Montignac Property Insight

Montignac is above all renowned for the nearby Lascaux cave. Apart from these prehistoric remains, this little town at the edge of the “Perigord Noir” has charming, authentic French properties on offer, perfect for holiday deals. Bordering the Vezere River, Montignac is located in a wooded area, halfway between Sarlat and the Corrèze department.

Overview

The number of property buyers in Montignac is increasing as buy-to-let investments are thriving in the region. The caves of Lascaux are indeed a great appeal, making rentals good values. Another important fact relies on the local property market with prices still reasonable especially for houses to renovate as holiday homes or letting business.

Montignac Immobilier & Property Market Trends

Although Montignac is only 25km away from the town of Sarlat – especially sought-after by the Brits, this quaint village of the Black Perigord remains preserved and typically French. Most of Montignac city centre belongs to the local architectural heritage but in the outskirts, properties are perfect for chambres d’hote and gite business.

As transport links are not as well developed as in the South of the Dordogne for now, housing prices are pretty low and stable around Montignac. Buy-to-let investments are ensured by Lascaux’s tourist activity while second home buyers are seduced by the authenticity of the town.

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

4 Reasons to Buy a Property in Montignac

Montignac’s strongest appeal relies on the worldwide renowned Lascaux cave (5 min southwards), but as the charming town stretches on both sides of the river Vezere, it is also particularly appreciated for walking, hiking and cycling activities.

• Lascaux cave: a not-to-be-missed sight around Montignac! As the fertile Vézère valley was home to cro-magnon men 30,000 years ago, this part of the Périgord is deeply rooted in the prehistoric civilisation. The well-known “Grottes de Lascaux” hold the most regarded decorated rocks. These breathtaking paintings are precious evidence of the earliest art known to man – everyone is surprised when discovering they are ‘facsimile’: the famous site is indeed an exact replica of the real cave of Lascaux which has been closed permanently to the public since 1963 to avoid any threat or damage.

• Medieval heritage: as many southern towns, Montignac still boasts original buildings from the Middle Ages. The little castle where the Perigord earls used to meet, on the right bank, as well as the convent and wash houses, on the left bank, are worth a visit.

• Leisurely lifestyle: less known than Sarlat la Caneda (25 min southwards), Montignac retains all the charm of the “wild” South of France. Even though the caves of Lascaux lure thousands of tourists, the locals remain highly welcoming and steeped in their traditions.

• Authentic eateries: the small town of Montignac (hosting hardly more than 3,000 inhabitants) has anyway a wide range of restaurants. From the traditional Auberges to the friendly “Tables d’Hote” and “Chambres d’Hote” (more than 10 in total), Montignac will readily satisfy the heartiest of appetites!

Property Styles and Architecture in Montignac

Montignac’s architectural heritage is definitely in harmony with nature and based on the Medieval style. A plus, the sumptuous scenery with forests, gorges and troglodytic buildings.

Furthermore, it is the main town of the Vezere Valley: the right bank abounds with 14th-16th century riverside houses when the left one reminds you that Montignac used to be a thriving commercial centre.

• Medieval buildings: as Montignac was originally home to the Perigord earls, the whole right bank is littered with elegant yellow or honey-coloured medieval buildings. Stilt houses and stunning half-timbered properties are a common sight.

• Rustic houses: many properties around Montignac were originally inhabited and used by Perigord artisans, farmers, charcoal makers and roofers being the most present in the region. Only the indoor layout of these simple, rectangular properties varied accordingly. In some of these country houses, the former using – and atmosphere – of each room are still noticeable.

• Cottages and sheds: given the natural resources of the area, most houses around Montignac were made from local materials. The main rural property style is the convenient one-storey farmhouse made up with dry stone.

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