When we first moved to France in 2006, we carefully worked out our budget for the year. Unfortunately, we managed to spend almost five months' money in the first eight weeks! So we know exactly what it is like to watch every penny.
One thing I would say, however, is that there are cheap houses and there are cheap houses. We eventually rented an apartment in our village whilst we were building our own house. It was affordable, but it had no outdoor space. Those nine months felt like nine years.
The summer wasn't really the problem. You could always find somewhere to sit outside, enjoy a picnic or have a coffee. It was the winter that got to us. One of the great advantages of living in Southern France is being able to enjoy the winter sunshine. If you cannot sit outside and appreciate those powder-blue skies, you might as well be back in Huddersfield, Limerick or Baltimore.
What to consider when renting a cheap property in France
When looking for a cheap rental in France, don't just focus on the monthly rent. Think about the location, outdoor space, heating costs and how comfortable the property will be during the winter months.
A village apartment might be cheaper to rent and within walking distance of shops, cafés and restaurants. A rural cottage could provide a garden, terrace and more living space, but you may need a car for everyday journeys. Also consider the cost of electricity, heating and internet, particularly if you plan to spend the winter in France.
The cheapest property is not necessarily the one that offers the lowest rent. For a stay of several months, having somewhere comfortable to sit outside, reliable and efficient heating and easy access to local facilities can make a considerable difference to your experience.
Cheap houses and apartments to rent in France
Below is our selection of affordable furnished properties in France. Rental periods vary, with many properties suitable for stays of 3–12 months. This range of French apartments, village houses and country cottages, are extremely cost effective, with rental prices starting from just €350 per month. The monthly rental prices generally exclude utilities, so check the individual property details before making an enquiry.
At Long Term Rentals in France, we help international clients arrange extended rentals with straightforward booking procedures and bilingual rental contracts. Apart from signing the rental contract, you just need to provide copies of your ID and some form of evidence of ability to cover the initial few months of rent. Normally the whole rental contract process takes less than 3 days to complete.
We regularly add new properties to the website. You can also browse our full selection of cheap long term rentals in France for more options.
1. Pézenas historic town - Hérault department, South France
A renovated apartment for long term rentals in the heart of historic Pézenas, South France. It overlooks a courtyard, with shops, restaurants, cafés and the Saturday market a short walk away. Ideal for a couple or single person seeking everyday village-town life. Available from: 2 September 2027La Cour - Pezenas long term rental property France (Ref: 2023)
2. Quillan town centre – Aude department foothils of Pyrenees
An affordable studio apartment for long term rentals in Quillan, a small town in the foothills of the Pyrenees, south of Carcassonne. Situated on the first floor of a traditional townhouse, the apartment provides a practical base for a single person or couple. Available for stays of 3–12 months. Available nowQuillan cheap long term rentals South France (Ref: 2409)
3. Sorède - near Perpignan & the Pyrenees
A village house for long term rentals near the Mediterranean coast in Southern France. It offers flexible accommodation, a spacious living room and a roof terrace. The second bedroom can also be used as a home office. Available from: 1 February 2027Mediterranean house for long term rentals South France (Ref: 1949)
4. Béziers city centre, South France
A furnished 1 bed apartment for cheap long term rentals in Béziers, South France. Located on the fourth floor of an attractive bourgeois building, the apartment includes a double bedroom, kitchen-diner, bathroom and air conditioning. A practical and affordable option for a single person or couple seeking accommodation near the city centre. Available nowThe Rooftop Hideaway - cheap 1 bed apartment for rent Beziers (Ref: 2395)
5. Magalas - near Beziers South France
Le Loft is a 2 bed apartment for long term rentals, located in the heart of a wine-making village in South France. The apartment is located on the second floor of a traditional French village house and comes with a private terrace. An appealing choice for a longer stay in the Languedoc. Available from: 2 November 2026Le Loft cheap 2 bed apartment for long term rentals France (Ref: 1962)
6. Nézignan-l'Évêque - 3km from Pezenas South France
A characterful 300 year old stone cottage for long term rentals in Nézignan-l’Évêque, just outside Pézenas. Set in the historic village centre among surrounding vineyards, it combines traditional surroundings with convenient access to shops and the Languedoc coast. Available from: 7 December 2026House for long term rental near Pezenas South France (Ref: 279)
7. Magalas - wine village in Southern France
La Pêche is a studio apartment for long term rentals in the wine-growing village of Magalas. Village services and the Béziers area are within reach. Ideal for a solo traveller looking for an affordable base in the Languedoc. Available nowLa Pêche cheap studio apartment to rent South France (Ref: 1940)
8. Bourganeuf - Creuse department near Limoges
This cheap apartment for long term rentals is located in the heart of the pretty medieval town of Bourganeuf, close to the city of Limoges in South West France. This area of France is historically referred to as the Limousin - on account of the ancient province that once ruled this area. The Limousin is known for its lush rolling green hills and the famous brown Limousin cattle that are reared here. The apartment is located on the first floor of a small apartment building and comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom and a small living room. The apartment is available for long term rentals of up to 12 months from €500 per month + bills. Available from: 1 September 2027Cheap apartment for long term rentals near Limoges France (Ref: 2343)
9. Loire Valley
Le Tuffeau is a 2 bed cottage for long term rentals in the Loire Valley area, within reach of Tours and Poitiers. A countryside base for exploring the region’s historic towns, villages and landscapes. Ideal for house hunters exploring the Loire Valley. Available nowLe Tuffeau long term cottage rentals Loire Valley France (Ref: 1937)
10. Béziers South France
A furnished 2 bed house for cheap long term rentals near Béziers, in South France. Ideal for exploring the Mediterranean coast and the Languedoc region. An appealing option for a longer stay in the Languedoc. Available from: 2 January 2027Domaine du Pin - cheap property rentals France sleeps 2-4 (Ref: 1677)
11. Magalas - Herault, South France
A 1 bed apartment for long term rentals in the centre of Magalas, with a private roof terrace overlooking this lively wine village. Shops and local services are close by, with Béziers and Pézenas within reach. Currently unavailableMagalas long term rentals apartment South France (Ref: 1897)
12. Pézenas South France
A 2 bed house for long term rentals in a private gated residence near Pézenas. It has fast Wi-Fi, private parking, an enclosed garden and access to a shared seasonal pool. The historic town centre, restaurants and Saturday market are within walking distance. Available from: 1 June 2027Pezenas long term house rental France (sleeps 4) (Ref: 1166)
13. Vienne department - near Poitiers & Limoges
An 18th century rural cottage for long term rentals on the Vienne–Charente border, carefully refurbished while retaining exposed stone and oak beams. Enjoy peaceful countryside surroundings with access to Ruffec and the wider Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Available from: 1 May 2027La Perdrix rural cottage for long term rentals France (Ref: 2008)
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Explore our selection of furnished houses and apartments across France, from the French Riviera to Provence and the Languedoc and from Dordogne and South-West France up to Brittany & Normandy
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