Normandy and Limousin still have a few bargains left to be had (can only speak for those two areas,because that's where we looked before buying here).
We live in Normandy where the weather is a bit more temperate than Limousin and not so extreme, 3-4 weeks longer growing season than the Uk in my experience. Sourcing animals is easy enough,there's good quality stock to be had in all forms. No real drawbacks other than the language barrier,but then my new best friend is babelfish!
The majority of properties will come with a fair amount of land (but mostly the house/barn will need major updating/renovation,depends on your budget),and usually more if you ask for it before buying. The buying process is similar to that of Scotland I'm led to believe,and we found the process painless. Barclays bank .fr sorted the mortgage with no problems at all.
As with most things,it all comes down to money and what you want and what you're prepared to go through to get it.
EG. Super house, plus stables, plus fantastic batiment, house ready to walk into.
4 beds bathroom. lounge dining room, fully fitted kitchen. integral garage, plus further garage. 5 paddocks, direct access to bridlepaths. private but not isolated. stunning views.
Fully double glazed, central heating. A loveley property. would suit horses, gites or just large family home. valued at 260.000 euros, but open to offers.
OR.
For sale a house to renovate with full planning for a four bedroomed detached house over three floors, granite under slate roof, oak beams , arched door, electricity and water, loads of character, second house and 3 hectares of land. Just outside villdieu les poeles up quiet lane 75,000 euros.
...... Ree