Property for sale in Aquitaine - click here
Aquitaine
This region stretches up the west coast of France from its border with Spain up to the mouth of the Bordeaux river. It has a long coastline but also sweeps inland a long way and include part of the Pyrenees mountain range.
In the Middle Ages, Aquitaine was allied with the Plantagenet kings of England, so the region has many historic connections with the United Kingdom, most notably through the wine trade. You will recognise a lot of the town names from the wine bottles on your local supermarket shelves like Saint-Emilion, Bergerac and Bordeaux.
Pau is the departmental capital and it is an elegant city, one of our favourites, that was very popular with the British in the nineteenth century as a thermal spa resort, it even boasted at one time a full on English hunt, complete with hounds and redcoats but that may have been banned by now I guess?
The Aquitaine region consists of 5 departments:
Dordogne (24), Lot-et-Garonne (47), Landes (40), Pyrenees-Atlantique (64) and Gironde (33).
Weather
Transport
By train: TGV from Paris Gare Montparnasse, or from Lille; train from Toulouse or Marseille.
By car : motorway from the Channel ports via Rouen and Tours, or from Paris.
By air : to airports at Bordeaux, Bergerac, Pau and Biarritz - or (peripheral) Toulouse.
Food
Aquitaine is famous for many regional products such as Perigord Truffles and Bayonne Ham, also many mouth watering dishes known of the world over like Foie Gras and Duck Confit. The Aquitaine gastronomy is appreciated for a combination of fine French produce and recipes handed down over the years, these of course all go to complement the outstanding Bordeaux wine and together they produce a fantastic dining experience.
Leisure
Coastal Aquitaine can offer fishing trips, relaxation, spa therapy centres, cycling tracks and golf courses usually in the shade of pine trees.
Inland Aquitaine also has rolling fairways, walks, horse rides or bike rides, and canoeing.
Pyrenean Aquitaine is ideal for fishing, white-water canoeing, visiting spa towns and hiking through stunning scenery.
Don't forget theme parks and Zoos.
Property
Aquitaine houses tend to be larger and more elegant than the standard farmhouse of neighbouring regions and are often called a Mas. normally square or rectangular in shape, the houses often have almost flat roofs and walls made of stone and covered with render or whitewashed.
The "Bastides stlye" tend to have really well thought out and practical layout, like traditional Maisons de Maitre. The name "bastide" itself originates from the name given to a fortified mediaeval town built in the 13th and 14th centuries in south west France.
Click here to see all of our properties in Aquitaine
CONTACT US to discuss your search for property in Aquitaine or any area of France, or indeed for any further information you may require on buying French property, moving to France, living in France etc. just give us a call or send us an email, we will be happy to help!
Property Finding Service: We will do a property search for you to match you criteria but also you can try our Advanced Search: including saving your favourites and getting updates of new properties for sale in France and price reductions direct into your inbox, and you can also add your comments to our blog pages - simply sign up for your own account here.
For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk
Club Clé France: Architect services
In your initial search for a property for sale in France we will help you understand the rules and regulations for just about every eventuality but if you are considering a full renovation project for your French Property or modifying the facade of a property to any extent then you will need to have the correct permissions in place. If the project is to be carried out by artisans then a set of plans will be essential and you may be best advised to seek a professional architect.
Finding a renovation project for sale in France should be easy, having the right advice and guidance on how to make a ruin into a beautiful French home is essential and we want you to have the best possible advice on renovating and buying a house in France there is.
As part of our Club Cle France preferred partners scheme we are pleased to be able to recommend...
Timothy Bowman : Brittany Architectural Services.
Working with Cle France - The French Property Network.
- Providers of Architectural Design and Planning services to the English in France since 1985.
- Professional RIBA and Ordre des Architectes registered Architect providing a complete service to anyone building or renovating property.
Projects undertaken in Brittany, Normandy, Pays de la Loire and further afield.
From a simple Déclaration Préalable to a full design and supervised package it is ensured that the service is tailored to your requirements.
Every Client and every project have their own individual requirements - listening to these and doing as much or as little as you require is the key to a successful project.
You tell us what you want and we will turn it into reality. Projects are carried out on a fixed, agreed fee basis from the start so no nasty surprises !
We have, to date ,worked on hundreds of successful projects from a Stable to a Medieval Manoir.
The information that you give and that we obtain through you using this website may be used by this Company and by our partner companies only for purposes in connection with your use of this website and for marketing activities of this Company and partner companies. By using this site you confirm your consent to this. If you do not want to receive any marketing information from this Company and/or our partner companies then please notify us.
