I've said this before.....French people buy houses to live in (or to rent out), Brits as an investment on resale. Completely different approaches.
FWIW, some years ago I got a "loan" from my friendly local bank directeur to buy some holiday flats. I thought was a loan and not a mortage - and I'm usually careful about what I sign. When I sold the property I was surprised to find that it was actually a mortgage (dead gage or loan!). I didn't make much difference to me, but be careful what you sign!
I agree that going through a courtier can be helpful, if only it shows you the market of loans available. My friendly bank quoted X% for a loan, I went to courtier and got an offer for less than X%. I went back to the bank and they matched the courtier without even a wimper.
DejW
I live in Zurich during the week. Doesn't mean any 2 bed flat I find in a French city for under 1m Euro is good value...
And I live in Leeds at weekends. Same applies to any under 125k 2 bed home...
My understanding is most French property does not have the capital gain potential other economies property markets may enjoy. So buy for you, not to make money for you.
Regards
Ian