If you’re torn between choosing a home in France that’s somewhere by the beach or up in the mountains – with the Pyrénées-Orientales you can have both. This sunny department is in southern France, adjacent to the northern Spanish frontier (Catalonia) and the Mediterranean. It’s slow starting to be discovered by British buyers, although the French have long appreciated its diverse appeal.

The Pyrénées-Orientales area is easy to reach and a tempting blend of French/Spanish border cultures. It offers beautiful beaches, ski resorts and hilltop villages. Donna Tulloch from Wales now lives in the Pyrénées-Orientales department where she works as an agent for Leggett Estate Agents. She tells us what it’s like to live there and shares her expertise on property in the area (property guide below).

Living in Pyrénées-Orientales

We’re based in a small village near Vinça and we’ve renovated and sold several houses since we arrived here, but our current house is a large stone village house. The house needed complete renovation, but this didn’t faze us, despite having to live in it with 3 young children during the renovation. We even found a bomb in the attic from WWII, which caused a lot of discussion from our neighbours!

We love it here because we have spectacular views, are situated between the Mediterranean for the beach, the mountains with winter ski slopes and access to both is simple and easy. The Spanish border is not far, and a day trip is easy

Although the Pyrenees-Orientales is situated in the larger Occitanie region the people consider that they are Catalan and have their own very distinct culture and traditions. Some of these include the Correfocs, which is a group of people dressed like devils who parade through the streets with fireworks, inviting people to come and dance with them.

We also have the Castellars who make human towers with the youngest children who climb to the top of the tower. When we have visitors the UNESCO village of Villefranche de conflent is a must along with the large Tuesday market in Prades, Eus reputedly the sunniest village in France and of course Collioure. Wintertime a drive up to Les angles for some skiing

Ski and bask on the beach on the same day in France

There aren’t many places in the world where you can ski in the morning and enjoy a glass of wine in the sunshine on the Mediterranean coast in the afternoon. But the Pyrénées-Orientales can offer you this and so much more. In spring the peach,, cherry and almond fields are in blossom against the blue sky and with the mountain backdrop that still has snow on the peaks. Summer is hot, particularly down on the coast but it is a dry heat that is pleasant, and you can always escape to the mountains if you are looking for lower temperatures. Autumn is generally still very warm and it’s an enjoyable time to go to the beach, once the summer crowds have left. Winter has clear sunny days, with blue skies and are perfect for getting out and enjoying the stunning scenery with snowcapped mountains

For dedicated skiers there are eight ski stations that are generally more affordable and less crowded than the French Alps. The two largest are Font-Romeu and Les Angles where it is possible to buy a 1 bedroom apartment at a great price. Here you can mix skiing with biking or other activities and take advantage of the dual seasonality of the region, which is great for those looking to maximise rental income.

Easy access and lots to do

Access to this area is easy, with flights to Perpignan, Béziers, Carcassonne and Girona airport all within a 2-hour drive. There is also a TGV service to Perpignan train station. And, the A9 motorway links to the Spanish border.

The area  offers such a contrast in scenery within a short distance. From  the huge expanse of sandy beaches that transform into rocky coves and the plains that are full of cherry, peach and apricot trees, right up to the mountains with their spectacular scenery. Mount Canigou is the highlight of this area. Not the highest mountain at 2,784m but the most visible from as far as Barcelona and Marseille.

Even with the beaches you can choose between sandy bays such as at Toreilles, Canet-Plage and Spanish border. And there are chic little towns like Collioure. Port Vendres and Argelès near Perpignan. The rocky coves are great for snorkelling and diving around Cerbère near the Spanish border.

Expert Property guide toPyrénées-Orientales

Expat buyers are generally keen on areas along the coastline, like Prades and Vinça. They are popular for their accessibility to Perpignan and for good transport links but the town of Ceret and its surrounds is also very popular. Most property seekers are looking for a village with a café close by and easy access to larger towns.

Villages tend to be built with the houses in close proximity of each other and the houses rarely have an attached garden but often with an allotment nearby. Many people seek traditional stone village house and stone farmhouses, the latter are becoming more difficult to find and so carry a premium. Villas are a very popular choice for buyers as well, particularly closer to the coast. There are many of the older villas that offer excellent value as they need some refreshing, but no major renovation works.

