The Climate in France
Introduction to the French Climate perhaps one of your main considerations when deciding where to buy your retirement home or holiday home in France is the weather. Any one living in Britain will tell you that weather debating is almost a national pastime, because of our type of climate, we are not geared up for extremities, when we experience them, it can often seem that the country grinds to a halt. In France before you settle on the property of your choice it is vital that you study the data confirming what to expect in terms of temperature variations & rainfall. Often people view areas in the more temperate months of the year, only to experience more extreme conditions when they move in. Study the charts, compare the weather. What can you expect in France, how does it compare to our own country?
Climatic Regions of France – France is divided in to four main climatic regions:-
Mediterranean – the warmest region is in the South, stretching across the entire coastline. This Mediterranean area is said to have a “ Mediterranean Climate” This area is best suited for persons liking warmer weather but perhaps not as fiercely hot as that experienced in Spain. The winters are noticeably milder than in Britain and often during the winter months, it is possible to sit outside and eat your lunch.
Oceanic – the vast majority of France including it’s other coastlines, boarding the Atlantic Ocean and English Channel is said to be Oceanic in climate. This is similar to that experienced in Britain. In the summer months the sea will keep the land cool and in the winter it will warm it up. This is often referred to as a temperate climate, reasonably warm summers followed by mild damp winters, the difference between temperatures is not extreme and is more like Britain.
Continental – The extremes of temperature are usually associated with the Continental climate experienced throughout many parts of Europe and a feature of Eastern France where it’s borders join Germany & Switzerland. This more extreme climate caused by an absence of the sea and more pronounced in landlocked countries, produces hot summers & cold winters.
Mountain – the fourth and final region of France is classified as Mountain and not surprisingly; this is where you will experience the coldest winter weather with the temperatures in summer being best described as cool. There are 5 main mountain ranges in France, the Massif Central which is located in the central area of the country and extending towards the south. The Pyrenees which border with Spain and finally the Vosges, Jura & Alps that share borders with Switzerland, Germany & Italy. If it’s sun your looking for, in general terms, the further south your property, the more you will see the sun and if this is you main consideration you should consider the Mediterranean coastline areas although property prices can increase quite dramatically for the prime locations. Rainfall is more pronounced in the mountain areas and Brittany and the Coastal zones with the central areas of the country being reasonably dry. As mentioned above if you are seriously considering buying a Holiday Home in France, it’s a good idea to try out the areas before hand, It is easier to rent property in France and you may be able to obtain a property for a short time to help you in the decision making process.
French Holiday Home Insurance from Assetsure
