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Where are the best places to invest in Burgundy right now? Is Beaune still the top pick, or are towns like Dijon, Chablis, and Mâcon gaining ground? What makes these locations attractive to both local and foreign investors?
We’re often asked these questions because we work directly with notaries, real estate agents, and clients who invest across the region. Our firsthand experience in these markets gives us unique insights into where the real opportunities lie. To save everyone from asking privately, we’ve written this article to share our knowledge broadly.
Our goal is to highlight the hottest markets in Burgundy and explain why they’re worth your attention in 2025.
If you have suggestions or want us to dive deeper into a specific area, let us know. You shoot an email, we answer within 24 hours.
1) Autun is attracting buyers with affordable real estate and renovation potential in its historic buildings
Autun is a hidden gem for property buyers, offering affordable real estate in a charming historic setting.
Compared to hotspots like Paris or the Côte d'Azur, Autun's prices are a steal. Imagine owning a 15th-century canonical house in the heart of town for just €299,000. That's a fraction of what you'd pay in more glamorous locales.
There's a wide range of properties to suit different budgets. You could snag a 320 m² townhouse for €490,000 or a cozy 100 m² duplex apartment for only €86,000. This variety makes Autun a smart choice for anyone looking to invest in real estate.
Beyond the price, Autun's historic buildings are ripe for renovation. Picture transforming a 17th-century château into your dream home. These properties not only offer a slice of history but also a chance to add your personal touch.
Renovating these historic gems can enhance their charm and value, making them a worthwhile investment. The town's rich history and architecture provide a unique backdrop for such projects.
For those passionate about preserving history, Autun offers a unique opportunity to own and restore properties with significant historical value. It's a chance to be part of the town's ongoing story.
Sources: Green-Acres, Properstar
Here is a charming historic property in the heart of Autun, showcasing the potential of affordable renovation opportunities in this picturesque town. (Source: french-property.com)
2) Beaune is gaining attention for its wine capital status and rising property values, attracting international buyers
Beaune, the heart of Burgundy's wine country, is seeing a remarkable rise in property values thanks to its wine prestige and international allure.
In Beaune, the average apartment costs €2,867 per square meter, while houses are slightly more affordable at €2,449 per square meter. If you're eyeing something grand, like a townhouse in the historic center, expect prices to soar up to €1,800,000. And for those dreaming of an 18th-century castle, the price tag is around €2,990,000. These numbers show just how much people value real estate here.
Local real estate agents are buzzing with activity, as there's a strong demand for properties in Beaune. Properstar highlights this town as a top spot for investment, thanks to its diverse and appealing real estate market.
Beaune's fame as a wine hotspot is boosted by the Climats du vignoble de Bourgogne being on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This recognition draws in tourists and buyers from around the globe. Back in 2019, Beaune saw nearly 1.1 million tourist overnight stays, which plays a big part in the increasing demand for property.
With its charming streets and rich history, Beaune is not just a place to visit but a place to invest in. The town's unique blend of culture and wine makes it a magnet for international buyers looking for a slice of French elegance.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just love the idea of living in a picturesque French town, Beaune offers a unique opportunity. The combination of its wine heritage and growing international interest makes it a prime location for property investment.
Sources: Properstar, Wikipedia, Beaune Tourism, Green-Acres
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of France. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
3) Chalon-sur-Saône is attracting interest with its affordable property prices and strong rental demand from young professionals
Chalon-sur-Saône is catching eyes for its affordable property prices and a strong rental market.
In recent years, the city has offered apartments at a median price of €1,572 per square meter, making it a budget-friendly choice compared to other French cities. This affordability is a magnet for young professionals eager to invest in property. The rental scene is buzzing too, with many properties featuring amenities like free parking, kitchens, and Wi-Fi, which are in high demand among renters.
The city's Rental Competitiveness Index score of 74.4 in 2024 underscores the robust demand for rentals, presenting a golden opportunity for landlords. The influx of young professionals into the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, where Chalon-sur-Saône is located, is a key driver of this demand. These newcomers are on the hunt for affordable housing, and the local economy is thriving with job opportunities in sectors like retail and community services.
Chalon-sur-Saône's strategic location and recent infrastructure upgrades, such as improvements in the train station district, boost its attractiveness. The city's lower cost of living compared to major French cities is another draw for young professionals seeking a more affordable lifestyle. Cultural attractions and lifestyle amenities add to the city's allure, making it a desirable place to live and work.
Sources: Properstar, Airbnb, EURES, Longfellow Nokomis Messenger, Green Acres
4) Mâcon is gaining interest for its strategic location between Lyon and Geneva, promising property appreciation
Mâcon is quickly becoming a hotspot for property investors, strategically located between Lyon and Geneva.
In 2024, the median home price in Mâcon hit $187,900, up 6.4% from the previous year. This rise in property values highlights the area's growing allure. For those eyeing smaller homes, the price per square foot was $109, with notable jumps in prices for different bedroom types. For instance, 1-bedroom homes saw a 58.4% increase, while 2-bedroom homes rose by 36.4%.
