Property for sale in Midi Pyrenees - click here

Midi Pyrenees

Unlike many regions of France Midi-Pyrénées is actually a 20th century invention, created as a result of the "regionalisation" process that took place in the 1970s, I bet you did not know that!

Like the Pays de la Loire region further north, where I lived for 12 years until 2013, Midi-Pyrénées was established in order to create a region around a main town, in this case the fantastic city of Toulouse.

The large former provinces of Guyenne, Gascony, Languedoc and smaller areas, within these larger areas, such as Quercy, Rouergue, Albigeois and Foix are all either part or fully in the Midi-Pyrenees.

It is not too hard to understand that Midi Pyrénées is essentially a rural area; in fact, apart fromToulouse, it is a very rural area (just 55 inhabitants per km2, this is approx. half the national average), it is the leading agricultural region of France.

The Midi-Pyrenees region consists of 8 departments:

Lot (46), Tarn (81), Haute-Garonne (31), Tarn-et-Garonne (82), Aveyron (12), Ariege (09), Haute-Pyrenees (65) and Gers (32).

Weather

Transport

By train (TGV) from Paris Gare-Montparnasse or Gare-de-Lyon as well as the express train from Paris Gare-d'Austerlitz.

By car from the UK via any of the Channel ports, right across from Roscoff in Brittany to Calais.

Airports: Toulouse-Blagnac is one of the best served regional airports. Airports also at Lourdes and Rodez with frequent flights from London and other major cities.

Food

Hearty casseroles from France meet with the spicy dishes from Spain, here in the Midi-Pyrénées we like our tasty gastronomy. A famous food loving region that boasts fresh products such as mountain cheese, truffles and walnut oil on tap. Being hot there are many red peppers, tomatoes as well as the famous Bayonne-ham.

The Pyrenean region is widely known for Aligot (Aveyron cheese and potato puree). We must always end with a exquisite sweet, the crunchy Croustade-aux-pommes is my recommendation.

Not forgetting some wine to go with your meal then visit Cahors which is a small town located 100 miles (160km) east of Bordeaux. In wine terms 'Cahors' is known for its deeply coloured reds made predominantly from Malbec (known locally as both Cot and Auxerrois), with small quantities of Merlot and Tannat. Cahors is the only red wine appellation in the south-west to use neither Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc grapes.

Leisure

The Midi Pyrenees is good cycling country and is ideal for mountain biking and walking, for the more energetic why not try white-water rafting or rock-climbing, or combine the two!

Flying, gliding and micro-lighting is available at some small airfields. Horse riding is popular as is trekking through the mountains, always accompanied by an experienced guide if your are going off-piste. Golf courses throughout the region can be inexpensive as well. My passion is rugby and it is also a passion in Toulouse where important international games are played regularly.

One of the main attractions in the region is the Canal-du-Midi built under the reign of Louis XIV between 1666 and 1681, the Canal du Midi is home to 328 structures (locks, aqueducts, tunnels, bridges) and is a fine example of hydraulic engineering of the modern age. It is of course a fantastic tourist attraction now and messing about on the water is a fine way to relax and see the sites of the region at the same time.

Downhill and cross-country skiing is available in many resorts during the winter months.

Property

There are many styles of property in the region but I have chosen my favourite three:

Bas-Quercy houses: the living areas are located upstairs, the entrance door often being flanked with two windows.

Rustic stone houses: these houses are full of charm, wooden beams and exposed stone walls, very cosy.

Terrefort houses: this name is given to the clay and chalky soils in Gascony which are heavy and yet fertile, houses are often built into the side of slopes, hills and mountains.

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Property for sale in Nord Pas de Calais - click here

Nord Pas de Calais

This is a region bordered on the north by the English Channel, to the northeast by Belgium, and to the south by the Picardy region. It is made up of just two departments, see below. In historic terms, this region covers most of what was once the French part of Flanders, and the old province of Artois (think of Stella). To be honest, it is not a region that most people tend to think of as a destination, but think again.

One thing that is above all in favour of the Nord–Pas-de-Calais region is its proximity to the south of England and the Low Countries to the east. Lille is less than a two hour train journey from London by Eurostar, and Calais is even closer.

For anyone travelling by car from the UK, this region is very accessible for a weekend break, take advantage of the cheap short stay return fares offered by Euro-tunnel and the various Ferry companies. What most people tend to do is drive through the region on the way to somewhere else which really is not fair as the region has a lot to offer.

The Nord Pas de Calais region consists of just 2 departments:

Pas de Calais (62) and Nord (59).

Weather

Transport

Really easy to get to from the UK with the many ferry routes and of course the Euro tunnel from Folkstone to Calais. From here you can go many ways and the whole of europe is open to you from the many motorways, as much of a hub for routes as Paris in many ways.

Food

Surprisingly very regional with some good dishes and local cheeses including the famous Maroilles, the many Nord-Pas-de-Calais beers and the less well known regional wines have a germanic influence to them. Meat production is very high as well as confectioneries like the irresistable Bêtises-de-Cambrai sweets. Seafood and biscuit specialities are also in abundance in this region.