Many retired people, both French and foreign, choose to live in this area due to its dry climate but it’s also popular for second homeowners as properties can easily be rented out over the whole year. With year-round activities, many cyclists and walkers prefer it when the temperatures drop a little.

Transport to the UK in this area is excellent. There is an airport in Perpignan with regular flights to the UK and the train station with TGV links to Paris and Barcelona. There are also several other airports within 1h30mins drive, including Carcassonne and Girona over the border in Spain, both of which offer several flights to different areas in the UK.

Where to buy in Pyrénées-Orientales

For buyers who would love to be close to the beach, the busy little market town of Prades is a popular choice, with its Pablo Casals chamber music festival every August. From here you have access to spa towns, ski resorts and Andorra. Or there’s Vinça, with its own swimming lake just off the main road between the coast and Andorra. Prices get cheaper as you go further up into the mountains. You can find a house with a garden and a swimming pool at a price that is great value. Perfect for those who want to rent out when not using it.

Other highlights include the beaux villages of Eus, Ville-franche-de-Conflent and Vernet-les-Bains, where Rudyard Kipling took the waters over a century ago. The evident elements of Catalan culture are also appealing, from the ‘firework runs’ or correfocs to the human tower-building of the castellers.

My advice to anyone looking to find a home in this department is do your homework and take the time to discover the area. The countryside changes quite drastically within very short distances, from flat coastline and 3 distinctive valleys, the Agly valley where they there is a large wine growing area and many large wine cooperatives such as Dom Brial and lots of smaller independent wine producers.

This tempting blend of  French/Spanish border cultures makes for a life rich in culture and things to do…

See Donna’s portfolio of properties in Pyrenees-Orientales

See Leggett Immobilier’s selection of properties for sale in Pyrenees-Orientales

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When it comes to living in France, there’s lots to tempt you. Wandering through a picture-perfect medieval village, sitting at a café with a coffee and croissant watching the world go by, an early morning stroll on a sandy beach, or watching the sun set over a craggy mountain. Sunshine, great food and wine, a slower pace of life and culture galore. The healthcare is superb and the street markets are a way of life. What’s not to love. The only difficulty is choosing where to go.

We asked property agent Patrick Joseph of My French House to share some of his favourite places for those dreaming of life in France…

Property for sale Cotes d’Azur / French Riviera

Sun, sea and a super laid back lifestyle can be found on the Cote d’Azur/French Riviera. This area is famous for its luxury villas with infinity pools, prestige homes and exclusive apartments in famous seaside resorts such as Cannes, Nice, Antibes, Saint Tropez, Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Menton. “You’ll also find delightful character stone homes in magical places such as Seillans or Fayence a bit further inland” says Patrick.

There’s plenty to fall in love with in the area. Pretty perched villages with cobbled streets, vineyards, beaches and glorious countryside. But it’s the sun, relaxed quality of life and outdoor lifestyle that really lures expats.

From Cannes and Nice by the sea, all the way up to Var inland – there’s a wide range of property available here and something to suit everyone, including a surprising number of affordable homes, even in some of the most alluring hotspots.
Properties for sale Cote d’Azur/French Riviera

Property for sale in Normandy

“Normandy offers great value and is easy to reach from the UK” says Patrick. The countryside and climate of Normandy is often compared to Devon or Cornwall in southern England, though the French side gets around 20% more sunshine per year.

Lush countryside peppered with villages, endless beaches and charming seaside towns. A long history that’s intrinsically linked to the UK – William the Conqueror came from Normandy, Richard the Lionheart ruled over the area when he inherited it in the 12^th century and of course D-Day. The roads are traffic-free, there are street markets in almost every town and plenty of chateaux to visit, cycling routes and hiking trails. Normandy is also famous for its food – from dairy products and cheese, to sea food and cider.

There are five departments within the region of Normandy though Patrick reports that Manche, home to Mont-Saint-Michel and Calvados with its long coast line, D-Day beaches, museums and the historic capital city of Caen, are the two most popular. “There’s a huge choice of property for sale here” says Patrick. “Stone and half-timbered houses, character cottages, farms, mansions and properties with income are plentiful in Normandy.”

