BOURGOGNE     BURGUNDY
 
Although Burgundy is not as well known as many areas of France, properties here are becoming increasingly sought after.  The historic town of Dijon is the capital of the Côte d’Or with its world famous vineyards. As well as fine wines, the area produces the best Cassis for Kir, (named after a mayor of Dijon), and is also famed for mustard, and cuisine such as escargots and bœuf à la bourguignonne. 
 
Take a walk through the centre of Dijon and visit the 13th century Gothic church, and do not forget to touch the chouette (owl) on the façade - to bring you good luck!
 
To the south of Dijon are the vineyards of the Côte d’Or boasting names such as Nuits St. Georges, Vougeot, and Vosne-Romanée in the Côte de Nuits, whilst to its south is the Côte de Beaune with Pommard and Meursault for instance. Beaune itself is famous for the wonderful Hospice de Beaune – which is a ‘must’ to visit.
 
Wine growing does not dominate the landscape in much of Burgundy, and to the north west of Dijon the countryside is heavily forested with many rivers and canals. 
 
Access to this part of Burgundy is a matter of four hours or so from Calais, making it interesting to aspiring weekenders. Properties in the countryside, and away from the principal vineyards, represent good value for money.
 
FRANCHE-COMPTÉ
 
To the south of Alsace is Franche-Comté, a region bordering Switzerland to the east, and Burgundy to the west. The region was part of the realms of the Grand Dukes of Burgundy, but this association ceased in the late 17th century.  
 
The Saône valley comprises rolling farmland, whilst as a backdrop to the east is high Alpine scenery. The capital is Besançon, an elegant 17th century city with a clockmaking tradition.
 
The Jura mountains are part of the Parc Régional du Haut-Jura and form a natural border between France and Switzerland. There is plenty of scope for summer and winter activities. If you do not wish to be one of many tourists, this part of France has a distinct advantage - in summer there are fewer visitors here than in most of the neighbouring regions.

BRITTANY
 
Because of its very easy access from Roscoff and St. Malo, and not too long a drive from Cherbourg, Brittany is very popular with British buyers and holidaymakers alike.
 
As with most parts of France, Brittany is steeped in history, and there are prehistoric sites, and Celtic settlements in plenty.  The Bretons are fiercely protective of their Celtic heritage, and even today about a quarter of the population speak Breton – a language closely related to Cornish and Welsh. Witness the traditional costumes and music at local festivals.
 
It is a maritime region with some 800 miles of rugged coastline to the north and a gentler coast to the south, with many fishing ports and abundant oyster beds. It is very popular with the yachting community, but also there is a hilly and beautiful interior, much of it farmed. Many people say the weather is no better than our west country, but, thanks to the Gulf Stream, it is milder, if sometimes just as wet! Not everyone wants the heat of the Mediterranean.
 
St. Malo, at the mouth of the river Rance in northern Brittany, was once a fortified island and named after a welsh monk, Maclou, who was there in the 16th century. Within the city, which is encircled by ramparts, are 18th century buildings and cobbled streets.  If you like medieval towns, visit Dinan to the south of St. Malo, with lovely historic buildings and the river Rance running through.
 
The northern shore, with its pink granite, is washed by huge tides. To the west of St. Malo is the town of St. Brieuc, standing on a plateau above the estuary of the river Gouet. It is the capital of the Côte d’Armor and has a medieval heart surrounding its 12th century cathedral. To the south of St. Brieuc is the market town of Loudéac, which is almost mid-way between the northern and southern coasts of Brittany, and where property prices in the surrounding area are lower.
 
To the west is Finistère – literally the End of the Earth, where the rugged coastal region feels the full force of the Atlantic.  Quimper is a bustling cathedral town and river port where splendid buildings overlook the river. The pedestrian area, known as Vieux Quimper, is full of half timbered houses, shops, crêperies, bars and restaurants. Property prices are relatively high in the Quimper area, but it is an excellent centre to enjoy all that the Bretons have to offer in the west of the region.
 
