Despite being bordered by only one other country (Spain), Portugal has an intercontinental feel. The culture, architecture, language and cuisine have all been influenced by centuries of global travel. Living standards are high due to the advanced economy, peaceful governance, and emphasis on moral freedom for its citizens. The weather is uniformly warm in the summer months, while temperatures in winter vary depending on location. For example, you’ll find snowfall in the mountains, mild microclimates by the coast and subtropical islands. But it’s the stunning variety of terrains that draws so many tourists and expats to the country. You can hike in the national parks, walk the cobbled streets of the historic villages, search the Atlantic horizon for glimpses of North America from dramatic cliffs or lounge on one of the many glittering beaches. The Portuguese have a hospitable nature and you can expect to eat freshly sourced ingredients cooked simply and served with a flourish. Fish, squid, smoked meats, olives, cheese, bread and local wines are plentiful and you’ll find produce markets and restaurants at every turn. Feasts are central features of many of the festivities but you’ll also find music, dancing and night-time revelries at the frequent celebrations throughout the year. The north of Portugal is rocky and rugged and famous for the port wine-growing region, the Douro Valley. Rising up from the rural interior are wild mountains dotted with hunks of granite and flowing from them, the wide, fertile Tagus, Guadiana and Douro rivers. Lisbon is the most densely populated city, closely followed by Porto, and the southern Algarve region is a tourist hotspot. The Madeira archipelago is made up of 8 volcanic peaks, only two of which are inhabited and there are 9 islands in the Azores offering pale beaches, thermal lakes, geysers and black lava fields. This land has been fought over by Celts, Goths, Greeks, Romans and Moors, each of whom have left their architectural marks. Modern property development tends towards spacious, open-plan homes with echoes of these historical styles. The people of Portugal revere a rural life and as a result, there are a lot of villas or plots of land for development available in the countryside. In contrast, the cities and coastal regions are filled with affordable apartments. The road networks are good, air travel is quick and easy from northern Europe and America and there are high-speed international trains from connecting cities in France and Spain. Children are legally required to be in education from six to eighteen years old and there is a range of schooling options for international students, from public state schools, private faith schools or international schools. There is a state healthcare system in Portugal too. EU citizens can access it for free once they’ve registered and received a healthcare number (cartão de utente).

base64_flag_pt.png

thumbnail_flag_pt.png

xsmall_flag_pt.png

flag_pt.png

Portugal

Portugal en

Beautiful weather, excellent food and wine, world-famous art and culture and low living costs are just some of the reasons you should pack up and move to Spain. Spain is one of the largest countries in Europe and also one of the most geographically varied. With some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the world, breath-taking mountainous regions, fertile plains, and sun-drenched isles, there is something to suit every preference. Visit Spain and you’ll enjoy a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers, mild winters, with snow in northern and mountainous regions. If you love art and culture you’ll have much to discover in Spain, which is home to some of the finest architecture in the world. There are ancient marketplaces, Moorish palaces, and the fantastical structures of Antoni Gaudi, not to mention the Dali museum, Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim, Fundacio Joan Miro, and the numerous festivals which regularly take place throughout the country. Spanish food is as varied as its landscape; the Spanish are absolutely passionate about their local cuisine. Tapas is popular worldwide, and you’ve probably sampled at least one of these delicious little dishes. The variety of tapas offered in Spain is huge, and varies from region to region and also according to season. Spanish markets are abundant with huge fruits and vegetables, thanks to the long months of sunshine. The great news as a prospective buyer, is that food, like the cost of living generally in Spain, is very affordable and of excellent quality. Moving onto more practical matters, the healthcare system in Spain is ranked among the best in the world, spending 10% of its GDP on healthcare. There are also excellent transport links throughout the country, with modern metros, high speed trains connecting most cities, long distance coach services between major cities, and bus services in all major cities and towns. It’s no wonder that Spanish public transport is known to be some of the best in Europe. For those wishing to venture further afield, it’s easy to travel from Spain to other parts of Europe by plane, train or bus. And of course, with 36 international airports, it will be easy for friends and family from back home to come and visit!