And, though it may be often likened to Devon in the UK, you’ll find it offers affordable prices and a  laid back lifestyle.
Properties for sale in Normandy

Property for sale in South West France – Occitanie

There are two main regions in the southwest (known as le grand sud-ouest): Occitanie and New Aquitaine. The region of Occitanie (formerly known as Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées) is a land of plenty. Plenty of wide open spaces, beautiful towns, glorious countryside, coastal villages, wonderful beaches, vineyards, lakes and forests. This area has it all. It includes the departments of Gers A.K.A. Gascony, Tarn, Aude, Tarn-et-Garonne, Ariege, Haute Garonne and Haute-Pyrénées.

Glorious countryside, mountains and skiing in the winter months. The stunning beaches of Aude. The historic citadel of Carcassonne. You’ll never run out of places to fall in love with in southwest France that’s for sure.

And when it comes to properties, you’ll find a huge choice. Says Patrick “from castles to villas, character stone houses to charming cottages, manor houses and farmhouses and heaps more.”

With plenty of sunshine and excellent transport links to the area. A laid-back lifestyle, great gastronomy and fabulous wines. This is an area that has a lot to offer for permanent moves, second homes and gite businesses.
Property for sale in southwest France

Get in touch with Patrick of My French House. Bilingual property agents/immobilliers with property for sale all over France. Discover your dream home in France – and start your journey to living the good life.

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I don’t know about you, but I do love a bargain! Especially when it comes to French houses. I bought a bargain myself several years ago. A 21 room house in a gorgeous part of rural France for €90,000. Compared to what I could get in the UK at that time, I felt like I’d won the lottery! I won’t deny that it has been a lot of hard work to bring it up to the level I’m happy with. My other half and me have done everything ourselves on this house and it’s now the house of my dreams.

I still can’t help looking at what else there is out there though! These three bargains have caught my eye…

The cutest little bargain house in Brittany – Morbihan

This pretty stone built terraced cottage in Caden, Morbihan, Brittany, has 2 bedrooms and a hidden fairy tale turret plus an extra garden! At this price, less than you’d pay for a plot of land, it’s certainly a renovation project. It needs a new roof, rewiring, bathroom, kitchen and timber work treatment. Having done all this myself, I know its hard work but its doable, and just what’s needed to turn this unloved cottage into a seriously cosy little retreat.

There is a small garden attached to the back of the property, but there is also an extra 1040m2 garden 50 metres away! With lots of museums, animal parks, golf courses and cathedrals close by you won’t be short of things to do. Guide price of €26,000…

Ready to live in bargain house in Uzerche, Limousin

This 2-bedroom house is in the centre of historic Uzerche and has a little garden – perfect for those who want an outside area that’s low maintenance. It’s in need of redecoration and general updating, but you would be able to live in it as you work. There’s lots of potential with this property which has retained lots of its character and features. It has a cellar too. It’s connected to mains drains and has high speed internet. The village shops, bars and restaurants are close by and there are lots of attractions in and around Uzerche. This would be an idea move in, lock up and leave or rental property once it’s been updated a bit. Guide price of €41,000…

Absolute bargain house in Cheronnac, Haute Vienne near Rochechouart

In the centre of the village of Cheronnac, this 3-bedroom house with garden is just waiting for someone to love it again. With all mains supplies connected and fast speed broadband, this house could be perfect as a home or gite. The pretty (potentially, it’s a bit overgrown at the moment) walled garden at the back provides lots of privacy yet is still bathed in sunshine. I would definitely want to update the kitchen and bathroom, and I’d renovate and expand the attic. This could be a lovely family home or rentable gite. With fabulous public gardens and chateaux in the town, it’s the perfect excuse to visit for inspiration for the walled garden! The local area is absolutely stunning. Guide price of €49,900…

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Bijou and beautiful in Brittany

This pretty little stone house is situated in Morbihan, Brittany. This is a popular investment area and a thriving tourist destination with its warm climate and sandy beaches.

The terraced cottage hides a secret – there’s a secluded fairy tale turret. Yes, it needs renovating but there is water and electricity already on site, and with a guide price of €26,000, it’s a real bargain. There are outbuildings and a small garden at the rear of the property, as well as an extra 1040m2 garden a few steps away. The property is just 35 minutes from beaches, and for someone happy to do a bit of DIY and dole out some TLC, this could be picture perfect.

Enticing in Aveyron

A real find in lovely Vailhourles, Aveyron, Midi-Pyrenees just 14km from Villefranche-de-Rouergue where you’ll find one of the best markets in France.

This large, 3-bedroom stone house gives and gives – and then gives a bit more. There’s a large garage and workshop underneath the house, with stairs connecting inside. A stunning garden gives you the most beautiful views of the local landscape and church, and there’s even an original outdoor bread oven waiting to be used. If you have ever thought about working from home but always dismissed it – think again, with this house, you’ve got bundles of room to set up an office.

A big kitchen, terraced doors to the garden, loads of space and lots of opportunities. Plus it’s ready to move into, giving you the option of doing as you wish as you go along. I can already imagine taking shelter in the cave from the summer sun with an ice cream, and winters in the cave with hot chocolate and marshmallows taking in the smell of fresh bread cooking in the outdoor oven, just lovely. Guide price €61,000 (reduced from €78,000).

Oodles of opportunity in Le Dorat, Haute-Vienne, Limousin

Now for something different, something that might appeal to you straight away or might send you running to look for a cosy cottage! This has definitely peaked my interest as it’s not just somewhere to live, but also as a business opportunity.

Located in the town of Le Dorat, about 40km from Limoges, this property has a bar and restaurant area on the ground floor along with kitchen, storage etc. If you don’t want to run a restaurant you could rent it out and have additional income.

One side of the property has two bedrooms and a bathroom, the other much larger side has five bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office, plus an owners apartment with kitchen/diner, lounge, bathroom and double bedroom. This side could become a B&B or gite, again providing an extra income. There are three garages at the rear of the property, along with a garden.

This area of France is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, fishing, water sports and bungee jumping from the town’s viaduct, as well as taking in many of the historical towns and villages surrounding Le Dorat. Futuroscope, the award winning multi media theme park and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the abbey at St Savin are just some of the attractions the area has to offer. This would no doubt prove fruitful if a B&B was to become part of the business.

It needs renovating throughout, but it could be a spectacular and very rewarding experience, getting a local trade and custom going strong again, making new friends and giving something back to a community. Guide price: €88,000 (reduced from €130,800)

We love browsing the bargain properties in France at Leggett – the award winning estate agents in France

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My French House estate agents in France have been helping people to find their ideal home in France since 2014. The company was founded by Patrick Joseph who wanted to create the sort of agency that he himself would want to deal with. Passionate about French property, culture and lifestyle, having spent half his life in France, and half in the UK, he has created a network of bilingual French real estate agents and immobilliers throughout France. His hard work and vision have paid off, family-run My French House is a European Property Awards winner for 2017 and 2018.

My French House website

With more than 3000 properties for sale, My French House has an easy to use website and it’s a great place to look for a property in France. From enchanting chateaux to gorgeous gites, luxury apartments in the French Riviera or farmhouses in rural countryside locations and any other style real estate you can think of, you’ll find it for sale here. It’s not always easy to find what you’re looking for on the web, and some sites leave you at disappointed, frustrated and house-less. You won’t find that here, the details are clear, the photos are clear (and there’s lots of them so that you can inside, outside and all around), plus the choice is huge.

Finding your dream house in France

Patrick and his team are on hand to make sure that your search for a home is a success – matching you to your dream home. From the French Riviera with its villas and luxury apartments, to Paris, Provence and beyond, with real estate opportunities all over France, they’ll help you find your dream home, whether that’s a second home or for a permanent move. They help you all the way, from the initial search to sorting out viewing arrangements and through to the final day of signing the paperwork that make you the proud owner of a home in France.

The price you see on My French House is the price you’ll see in France, there are no add-ons, no sneaky extras. They go to great lengths to ensure they get the best results for their clients and with so many years of experience and local agents whose knowledge and expertise is second to none, you are the one who benefits. They can also put you in touch with their trusted currency exchange and insurance partners which can save you time and money.

