» property in Languedoc

Invest in a holiday home in the beautiful Languedoc area

Aurelie — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:39:22 +0000

With 15 million tourists each year, the Languedoc Roussillon is a beautiful region of southern France. A few years ago, only the Cote d’Azur was prized by buyers and tourists. However, this trend is changing and moving to the Languedoc area, which is well appreciated by workers and retired people alike. Situated between Spain and Provence, The Languedoc Roussillon is split in five departments: Aude, Gard, Herault, Lozere and Pyrenees Orientales.
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Located on the crossroads leading to Italy and Spain, the Languedoc Roussillon has a rich heritage with outstanding places such as Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, the Canal du Midi or the Via Domitia built in 118 BC. The antique monument known as the Pont du Gard or “Gard Bridge” is the most visited in France and the best preserved aqueduct in the world. Added to the Unesco’s list World Heritage sites in 1985, the bridge was built by the Romans in the middle of the first century AD. It was a part of 50 km of piping bringing water from the Eure source to the city of Nimes. Outstanding and impressive, the Pont du Gard offers three levels with 52 arches and attests to the domination of the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean.
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The oldest European canal, the Canal du Midi was a river project linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Understanding the major economical, political and military interests, Louis XIV ordered its construction in 1666. During fourteen years, 10,000 workers built 328 structures of bridges, aqueducts, ponds and locks. For over two centuries, this outstanding achievement contributed to the economic growth of the region, rapidly threatened by the creation of the railway. The trade activity disappeared in the seventies. The Canal du Midi now serves the tourism industry, which is constantly growing.
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The Regional committee of Tourism has imagined various ways of discovering these beautiful places by walking or biking. Two years ago, the committee decided to create a quality label for the Languedoc Roussillon. In partnership with the French state, the department committee of Tourism, the Chamber of commerce and others, the South of France Quality (“Label Qualité sud de France) label has been created.
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Integrated in a project linking Spain, France and Italy, the Mediterranean South Europe LGV (high speed railway) will be a great achievement by linking these beautiful places. Due in 2015-2020, this accomplishment will definitely revitalize the area. Languedoc Roussillon is also well served in term of airports as there are five main commercial airports- in Beziers, Carcassonne, Montpellier, Nimes and Perpignan. At the end of the building of the Mediterranean South Europe LGV, Paris will be easily linked to Madrid via Barcelona. Consequently, this large European axis will be of huge benefit for the whole continent. Montpellier will be only 3 hours away from Paris. (Currently Marseille is also 3 hours away from Paris). But one of the major objectives of this project is a strong development of rail freight in order to decongest the French motorway network, mainly along the Rhone Valley. Moreover, the travel times between French and Spanish cities will be reduced by half. The future TGV will serve eight cities in Catalonia and south of France: Barcelone, Béziers, Figueras, Gérone, Montpellier, Narbonne, Perpignan, and Toulouse.
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The evolution of the Languedoc Roussillon’s coastline is linked to the renovation of the area. In the sixties, the French government created major regional development projects involving tourism and equipments. Legislations have been introduced to assist in the respect of the coastline and the mountain. The coastline offers amazing resorts with beautiful sandy beaches and marinas in Port-Camargue, La Grande Motte, Gruissan, Saint Cyprien or Port Barcares rewarded by the Blue Flag – the award given to beaches and marinas regarding the environment (“pavillon Bleu”). Some of them offer traditional fishing ports like in Sete or Collioure where it is possible to buy fish and shellfish directly when the boats came back from fishing in the morning. Also, with 30,000 mooring rings and 27 marinas, the Languedoc Roussillon opens on the Mediterranean Sea, Europe and Africa.
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The Languedoc Roussillon area benefits from numerous tourist attractions thanks to an important cultural and historical heritage. Between the Pic Saint Loup – one of the most beautiful natural areas of the Herault department – and the north of Montpellier, villages such as Saint-Clement de Riviere, Mas de Londres or Montferrier sur Lez have known a demographic boom in the last twenty years. Lots of houses have been built for the inhabitants of Montpellier who were looking for green and quiet areas. Beautiful houses are located in the plain, in the scrubland or on top of wooded hills with pine forests and holm oaks. With 300 Sunny days per year, the Languedoc Roussillon area is now one of the most popular areas of France as it is the fourth touristic area in the country. Since the end of 2009, the real estate transactions have grown with an average price between 180K€ and 230k€ for a house of 100 sq mtrs. Currently, property prices are a third of the price of Provence.
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So if you are looking for a holiday home in France, why don’t you take advantage of the Languedoc Roussillon area? A budget of €240,000 will buy you a charming one bedroom apartment with a swimming pool and an exceptional view over the harbour in the surroundings of the Cap d’Agde. If you are looking for a typical village house in the heights of Beziers, you will certainly enjoy this fully renovated stone house. With beautiful views on the countryside, the house will be yours for €108,900. If you are looking for a Mediterranean style, a budget of €415,000 will buy you this villa with stunning views on the Pyrennees. Following the Languedoc coastline, Pezenas is a small and pretty medieval town where you can find a great French leaseback opportunity with Les Templiers resort consisting of luxury apartments from studio to two bedroom apartments with Mediterranean gardens, spa and swimming pool.
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Sextant properties also offers original properties in the Languedoc Roussillon such as an amazing 12^th and 16th century property near Bedarieux for €795,000. Located only 40 minutes away from Beziers, this magnificent castle comes with two swimming pools, two Jacuzzis, two apartments and plenty of convertible space with huge potential. Also outstanding, this 18th century manor house set in 18 acres with numerous outbuildings and gites is situated near Carcassonne for €1,100,000.
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But don’t worry; there are plenty of properties on Sextant Properties website in the Languedoc Roussillon area. Don’t hesitate to contact one of our agents to discover our beautiful properties.
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French property index update

