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Top 6 of the most beautiful places in France where to buy an architect-designed house

Mahaut Fauquet
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Modified on
3/4/2025
Luxury
Summary

Where can you find an architect-designed house?

Architect-designed houses are appealing because of their bold design and their spaces designed to maximise light. Whether in Île-de-France, Paris, by the sea or in the heart of a green area, these properties offer unique features. An architect-designed villa with a swimming pool, a spectacular cathedral ceiling, a patio or even a designer fireplace are all features that make these homes true modern works of art. Some prefer a contemporary house with a garden level, while others opt for a panoramic apartment or an apartment with a balcony in an urban setting. With a well-located plot of land and precise selection criteria, it is possible to realise your dreams by finding an exclusive property suited to your lifestyle.

Brittany

Brittany is an ideal region for buying a farmhouse, an old house, a stone house or a mill, offering a preserved setting between green countryside and wild coastline.

The farmhouses, typical of Morbihan and Finistère, are often long, stone buildings with outbuildings, large plots of land and slate roofs. They appeal to those interested in renovation and agricultural projects or tourist accommodation.

The old houses of Finistère and Morbihan are recognisable by their thick granite walls, exposed beams and monumental fireplaces. They are located in towns and villages of character, such as Quimper, Pont-Aven or Vannes, and offer timeless charm.

The stone houses of Morbihan are ideal for those looking for a characterful home close to the ocean or in the countryside, with materials typical of Breton architecture.

Breton mills, often nestled by rivers or streams, are rare and sought-after for their bucolic setting, their history and their potential for renovation. They can be found in the Blavet and Oust valleys, among others.

Prices are generally affordable, with an average of €2,500 per square metre, although coastal areas (Morbihan, southern Finistère) are more expensive. Easily accessible by TGV (Rennes, Brest) and with several regional airports, Brittany also attracts visitors with its many activities: hiking on the GR34 trails, sailing and cultural festivals. Ideal for: lovers of nature, the coast and traditions.

Country houses for sale in Brittany

Authentic Brittany

Brittany is an ideal region in which to acquire a manor house or a castle, offering a unique architectural heritage and a preserved natural environment between wild coastline and legendary forests. In the Côtes-d'Armor, particularly in Guingamp, the Breton granite manor houses are characterised by their slate roofs, monumental chimneys and vast wooded estates.

Often steeped in history, these properties offer a rare authenticity, perfect for a prestigious residence or a charming accommodation project. The Breton châteaux, scattered throughout the region, bear witness to Brittany's noble history.

Whether in Morbihan, Ille-et-Vilaine or Finistère, these residences offer landscaped parks, outbuildings and breathtaking views of the countryside or the sea.

The Brittany coastline

Brittany is a prime destination for buying an apartment, house or villa by the sea, offering an unspoilt coastline and a unique living environment of cliffs, beaches and characterful ports.

In Morbihan, seaside apartments, particularly in Vannes, Carnac or Quiberon, offer panoramic balconies, direct access to the beach and breathtaking views of the gulf. These properties are very popular as second homes or upmarket rental investments.

The seaside houses, located in Finistère, Morbihan, Côtes-d'Armor, Dinard or Saint-Malo, are appealing for their granite architecture, their vast gardens and their proximity to wild beaches. These typically Breton residences combine traditional charm and modern comfort, with breathtaking views of the ocean. The more exclusive seaside villas are nestled in privileged environments with swimming pools, panoramic terraces and private access to the beach. They can be found in particular in La Trinité-sur-Mer, Perros-Guirec and Belle-Île-en-Mer, true havens of peace for a clientele in search of prestige.

The Brittany region

Brittany offers a wide choice of contemporary, manor, architect-designed and luxury houses, combining character and modernity.

  • Contemporary houses: By the sea or in the countryside, these residences favour clean lines, large openings and natural materials such as wood and stone. Manor houses: Large granite or tufa mansions, particularly in Morbihan, with high ceilings and landscaped gardens, ideal for an elegant and authentic setting.
  • Architect-designed houses: Bold creations integrated into the Breton landscape, playing on light, volumes and sea panoramas.
  • Luxury houses: Exceptional villas on the coast, often with swimming pools, panoramic terraces and direct access to the beach.

The Île-de-France region

If you want to enjoy the charm of the countryside while remaining close to the capital, the Île-de-France region may be an option. There are renovated farms, millstone houses and detached houses with large gardens. Even in Île-de-France, it is possible to find an old mill, often nestled on the banks of the Seine, the Marne or in the Chevreuse Valley. These rare properties offer a bucolic setting while remaining close to Paris. However, the property market is tight and prices are high, often exceeding €10,000 per square metre in Paris and €5,000 in the outer suburbs. Fortunately, some rural areas such as Gâtinais, Brie or Vexin offer more affordable prices.

The Île-de-France benefits from a dense transport network (metro, RER, TGV) and two international airports (Roissy-CDG and Orly).

Ideal for: those who want a compromise between nature and accessibility to Paris.