Clients of My French House consistently talk about the enthusiasm and commitment of the agents in helping them find their dream home or selling their home in France. So, if you’re looking for your dream home in France, take a look and browse the houses for sale in the area that you want:

www.my-french-house.com

Buying French Property Just Got Easier…

The post One of the best estate agents in France | My French House appeared first on The Good Life France.

Four locations are particularly coveted on the Riviera: Valbonne, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Villefranche-sur-Mer.

The perfect location for a holiday home on the French Riviera

Valbonne, Cannes, Saint Tropez and Villefranche-sur-Mer are four of the Riviera’s most desirable locations. Each has its own distinct personality, as well as offering stable investment opportunities for international buyers.

What would you choose? An idyllic Provençal villa in Valbonne or a chic pad in cosmopolitan Cannes? Or would you prefer a luxury holiday home in Saint-Tropez or panoramic views from your mansion in Villefranche-sur-Mer?

Soak up authentic Provence in Valbonne

With its red and ochre townhouse facades overlooking sunny café terraces and bustling market stalls, the village of Valbonne is the embodiment of authentic Provence. It’s just 20 minutes from Cannes, half-an-hour to the nearest ski resort and an hour from Nice’s international airport. A diverse and luxurious lifestyle is easy to achieve here. Its proximity to Sophia Antipolis (France’s Silicon Valley) and busy events calendar also means it attracts a lively international crowd.

Summer highlights include the “Feast of Saint John”, where villagers eat outside under torchlight. The three-day “Festival des Arts de la Rue” when art, music, theatre and dance fill the streets is superb.

There’s a variety of property to choose from in and around Valbonne, but the most coveted are those within walking distance of Valbonne village. Space, privacy and security is also very important to buyers and many properties in the surrounding areas of Valbonne offer exactly that.

Go for glitz and glamour in Cannes

Cannes is one of the most glamorous and desirable destinations in the world. Offering an unrivalled position in the heart of the Riviera, you can swim in the sparkling sea all summer and spend your winters skiing in the Alps.

With the Croisette at its heart, which is home to sun-kissed beaches, chic boutiques and the iconic Palais des Festivals, life in Cannes offers the ultimate luxury lifestyle.

With Nice international airport just 25 minutes away, it is easy to mix business and pleasure in Cannes. Over the years it has become one of France’s leading commercial hubs. This is partly due to its hosting of industry-leading events from the worlds of yachting, real estate, music, television and the iconic Cannes Film Festival. It is therefore one of the best locations in France to develop an additional revenue stream that is active almost all the year round.

There is so much choice for buyers here. Some prefer the views from La Californie, others the exclusivity of Super Cannes. Many, though, are seeking an apartment along the Croisette to maximise rental opportunities.

Live the high life in Saint Tropez

Situated in the Var department, Saint Tropez has long attracted stars from the worlds of fashion, film, music and sport. Still an undiscovered fishing resort in the fifties when it was celebrated locally for its delicious sardines and prawns, Saint Tropez was propelled into the spotlight when Brigitte Bardot filmed the movie “And God Created Woman” there in 1956.

Cannes is renowned for its golden sandy beaches, such as Plage des Graniers, Plage des Salins and Plage de Pampelonne. It is also home to a sublime selection of cafés, restaurants and clubs, such as Tahiti Beach Club and the famous Le Club 55. Always in demand, this beach club attracts the cream of the A-listers, including stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Sacha Baron Cohen and Elton John. Its menu is considered one of the best in Saint Tropez and guests can arrive by boat or even superyacht if desired as it also has its own jetty.

With some of the most luxurious properties on the Mediterranean coast, 300 days of sunshine each year and property that either holds or increases its value, Saint Tropez real estate is a savvy choice. It’s especially popular with Brits and Americans looking for lifestyle-enhancing real estate investments.”

Never say never in Villefranche-sur-Mer

With its crystal-clear waters in mottled blues and a history that dates back to Roman times, it is no wonder that the charming Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most sought-after areas to reside in. This pretty town is distinctive for its apricot-coloured houses, built on terraces on steep inclines that look down in to the sparkling waters below. The sea front area around the harbour offers a vibrant and bustling atmosphere, and it is here that the café culture spills out onto terraces. As well as meandering through the ancient, cobble-stoned streets, there are several monuments in the town that are interesting to visit, such as the 18th century Church of Saint-Michel.