For everything you need to know about French property for sale visit www.clefrance.co.uk
Join Us as a Partner Agent
We at Clé France never sit still and are always looking to extend our network of agencies in France.
If you are currently operating in France under a 'carte professionnelle' whether as an 'agent commercial' or as an independent estate agent 'immobiliere' then you could be part of our Network.
We have many successful agents set up within our network which started in North-west France but is now spreading across the whole country, you could do no better than work in association with us and our established network.
"How to be part of the Cle France Network"
We work with British property hunters and those of other English-speaking countries who are searching for Property for sale in France.
We know the customer and what they look for in their ideal home in France, whether it is a second home or a primary residence.
It is with our experience of the property market in France and our knowledge of the French language and culture that gives us the ability to find buyers and match them to sellers.
We use various newspapers and magazines for our advertising and are highly visible on the largest international property portals as well as ranking very high ourselves on Google.
For those interested in French property but have not been viewing yet, we exhibit at several French Property Exhibitions in the UK each year.
We are always looking for new partner agencies to offer our customers a wider choice of properties and unparalleled service in all regions of La Belle France.
By adding your properties to our website we can increase the choice for our customers and your agency is being introduced to a larger public and a wider audience.
We at Cle France specialise in Property for sale in France through our network of Agents and French Registered High Street Estate Agents. We have sold thousands of houses for sale in France over the years and have helped many find and buy their dream home in France.
We also help our clients with everything to do with buying a house in France including getting a mortgage, organising currency exchange, renovation advice, property surveys, planning permission, French translation, opening a bank account and everything to do with French property sales.
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information, we are at your disposal.
• If you are an existing Estate Agent (Immobiliere) and want more clients, leads, mandates and ultimately more sales then simply get in touch.
It does not matter where you are in France we are looking for agents in every corner of the country.
• If you are currently working with an Immobiliere as an Agent Commercial then call us for a chat.
We can work with you and your portfolio to maximise exposure and leads from many sources.
Contact Us now: We have 1000's of properties for sale with 100's of agents so why not join our network today and boost your business.
To find out more simply pick up the phone, email us or complete the Enquiry form below:
The information that you give and that we obtain through you using this website may be used by this Company and by our partner companies only for purposes in connection with your use of this website and for marketing activities of this Company and partner companies. By using this site you confirm your consent to this. If you do not want to receive any marketing information from this Company and/or our partner companies then please notify us.
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For everything you need to know about French property for sale visit www.clefrance.co.uk
Club Clé France: Bank Account set up
We are very pleased to offer our clients the best possible service in every aspect of searching for property for sale in France, buying and owning a property in France and getting everything set up that you need for enjoying your French house. We can arrange everything for you as you wish or you can set up certain things yourself if you prefer, such as a Bank account.
Banking basics in France:
Should you proceed with the purchase of a property in France you will need a French bank account in order to manage the expenses associated with running your home, for instance utility bills and annual property taxes, whether you intend living there permanently or just for the holidays.
Some utility companies such as ERDF and France Telecom insist on payment via a direct debit (prélèvement automatique).
You will need a Current Account (compte courant, a compte à vue or a compte de dépôt) to take care of these bills, it is usually free to set up.
N.B: Bank Charges are levied against such services as having a debit card, a cheque book (still commonly used in France), the provision of statements, standing orders, foreign currency transactions and overdrafts.
Do I need to open an account before I purchase a property?
No, in fact proof of residency is required prior to opening your account, either by means of a signed compromise de vente or an 'attestation de vente' which the notaire will provide on completion day.
You don’t need a bank account to transfer the funds for your purchase because these should go direct from the U.K into the notaire’s bank account prior to completion.
For the best currency rates take a look at Currency Exchange here.
How do I open a bank account?
Our colleagues are always happy to assist you in this matter, should you wish to open an account with a local branch. They will know which local banks have English speaking staff and which are accustomed to dealing with foreign clients.
Alternatively you can choose a service like Britline, operated by Credit Agricole, which provides a telephone banking service staffed by English speakers.
In addition to completing the application form - called a mandate - you will need to provide additional information as follows:
• Reference from your current bank
• Copy of your passport
• Evidence of residency status (utility bill or copy of house purchase agreement, e.g. Compromis de Vente, if your purchase has not gone through).
You will also need to deposit some funds to open the account.
Banking hours.
