Property guides for buyers looking to invest in France's Rhone Alps region. Plus, find property in the rest of France.

Located on the eastern side of France, the Rhone Alps region is one of the largest in the country.

Named after the Rhone River and the Alps mountains, the area boasts both flat countryside and impressive peaks.

To find property in the Rhone Alps and more French property, visit: www.justoverseas.co.uk/propertyinfrance

To the north lie the regions of Burgundy and Franche-Comte, while on the west it is bordered by Auvergne.

As well as offering some of the best skiing in the world, the area is also home to the busting city of Lyon, France's third biggest urban conurbation.

The city has a reputation for its fine gastronomy, as well as being a major business centre. In addition, Lyon is famed for its silk and textiles and is a centre for fashion. Some of its main sites include the Tour metallique de Fourviere, the La Mouche Cattle Market and Abbatoir and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere.

What's more, the city is now something of a shopper's paradise, with the area east of the River Rhone boasting a vast number of retail spaces. The city also features the large Part-Dieu shopping centre.

Pros to Buying Property in the Rhone Alps Region

A report from French Property Links suggested that property in Lyon in general is expensive but noted that there are considerable differences between the city's different areas. In particular, it claimed that "many of the more expensive properties are found in the 6th Arrondissement, where much of the wealth is concentrated".

Indeed, figures from france-property-and-information.com show that the whole region is relatively expensive, with homes currently selling for around 2334 euros per square metre. This makes the area much pricier than surrounding areas, with the exception of the Cote d'Azur (where property typically costs 3216 euros per square metre).

However, many people thinking of investing in the Rhone Alps region will be planning to purchase a property in the area's alpine ski resorts.

Some of the most famous ski areas in the region include Chamonix, Megeve, Les Arcs and Tignes. However, data from frenchentree.com showed that these exclusive resorts "command a serious premium". In fact, it suggested that a four-bedroom chalet with mountain views and good links to the Trois Vallees could cost well over 600,000 euros.

It did add that it was possible to pick up small studios or apartments in villages without direct access to the pistes for between 75,000 and 80,000 euros.

Finally the report pointed out that there is a strong demand for rental property in the Alps, meaning that buyers could recoup some of their expenditure with holiday lettings.

Cons to Buying Property in the Rhone Alps Region

Since last year's poor snowfalls in the region, there have been some concerns that climate change could have a detrimental effect on skiing in the Alps. If this were to happen, prices in the area could drop significantly.

However, there has been so much early snow this season that resorts have opened early and the fears about global warming have recessed.

There is also some concern that the election of Nicolas Sarkozy as president in 2007 could have an impact on investment in the country.

During his campaign, Mr Sarkozy said that he wanted France to become "much more property owner-oriented". While the government policies could attempt to deter foreigners buying properties, the predicted increase in demand might mean those who already own homes see values rise.

In fact, the latest figures indicate that price inflation has slowed and house prices reduced slightly in the two months to September. Experts believe that the country may experience single digit house price growth.

What You Need to Know to Buy Property in France

People who buy a property in France will have to sign an initial contract which sets out the price, terms and conditions of the sale. After various legal checks have been carried out, a final contract is exchanged.

In addition, deposits on French properties are always paid to the Notaire or to a bonded estate agent, not the buyer.

Finally, contracts are subject to a seven-day cooling off period. This means that buyers can cancel the contract at any point during this period.

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