Avranches draws rising wave of retirees as Cap Ferret housing costs surge

Avranches, a small Norman town of about 10,000 residents located roughly twenty minutes from the Mont‑Saint‑Michel bay, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for retirees seeking affordable, peaceful living. Property prices in the nearby coastal resort of Cap Ferret have climbed above €11,100 per square metre, according to the French real‑estate federation FNAIM, making home ownership out of reach for many older households.

Analysis of 3,109 moves by people aged over 60 shows Avranches gaining share of this migration, while the Vendée region remains the top choice overall with 38 % of relocations. Avranches offers a calm environment, scenic views of one of France’s most visited landmarks, and cultural attractions such as the Scriptorial museum and the Thomas‑Becket square built on the ruins of the former Saint‑André cathedral.