Leisure

Nord-Pas de Calais is a land of sport and shares this passion with all ages and there are several hundred recreation and leisure centres across the region.

The Côte d'Opale and its many seaside resorts offer lots of beach activities, inland there are over two hundred horse riding centres. You can enjoy a wide range of activities including sand-yachting, kite-surfing, sea-kayaking, canoeing, rafting, pony trekking, cycle tourism, sailing, walking in lovely woodland, underwater diving, river. lake and pond fishing, and car or motorcycle racing at the famous Croix-en-Ternois Circuit.

Property

Property in the area is at a premium because of the major towns and cities providing lots of employment but further out into the countryside and hamlet villages there are still some good bargains to be had in the busy French property market.

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For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

Property for sale in Pays de la Loire -

Pays de la Loire

This is a diverse and fascinating region bordered by the Bay of Biscay to the west, Brittany to the north and west, Lower Normandy to the north, Centre to the east, and Poitou-Charentes to the south.

If you are looking for value for money in your French property purchase then there are some areas where property for sale is cheap but there are also some very upmarket location in the stunning area of France.

From the rural beauty of Mayenne in the north to the sophistication of the Loire Valley Chateaux this charming region has something to suit all tastes. The Mayenne has the largest concentration of rivers and lakes in France and is also home to the 'horse stud farms' of the rich and famous.

The Pays de la Loire includes some of the most sought after property for sale in France, but also offers some of the best value.

The region is divided into the following departments:

Loire-Atlantique (44), Maine-et-Loire (49), Mayenne (53), Sarthe (72), Vendée (85).

Weather

Transport

All departments are within easy driving distance of the channel ports, and of course transport links between this vibrant area and Paris are excellent. A great location for property hunters.

Food

Pays de la Loire has an abundance of small farms for sale, and the predominant agricultural pursuit is the raising of cattle and pigs and the making of dairy products. This means that like Normandy to the north, there is a wonderful choice of locally produced cheeses, good quality meat dishes and even Loire River Cray fish! The Atlantic coast fishing ports provide superb opportunities to eat fish and sea food.

Leisure

Le Mans is one of the best known towns in the region, and known all over the world for its annual endurance race and historic centre. Nantes is a sophisticated port with wonderful nearby beaches, and the chateaux of the Loire Valley are a must for any visitor. The horse is king in this area, especially in Mayenne where there are numerous race meetings throughout the season. Rural charm and smart cities offer variety and interest.

Property

Stone built farmhouses for sale and stunning Chateaux are numerous in the North and West of the region, with seaside villas and apartments further South. Property is still amongst the cheapest in France in the Mayenne, with prices increasing slightly towards the coast. However, in comparison with the South of France, and even the seaside locations in the U.K, coastal property here remains excellent value.

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For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

Property for sale in Lower Normandy - click here

Property for sale in Upper Normandy - click here

Normandy

With its proximity and excellent transport links with the U.K, Normandy is the ideal choice for those looking for property for sale in France either for a holiday home or permanent residence.

Its tranquility, beautiful countryside and traditional way of life have long attracted buyers not only from abroad but from elsewhere in France. It has some of France's most visited attractions; Mont st Michel is the second most visited site in France after the Effiel Tower. The World War II beaches are an emotional but essential visit as is the Bayeaux Tapestry.

Along with the rolling countryside of the 'Swiss Normande" area it is not surprising that Normandy is one of the most visited regions of France.

It is not surprising that property for sale in Normandy is a busy market but it is one of our main regions and we have thousands of houses for sale in all shapes and sizes.

This region is divided into Upper and Lower Normandy and comprises the following departments:

Upper Normandy: Seine Maritime (76), Eure (27).

Lower Normandy: Calvados (14), Manche (50) and Orne (61).

Weather

Transport

The ferry ports of Le Havre, Caen and Cherbourg along with excellent road access to the Channel Tunnel makes this area perfect for those needing easy access to the U.K.

Food

The area is renowned for its cheeses, cider and Calvados, and there are numerous restaurants serving wonderful food using locally sourced and often home grown ingredients.

Leisure

Golf, fishing, tennis, horse riding and walking are amongst the sporting activities possible. The coastal areas provide lovely sandy beaches, not to mention the famous Normandy Landing Beaches and all the associated museums and visitor attractions. The beautiful Mont Saint Michel is one of the most visited tourist spots in France, and a day trip to Paris is even possible, with the excellent TGV links to the area.

Property

You are spoilt for choice in this lovely region, with everything ranging from property for sale to renovate up to gracious chateaux for sale !

The styles vary according to department, with colombage houses with thatched roofs in the Seine Maritime and Calavados, and stone built properties in Manche. French estate agents are a friendly bunch so if you are looking to buy french property let us take the stress away from you and help you find that dream home.