To the south of the region is Morbihan with perhaps a slightly gentler climate. Carnac is one of the world’s great prehistoric sites, and the coast here is known as the Côtes des Mégalithes. Concarneau is a fishing port with a fortress protecting the ancient town. The fortress is on an island accessed by a bridge, and with its cobbled main street, with many shops and restaurants, is worth a visit. 
 
In Morbihan, prices of property have risen considerably over the years and sadly there are no longer many bargains to be found. Even renovation projects are commanding much higher prices. Coastal towns and villages always attract higher prices, but given some of their stunning locations, this is hardly surprising. 
 
In the south of the Ille-et-Vilaine département is the capital – Rennes. A city of medieval half-timbered buildings, where there are bars, bookshops and bistros, as well as a large student population.
 
One cannot complete a few words on Brittany without mentioning the Celtic Arthurian legend which, due to its common Celtic ancestry, is mirrored in the south west of England. To the west of Rennes is the Fôret de Paimpont, or Brocéliande, where you can look for the tomb, supposedly where Viviane (the Lady of the Lake) imprisoned Merlin. It is also where Arthur, according to legend, received the sword Excalibur. Look for the Fontaine de Jouvence – a fountain said to have rejuvenating powers. This is an area where your imagination can run wild!
 
On a more practical note - Breton properties are often stone built in the longère style.  

HAUTS DE FRANCE

NORD PAS DE CALAIS
 
The Pas-de-Calais has a climate which is much the same as ours is in the south east, perhaps a few degrees colder in winter, and maybe a degree or two warmer in summer.  It is quickly and easily accessed by ferry from Dover or by the Channel Tunnel, and it is possible to have a property there from which to commute to the U.K.  The coast is known as the Côte d’Opale, or Opal Coast, and the wide sandy beaches of Calais and le Touquet are ideal for sand yachting and kite flying. Golf is popular, as is the casino, in le Touquet.
 
Inland, some of the countryside is flat and uninteresting farmland, but there are some really attractive small towns and villages.  Water is also prominent, with rivers, canals and lakes – ideal for boating and fishing.
As on the coast, there are many equestrian centres.  There is much to see if you are interested in the history of World Wars 1 & ll, and some people buy properties in the area for just this reason.
 
Traditional Picardy farmhouses are built in the longère or longhouse style.

PICARDY
 
The north of Picardy is sandwiched between the Pas de Calais and Upper Normandy, and its coastline mostly comprises sandy beaches and dunes either side of the Somme estuary. This coastal area is ideal for sand yachting, windsurfing, sailing, swimming etc.
 
Much of the region endured some of the fiercest and bloodiest fighting of both World Wars, including the Battle of the Somme. For historians of all kinds, there is a lot to see, including battlefields, memorials, museums etc.  Even just crossing the Somme river is can send a chill down one’s spine!
 
The capital of the region is Amiens, a university town with a lovely gothic cathedral.
 
The south of the region, which is on the border with Ile-de-France, is Chantilly, which is famous for lace, cream and equestrian pursuits, very much including the famous racecourse.
 
The east of the region shares a border with Champagne – Ardennes and in fact some of the Champagne vineyards are in Picardy.
 
Farmhouses tend to share the same architectural style of those in the Nord Pas de Calais.

GRAND EST

ALSACE & LORRAINE
 
The départements of Alsace and Lorraine lie to the north east of France, and border on Germany. Luxembourg is to the north of Lorraine, and Switzerland to the south of Alsace.  Sandwiched between France and Germany, Alsace & Lorraine have changed nationality no less than four times times since 1871.
 
As a result of these wars, there are many military strongholds and cemeteries, but thankfully the region now presents a much more peaceful landscape of lovely villages, fortified towns and sleepy vineyards. The architecture is very distinctive, with many colombage (half-timbered) buildings lining the streets of villages and towns.

Metz is the capital of the Lorraine region, and is located at the confluence of the Moselle and the  Seille rivers. Spanned by 20 bridges, the banks of the city’s rivers and canals provide very pleasant walking.
 
Verdun in Lorraine is the site of one of the most heavily fought battles of the First World War, and the area teems with military cemeteries. The Citadelle de Verdun, although heavily damaged, still retains its 12th century tower. It was a symbol of French resistance, and 400,000 Frenchmen died defending it.

Apart from the military history, much of the attraction in this region lies in its cuisine where, for example, Lorraine offers beer, Choucroute, and quiche lorraine…which will be made correctly…and piping hot!  
 
Alsace has a strong identity, and takes pride in its local costumes, traditions and dialects. To the north east of Alsace is Strasbourg, with its beautiful and majestic gothic cathedral, and of course, the European Parliament buildings. Vineyards can be found from north to south on the Route des Vins in the Vosges foothills, and visits to places like Riquewihr and Colmar are a ‘must’. In the cellars of the producers, you can taste lovely, and much under rated, flowery wines, usually named after the grapes from which they were made. Although it’s not to everyone’s taste, try choucrout (sauerkraut) with saucisse de Strasbourg coupled with the local wines in the winstubs (wine cellars). Another regional speciality, which it shares with Lorraine, is flammekuerche (tarte flambée).
 
The symbol of Alsace is the stork, these splendid birds can be seen in their nests on many of the tall houses, churches and other buildings.

CHAMPAGNE-ARDENNES
 
The name ‘Champagne’ is derived from the latin ‘Campania’, its name deriving from the similarities between the rolling hills of the Champagne region and the countryside of Campania to the south of Rome.
 
The very word ‘champagne’ conjures up thoughts of celebration with its famous sparkling wine.  When Lily Bollinger of the famous champagne house was asked: "When do you drink champagne?" - she replied:

“I only drink champagne when I'm happy, and when I'm sad.
Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone.
When I have company, I consider it obligatory.
I trifle with it if I am not hungry and drink it when I am.
Otherwise I never touch it - unless I'm thirsty”.
 
The main centres for champagne are Reims and Epernay, and if in the area a visit to one of the champagne houses is a ‘must’. Reims also has its famous gothic cathedral, where once the kings of France (24 in all) were crowned – Joan of Arc, for instance, witnessed the coronation of Charles VII.
 
Other places of note include Châlons-en-Champagne, the capital of the region. Troyes has its ancient houses, and by contrast, large malls with factory outlet shops. Colombey-les-Deux-Églises is the village which achieved fame as the home and burial place of . Charles de Gaulle
 
For water sports enthusiasts, there are many waterways and lakes in the region, including the largest man made-lake in Europe – 4800 hectares.
 

CENTRE
 
To the east of the Pays de la Loire, with the river Loire bisecting it, is the Centre region, with Chartres and its beautiful cathedral to the north. Further south is Orléans with the Hôtel Groslot – a 16th century brick mansion visited by former kings of France, and the Musée des Beaux Arts with works from the 15th to the 20th century. 
 
Make sure you visit towns like Loches with its famous dungeon, and Chinon with the castle where Joan of Arc met Charles ll. Whilst much of the wine produced along the banks of, and near to, the Loire, is white and rosé, Chinon produces a very good red wine.
 
To the south of the Centre region, near to the Limousin, the countryside is green and fertile with many lakes and rivers. Here, property prices are still very reasonable – definitely worth having a look if you are searching for a relatively inexpensive property, especially as the airports of Limoges or Poitiers are within an hour or so.

ILE-DE-FRANCE - PARIS
 
The Ile de France includes star-studded Paris - the Seine, Eiffel Tower, Nôtre Dame, the Louvre, the rue Fauberg-Saint-Honoré etc., need no introduction.
 
The Boulevard Haussmann commemorates George Haussmann to whom, following the industrial revolution, Napoleon III gave the task of transforming medieval walled Paris into a modern city. The result can be seen today - wide boulevards, lovely parks, and railway stations such as the Gard du Nord.  Haussmann and his team of architects having created a uniform architectural style that altered the shape of Paris. This style manifests itself in the hôtel particulier, not actually a hotel, but a distinctive and slightly austere style of mansion building. There are many such buildings around Paris, and indeed in many other towns and cities in France. They have apartments on several floors with attic apartments at the very top. Apartments on the lower floors are likely to have good sized rooms with high ceilings, large windows, marble fireplaces, parquet flooring etc.
 
The districts of Paris are known as arrondissements – the lowest numbers being closest to the centre. Properties in the arrondissements near to the Seine and the centre command high prices, but lower priced properties can be found in, say, the 20th.
 
To the west, in the Ile de France is the magnificent Château de Versailles and to the south east is Fontainebleau. For those of a younger disposition, there is Disneyland to the east of the city.  To the north, just outside the Ile de France, is Chantilly – famous for cream, lace and its racecourse.  Prices in these areas reflect the relatively easy access to the capital.

NORMANDIE - NORMANDY 

To get the real flavour of France, you do not need to drive several hundred miles south.  In Normandy you will find beautiful coastal and country scenery, towns steeped in history, and fine food and wine from all over France. Whilst the climate can leave a little to be desired, almost all houses have an open fireplace, so with a roaring log fire, and a glass or two of locally produced calvados, winter can be kept at bay!
 
In Upper Normandy, Dieppe is a personal favourite, has easy access from Newhaven, as well as being only about 2 hours’ drive from Calais. The old port was converted into a large marina and the town has good shops, hotels and restaurants. Do not miss the delightful street market on Saturday mornings.  The 15th century Castle Museum houses the finest ivory collection in France, and near to Dieppe at Varengeville is Le Bois des Moutiers.  The house, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, is private, but the beautiful park and gardens, influenced by Gertrude Jekyll, are open for much of the year.  There is an interesting war museum just outside the town, and a visit to one of the military cemeteries, here or elsewhere, will send a chill down your spine as you are reminded of the carnage of World War II.
 
Inland from Dieppe is the Pays de Bray, a fertile region, much of which is dedicated to dairy production.  It is where Neufchâtel - the heart-shaped cheese, and Petit-Suisse yoghurt are produced. The coastal area of the Seine-Maritime is known as the Côte d’Albâtre, or Alabaster Coast, and the towns of St. Valerie-en-Caux, Fécamp, and Etretat are well worth a visit. Access is very easy from Dieppe or le Havre.
 
The city of Rouen, the capital of Normandy and the Seine-Maritime, was founded at the lowest point where the river Seine could be bridged. The Cathédral Notre Dame is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and was frequently painted by Claude Monet. It is where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in the old market square. Wander the streets and enjoy the old Norman colombage buildings. The colombage, or exposed timber-frame style of building, is one of the features of many properties in Upper-Normandy.
 
Anyone interested in gardens should take the opportunity to visit Monet’s garden at Giverny. The garden has been beautifully restored, as has Monet’s house with its pink walls and green shutters. The gardens, including the lily pond and the green bridge, are the subject of many of Claude Monet’s paintings.
 
For Lower Normandy, access via the mid-channel ports (Portsmouth or Southampton) to Cherbourg or Ouistreham /Caen, for example, is very easy, as is access by autoroute from Calais to Rouen / Caen. Much of the area is only from two and a half to four hours from Calais.  The climate here is not much different from south-east England, maybe a degree or two warmer.
 
Attractions in the area include the beautiful town and port of Honfleur (closely connected with the impressionist movement), Bayeux with its famous tapestry as well as a war museum, the famous beaches of the Normandy landings, and military cemeteries and memorials in abundance. Do not forget to visit Pegasus Bridge. In Falaise, to the east of the Suisse-Normande, is the chateau where William the Conqueror was born.
 
Calvados has rich farmland and is famous for cheeses, such as Livarot, Pont l’Evêque and Camembert. There are many apple orchards from which are produced cider and calvados.  If your interest is equestrian , there are many stud farms in Calvados and the Orne.
 
 In the south west corner of Normandy is the Mont-St-Michel – with its abbey towering over the surrounding sands and sea, and

NOUVELLE AQUITAINE

AQUITAINE
 
Aquitaine, like most of north-west France, was once an English ‘province’. It embraces the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne – much loved by the British, as well as the coastal départements of the Gironde, Landes and Pyrénées-Atlantique. There is a multitude of pursuits to be found in this region, including palaeontology in troglodyte caves, archeology, windsurfing along the long Atlantic beaches, skiing in the Pyrénées, and boating or fishing in the many rivers which include the Dordogne, the Garonne, and the Lot. 
 
