France and Spain have ranked among the best places to retire abroad partly because of available housing, retirement benefits, and residency and visa regulations.
In 2022, an analysis listed the two European countries among the top 10 places for retirees. While France outranked Spain in the list, the latter offers a Golden Visa program for property buyers.
The said visa allows a non-European Union national to obtain residency status. France doesn’t offer a similar investment program, but expats still flock to the country to experience a culturally rich and luxurious yet laid-back lifestyle.
Here are the best luxury properties for overseas retirement that US $2 million can buy in France and Spain, as listed by two elite property brokers: Groupe Mercure and Inmobiliaria Rimontgó.
This farmhouse in Herbignac will be a great choice for retirees who want to live near beaches in the West of France. (Groupe Mercure)
A Farmhouse Near Beaches In The West Of France
Listing Price: EUR 1.144 million (US $1.247 million)
This farmhouse in Herbignac will be a great choice for retirees who want to live near beaches in the West of France.
The nearest beach only takes a 15 minute-trip, while recreational amenities such as Golf de Guérande are less than 20 minutes away.
This property features four bedrooms, including two with en suite bathrooms. (Groupe Mercure)
Key details of the 3,767-square-foot home:
- 4 bathrooms
- 5 bedrooms
- Equipped and fitted family kitchen
- Outdoor kitchen
- Reception room with fireplace
- Swimming pool with a retractable dome roof
Several outbuildings and structures on the grounds include a private swimming pool. (Groupe Mercure)
Several conversion-ready outbuildings:
- Cloakroom and boiler room
- Large garage with a converted room
- Outbuilding with pool house
- Old bread oven
- Old chapel with a floor
- Spacious cellar
- Well and workshop
Despite being a rural community, it is easy to move in and out of Herbignac. The Aérodrome de La Baule-Escoublac, an airstrip, is a 25-minute trip from the farmhouse.
The nearest regional airport in Montoir-de-Bretagne, the Saint-Nazaire Montoir Airport, only takes a 30-minute drive.
Read More: Fortified Medieval Lodging In Western France Retains Its Middle Age Essence
If the high cost of living in the South of France is a deal-breaker, then retirees should consider Valencia in Spain. (Inmobiliaria Rimontgo)
A Duplex Apartment In A Historic Spanish Town
Listing Price: EUR 1.06 million (US $1.17 million+)
If the high cost of living in the South of France is a deal-breaker, then retirees should consider Valencia in Spain.
A duplex apartment like this one in the region’s historic center makes it easy to access almost everything. From bars and restaurants to healthcare facilities and supermarkets, several expats enjoy a convenient yet low-cost life.
The property used to be a 17th-century manor house before being transformed into a two-floor duplex. (Inmobiliaria Rimontgo)
Key details of the 2,292-square-foot apartment:
- 3 bathrooms
- 3 bedrooms
- 4-meter-high ceilings
- Garage and storage area
- Library room
- Lounge area
The property used to be a 17th-century manor house before being transformed into a two-floor duplex.
Many of the previous architectural elements remained, such as ancient ogival arches, exposed beams, and exterior bricks and ceramics.
A lift is under construction to connect the garage with the two floors. The guest toilet, practical kitchen and master en suite bedroom are on the first floor, while two bedrooms and another bathroom are on the second floor.
Read More: A US $2-Million Spanish Villa In Valencia Is Rock Solid
This three-floor property in Toulouse features a bourgeois-style townhouse with several period features (e.g. chandelier). (Groupe Mercure)
A Bourgeois House In The South Of France
Listing Price: EUR 1.42 million (US $1.54 million+)
This three-floor property in Toulouse features a bourgeois-style townhouse with several period features (e.g. chandelier).
The Toulouse Chalets Concorde, which is in a sought-after district, features a ground-floor garden and terrace. The master bedroom on the first floor has a private terrace, a bathroom with a tub and a walk-in shower.
The buyer could also acquire a double garage within the townhouse’s immediate vicinity.
The Toulouse Chalets Concorde, which is in a sought-after district, features a ground-floor garden and terrace. (Groupe Mercure)
Key details of the 3,12-square-foot home:
- 3 bathrooms
- 5 bedrooms
- Double reception room
- Gas-powered central heating
- Gym, laundry room and TV lounge in the basement
- Separate fitted, high-end kitchen
- Living room with fireplace and library/office area
Expats should retire in Toulouse if they favor good weather more than anything else. The city’s year-round weather almost resembles a Mediterranean climate.
Transportation facilities such as the popular tram also make it easy to roam around the city. If there’s a need to exit France, the Blagnac Airport only takes a 20-minute trip.
Read More: A Chateau For The Ages In Southwestern France
Retirees in Dénia, Spain, live in the best of both worlds as the place is in the middle of Valencia and Alicante. (Inmobiliaria Rimontgo)
A Huge Spanish Villa Near Beaches And Golf Courses
Listing Price: EUR 1.25 million (US $1.39 million+)
Retirees in Dénia, Spain, live in the best of both worlds as the place is in the middle of Valencia and Alicante.
For a truly authentic and luxurious lifestyle, buyers should consider this luxury villa in Les Rotes. Several beaches and golf courses are within a short drive away.
The property sits on a 13,164-square-foot lot, which provides several options for expanding the main house or building another one.
From the living-dining room area, residents can access the terrace and swimming pool surrounded by landscaped grounds. (Inmobiliaria Rimontgo)
Key details of the 2,206-square-foot home:
- 4 bathrooms
- 4 bedrooms
- Garage
- Infinity pool
- Living-dining room with large windows
Natural stone walls enclose the villa for privacy. From the living-dining room area, residents can access the terrace and swimming pool surrounded by landscaped grounds.
Read More: Tastes Of Spain: Living In The Coastal Resort Town Of Dénia