All our French estate agents speak English and we have English estate agents on the ground in France selling french property as well. Your home in France could be just a click or call away.

Click here to see all of our properties for sale in Lower Normandy

Or here for all houses for sale in Upper Normandy

Property for sale in Normandy

From its locally sourced delicacies to its rolling countryside and coastal views, Normandy has a certain charm that is difficult to find elsewhere. Steeped in history, it is one of France’s northernmost regions and home to a number of castles, palaces and manors that tell a tale of years gone by. An interesting blend of past and present, Normandy is favoured for its traditional way of life whilst also enjoying easy transport links with the country’s more metropolitan areas.

It’s not hard to see why so many people make this their new home every year. Just a short distance from England, with ferry ports in Le Havre, Caen and Cherbourg, the region is ideal for those from the UK looking to relocate, retire abroad or simply invest in a holiday home. With quick road access to the Channel Tunnel too, it’s the ideal getaway even for short breaks.

Whilst we offer properties across France, we specialise in property for sale in Normandy. Whether you’re searching for new Normandy properties available for your entire family or something smaller for weekend getaways, we’re sure to have something to suit your needs.

New Normandy properties available

Moving home is one of the biggest changes many of us go through in life. From arranging new employment to packing and running last minute errands, the list of things to do can seem endless; especially when your move is overseas.

That’s why it’s so important to enlist the help of someone experienced in their field when it comes to seeking property for sale in Normandy. Not only do we know the market inside out, which gives us a head start on the best new Normandy properties available, but we take care of the entire process, whether you need assistance with setting up a French bank account, translating legal documents, organising home insurance or simply advice on where to find the best oysters!

It may also be a relief to know that all our estate agents speak English too, especially if searching for property for sale in Normandy has left you with little time to brush up on your language skills.

Where can I find the best property for sale in Normandy?

As with any move, if you’re seeking property for sale in Normandy, your priority will no doubt be to get the process completed as swiftly and efficiently as possible. Having lived and worked in France for a number of years now we have been successful sourcing new Normandy properties available for customers regularly and we always strive to take care of as many details as possible to allow you to start enjoying your new life in this idyllic region as soon as possible.

When you’re not taking advantage of Normandy’s famous array of cheeses and ciders, our property for sale in Normandy also puts you in a great position to visit some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations including Mont St Michel and the Bayeux Tapestry.

For new Normandy properties available and a friendly and professional service, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

Property for sale in Picardy - click here

Picardy

Picardy or Picardie consists of just three departments, the Aisne (02) capital Laon, the Oise (60), capital Beauvais and the Somme (60), capital Amiens and this is also the regional capital. The southern part of this modern region, virtually all of the Oise department, was not part of the original Province of Picardy, it was added when the region was created in the 20th century.

The triangle between Paris, Amsterdam and London is of course the historic centre of warfare action in western Europe, Picardy is an area with a very interesting history indeed.

It was this region of France that witnessed some of the most famous battles of French and European history, notably the battle of the Somme and the battle of Crécy.

And in the course of the last 1000 years or so the area that is now the main part of modern Picardy was ruled over by the English, the Habsburgs, the Spanish and the French; I said it has a very interesting history indeed.

The Picardy or Picardie region consists of only 3 departments:

Aisne (02), Oise (60) and Somme (80).

Weather

Transport

Easy to get to by train from Paris Gare-du-Nord , or from Lille, Calais or Boulogne.

Easy to get to by car from the UK, cross to Calais, then drive down either of the motorways in the direction of Paris or Reims. The A16, the A26 or the A1 motorway, if you are planning to drive further south from Calais you will find yourself in Picardy within the first hour.

Beauvais has an airport with direct low-cost flights from the UK or Paris Charles-de-Gaulle airport is just a few kilometres from the southern edge of the Picardy region.

Food

The region offers a hearty and varied cuisine thanks to the abundant local crops and markets in the region of Picardy are very popular, they can attract the "foodies" from Paris and London who look for gourmet products like paté-de-canard from Amiens or the Flamiche leek pie which is my personal favourite.

A family favourite is 'chantilly' whipped cream from the town of Chantilly believe it or not! and you must try the delicious gateau battu whilst in Picardy.

Leisure

It goes without saying that a visit to the famous attractions like "Parc Astérix" or "La Mer de Sable" are the best places to have fun for children and, dare I say it, adults alike but after all that excitement there is plenty of Hiking, walking, cycling and mountain biking, water-sports and Horse riding

Property

Picardy is a region that is divided quite distinctly into two areas, the department of the Oise and Aisne, in the south of the region, are economically attached to the Paris region so property can be expensive. Towns like Compiègne, Beauvais and Chantilly form part of the outer circle of Paris so people can commute into Paris.

Amiens, the regional capital, is even close by commuter train for people working in Paris; you have to go out into the countryside and local villages to find the best property but when you get there the farmhouses and cottages of the region are lovely.

Click here to see all of our properties in Picardy

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk