Deux Sèvres is a department of the Poitou Charentes region, in the western part of France. Covering the former province of Poitou, it was originally occupied by the Pictons, also called Pictaves. Poitou was linked to Aquitaine and thus given successively to the king of France and king of England. The province of Poitou originally encompassed the Vendée department which is nowadays part of the Pays de la Loire region.
Deux Sèvres has become an ever popular destination for French property buyers. Indeed, you cannot help being seduced by Deux Sèvres diverse cultural heritage, fantastic local cuisine and seafood and lovely rolling countryside!
The main characteristic of the Deux Sevres is the very mild climate of the area, similar to that of Aquitaine. Indeed, the Poitou Charentes region is the second sunniest region of France but property prices are still very affordable there, and people adopt a relaxed, simple way of life.
The transport links are very good, with five international airports being less than 2 hours from Deux Sevres by car. The TGV (high-speed train) stops in Niort, the main town of the department, and reaches Paris in 2 hours, to Bordeaux in 1h30 and to Toulouse in 4h30. Another asset of the department is the very good motorway links linking it to Bordeaux, Nantes and Tours in 1h30 and to Paris in 4hrs.
In Deux Sevres, the global trend until 2008 was slightly increasing prices but since then values have been decreasing rapidly and lost €100, to now be around €1,800 /square metre. The area is very popular amongst Brits for prices have remained reasonable despite the global growth for the last decade.
In the area around Niort, prices are generally lower, with prices about €1,700 /square metre, whilst prices for rental properties can be quite expensive when compared with the size of the town.
The smartest investments are made in the countryside around Saint-Maixent, Melle and Parthenay, areas which benefit from all the assets of the department such as the good transport links, along with a calm environment. Most bargains can be found in these areas. Bressuire, in the northern part of the department, has also plenty of bargains on offer but is less dynamic economically though. A little-known but charming place is also the village of Oiron - which boast a famous castle - located in the north of the department.
Buying to let in the Deux Sevres can be a good idea if you choose popular places such as Parthenay and the Marais Poitevin area, located to the west of Niort. The latter is a popular touristic area, which will allow you to find tenants easily, mainly during summer months.
To get updated info about property prices in Poitou Charentes, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.
Click here to have an overview of Poitou Charentes Property Prices.
Historical heritage: the department has plenty of old churches to visit. The town of Parthenay is the best examples of the Deux-Sevres’ rich historical legacy, being a medieval town with many half-timbered properties.
Gourmet food: this area has lots of rustic local dishes which you will love, amongst which the famous Chabichou goat cheese, Tourteau Fromagé cake, Angelica Liqueur and the worldwide famous Echiré butter.
Tourism - sights: Deux Sevres is famous for the Marais Poitevin, a humid marsh located on the west of Niort. The goat farms are also a great attraction for families, as well as the Vallee des Singes, an entertainement park/zoo specialized in monkeys. Parthenay and Oiron are two great places to visit if you are fond of history and architecture.
Lifestyle: the department has a very relaxed lifestyle, deeply rooted in the French way of life. To get a taste of the local lifestyle, you can enjoy the ambience of the market during weekday mornings, or take part in the many cultural and musical festivals organized in the area.
Location – transport links: Deux Sevres has motorways linking it to Brittany, Bordeaux, Paris and Spain, as well as a high-speed train line linking it to Paris and Bordeaux/ Toulouse/ Spain. The department has no airport or harbour.
The architecture and property styles in Deux Sevres are composed of classic properties along with half-timbered houses, farmhouses or manor houses. Many small chateaux can be seen in the hinterland, as well as converted barns which can be ideal summer cottages or second homes. Local stones such as tuf are used, and red flat tiles are often used on the roofs.
Click here for more info about the Architecture of Poitou Charentes.
Take a closer look at the Deux Sevres market: | |
Bressuire Property Information | Chef Boutonne Property Information |
Melle Property Information | Niort Information |
Parthenay Property Information | Sauze Vaussais Information |
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