Farmhouses
& equestrian estates
for sale in France
Two exceptional property types share a love of wide open spaces, stone, and nature—the characterful farmhouse and the prestigious equestrian estate. Discover their unique features, market prices, and the best regions to buy in France.
Farmhouses and equestrian estates are two of the most sought-after types of properties on the French character property market. Farmhouses are appealing due to their considerable size, stone outbuildings, potential for redevelopment, and unbeatable value for money in the countryside. Equestrian estates cater to a demanding passion—horses—and combine an exceptional living environment, high-quality facilities, and sometimes even a professional opportunity. Two distinct worlds, but a shared commitment to space, authenticity, and an extraordinary lifestyle.
Farmhouse for sale in France
A farmhouse is a historic complex of buildings comprising a main house and a collection of agricultural outbuildings—barns, stables, granaries, cellars, and storage sheds—grouped around an inner courtyard or arranged in a U, L, or square shape. It is one of the most generous types of French rural heritage: impressive volumes, authentic stonework, spectacular ceiling heights, and land areas that allow for all kinds of projects.
The main types of farm buildings
Raw potential at its finest — a stone building with original timber framing and intact volumes, but its overall condition requires complete renovation. This is the most financially accessible way to acquire a large stone property, with total freedom to design your own bespoke project. Attractive entry prices, but a substantial renovation budget should be anticipated.
The ideal formula for buyers who want to immediately enjoy an exceptional property — a fully restored main house, outbuildings converted into gîtes or suites, a swimming pool, and grounds. The authenticity of the stonework and the spaciousness are preserved, while modern comforts are provided. The most active segment of the character property market.
Farmland, meadows, forests, orchards—this agricultural property combines remarkable built heritage with a working farm or one ready for takeover. Ideal for agritourism, market gardening, livestock farming, or wine-growing projects. Subject to SAFER pre-emption rights—a specific procedure to be considered in the purchase process.
The most common conversions include bed and breakfasts, rural gîtes, unusual accommodations in outbuildings, and event spaces. Overnight stays in rural areas have increased by 5.2% in France, and Gîtes de France overnight stays have reached 28 million per year. The size and charm of farmhouses offer unparalleled opportunities for tourism development.
Market price
Farmhouse prices in France
The farmhouse market is one of the most diverse in character property — the price range extends from a few hundred thousand euros for a property to renovate in a rural area to several million for a fully restored property with converted outbuildings, swimming pool and landscaped grounds in a desirable region.
Converting a farmhouse into a tourist destination is one of the most promising projects in France. The size of the outbuildings (barns, stables, sheepfolds) offers accommodation potential that is difficult to replicate in new construction —unusual, authentic spaces highly sought after by upscale rural tourism clientele. A well-located bed and breakfast can generate between €150 and €400 per night, depending on the region and amenities.
The best regions to buy a farmhouse
Normandy boasts the highest concentration of farmhouses for sale in France—longhouses, Norman manor houses, half-timbered and flint buildings. Close to Paris (2 hours), stud farms, hedged farmland, and the coast. A very active market, with prices still relatively affordable compared to the southern regions.
Farmhouses built of Breton granite, renovated longhouses, properties with farmland by the sea or inland. Brittany attracts an international clientele (British, Dutch) seeking authenticity. A dynamic market in Finistère, Côtes-d'Armor, and Morbihan.
The stone farmhouses of the Périgord region—often associated with farmland, walnut groves, or truffle orchards—are among the most sought-after in France by international buyers. Prices are still reasonable, the setting is exceptional, and the market is very liquid.
Traditional Burgundian limestone farmhouses, farm buildings with vaulted cellars, estates nestled in the valleys between Dijon and Beaune. A region that attracts an affluent clientele seeking tranquility, nature, and proximity to renowned wine-growing areas. Perfect for a gourmet accommodation project.
Provençal farmhouses, former silkworm farms, stone-built agricultural estates—the most expensive market in France for this category. Luberon, Alpilles, Var hinterland. International demand is very strong, and well-renovated properties sell quickly at high prices.
Farmhouses in Seine-et-Marne, Oise, Eure-et-Loir — 1 hour from Paris, often in preserved wooded or agricultural settings. Highly sought after by Parisians looking for a large space and by investors developing event or accommodation projects.
Equestrian estates for sale in France
France is one of the world's leading horse nations—1.1 million horses, 7,000 equestrian centers, and an industry representing €14 billion in annual revenue. The market for equestrian properties is vast and structured, ranging from private ownership with a few stables to professional stud farms spanning dozens of hectares. Buying an equestrian property is, above all, a life project—and a decision that demands rigorous technical and financial analysis.