The name Dordogne conjures up different meanings to different people. To some, it’s a river, with some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. There are ancient caves carved out by pre-historic man, and some of the finest châteaux built in spectacular positions. There are tranquil riverbanks with solitary anglers as well as ancient bustling market towns lining the river.  To others, it’s the home of gastronomy with fine food and equally fine wine.  If you like paté de foie gras, or duck cooked in many different ways, this is the place to be!
 
Although the department is officially titled the Dordogne, it is known to the locals as the Périgord, and the inhabitants call themselves Périgourdins.  The region splits into four. In the north is the Périgord Vert, with towns such as Brantôme and Ribérac, and the river Dronne. The Périgord Blanc covers the centre, with the river Isle running through it.  The Périgord Pourpre is in the lower reaches of the Dordogne and includes the town of Bergerac – famous for its wines. Last, but not least, is the Périgord Noir in the east, leading to the Massif Central.  The river Dordogne bisects it and encompasses towns such as Sarlat-la-Canéda, Domme and les Eyzies-de-Tayac.
 
The weather can be delightful, maybe nine hours of sunshine on a summer’s day.  However, it is sometimes forgotten that it can also, particularly in winter, be cold and wet! These words are not to put you off, just to make you aware, as this is a wonderful place to live in or visit.
 
The city of Bordeaux was built on the bank of the river Garonne and has been a major port since pre-Roman times. It is a city of art and history, and there is some wonderful 18th century architecture, including the magnificent Place de la Bourse and the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. Take a walk along the waterfront and see the many elegant and classical façades. Bordeaux is synonymous with the word wine, and the region produces world famous fine clarets from the Médoc and St. Emilion for example, as well as the wonderful sweet wines from Sauternes and Barsac.
 
To the south of the region is Pau, a university town with its famous chateau standing proudly at the top of the town. Take a stroll along the long Boulevard des Pyrénées with its wonderful views both of the gardens below and of the mountains – often snow-capped all year.
 
‘Bastide’ towns are an important feature of the region. They were founded in the 13th century to provide security and safety for the residents as well as promoting trade. These towns, although not heavily fortified when constructed, acquired fortifications later to repel both the English and French, especially during the Hundred Years War. Typically they contained a covered market, a church and sheltered arcades. Some fine examples remain to this day.

LIMOUSIN
 
The appeal of the Limousin lies in its contrasting scenery.  It has a green countryside, forests with chestnut and oak trees, lakes and rivers everywhere, and granite in abundance.  The stone masons of the Limousin have traditionally had a very good reputation, and many of the local buildings, built in silvery grey granite, bear testimony to this.   The climate can be variable, being very warm in summer and cold in winter, and remember – no countryside is green without rain!!  It has been described as a paradis sur terre, well – in the spring, summer and autumn, mais l’hiver est un peu rude dans cette region!
 
Whether you are a modern historian, or just interested in World War ll, you should visit Oradour-sur-Glane with its Centre de la Mémoire, about 20 km to the west of Limoges.  The original village of Oradour was looted, torched, and mostly razed to the ground by the Nazis, after they had massacred all but a few of the population in June 1944. The village has been kept, as it was left by the Nazis, as a memorial to those who died. There is a strange and silent calm with not even birds in evidence, and it is difficult not to shed a tear when seeing this terrible example of man’s inhumanity to man.  A modern village now stands a few hundred metres away from the old.
 
Limoges is a delightful town with some splendid old streets and half-timbered buildings.  Visit the Butcher’s Street – steeped in history.  Do not forget the famous porcelain factories with their bright and colourful shops, where seconds, maybe with just few blemishes, can be a bargain.  In the countryside you can enjoy walking, watersports and fishing, equestrian activities, golf etc.  There are plenty of fresh produce markets, and the area is a gastronomic delight.
 