Country houses for sale in Ile-de-France

The Ile-de-France region

The Ile-de-France region is home to many prestigious châteaux, ranging from historic residences to fully renovated estates, often with landscaped parks and outbuildings. These properties, steeped in history, are particularly prized for their proximity to Paris while offering an exclusive and green living environment.

The landscape alternates between forests, valleys and vast estates, with emblematic sites such as Fontainebleau, Rambouillet or Chantilly, where some of the most beautiful castles in the region can be found. The average price per square metre varies considerably, ranging from €3,500 per square metre for properties in need of renovation to €15,000 per square metre for exceptional châteaux close to Paris.

With more than 12 million inhabitants, the region is extremely well served, with a dense motorway network (A1, A6, A10, A13), several TGV stations (Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, Massy) and the international airports of Roissy-CDG and Orly.

The Île-de-France offers a prestigious living environment, with cultural events, state-owned forests, golf and horse riding, making this region a prime destination for investing in a characterful château.

The Paris Basin

In Île-de-France, contemporary and architect-designed houses are appealing due to their sleek design, large bay windows and high-end materials. There are ultra-modern cubic villas, glass and concrete houses and contemporary extensions to classic buildings.

In Paris, architect-designed houses are becoming increasingly rare but stand out for their bold integration into the urban fabric, often with green roof terraces and private patios. In the inner suburbs, municipalities such as Neuilly-sur-Seine, Boulogne-Billancourt and Saint-Cloud offer avant-garde residences combining space and light.

The city of Marseille

Marseille is an ideal city for purchasing a penthouse, particularly in prestigious neighbourhoods such as Le Roucas-Blanc, Les Goudes or La Corniche, which offer panoramic terraces overlooking the sea. These exclusive properties combine modernity with a Mediterranean setting, often with a private swimming pool and a furnished rooftop. With its sunny coastline, creeks and lively Old Port, Marseille offers a dynamic and cosmopolitan lifestyle. The average price per square metre for a penthouse varies between €7,000 and €15,000, depending on the location. With a population of over 870,000, the city is a major hub with a TGV station connecting it to Paris in 3 hours and an international airport.

Marseille

Marseille offers magnificent seaside villas, particularly in the districts of Malmousque, Roucas-Blanc and Les Goudes, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

Between creeks, ports and hills, the city offers a unique contrast between nature and urbanisation. The average price per square metre for a seafront villa is between €6,000 and €10,000. With a population of over 870,000, Marseille has a TGV station and an international airport, as well as quick access to the A7 and A50 motorways.

The Phocaean city

Marseille offers a wide variety of exceptional properties, combining modernity and Mediterranean charm.

  • Contemporary houses: Clean-lined villas, often perched on the hills with sea views and infinity pools, in neighbourhoods such as Roucas-Blanc or Les Goudes.
  • Townhouses: Le Panier, Endoume or Vauban are home to renovated houses with terraces and patios, combining authenticity and urban dynamism.
  • Architect-designed houses: Avant-garde creations with raw materials, plays of light and integration into the landscape, often close to the coast or the Calanques.
  • Luxury houses: Provençal country houses or ultra-modern villas, nestled in exclusive neighbourhoods such as Malpassé, Bompard or the Corniche Kennedy.
  • Luxury apartments: From penthouses with rooftop terraces to Haussmann-style residences, Marseille offers rare properties with panoramic terraces overlooking the Vieux-Port or the Mediterranean.

The heart of Occitania

With its emblematic pink brick architecture, Toulouse is full of old houses of character, often with inner courtyards and façades typical of the South-West. Nestled between the Garonne and the Canal du Midi, the city offers a dynamic setting combining historical heritage and green spaces.

The average price per square metre is around €4,000/m², but can be higher in sought-after areas such as Capitole or Saint-Étienne. With more than 500,000 inhabitants, Toulouse is well served: TGV station, Blagnac international airport 15 minutes from the centre, and quick access to the A61 and A62 motorways.

In terms of local life, Toulouse seduces with its lively atmosphere, its markets, its Cité de l'Espace, and of course, its Stade Toulousain matches.

The metropolis of Toulouse

Toulouse is a dynamic city where you can find superb penthouses in contemporary buildings, particularly around the Capitole, Carmes or Saint-Cyprien district. These exclusive properties have spacious terraces with views of the Garonne or the city skyline.

With its canals, lively squares and green spaces, the city combines historical heritage and modernity. The average price per square metre for a penthouse varies between €5,500 and €9,500, depending on the location.

With gourmet markets, aeronautical industries and festivals, Toulouse is an ideal destination for a penthouse combining prestige and quality of life.

The pink city

Toulouse, the Pink City, offers a wide range of exceptional properties, from townhouses steeped in history to ultra-modern contemporary residences.

