Elegant Giverny House with Indoor Pool and Five Ensuite Bedrooms

Why Normandy, Eure, France

The department of Eure (27), often referred to as the "Gateway to Normandy," offers a compelling blend of rustic charm and strategic convenience. While many tourists flock to the coastal towns of Calvados, Eure remains a hidden gem for property buyers seeking the quintessential French countryside without being isolated.

Investors and holidaymakers are drawn here by the high density of historical architecture, ranging from half-timbered cottages to grand stone chateaux. Its proximity to Paris (often under 90 minutes by train or car) makes it a prime "secondary residence" market for wealthy Parisians, which helps maintain property values. It offers a slower pace of life, lush river valleys (the Seine and the Risle), and famed landmarks like Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny.

Climate & Lifestyle

Expect a maritime climate: mild winters and temperate summers. It is rarely extreme, but it is notoriously damp. Rainfall is frequent throughout the year, which is why the landscape is so famously green.

The lifestyle is deeply agricultural and follows the seasons. Spring is marked by blooming apple orchards (the source of the local cider and Calvados), while autumn is dedicated to harvests. Life centers around the marché hebdomadaire (weekly market), where locals source Neufchâtel cheese and fresh produce. The rhythm is quiet; shops often close for a long lunch (12:30–14:00), and Sundays are strictly for family and rest, with almost all commercial activity ceasing.

Getting There & Around

Eure is exceptionally well-connected for a rural area:

• Airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly are the primary hubs, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours away. Beauvais-Tillé is an excellent budget option for UK/European flights.
• Driving: The A13 motorway (the Autoroute de Normandie) bisects the department, linking it directly to Paris and the ferry ports of Caen (Ouistreham) and Le Havre.
• Train: Reliable TER and Intercité lines run from Paris St Lazare to Évreux, Vernon, and Louviers.
• Public Transport: Within the Eure, a car is essential. Public transport between small villages is sparse, though roads are generally well-maintained and a pleasure to drive.

Practical Living

Daily life is straightforward, provided you adapt to French administrative hours.

• Healthcare: Facilities in Évreux and Vernon are excellent. Most towns have a Maison Médicale with GPs and specialists.
• Internet: Fiber optic (la fibre) rollout is aggressive; most villages now have high-speed access, making it a viable hub for remote workers.
• Education: While international schools are mostly located in Paris or the suburbs (like St. Germain-en-Laye), several local private schools (Privé sous contrat) are welcoming to foreign children.
• Language: In larger towns, you will find English speakers, but in the villages, a basic command of French is vital for everything from the bakery to the town hall.

Property Considerations

The Eure is famous for Maison à Colombages (half-timbered houses). While beautiful, they require specific maintenance.

• Materials: Timber frames filled with torchis (mud and straw) or brick. Stone houses (flint and limestone) are also common.
• Watch Out For:
  • Humidity: The biggest enemy. Ensure the house "breathes"; modern cements applied to old walls can trap moisture, causing rot.
  • Foundations: Ancient houses often have shallow foundations; check for structural cracks.
  • Woodboring Insects: Get a professional "termite and Capricorn" report (diagnostic).
  • Septic Tanks: Many rural villas aren't on mains drainage. Replacing a non-compliant fosse septique can cost €10,000–€20,000.
• Renovations: Tradespeople (artisans) are highly skilled but in high demand. Always ask for their Assurance Décennale (10-year insurance).

Buying as a Foreigner

France has a highly regulated but transparent buying process.

1. Compromis de Vente: The initial binding contract.
2. Notaire: The state-appointed official who handles the transfer. They represent the state, not necessarily your personal interests (though you can appoint your own Notaire to work with the seller's at no extra cost).
3. Fees: Budget 7-9% of the purchase price for "Notaire fees," which are mostly state taxes.
4. Restrictions: There are currently no restrictions on foreign nationals buying property in France, regardless of EU status. However, non-residents must consider the 90-day Schengen rule for visits.

Pitfall: Ensure you understand the "Succession Laws." French inheritance law is rigid; properties can automatically pass to children rather than spouses unless you take specific legal steps (like a Tontine clause) during the purchase.

Community & Expat Life

The expat community in Eure is smaller and more integrated than in the Dordogne or Provence. It attracts a "professional" expat—people working in Paris or retirees seeking peace rather than a party scene.

Integration is highly dependent on your participation in local life. Joining a local association (garden clubs, hiking groups, or the village festival committee) is the fastest way to earn the respect of your neighbors. Normans can be reserved initially, but they are generally helpful and proud of their region. If you show an interest in the local heritage and make an effort to speak the language, you will find a warm, stable community that treats you as a local rather than a tourist.