Provence prices made you wince. The Côte d’Azur felt impossible. Now you’re scrolling through hundreds of French properties, and every region promises the same “authentic experience.” Limousin and Dordogne keep appearing—but which one actually delivers value without sacrificing charm? Browsing a dedicated sales page from regional specialists reveals properties from €65,000 to €350,000, a range that barely gets you a studio in the south.
Why Limousin and Dordogne Attract Holiday Home Buyers
These two regions occupy the sweet spot between accessibility and affordability. Limousin remains one of France’s least densely populated areas, meaning your money stretches further. Dordogne carries stronger name recognition—Périgord, truffles, medieval villages—which keeps prices slightly higher but still reasonable by French standards.
15%
of residential sales in Dordogne go to foreign buyers, according to 2025 Dordogne market analysis
Both regions share green, rolling landscapes dotted with stone hamlets and weekly markets. The difference? Limousin feels more remote, more “undiscovered France.” Dordogne has more established expat communities and tourist infrastructure. Neither is wrong. It depends what you want.
Buyer experience: Surrey couple expands their search
A retired couple from Surrey, mid-60s, came to me with a €145,000 budget and hearts set on Dordogne. Name recognition had narrowed their vision. After three days of viewings, the move-in ready options in their price range disappointed them—small townhouses, limited outdoor space. I suggested we cross into Haute-Vienne, just 40 minutes north. Within two viewings, they found a 4-bedroom renovated stone farmhouse with land for €139,000. They completed the purchase within four months.
Flight connections make both regions practical for UK-based owners. Direct routes serve Limoges and Bergerac airports from multiple British cities. According to UK flight connections data, flights to Limoges start from £19, with Manchester and London both offering budget options. Weekend visits become genuinely feasible.
If you’re weighing multiple French destinations, understanding how Limousin and Dordogne compare to other regions helps. A broader look at best holiday spots in France puts these neighbouring départements in context. My view? For buyers prioritising value and space over beach access, this corner of France remains underrated.
What Your Budget Actually Buys in This Region
Price per square metre varies dramatically between Limousin and Dordogne. According to the Limousin affordability study, the average price in Creuse reached €80,000 for 100 square metres in 2024. In Haute-Vienne, foreign buyers—more than half from the UK—completed 137 transactions at an average of €90,000. Dordogne commands €1,200 to €3,000 per square metre, with a median around €1,800.
The comparison below illustrates what each budget bracket typically delivers across both regions. Prices reflect 2024-2025 market conditions for character properties.
| Budget range | Limousin typical property | Dordogne typical property | Key trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under €100,000 | 3-bed stone cottage, needs updating, village location | 2-bed townhouse or barn requiring full renovation | Renovation costs often double the purchase price |
| €100,000–€200,000 | 4-bed farmhouse, partially renovated, land included | 3-bed stone house, habitable, smaller garden | Limousin offers more space; Dordogne offers better infrastructure |
| €200,000–€350,000 | Renovated longère with outbuildings, 1+ hectare | Move-in ready maison de maître, established gardens | At this level, both regions deliver quality—location preference dominates |
One pattern I see repeatedly among buyers: falling for a beautifully priced stone farmhouse without budgeting for the roof. Properties under €100,000 often need €30,000–€50,000 in structural work. This observation applies specifically to rural character properties in Limousin and Dordogne—newer builds carry different considerations. Always request a survey before making an offer, and factor renovation costs into your total budget from day one.
The mistake costs buyers 30-50% budget overruns. It’s avoidable. Before you view any sub-€100,000 property, ask the agent directly: when was the roof last done? What’s the septic situation? If they can’t answer, proceed with extreme caution.
Starting Your Property Search the Right Way
A rushed viewing trip wastes everyone’s time. Buyers I work with often discover that properties look different in person—sometimes better, sometimes much worse. The key is giving yourself enough days to compare properly. Three viewings in one day leaves you confused. Six to ten properties over four days gives you genuine perspective.
Online browsing comes first. Shortlist properties before contacting agents. Virtual tours help eliminate obvious mismatches. Then book flights to Limoges or Bergerac and allow 3-5 full days on the ground. That timeline works.
Your viewing trip checklist
- Book flights to Limoges or Bergerac at least 4 weeks ahead
- Allow 3-5 days minimum for property viewings
- Request a shortlist with addresses and photos before arrival
- Prepare questions on renovation history and running costs
- Check mobile signal and broadband at each property you visit
Once you find something worth pursuing, the purchase process follows a predictable rhythm. According to property purchase timeline guidance, the period between signing the compromis de vente and receiving keys typically spans two to three months.
- Online research, shortlisting properties that match your criteria
- Initial contact with agents, virtual tours to eliminate mismatches
- Viewing trip: 3-5 days, 6-10 properties, detailed notes
- Offer, negotiation, signing compromis de vente
- Final signature at notaire, key handover, celebration
This timeline assumes a straightforward purchase. Complex chains, mortgage requirements from UK lenders, or contested boundaries extend it. Budget six months from first viewing to keys if you want realistic expectations.
Choosing between different holiday home formats—houses, villas, apartments, converted barns—matters too. A guide to holiday property types helps you narrow the focus before your search begins properly.
The properties exist. The prices remain accessible. Your task now: book that viewing trip.