So an overwhelming no. Thought so ourselves. As I said, we have family there which would explain our possible choice. But still probably not enough to persuade us. We would not retire there at least I don't think so. We will probably take the opportunity to spend more time there in the future but might keep it to renting.
Buy-in costs, if you go through the traditional route i.e. immobillier, as purchaser, expect to pay between 6-8% on top of purchase price. Notaire fees, which are essentially government duties add an additional 6%, so budget between 10-15% of the purchase price for purchase fees. These do not cover structural surveys, which if purchasing a standalone property are an absolute must. Depending on region, where soil is "clay rich", then droughts cause soil contraction, and heavy rains result in ground swell which effectively causes the ground to heave which causes cracks in the property to open and close. This can adversely impact concrete lined swimming pools (which are expensive to drain and re-fill).
Buying direct from a Notaire is somewhat cheaper, but you forego the "benefit" of having an agent arrange property viewings. Unlike the UK or Ireland, it is typical for the property owner to walk you through the property when viewing with the agent standing back. This makes it more difficult to critique or closely inspect the property. You freqently see owners advertise the sale of their own property with a home made "AV" sign in the garden.... this is more popular for local French purchasers who are less willing to pay Immobillier fees, but in this instance you simply make contact directly wih the seller.
If you are renting property, you will need to ensure you have sufficient public liability coverage, which can become expenive (although tax deductible). We were very fortunate to have a superb local holiday rentals letting agent which whom we worked closely for years. Advertising, booking, deposit management etc, change over (including pool ph checks, cleaning etc), house cleaning and linen changes etc typically cost about €400. Two week stays were far more economical as a result. €1,000 would have to be a minimum price threshold in order for break even by the time you factor in all breakages, repairs, call-outs, water and energy charges (oil for heating water for showers etc), accountancy fees, gardening services, security checks when the property is empty. Depending on the municipality, there may also be enforceable bylaws dictating tree and hedge controls...more costs and hassle with neighbours.
Purchasing in France, is very much a lifestyle decision, not an investment one. Outside the urban areas, property does not tend to inflate as it does in Ireland. Older, second hand homes tend to be far cheaper than new builds, which the French love.
I will second previously provided advice here to avoid leasebacks. I know of several people directly who went this route and none of them had an easy experience mainly due to management company issues.