property
Interactive map: Number of second homes in each French department
They account for more than a third of residences in some areas
France’s second homes are heavily concentrated in coastal and mountain areas, accounting for more than a third of the housing stock in some areas.
The Mediterranean departments of Alpes-Maritimes and Var have the highest numbers, with around 197,500 and 183,700 respectively, according to 2023 figures.
Paris ranks third, with approximately 138,400.
However, the picture changes when looking at the proportion of housing rather than the total number of properties.
In Hautes-Alpes, second homes account for around 45% of the housing stock, while the figure is about 39% in Corse-du-Sud and 37% in Savoie.
The figures help explain why second homes are a significant issue in some parts of France, particularly where seasonal demand puts pressure on the availability of housing for permanent residents.
Second-home owners also face different local tax arrangements from those who live in their properties as their main residence.
Areas under housing pressure due to a high number of second homes may even ban their construction outright.
The interactive map below uses the national data from 2023 (the latest available), which mixes ‘occasional-use’ properties - such as flats and seasonal accommodation used by working people - with second homes, and is not a direct indication of the number of holiday residences in an area.
Second homes in France
Second homes as a share of each department's housing stock. Select a department to see its figures.
Paris area
96 metropolitan departments. Rank is by number of second homes.
Source: Insee, France-chiffres