base64_flag_it.png

thumbnail_flag_it.png

xsmall_flag_it.png

flag_it.png

Italy

italy en

Are you looking for a change of scenery? &nbsp;If this is the case, France should be at the top of your list! This magnificent country is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes with a wide range of settings to suit everyone's tastes and a rich history that will captivate you. Starting with the southern part of the country, the warmth of the people will greet you at every turn. This region is well-known for its sunny weather, sun-kissed beaches, outdoor celebrations, vibrant markets, and music festivals. Over a glass of wine, people gather to celebrate life, exchange cultural traditions, and foster an environment that is warm and welcoming to visitors from all over the world. As a matter of fact, the <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/france/places-to-live/occitanie-0l58192">Occitanie</a> region in the southwestern part of France is truly a one-of-a-kind destination with its diverse offerings of landscapes and activities. With direct access to the Mediterranean coastline and the majestic mountains and ski resorts of the Pyrenees. &nbsp;Coastal cities such as Montpellier also offer a rich historical and cultural heritage, this region is an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy the nature, history and culture of France. A little further north, nature enthusiasts will find a peaceful haven in the renowned French Alps, known for their breathtaking alpine scenery and outdoor activities like downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. With the largest skiing area in the world, the <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/france/places-to-live/auvergne-rhone-alpes-0l60750">French Alps</a> offer unforgettable experiences for all kinds of nature lovers, all year long. Finally, with their world-famous cuisine and vibrant arts scenes, French cities such as Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux offer an unforgettable experience that combines the best of urban living and cultural heritage. Regarding the cost of living, France is a great place to call home. Although prices have increased in recent years, it remains more affordable compared to other European nations like the UK. With a strong economy and an excellent quality of life, &nbsp;You can experience a comfortable lifestyle without overspending. Also, the French culture offers a more relaxed and laid-back way of life that will have you feeling right at home in no time. Why not seize the moment and fall deeply in love with a property in France? Start living your dream today by preparing for your move and reading our location guides on different regions and provinces in France. &nbsp;

base64_flag_fr.png

thumbnail_flag_fr.png

xsmall_flag_fr.png

flag_fr.png

France

france en

If you’ve not made up your mind yet where you want to buy a property, explore our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/regions">region guides</a> for a broad overview of an area. Or if you have your eye on a particular area of Spain, take a look at our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/provinces">province guides</a>. Find out what it’s like to live there, where the top locations are to buy a property, and discover what services and amenities could be on your doorstep.&nbsp;&nbsp;Or perhaps you already know which city / town you want to move to, and want to find out more about what it’s like to live there, things to do for expats, healthcare options, schools, jobs, and transport services. If so, check out our <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/cities">town and city guides</a>, which offer a deep dive into all these topics and more.&nbsp;For further location inspiration, check out our blog posts on the top destinations to buy property in Spain for <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/where-to-buy-cheap-property-in-spain-in-2024">budget hunters</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/where-to-buy-property-in-spain-2024">investors</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-live-in-spain-for-families">families</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-retire-in-spain">retirees</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/11-best-destinations-to-live-in-spain-for-digital-nomads">digital nomads</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-golf-resorts-to-buy-a-property-in-spain">golf lovers</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/lights-camera-spain-spanish-movie-locations-where-you-can-buy-a-property">movie fans</a>, <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-food-and-wine-destinations-in-spain-to-buy-a-property">foodies</a>, and <a href="https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/best-properties-in-spain/best-heritage-destinations-in-1">history buffs</a>.

base64_flag_es.png

thumbnail_flag_es.png

xsmall_flag_es.png

flag_es.png

Spain

spain en

Where are you thinking of moving to?

France Guides

Location Guides

Best destinations in France

Buying in France

Moving to France

Living in France

Discover our favourite ski chalets in France. From traditional alpine lodges to luxurious modern retreats, we've got you covered with all the information you need to plan your next ski vacation in style and in your own home. 

base64_3.9m.jpg

large_3.9m.jpg

medium_3.9m.jpg

small_3.9m.jpg

thumbnail_3.9m.jpg

xsmall_3.9m.jpg

3.9m.jpg

Our favourite ski chalet properties for sale in France

We've assembled a list of our favourite countryside properties in France this month to help inspire you.

base64_243528535_original.webp

medium_243528535_original.webp

small_243528535_original.webp

thumbnail_243528535_original.webp

xsmall_243528535_original.webp

243528535_original.webp

base64_209398220_original.webp

medium_209398220_original.webp

small_209398220_original.webp

thumbnail_209398220_original.webp

xsmall_209398220_original.webp

209398220_original.webp

Our favourite countryside properties in France this month

Struggling to choose where to live in France? Explore all 13 regions, from sun‑drenched Provence and alpine Auvergne to historic Normandy and island life in Corsica. Discover each area’s lifestyle, highlights, and personality to find the perfect match for your dream home, whether you’re retiring, relocating, or buying a second property.

Main Image What region in France is right for me. Beautiful street in Villes-sur-Auzon, Provence, France..jpg

base64_Main Image What region in France is right for me. Beautiful street in Villes-sur-Auzon, Provence, France..jpg

large_Main Image What region in France is right for me. Beautiful street in Villes-sur-Auzon, Provence, France..jpg

medium_Main Image What region in France is right for me. Beautiful street in Villes-sur-Auzon, Provence, France..jpg

small_Main Image What region in France is right for me. Beautiful street in Villes-sur-Auzon, Provence, France..jpg

thumbnail_Main Image What region in France is right for me. Beautiful street in Villes-sur-Auzon, Provence, France..jpg

xsmall_Main Image What region in France is right for me. Beautiful street in Villes-sur-Auzon, Provence, France..jpg

Which region in France is right for me?

The emphasis on green living in France makes it easy to choose eco-friendly living. Here is a list of the greenest destinations to live in France in 2025, written by an expat in Paris. 

Select a language

Your account

Best locations and properties to buy property in France

Get property bargains in your inbox