The views and authenticity of the town attracts people from all walks of life as well as the stars. Tina Turner designed her own mansion here and Keith Richards rented the waterfront Villa Nellcôte back in the seventies. Famous actresses and actors have also been part of the local landscape over the years as more than 150 films have been shot on location here. The pretty harbour featured in Robert de Niro’s Ronin and The Persuaders and the square at Place Amélie Pollonnais was in the James Bond film Never Say Never Again.

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The lush green area of Dordogne is popular with expats and none more so than the Brits. In fact the area has been termed “little Britain” as it’s attracted so many entranced Brits

Why do we all love Dordogne?

There’s loads that inspires our love for Dordogne. For a start the weather is great. There’s lots to do, fantastic gastronomy, numerous picturesque villages and 4,000 chateaux.

The department has four distinct territories. The ‘Green Périgord’ in the north derives its name from its green valleys and woodland. In the centre of the department is ‘White Périgord’, so called because of its limestone plateaux. The ‘Purple Périgord’, in the South West of the department, is named from the area’s grapes.

In the south-east you’ll find ‘Black Périgord’, with deep valleys and ancient forests. It contains the towns of Saint-Cyprien and Sarlat-la-Caneda, classic yellow stone buildings, prehistoric caves and some of the most beautiful villages in France.

We take a look at 3 bargain properties in Dordogne to set your heart a-flutter…

Character house in St Aulaye, Dordogne

Located in the heart of the green Perigord in alluring Saint-Aulaye with its shops and amenities, a beach along the river and many leisure activities.

This pretty house needs nothing doing to it and though it’s just on the edge of the village, you get the tranquility with all the facilities including good WiFi, mains drains, gas and water. As someone who lives in a village without any of that, I promise you, this is a real plus! It’s an easy walk to the town centre with shops and restaurants. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and has a lovely garden plus an elevated, sheltered terrace – just perfect for breakfast or aperitifs. There are also outbuildings include a shed which can take 2 cars, swimming pool and pool house.

If you’re looking to just move in and live the good life in a lovely part of the Dordogne, this may well suit. It’s just been reduced from €194,400 to a bargain €142,790.

Situated between Angoulême (TGV station), Périgueux and Libourne, 50 km from Bergerac (airport), and 90 km from Bordeaux.

Details House for Sale in St Aulaye, Dordogne

House in Tourtoirac , Dordogne

A lovely Périgourdine 2-bedroom stone house with garage, garden and outbuilding in a small hamlet near the village of Tourtoirac. It’s been recently renovated, has central heating and is surrounded by a charming garden. It also  has a beautiful flowered courtyard closed in by a small stone wall.

Tourtoirac, where you will find your local amenities,  is just 2km away and is known for the grotto in which there are a collection of stalagmites and stalactites. It’s a very pretty town with shops and restaurants. At €144,900 this house is on at a terrific price. Details House for sale in Tourtoirac, Dordogne

House in St Jean de Cole, Dordogne

This one got my pulses racing! Not just a charming house but it’s easy walking distance from one of the official prettiest villages in France, Saint Jean de Cole. The property is low maintenance, and, it comes with a second property which needs renovating but could provide a rental income. It has a beautiful garden, lovely covered terrace and you could just move in and start enjoying it.

It’s close to gorgeous Brantome and the Voie Vert, a disused railway line great for walking and cycling and La Cole River. Plenty of activities, stunning area and at €143,880 its a bargain.

The property next door is also for sale at €82,500. It’s a character fam cottage, that’s partially renovated. Details House for sale in St Jean de Cole

The post Dordogne bargain properties to fall in love with appeared first on The Good Life France.

Half of Britain it seems, is glued to the TV series Escape to the Chateau featuring the lovely Angel and Dick who bought a castle and have been doing it up before our eyes. They’ve also taken starring roles in Escape to the Chateau DIY, a TV series in which we get to see the realities of chateau life – warts and all. (Read our interview with Dick and Angel in The Good Life France ezine)

Owning a chateau can be challenging and sometimes downright painful. But the saying “An English man’s home is his castle” is never truer than when the proud owners stand before their glorious turreted homes and get inspired to roll their sleeves up, dig into their savings and create a legacy.