The main types of equestrian estates
A charming house or manor with 2 to 10 stables, a riding arena or paddock, and fenced pastures—the ideal solution for horse owners who want to keep their animals at home. No professional activity required, an exceptional living environment. The most sought-after regions: Normandy, Île-de-France, Brittany, and Pays de la Loire.
Professional facility with an indoor or outdoor riding arena, numerous stables (15 to 100+), paddocks, changing rooms, tack room, clubhouse, and staff accommodation. An opportunity for business succession as well as a real estate purchase – established clientele, existing revenue. Ideally located near a sizable population center.
A property dedicated to breeding, training, or competition — training tracks, grandstands, veterinary facilities, stallion housing. Prestigious stud farms are concentrated in Normandy (Calvados, Orne) and the Pays de la Loire region. A discreet market where transactions are often concluded off the books.
The most popular option is a beautiful character property (manor house, farmhouse, country house) with quality equestrian facilities and a complementary project: tourist accommodation, horseback riding, horse boarding, events. This business model diversifies income streams while enhancing the property's value.
Market price
Equestrian estate prices in France
The best regions for an equestrian estate
Calvados and Orne are home to some of the most prestigious stud farms and equestrian estates in France — Deauville, Cabourg, Argentan, and the Haras du Pin. This region is entirely structured around the equine industry, boasting world-class infrastructure and a globally recognized tradition of breeding racehorses and sport horses.
The Yvelines and Seine-et-Marne departments are home to numerous prestigious equestrian estates, located near major competition venues (Fontainebleau, Grosbois, Versailles). The clientele is very affluent, prices are high, but resale value is extremely high. Ideal for a competition project or a high-end boarding facility.
The region is second in France for horse breeding – numerous stud farms, high-quality pastures, and a tradition of breeding sport horses (French Saddlebred, Trotter). Prices are significantly lower than in Normandy for comparable properties and land. Excellent value for money for a business venture.
Bastides with private boxes in the Alpilles and the Var, equestrian estates in the Camargue for equestrian tourism, mixed properties with swimming pool and arena in the Luberon — Provence attracts a clientele of wealthy owners who wish to combine a passion for horses with an exceptional Mediterranean lifestyle.
A well-located equestrian center with a horse boarding project can generate between €500 and €1,200 per horse per month, depending on the region and services offered (full board, half board, paddock days). With 20 occupied stalls, this represents a supplementary income of € 10,000 to €24,000 per month —enough to significantly contribute to property expenses.
Common points of attention in both typologies
The SAFER pre-emption right
Any acquisition of a farmhouse with agricultural land or an equestrian property with meadows is likely to be subject to the pre-emption right of the SAFER (Société d'Aménagement Foncier et d'Établissement Rural). The SAFER has two months to exercise its pre-emption right after notification by the notary. This procedure is automatic for properties including agricultural land—it should be factored into the acquisition timeline.
The Local Urban Development Plan (PLU) and urban planning regulations
Farmhouses and equestrian properties are often located in zones A (agricultural) or N (natural) of the Local Urban Development Plan (PLU). These zoning designations can severely restrict possibilities for expansion, the construction of new buildings, or changes in the use of outbuildings. Before making any offer, verify the exact zoning of the property and consult the town hall to understand the project possibilities.
The specifics of acquiring an existing equestrian center
Acquiring an existing equestrian center means taking over a business—clientele, employment contracts, social obligations, horse registry, specific insurance policies. A thorough due diligence process (three-year financial statements, condition of facilities, current contracts, social security status) is essential before making any decision. Consulting a lawyer specializing in equestrian law is strongly recommended.
- Check the local urban development plan (PLU) zoning and project possibilities (extension, gîtes, change of use) before making any offer
- Have a professional carry out a complete building assessment — including the frame, roof, foundations, and utilities —
- For agricultural land: anticipate the SAFER procedure and its two-month deadline
- For an existing equestrian center: audit the accounting and contracts for a minimum of 3 years
- Equestrian facilities assessed by a horse professional — condition of the stalls, arena surfaces, and riding hall
- Check the accessibility of the property for horse transport (large trucks, turning radius)
- Estimate the annual maintenance cost of pastures, fences, and equestrian facilities within the overall budget
List or find
your farmhouse or equestrian estate
Are you looking for a farmhouse or equestrian estate for sale in France? Do you wish to sell your property? Propriétés De Charme connects you with qualified clients.
🏢 Agencies & Professionals
List your farmhouses, equestrian estates, and character properties to a qualified French and international clientele. Platforms available.
Publish my ads🏡 Private owners
Sell your farmhouse or equestrian estate directly to qualified buyers. Properties accepted from €600,000.
Publish my property