Infrastructure upgrades are also making Mâcon more appealing. The Macon Water Authority is working on projects to enhance water reclamation facilities and introduce Advanced Metering Infrastructure. These efforts aim to improve service delivery and meet regulatory standards, showing a strong commitment to urban development.
With its prime location and ongoing improvements, Mâcon is drawing attention from investors looking for promising property appreciation. The city's connectivity via major highways and rail lines adds to its attractiveness, making it a convenient choice for those wanting easy access to both Lyon and Geneva.
Investors are taking note of Mâcon's potential, as the city continues to develop and modernize its infrastructure. The combination of rising property values and strategic location makes it a compelling option for those looking to invest in real estate.
Sources: Rocket Homes, Macon Water Authority, European Commission
Here is a stunning 17th-century château in Mâcon, showcasing the area’s blend of historical charm and modern investment potential (Source: Sotheby's International Realty France).
5) Montceau-les-Mines is gaining interest for its affordable housing and future development potential
Montceau-les-Mines is turning heads with its affordable housing and potential for future growth.
In 2023, the city offered property prices per square meter that were lower than those in nearby areas, making it a hot spot for both homebuyers and investors. The city also boasts a promising gross rental yield of nearly 6%, which is quite attractive for those looking to get good returns on real estate investments.
Montceau-les-Mines is not just about affordable housing; it's also undergoing a transformation. A major project is the conversion of the old mine site into Montceau National Park, a European green “core”. This initiative aims to bring nature back to the area, creating a unique and inviting space for residents and visitors alike.
The buzz among real estate investors highlights the city's potential. With its affordable property prices and high rental yields, Montceau-les-Mines is drawing comparisons to places like Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne has seen a significant rise in property value over the last five years, hinting that Montceau-les-Mines might be on a similar upward trajectory.
Insiders are keeping a close watch on Montceau-les-Mines, as its affordable market and development projects make it a compelling choice for future investments. The city's ongoing urban renewal efforts are expected to further enhance its appeal.
As Montceau-les-Mines continues to evolve, its blend of affordability and growth potential is making it a standout option for those looking to invest in property. The city's transformation projects are not just reshaping the landscape but also boosting its attractiveness to investors.
Sources: MVRDV, GuestReady
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6) Dijon’s Montchapet neighborhood is gaining popularity for its charming architecture and high rental yield potential
Montchapet is quickly becoming a hotspot for property buyers due to its charming architecture and high rental potential.
In recent years, Montchapet has caught the eye of both buyers and renters, thanks to its affordable property prices compared to Dijon's historical center. This affordability, paired with a growing demand, makes it a prime spot for real estate investment.
Rental yields in Montchapet are quite attractive, with furnished apartments offering returns between 4.68% and 6.80%, averaging at 5.65%. This is a significant edge over cities like Paris, where yields in the city center hover around 3.61%. Such promising returns have made Montchapet a magnet for property investors.
Architecturally, Montchapet is a delightful mix of Renaissance buildings and modern apartments, adding to its unique charm. This blend attracts a diverse crowd, from young professionals to families, who enjoy the quieter lifestyle and easy access to the city center.
The neighborhood's excellent transport links are another draw, making it a favorite among commuters. This convenience, combined with its architectural appeal, has contributed to Montchapet's rising popularity.
With its blend of history and modernity, Montchapet offers a unique living experience that continues to attract a wide range of residents and investors alike.
Sources: Doorfeed, Numbeo, Nestpick
7) Le Creusot is attracting investors with its industrial growth and rising rental demand
Le Creusot is catching the eye of investors thanks to its booming industrial scene and rising demand for rental properties.
In 2023, Industeel, part of ArcelorMittal, made a bold move by investing 52 million euros in a new casting process at their Creusot site. This isn't just about cutting energy use and CO2 emissions; it's a step towards their ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
This hefty investment is set to create jobs, giving the local economy a much-needed boost and making the town even more attractive to investors. While we don't have the exact job numbers, the economic benefits are clear. The rental market in the region is also heating up. For instance, nearby Saint-Etienne boasts rental yields of between 7% and 8%, hinting at a promising trend for Le Creusot.
Le Creusot is also investing in education, with institutions like the IUT and Condorcet university center. These educational hubs are driving up the demand for rental properties as students and faculty look for places to live. This mix of industrial growth and educational development is turning the town into a hotspot for both national and international investors.
With the government's backing and ongoing infrastructure projects, Le Creusot is on the rise. The town's strategic location and industrial prowess are drawing in investors who see the potential for growth and returns.
As Le Creusot continues to evolve, it's becoming a key player in the region's economic landscape, offering opportunities for those looking to invest in a town with a bright future.
Sources: Usine Nouvelle, GuestReady, Wikipedia
While this article provides thoughtful analysis and insights based on credible and carefully selected sources, it is not, and should never be considered, financial advice. We put significant effort into researching, aggregating, and analyzing data to present you with an informed perspective. However, every analysis reflects subjective choices, such as the selection of sources and methodologies, and no single piece can encompass the full complexity of the market. Always conduct your own research, seek professional advice, and make decisions based on your own judgment. Any financial risks or losses remain your responsibility. Finally, please note that we are not affiliated to any of the sources provided. Our analysis remains then 100% impartial.