named at the top of International Living magazine’s Quality of Life Index.

Eight of the top ten countries in the list are now in Europe, with the USA and United Arab Emirates making up the other two.

France sets itself apart from the other countries because the pace of life is slower and there is a huge emphasis on community, according to Eleanor O’Kane, editor of Living France.

She said: "France offers a great lifestyle that extends beyond the opportunity to buy good property … good manners and social etiquette are still rigorously observed, making for pleasant day-to-day living within communities."

The most popular area for UK home movers to buy property in France is the south-west, which is famous for its duck, foie gras, wine and mushrooms.

International Living shows the number of searches for international property has doubled in the last year and the resurgence has seen the volume of searches return to pre-credit crunch levels.

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