Not so long ago, the region was almost undiscovered – by the British at least.  With flights to Limoges increasing almost annually, the market has opened up, and although prices have risen, they are still relatively reasonable.

POITOU-CHARENTES
 
The Deux-Sèvres is a département to the north of the region, and named after the rivers la Sèvres Niortaise and Sèvres Nantaise. It is an area of woodland, agriculture, vineyards, canals, dykes and rivers.  To the west of the département are the Poitevin marshes – fen-like and swampy, from which are derived local specialities such as eels and snails. It goes without saying that boating and angling are much enjoyed.  Property prices are generally very reasonable.
 
The Charente-Maritime and Charente have a reputation for a mild climate, usually over 2000 hours of sunshine a year. The Charente-Maritime is subject to Atlantic weather and can be misty and damp in winter. The countryside of the Charente and Charente-Maritime, with its agriculture and vineyards, is pleasant rather than strikingly beautiful, and properties can be recognized by their very distinctive architectural style.
 
On the coast is the historic port of la Rochelle, fashionable with the French and therefore pricey, and also Royan, another favourite west coast resort with the French. Needless to say, the region has an excellent reputation for seafood. 
 
Inland, you will find well-known towns such as Angoulême - dominated by the 12th century Cathédral St. Pierre, with its city ramparts which overlook the Charente river and its surrounding countryside, Saintes – the capital of the Saintonge region and, of course, Cognac with its world famous brandy. 

OCCITANIE

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON
 
This area shares the warm, sometimes hot, and predominately sunny climate of Provence, but the scenery is very different. It is for the most part, particularly right on the coast, significantly cheaper than the Var / Côte d’Azur.  Having said this, prices have risen dramatically over the last few years. Access to the area is now easy, thanks to motorways, the TGV, and the airports at Montpellier, Nîmes, Perpignan and Carcassonne.
Inland, this is serious wine country, and the predominant feature of the landscape is its vineyards. The Corbière is rugged and wild with some villages not having even basic facilities.  To the north is the Minervois – a flatter area with more community life.  Common to this region are the village and town houses, and although most do not have a courtyard, subject to planning consent, roof terraces can sometimes be constructed. Having said this, properties with courtyards and gardens are at a premium. As with anywhere in France, if you live in the country, or in a village without shops, a car is essential. 
 
On the coast, in contrast with the steep cliffs, inlets and somewhat limited beaches of Provence, almost all the Languedoc coast is low-lying, with miles of sandy beaches often still backed by dunes and salt water lagoons, giving it a charm of its own.  This means that there is much less high season congestion, both on and getting to the beaches.  It must be said that the coastal resorts which grew up in the 1930’s and 1950’s lack charm, but some of the more recent developments, though entirely purpose built, are well planned with extensive boating and other facilities.
 
There are lovely old cities, towns and villages, and many other features. To mention just a few: Carcassonne - the delightful restored medieval walled town standing proudly overlooking the river Aude and the surrounding countryside which is covered in vines. Montpellier with its university, and in the Place de la Comédie, (known as l’Oeuf or egg), its famous Opera house. Pézenas, an ancient seat of local government, with its many old buildings, including the 14th century Porte Faugères. Agde with its 12th century fortress-like cathedral, (more about le Cap d’Agde below). Sète is a major industrial and fishing port. Céret, twixt mountains and sea, boasts a museum of modern art, which has numerous Picasso paintings, sculptures and ceramics, including the famous bull fighting bowl series. The museum also features paintings by Chagal, Matisse, Herbin,Soutine, lots of Fauves and a few impressionists. In the early spring the town is surrounded by pink cherry blossom, and the cherry festival is well worth attending. 
 
