Luxury real estate agency Barnes has opened a branch in Salbris, in Sologne, signaling growing interest from wealthy French business leaders in this forested region known for hunting. The village's mayor, close to Éric Ciotti, aims to turn it into the « capital of hunting ». This move aligns with an indicator of areas favored by major fortunes, per a recent study.
Sologne, a region of former marshes blanketed in forests in the heart of Loir-et-Cher, has long appealed to aristocracy and business figures for its game-rich lands. A September 2025 study by the Fondation Jean Jaurès employs Barnes agency locations as a gauge for spots favored by substantial wealth across France. These outlets appear in upscale urban districts, elite coastal and winter resorts, and even rural towns like Salbris, with under 5,000 residents.
Barnes established itself there in 2022, drawn by Paris's closeness and hunting enthusiasm. Martial Renaud, the local director, states: « Many industry captains come to Sologne for its proximity to Paris and the passion for hunting. » Post-Covid-19, these affluent individuals linger longer, typically arriving Thursday and leaving Monday. Renaud notes: « When spending three or four days at a secondary residence, what's pleasant and comfortable is having friends nearby who also buy in Sologne. That's what drives this growth. »
This trend aligns with Salbris's mayor, an ally of Éric Ciotti, who seeks to brand the village as a hunting capital, boosting appeal for a prosperous clientele tied to the far right.