It seems that the chateau TV series have inspired many of us to consider the chateau lifestyle for ourselves, and why not when a castle can cost less than a one bedroom flat in the suburbs of London!

I’ve been day dreaming of owning a chateau for years and always keep an eye for a bargain, so here are a few of my current favourites (April 2018).

Escape to the Chateau in Merdrignac, Cotes d Armor, Brittany

I have fallen head over heels for this fairy tale looking castle in lovely Brittany (top photo). “Stunning walled chateau, at an incredible price. Surrounded by an impressive walled garden, with stables, a hunting lodge and numerous outbuildings” says the estate agent Carol Curtis.

At €339,200 this is so tempting. The price reflect that it needs renovation inside but there are loads of original features like marble fireplaces and oak flooring and even a roll top bath. It has seven bedrooms, high speed internet (really important to consider if you’re thinking of this as a rental project), mains drains and electricity so, unlike some of the TV projects we’ve seen, this one isn’t a wrecker.

The tiled floors are beautiful, the main staircase to the front door is wonderful – this place has bucket loads of character and it’s so pretty. Add in the fact that Rennes and Vannes are only 45 minutes away, as are the beaches and that its only 20 minutes to the fabulous medieval town of Josselin and I reckon this is a perfect escape to the chateau opportunity. More details here.

Escape to the Chateau in Royere de Vassiviere, Creuse , Limousin

Just reduced from €575,000 to €399,000 this historic castle is a stunner. It was built for a member of the French nobility and was formerly a hunting lodge. With four bedrooms and four bathrooms – this one is ready to move into and just start living the good life chateau style.

Gorgeous and huge reception rooms, wonderful formal dining room, fire places, beamed ceilings, fitted kitchen, luxury bathrooms, huge bedrooms one of which has a roof terrace where breakfast can be enjoyed. The second floor has scope for renovation and would be perfect for more bedrooms, cinema, games room – whatever you fancy. “This place” says agent Michael Dunion “has real wow factor”.

It’s just 15km from Lake Vassiviere which is one of the biggest man-made lakes in Europe where you can enjoy all kinds of sporting activities or just lie on one of the numerous beaches. More details here.

Escape to the Chateau in Ferce, Loire Atlantique , Pays de la Loire

This 5-bedroom chateau has just been reduced by 25% from €598,900 to €450,000 and is so beautiful that you can hardly believe your eyes. Agent David Searle says “It comes with 8 hectares of land, 6 hectares of which is forest sitting within a 300-hectare forest at the end of a 1km private drive. Perfect as a family home, country retreat or as a Chambre d’Hotes. Situated so close to Chateaubriant and to the road networks linking Rennes, Angers and Nantes this is in a great position to enjoy the diversity of this wonderful part of the Loire Atlantique.”

Imagine approaching your home via a 1km drive (oh the thought of it). You arrive at your castle overlooking its own private lake complete with a small island.  The oak stairs are original, there is a gorgeous grand salon, original open stone fireplace, reception rooms, fully fitted kitchen and stunningly decorated rooms that are truly in keeping with chateau style – just move in and love it. More details here.

If you’ve escaped to the chateau I’d love to know… I do love a great expat chateau story

Expats with Chateaux in France

The Chateau de Gudanes, in the Ariege department, Occitanie. This stunning, once neglected castle in being restored by an Australian couple who saw it on the internet!
The Chateau de Mung in Poitou-Charentes being restored by a family who are doing everything themselves

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I have a home in the north of France, known for its lush and gorgeous countryside. There’s a reason its so green though, it rains a fair bit. I don’t mind, I’m from the UK, we Brits are used to that sort of weather.

Every now and again though, I hanker after a bit of southern French sunshine and start to look at properties on the internet. I dream of a pied-a-terre in the sun, close to the summer lavender fields and hill top towns that look like they fell out of a fairy tale story.

I keep to strict rules when I’m searching, it has to be a bargain, it has to be not too much work to make it habitable and it must be in a lovely part of Provence.

My spring review of budget properties in Provence has revealed a number of gems. I’m dreaming of a glass of chilled rose in a square under the shade of a plane tree, and of fresh lavender in my kitchen…

I’m not selfish though! So here, for your temptation too, are my 3 favourite bargain properties in Provence!