  • Contemporary houses: Designer villas with clean lines and large openings, located on the outskirts in neighbourhoods such as Balma or Lardenne.
  • Townhouses: In the popular neighbourhoods of Saint-Cyprien, Les Carmes or Côte Pavée, these houses combine the charm of Toulouse brick with modern comfort.
  • Mansions: Elegant residences with high ceilings, monumental staircases and landscaped gardens, often found in and around the historic centre.
  • Architect-designed houses: Unique constructions combining noble materials and plays of light, particularly in the sought-after residential neighbourhoods.
  • Luxury houses: Prestigious properties with private parks, swimming pools and views of the Garonne, popular with an upmarket clientele.
  • Luxury apartments: Penthouses and Haussmann-style apartments in the city centre, with terraces and high-end amenities.

La ville de Bordeaux

Bordeaux est un haut lieu du marché des lofts, avec de nombreuses rénovations dans les anciens chais et entrepôts des Bassins à Flot ou des Chartrons. Avec ses quais aménagés, son architecture en pierre et ses vignobles alentour, Bordeaux offre un cadre de vie privilégié.

Le prix moyen au m² varie entre 5 000 et 9 000 €/m², selon l’emplacement. Avec 270 000 habitants, la ville est un hub majeur avec une gare TGV (2h de Paris) et un aéroport international.

Entre marchés couverts, vie culturelle et gastronomie, Bordeaux est une destination idéale pour un loft de prestige.

The Bordeaux metropolis

Bordeaux, a dynamic and elegant city, will charm you with its varied architecture and its popular living environment, where historical heritage and contemporary achievements coexist.

  • Contemporary houses: Modern villas with clean lines and bay windows, often located in Caudéran, Le Bouscat or Talence.
  • Town houses: In historic districts such as Chartrons, Saint-Seurin or Nansouty, these Bordeaux stone houses offer private gardens and high-end amenities.
  • Mansions: Prestigious residences with pale stone façades, wooded parks and refined interiors, typical of Bordeaux's residential neighbourhoods.
  • Architect-designed houses: Bold constructions combining noble materials and open spaces, found in particular on the banks of the Garonne or in leafy suburbs.
  • Luxury houses: Exceptional villas with swimming pools and panoramic terraces, often nestled on the right bank or in the Bordeaux vineyards.
  • Luxury apartments: Penthouses with rooftop terraces or Haussmann-style apartments in the heart of the Golden Triangle, offering exceptional amenities.

The Auvergne region

Auvergne is a popular region for buying stone houses, Provençal farmhouses and mills, offering a preserved natural setting of volcanoes, rivers and vast plateaus.

The stone houses, typical of the Ardèche, Haute-Loire and Drôme, are characterised by their basalt or limestone walls, solid wood frames and monumental fireplaces, ideal for a rustic and warm setting in the heart of rolling landscapes.

The Provençal farmhouses, found in Ardèche and Drôme, are appealing with their shaded inner courtyards, stone facades and large wooded grounds, often surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields, offering a typically southern lifestyle.

The mills of the Ardèche and the Rhône-Alpes region are character properties, restored or in need of renovation, offering a bucolic riverside setting, perfect for a peaceful residence or a gîte project.

The volcanic Auvergne

The Auvergne and its castles of character, often in volcanic stone or limestone, nestled in the heart of vast wooded estates. Many properties have medieval towers, ceremonial rooms and outbuildings, perfect for an exceptional residence or a hotel project.

Among the region's flagship cities, Montluçon stands out for its historical heritage and unspoilt setting, where you can find the great estates and castles of the Bourbonnais. Its medieval atmosphere and dynamism make it an attractive place for investment. The landscapes are characterised by dormant volcanoes, green plateaus and winding rivers, offering a peaceful and natural setting. The average price per square metre varies between €1,500 and €4,000, depending on the condition of the property and its location. With a population of around 1.3 million, the region is accessible via the A71 and A75 motorways, the Clermont-Ferrand and Montluçon SNCF railway stations, and Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne airport.

The heart of the Massif Central

The Auvergne offers a unique setting for the purchase of an architect-designed house, combining modernity with harmonious integration into a preserved environment. With its volcanic mountains, lush green plateaux and winding rivers, this region will appeal to those looking for a contemporary property in the heart of nature

.Architect-designed houses in the Auvergne stand out for their bold volumes, large picture windows opening onto the landscape and natural materials such as wood and volcanic stone. They are often located in popular areas such as Clermont-Ferrand, Montluçon or Vichy, or in the heart of nature, offering a peaceful, unspoilt setting.

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Which region should you choose to buy an architect-designed house?

Every project to buy or sell architect-designed houses requires precise monitoring of the stages, from the selection of the property to the signing of the keys. An agency specialising in prestige real estate can guide buyers through these procedures, particularly when it comes to finding rare properties such as an architect-designed house in Île-de-France, a luxury villa in Provence or an exceptional renovated residence from the 1960s.

With options ranging from the first floor of a designer loft to a property with a basement and artist's studio, the offer is varied. A peaceful setting, a balcony, a terrace with a view or privileged access to high-end hospitality services can make all the difference. All that remains is to explore the opportunities and find the house that matches your architectural desires.

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