Oozing Gallic charm, France’s medieval fortified towns are magnets for British house hunters. We pick four of the smaller, lesser known ones and find you a quirky property near each one
Article written by The Overseas Guides Company
Carcassonne, Avignon, Saint Malo – most British Francophiles have heard of France’s larger, fortified cities, but how many of us are familiar with the dozens of smaller towns that offer just as much historical character?
“British people love France’s older, historical places,” said Ellie Robson, France specialist at PropertyGuides.com. “For house hunters searching for somewhere quirky and with lots of character, but without the hordes of tourists that the more famous towns attract, here are four alternative fortified towns.”
Guérande, Pays de la Loire
The fortified wall surrounding medieval Guérande, near Nantes, is regarded as one of the best preserved and complete in France. No surprises that it is one of the 120 specially chosen towns that form France’s ‘Villes and Pays d’Art et d’Histoire’. And its location on a peninsula, a region famous for salt lakes and oyster farming, just adds to its wow factor. Could you see yourself in this very sweet cottage? With six bedrooms, it’s tucked away in the countryside close to the coast and would make an ideal second or first home. Click on the image to find out more.
Aigues Mortes, Languedoc
Neat Montpellier in the sunny south, 14th Century fortified Aigues Mortes rises from the red salt marshes of the Camargue. The fantastic ramparts combine with the shops, restaurants and bars that line its narrow medieval streets to attract tourists in the summer months, but this makes it a colourful place for a drink after a day on the nearby beach. We’ve found a four bedroom house that combines modern marina living with French history: with terraces overlooking the water and two private berths, it’s close to the buzz of Aigues Mortes.
La Couvertoirade, Aveyron
Built by the esteemed Knights Templar in the 12th and 13th Centuries, La Couvertoirade is a fantastically preserved medieval village tucked away on the unspoilt – and lesser trodden – landscape of the Larzac plateau. What better way to wind down than to wander the tiny streets of overhanging stone buildings, soaking up the historical atmosphere? In keeping with the medieval theme, if you’re feeling adventurous, this stunning renovated stone castle, just 5-10 minutes away, in the neighbouring village of Cornus, would make a great B&B. Or just keep it for yourself!
Brouage, Charente-Maritime
Just south of La Rochelle and in a striking location in the middle of a salt marsh, Brouage is a neat little 17th Century walled town. Once a port that grew rich from its salt traders, centuries of silting up means it is now around three kilometres from the coast. In the neighbouring town of Marennes, just a couple of kilometres away, we’ve found this pretty four bedroom cottage. It’s in the old part of the village, near the shops and market square. Click on the image for more info.
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