Marvellous Manosque

Just 50km from sought after (AKA expensive) Aix-en-Provence, Manosque is an old city that’s preserved its charm. Pretty little squares lined with old houses, stone archways and cobbled streets make this a real looker. I’m amazed to find a 2-bedroom apartment here in the heart of the town with a small balcony and walking distance from the town’s amenities – at just €86,000. What’s more it’s ready to move your belongings into and start enjoying the Provencal lifestyle. Details of Manosque Provence bargain property.

Very nice in Nice

Who’d have thought it would be possible to find an apartment in Nice for €115,000? I love Nice, the sunshine, the beaches, the wonderful restaurants, fabulous food and the markets. I love the fact that it’s so close Monaco and lovely Menton, to Eze and Grasse the perfume capital and to all the other wonderful French Riviera towns. But, all these things don’t come cheap – usually. However, in my search online I came across a 1-bedroom apartment in prestigious Cimiez (where Queen Victoria and Matisse used to live near the Roman ruins), with a terrace at that great price. It’s a new build so it will be immaculate. Am I tempted? Absolutely! Details of Nice bargain property

Fabulous in Forcalquier

Forcalquier is seriously charming and has long lured artists and writers, drawn by its beauty. The village is built on the slopes of a hill the village in an area also known as Forcalquier in the Hautes de Provence area. With its Renaissance fountain, narrow streets and old buildings this town looks like something out of a film set. The Monday morning market is lovely and the perfect place to wander, basket on arm and simply soak up the ambiance before enjoying lunch in one of the lovely restaurants.

This 1-bedroomed apartment is within walking distance of the centre of town. It’s fully renovated, spacious and comes with a small garden with a terrace, perfect for sitting outside and living the good life with a glass of something chilled. At €119,400 – it’s so enticing… Details of Forcalquier bargain property

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I’m one of those people that loves to search online for property. I am looking for the bargain of the century! I have a little bit of money but not a lot. It’s not earning me any interest in the bank that’s for sure. So, if the right property comes up, I might just be tempted to buy a bolt hole somewhere in France.

Often when I’m searching I discover properties for sale that I’d love, they are total bargains, but they’re not quite for me. But, they might suit someone else so here are my top three this month chosen for location and price – they’re all under Euros 30,000, you can hardly buy a decent second-hand car for that in France…

Perfect in Poitou-Charentes?

A 2-bedroom house (top photo) which needs a fair bit of updating but it’s habitable. It comes with an attic ripe for conversion. It also has a garage with a small apartment. For those who want low maintenance this might be just the thing – no garden! At the centre of a small village that has a shop/boulangerie, located between ever popular Confolens and Chabanais. At Euros 29,000 – I’d say this is going to make someone a very happy homeowner in France. More details here: www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/61400TSM16/house-for-sale-in-saulgond-charente-poitou-charentes-france

Blissful in Brittany?

A cute Breton house on the outskirts of Plemet, Cotes-d’Armor close to popular Moncontour and Josselin. It needs updating and the project has already begun, perfect for keen DIYers who want to make their mark without too much work. Although it currently only has one bedroom, there’s scope for more as the attic can be converted adding 2-3 bedrooms.  A hangar style building in the garden has possibilities and there’s a large field which would make a lovely garden. This one is tempting me… I keep looking at it and thinking how much I would get for just Euros 24,000… More details here: www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/78920NG22/house-for-sale-in-plemet-cotes-d-armor-brittany-france

Irresistible in Indre?

This bijou, 1 bed house comes with permission to convert a large barn and loft space into residential space. In the loft, velux and dormer windows have been added already so its ripe for completion. It has a small courtyard and a separate plot of land that would make a great vegetable garden. For those wanting a tranquil village, this is spot on but it’s close to a town with all the amenities you need. What does it for me is that it’s on the doorstep of the Loire Valley chateaux, close to Poitiers with its TGV station and airport and at under Euros 26,000 it has bags of potential. More details here: www.frenchestateagents.com/french-property-for-sale/view/71320AF36/house-for-sale-in-neons-sur-creuse-indre-centre-france

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