There is something about a typically ancient and pretty French village that really appeals to British people buying in France – and other would be expats. It is easy to conjure up a picture in one’s mind of cobbled streets, pretty half-timbered buildings, pavement cafes, hanging baskets, quirky shops and people generally relaxing in the sunshine. This picture represents many villages in France and so many of us yearn to be a part of this. We moved to a small village in the south of France almost seven years ago now – and have never looked back. We are part of the community and find that everyo
With a reputed one million Chinese millionaires looking for somewhere to spend their cash, it’s no wonder that the most desirable properties in the world are finding new Chinese owners. And where does your average Ultra High Net Worth Individual (UHNWI) want to be? Paris and the South of France of course – much like the rest of us.
Easter has always been the traditional time for property hunters to begin their property search and this is no less true of the foreign property market. France’s property market in recent years has been completely different from that in the UK; prices have not risen very much if at all and indeed in some areas have fallen, forcing sellers to become more realistic about their property’s worth.
The region of the Languedoc Roussillon, where we have lived for the past 6 years, is a wonderful land stretching from the Massif Central down to the Pyrenees and around the coast towards Provence. Blessed with the same geography and climate as its more expensive neighbour, Provence, it is fast becoming one of the most popular areas in which to buy in France. Here you will find incredible ruined Cathar castles, often set high up on the hills, making you wonder how on earth they were built so long ago, pretty circulade villages, ancient Roman towns, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Cite of