On the coast, is the well laid out resort complex of Cap d’Agde with a large selection of 'freehold' villas and apartments in Cap d'Agde and neighbouring seaside towns, many with sea / harbour views, communal pools etc; some are beachfront, and many are within a few minutes’ walk of both the superb sandy beaches and the 18 hole championship golf course. There are restaurants, shops, hotels etc., quite apart from the usual marina and watersport activities. Cap d'Agde is so popular among the French that it has never been as actively promoted outside France as its exceptional features deserve. (Cap d’Agde is NOT a naturist resort, although there is a naturist area, adjoining, but separate from the main resort). Le Cap, as it is known locally, offers excellent value to those seeking the mostly dry and sunny all-year-round weather which the Mediterranean can provide. To summarise, it is perfect for winter golf as well as for summer seaside family holidays.
 
Another area which may be of special interest to those looking for an older style property in a waterside town is the Thau Lagoon where the small towns of Marseillan, Mèze and the picturesque old oyster fishing village, Bouzigues, all have their own small harbours. Here, at Sète, is where the Canal du Midi (now a world heritage site) reaches the Mediterranean.

MIDI-PYRENEES
 
One cannot mention the Dordogne without mentioning the Lot, the département created and named in 1790 after the famous river under the Napoleonic Code. In the same way that the Dordogne is made up of the old Périgordian regions, the Lot corresponds with the ancient province of Quercy, (derived from quercus, the Latin name for oak). It is a region well known its food as well as for fruit-growing, wines, and Armagnac, which some say is the finest brandy in the world. Doubtless disputed by the makers of Cognac!

Quite apart from the river from which the département takes its name, there are numerous others, including the Dordogne, and the scenery is breathtaking. Many of the charming properties in the Lot, often built with local white stone, have their own distinctive pigeonnier towers, and are much sought after.
 
Located on the banks of la Garonne is Toulouse, France’s fourth largest city and regional capital. It is known as la ville en rose (pink city) due to the pink brick built buildings. It is a city with a great historical past, as well as looking to the future with the aerospace industry. It is a university city with many places of interest, including the cathedral, basilica and the Garonne Théâtre. There is an international airport used by business people, home owners and holidaymaker alike. Gastronomy is very important, and the city is famous for its cassoulet, which is a dish made with white beans and an assortment of meats and Toulouse sausage.
 
To the south of the region can be found Lourdes, with probably the best known shrine in Europe, and visited by worshippers from all over Europe and beyond.
 
The Ariège département is located in the centre of the Pyrénées next to Andorra.  Undoubtedly, this is an area of wild beauty, to a large extent unspoiled, with forests, barren rocky mountain peaks, and streams which flow fast and furiously down the mountainsides – sometimes heavy with trout, and a treat for anglers. It is a wonderful area for sporting activities such as skiing in winter, hiking, mountain climbing and biking, camping, and kayaking.
 
The area is easily accessible, and the highest peaks can be seen from as far away as Toulouse.  Properties are available for renovation, but getting more and more difficult to find.

PACA  - PROVENCE-ALPES-CÔTE D’AZUR   

Provence – where there is something for everyone. Inland, tranquility is to be found walking in the hills and mountains, or by a lake, with refreshment to be taken in the shade of a village bar or restaurant.  Night life and excitement can be found in Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez and in some of the many smaller ports and marinas along the coast, each with its particular charm and identity. 
 
Provençal food has a reputation of its own, and on the hot summer’s day, a salade niçoise, washed down with a locally produced rosé takes a lot of beating.  If you are hungry, and this is not for the fainthearted, try a bouillabaisse – the famous fish soup. To be at its best, you will probably have to order it 24 hours ahead. 
 
Provence has world famous festivals and events, particularly the Cannes Film Festival, and the Monaco Grand Prix.  If you are looking for a property, these are times to avoid! 
 
Property prices, like summer temperatures, are high. The buyers come from far and wide and the word ‘bargain’ seems to have been consigned to history!  A Provençal village house, well away from the hustle and bustle of the coast, is considerably less expensive. Visit places such as Cotignac and Bargemon for a taste of Provence away from the coast, and Grasse for its perfumes.
 
Les-Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is an area which appears to be relatively unknown to the British. To the north is the Savoie, to the east Italy, and to the south the Mediterranean. This is one of the least densely populated départments of France. You will find spectacular scenery with mountains, gorges and deep blue lakes, including the Lac d’Allos – the largest high altitude lake in Europe, lavender fields, oak covered hills, vineyards, and small villages – sometimes clinging to rocky and jagged mountains.
 
