You can now own a house in France for 1 euro. A picturesque village welcomes new residents

Dreaming of moving to an idyllic French village? Now you can for… 1 euro! Ambert, a charming village in Auvergne, joins the trend of low-cost homes to liven up its deserted streets

Have you ever dreamed of leaving the hustle and bustle of the city and living in a charming village ? Until recently, such offers were mainly associated with small towns in Italy , which - tempting with houses for a symbolic 1 euro - tried to bring life back to their deserted streets. Now the trend has reached France . Picturesque Ambert , located in southeastern France , opens its doors to dreamers from all over the world.

Hilltop houses in Ambert, France / Shutterstock

Ambert is a small commune of around 6,500 inhabitants , surrounded by green hills and fragrant forests. The town is located in the heart of Auvergne , a region famous for its wildlife and excellent cheeses – such as the intense bleu d'Auvergne .

Bleu d'Auvergne cheese, for which the French region of Auvergne is famous / Shutterstock

Although it sounds like heaven on earth, the reality turned out to be less idyllic. The population is decreasing year by year, and in some parts of the town as much as 60 percent of properties are empty . That is why the city authorities decided to take a bold step - they put two houses up for sale for 1 euro . This is part of a larger, five-year plan. The good news is that the program is already paying off: the number of children in schools in Ambert has increased, and in 2026, the renovated chamber of commerce building will create public spaces and workplaces for residents.

While the price tag sounds like a fairy tale, the reality is more complex. Buyers must commit to living in the new home for at least 3 years until the renovation is complete. This is not about buying a vacation home – this is about rebuilding the local community. What’s more, the homes require extensive renovation. Additionally, the buyer may be asked for a written plan of works and a schedule for their completion. This part may not sound appealing, but with the prospect of mornings with coffee and croissants , in your own home in France , maybe it’s worth it?