REGIONAL
MAP OF FRANCE:
The map below shows the regions of France and the various departments within the regions. There are 26 regions of France including Corsica and four overseas regions. These regions are further divided into one hundred departments of which four are overseas.
WEATHER IN FRANCE
One of the factors to consider if you are buying property or real estate in France, especially if it is a holiday home that you are looking to buy, is the weather. Due to its size France has a wide variation of climate and for this reason it pays to visit the region you are thinking of buying in at different times of year.
In
Northern France, as you would expect, the weather is very similar to
that of Southern England with the Basse Normandy area and surrounding
departments in particular
experiencing quite high rates of rainfall.
Whilst in general
the weather will be warmer the further south you buy your French
property, there may be particular regional conditions to be taken into
account.
In the Mediterrainean coastal regions for instance the
mistral blowing mainly from a northerly direction is a particularly
strong cold wind which can effect the department of Var, Provence,
Languedoc east of Montpellier, and the Rhone Valley, throughout the
year although most common in winter and spring. Languedoc also has the
tramontane, another cold northerly wind.
Generally, regions nearer the coast don't have as low temperatures in winter as those nearer the center of the land mass of France due to the warming effect of the sea so be prepared for cold winters if you buy a house in east central France. Conversely, the stiffling humid heat that can occur inland in summer can be ameliorated by a sea breeze if you buy a house near the coast.
On a more local level, it is possible to find areas or towns that have their own micro climate. I have visited Granville in Normandy for instance on a sunny but bitterly cold, (in the stiff north east wind,) Febuary day and nearly frozen to death one moment looking at the view from the northern side of the point in the old town. Later, sitting in the sunshine outside a cafe overlooking the harbour at the base of the south side of the point, I had discarded my coat and sweater and was pleasantly warm in my teeshirt. At other times of year, Granville can also be bathed in sunshine when the rest of the Manche penninsula is shrouded with thick grey clouds.
The only way to really find out conclusively about the climate in the area of France where you hope to buy your French property is to visit and stay there as often as is possible at various times of year. A great excuse for lots of French holidays!