Dignes-les-Bains, located in the foothills of the Alps on the river La Bléone, is an attractive town which has a rail link to Nice taking just over 3 hours, although it’s probably only about 2 hours by car. Dignes is a healthy 600m above sea level, and in the Pays Dignois there are many activities to enjoy including: thermal waters, cycling, fishing, skating, gliding, hiking in the Durance and Bléone valleys, canyoning and golf, and many snow activities in winter. As with most of France, enjoy the cultural and historical aspects of the area. Follow La Route Napoléon for example: in 1815 Napoléon arrived with his followers in Golfe-Juan from exile in Elba. In order to regain his title, he marched through the mountains to Les Tuileries, avoiding meeting resistance in royalist towns along the way.
 
To the south of Dignes is the Parc Régional du Verdon with the Verdon river running through the Grand Canyon du Verdon into the Lac de Sainte Croix. 
 
To the west of the Verdon Parc is the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon.  This is an area of outstanding natural beauty with picturesque villages, made famous (and more expensive) by Peter Mayle and his book – A Year in Provence. The wildlife is varied, with eagles flying around the Luberon mountains, vultures, beavers, the largest wild lizards in Europe, wild boar and snakes!
 
To the east of the Luberon is Avignon, famous for the very large Palais des Papes, or Popes’ palace. Of course, one cannot mention Avignon without thinking of le Pont – or what is left of it!!
 
To the south east of Avignon is Aix-en-Provence in the Bouches-du-Rhône. Aix has been called the ‘city of a thousand fountains’ - three of which can be found on the Cours Mirambeau – a long wide tree-lined avenue with many cafés making it a focal point for the city’s social life. Paul Cézanne’s studio is a ‘must’ for art lovers.
 
Just south of Avignon is Marseille with its narrow stepped streets, 18th century facades, quiet squares, and in the old harbour, a fish market where the local restaurateurs buy their fish to make arguably the best bouillabaisse of all.

PAYS DE LA LOIRE
 
The river Mayenne gives its name to the town and the département of the Mayenne which because of its proximity to the Orne, is often associated with Normandy.
 
The Mayenne department is mainly made up of rolling countryside, and is split up into hundreds of small farms, some large forests, and lots of rivers and streams.  Fishing is a passion, and all the rivers and most of the streams are stocked with trout.  It is crisscrossed by roads and little lanes, all in excellent condition and little used, which makes driving or bicycle riding a pleasure, and walks are well marked and plentiful.
 
For noticeably better weather, it is generally recognized that you need to be south of the River Loire.  The Vendée enjoys a very pleasant climate, although near the coast it can be subject to Atlantic mist and storms.  One of the reasons the area is so popular is that it is within a fairly easy drive of the Channel ports. (6 – 6 ½  hours from Calais). If you have a property inland, you could be in the coastal resort of, for example, les Sables-d’Olonne, in an hour or so. La Rochelle is also easily accessible.
 
Rolling Wiltshire countryside might be a good description of the inland landscape of the Vendée, and property prices are still at reasonable levels - that is, less than in parts of Normandy and Brittany.
 
The Loire Valley has a reputation of its own, and conjures up visions of beautiful châteaux. It is an area  rich in history and architecture, access is easy via the TGV and the airports at Nantes and Tours. The nearest ports are Caen and St. Malo. The climate is kind, with long hot summers – very good for fruit, vegetables, sunflowers and, of course, vines, which are grown here.
 
U.K. and French history has been intertwined for centuries, and King Henry ll of England, for example, was also the Count of Anjou, and had his seat at Chinon.  Happily, the relationship between our countries no longer depends on bloodshed and domination, but more on relaxation and pleasure. What more pleasant area than the Loire Valley, now classified as a world heritage site? The Parc Naturel Régional, Loire, Anjou and Touraine are ‘musts’ to explore. Saumur, with the Loire running through it, has the imposing Château de Saumur dominating the town.
 
Being châteaux and wine country, prices for substantial properties can be very high.