French bank opening hours are quite variable, depending on the location, size of branch etc.
In general, they are open from 09:00 to 17:30 Mondays to Fridays.
Some banks will open on Saturdays and late on certain evenings though this is more likely in larger towns. Lunchtime closing is the norm in smaller towns, as indeed are restrictive hours during the week (e.g closed all day Monday).
If you have a specific banking question then simply complete the Enquiry form below:
The information that you give and that we obtain through you using this website may be used by this Company and by our partner companies only for purposes in connection with your use of this website and for marketing activities of this Company and partner companies. By using this site you confirm your consent to this. If you do not want to receive any marketing information from this Company and/or our partner companies then please notify us.
Currency Exchange
Need to Send Money Abroad?
At Clé France, many of our customers have a need for currency exchange.
We are pleased to have partnered with Key Currency to offer our customers favourable exchange rates on international currency transfers.
Key Currency is an award-winning currency exchange specialist, Key Currency Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Authorised Payment Institution (Financial Services Register No. 753989) and experienced in executing high-volume transactions.
As a Clé France client, you qualify for preferential exchange rates when you transact through Key Currency.
Save money on your foreign currency transfers
Key Currency can save you money by offering more competitive rates of exchange than retail banks.
Clients can typically save you 3-4% of the total transaction value, which can result in significant cost savings.
All client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks keeping your money safe and secure.
Cle France are there to help you find the best selection of French property for sale and Key Currency are there to save you time, money and hassle; making sure your money is in the right place, at the right time and keeping you informed along the way.
The best service is one that comes highly recommended, that is why you should use the services of Key Currency.
Benefits of using Key Currency:
- Bank-beating exchange rates
- Quick and easy transfers
- No transfer fees
- Expert help and guidance
- Authorised by the FCA
Alternatively, you can contact Key Currency over the phone or visit their website.
0044 (0) 1872 487 500
Quote 'Clé France' for the best rate
UK Office: St. Piran House, Truro Technology Park, Truro TR1 2XN
For everything you need to know about French property for sale visit www.clefrance.co.uk
Join Us and become a Property Agent in France
We at Clé France never sit still and are always looking to extend our network in France especially by increasing the number of quality properties we have available for our discerning clients.
If you would like to start working in this interesting and dynamic sector, you could do no better than work within our established network headed up by our UK office and with 100's of agents spread across France from individuals right up to established French High Street Agents.
"How to be part of the Cle France Network"
Thinking of earning a living in France, moving to France and setting up in business then call us for more details.
You may even be already living in France and are looking for a way to earn a living. We can help you set up your income stream and start work as an 'agent commercial' benefiting from our already established network of professionals as well as our extensive advertising and strong internet presence.
When people contact us about our properties for sale in France we want to send them over to France on a property viewing trip safe in the knowledge that they will be met by our professional estate agents. We have over 100 agents at the moment and if you have a passion for French property you too could be selling houses and earning a living in this dynamic business.
Contact Us now: We have 1000's of properties for sale with 100's of agents so why not join our team today and benefit from what a large network can offer you and hopefully what you can our clients.
For individuals looking to work in the industry we see the profile as:
• Prior experience in real estate or similar business (in France or overseas).
• Good level of spoken and written French.
• Motivated, ambitious, professional and good people skills.
• IT literate.
• A love of French property & the French lifestyle.
• Independent but also a team player.
Your day to day role as a French property sales agent:
• creates and maintains a high quality property portfolio by finding and mandating properties which meet the current buying criteria.
• communicates well with people and is flexible to clients needs and schedule.
• arranges viewings with good scheduling and productivity.
• shows property to clients pointing out the good points as well as any concerns.
• guides clients through the buying process.
• keeps everybody 'in the loop' with any changes and processes underway.
What the role offers you:
• Earning a living in France (good rates of commission).
• A fun, supportive and dynamic team with a flexible working schedule.
• UK Enquiry Office provides regular leads from international buyers & sellers.
• Advertising and Marketing on major international property portals.
• Opportunities to network and integrate with your local community.
To find out more or if you have a specific question then simply pick up the phone, email us or complete the Enquiry form below:
The information that you give and that we obtain through you using this website may be used by this Company and by our partner companies only for purposes in connection with your use of this website and for marketing activities of this Company and partner companies. By using this site you confirm your consent to this. If you do not want to receive any marketing information from this Company and/or our partner companies then please notify us.
For everything you need to know about French property for sale visit www.clefrance.co.uk