Brantome Property Insight

Brantôme is situated in the northern quarter of Dordogne, marking the beginning of the “Green Perigord” (Périgord Vert in French, referring to the pasturelands and lush vegetation of the area). The Dronne River flows across the little town often called “the Venice of Périgord”, littered with authentic mills and cottages.

Overview

Brantome is a real haven of peace, halfway between Périgueux, Riberac and the Charente border. The “Green” Perigourdins are proud of this peaceful, quaint village and of their picturesque streets and bridges, artisan shops, weekly street markets and outstanding churches.

The number of property buyers in Brantome is increasing as the tourism office develops ecotourism and activity holidays in the region. Another important fact relies on the local property market which may offer good return soon as the prices are still reasonable – especially for houses to renovate.

Brantome Immobilier & Property Market Trends

Even though the overall housing prices have been soaring in the Dordogne over the last years, the northernmost tip has still bargains on offer! The little market town has all the assets to become the new trendy place to buy – and live. The lovely properties in Brantome’s lush surroundings are already popular amongst second home purchasers, seducing especially urban populations who long for quiet weekend breaks.

The average price for a property to buy in Brantome is €1,550/sq m, which is quite reasonable considering the growing popularity of the region and more precisely in south Dordogne where the property prices are soaring.

To get updated info about housing prices in the Dordogne, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Brantome

Literally relaxing and refreshing, Brantome – or the “Green Venice” – is highly regarded today by foreign buyers. Either to get a real insight into Dordogne’s life or to simply discover the southern countryside, both investors and holidaymakers begin to be won over.

• Transport links: even though Périgueux airport is not really well developed for now, Bergerac airport now offers cheap flights to/from Bristol, Edinburgh and Birmingham amongst others, and is only 1h20 away from Brantome. For further destinations, Limoges and Angoulême are other useful links (respectively 1h30 and 1h away from the “Green Venice”).

• Brantome abbey: this Benedictine abbey is a gem of architecture! With the river Dronne passing by, the huge Saint Pierre church sitting against a tree-lined cliff is renowned for being the “oldest “steeple of France”.

• Périgord-Limousin park: northwards to Nontron, this regional park is a must-visit for every nature lover. Meadows and cliffs on one side, dense forests on the other – a perfect place to get a breath of fresh air.

• River life: both locals and holidaymakers fully enjoy the Dronne. You would easily go swimming in or try your hand at gold-panning!

• Outstanding local food: you cannot help being seduced by one of the cosy hotels, chambres d’hote and starred restaurants of the area, Les Frères Charbonnels, Grand Hotel Pelisson, Hostellerie St Jacques being the most renowned. Generally located in the middle of nowhere, they offer succulent Perigord meals – you may be astonished by the variety of dishes they manage to make up from simple ducks and geese!

Property Styles and Architecture in Bergerac

Brantome offers some of the most regarded southern property styles, from rural cottages to traditional mills, all sharing the “home from home” card.

• Mills and riverside cottages: as expected when speaking of “Green Perigord” property, the mills in and around Brantome are lovely small cottages bordering the Dronne and surrounded by green settings. Such houses are generally “vertically” built on several storeys, with traditionally colourful facades and pretty terraces fronting the river. Perfect deals if you have a renovation project.

• Country houses: with a distinctive Limousin touch, the rural houses of the Perigord Vert are a blend of postcard-like settings. Either for a gite letting business or as a peaceful holiday home, properties around Brantome match Brits’ expectancies – offering the authentic southwest lifestyle and hitherto fewer touristic crowds than in the Dordogne valley.

• Manors and mansions: the most luxurious property style of south west France. Brantome’s surroundings are littered with impressive, square-shaped houses offering foremost “en-suite” bedrooms on several storeys. Recalling the Renaissance chateaux, Perigord mansions generally feature a great piece of land (several hectares) and detached outbuildings used as sheds or stables in the 16th century.

Click here for more info about Architecture in Aquitaine.