Buying an equestrian property in France

[Horse loving brits]

We are a couple who love horses and are considering moving to France with a view to buying an equestrian property. We would appreciate any advice on the subject as we may wish to set up an equestrian holiday business too.

Thanks in advance

 

[Chrisb]

Hi there,

Try the forum on equineonline.net, an excellent source of information for 'horsey' people in France. There is someone on there who markets equestrian properties, plus someone who owns a trecking centre, and quite a few people, all over France, who breed and compete.

Good luck!!

Chris

[Annie]

Hi

We are just in the process of moving to France.  (well now living with parent, pending completion on French Equestrian Property)

Firstly, what are you planning on doing with your horses?  This will help you decide how to find the best location. 

Second, it gets hotter the further south you go, which again from a competitive perspective we are not used to nor are our horses, grazing is going to possibly be more critical, so all these factors you need to consider.

We have chosen Pays de la loire Region.  It is central to many Eventing - Cours Concour events, and with Saumur to the south and Orleans to the east are both centres equivalent to our Stoneleigh in warwickshire.  But of course it really does depend on your desires.

If you are buying properties that are suitable for equestrian businesses, then they will probably be "agricultural" classified. this mean you might find your dream home, but you will then have to have the property marketed via the Safer, and you could lose it to local farmers.  They say the risk is 1%... but you need to know.  We are currently in this process now.  However the good thing is that the vendor has tired to sell it locally, but no takers and therefore we have a strong case.  If you did get rejected, then you must challenge, do not accept it as a fait du complet.

I also breed horse, have 4 that I wish to compete from unaffiliated to one being taken up the ladder with the intention of returning to UK to compete periodically on the BE circuit.  Just could not afford to keep and compete at this level, albeit as an amateur in the UK. 

HGV laws in France are more stringent, been advised by bloodstock transport agency not to re-gestier UK boxes in france, too expensive to do, better to pay a bit more and buy in France horseboxes.  Trailers, only certain types are suitable to take livestock on the Ferry.

Still finding out lots about all of this.  Yes the Equineonline.net site is good, but not yet really found like minded serious competior and it does tend to take you off outside the French equestrian element, but have a look.

Happy to be a sounding board, communicate direct with me if you would like to keep in touch directly.

Good luck in your search.