Rachel — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:22:15 +0000

Sextant French Properties’ aim is to help people find the perfect property for their needs, either for a holiday home or for a permanent move. In order to guide its customers during their search for a new home, Sextant French Properties regularly updates its French Rural Property index.
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Its goal is to aid potential buyers from the UK to get a better understanding of the French rural market trends and to give detailed information about each region in France.
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The rural property index includes all the 12,934 properties currently on the website; the large majority is composed of resale properties which have already been on the market, have been lived in, are habitable, ready to move in to or requiring full renovation. The remaining part is composed of the New Build properties.
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The index has now been updated and shows the evolution over 10 months, from October 2009 to August 2010. The information can be put together in a chart, showing the average price trends in France.
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In August 2010, the average price over 12 regions is €312,543 which is 0.40% lower than last month, but which represents a 13.69% increase over the last 10 months.
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The index also gives a regional outlook, with the average price in the 12 most popular regions in France.
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The regions of Aquitaine, Centre, Midi-Pyrenees, Nord Pas-de-Calais and Normandy have all seen a rise in their prices.
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In Aquitaine, they have risen by 5.27% since last October, with an average of €358,892. In Centre, they have reached an average of €226,390, a rise of 23.31% in the last 10 months. In Midi-Pyrenees, prices have risen by 32%, to reach the average of €428,554. The region Nord Pas-de-Calais has the second lowest average of €222,323, although it has increased by 2.68%. The average price in Normandy has increased by 14.87%, compared with last October, with an average of €342,718.
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Bourgogne and Pays-de-la-Loire’s average prices have respectively decreased by 15.16 and 9.92%, reaching down to €241,509 and €227,414.
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In Brittany, prices have risen by 6.32% these past 10 months, to reach an average of €209,008. This budget would buy you a beautifully renovated 19th century mill or an apartment in the coastal city of Saint-Malo.
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The region of Languedoc, one of the sunniest areas in France (300 days/year), has an average price of €336,296, which represents a 2.83% increase in comparison with October 2009. A budget of €336,300 would buy you a beautiful villa with a swimming-pool and a garage in the little wine-producing village of Corneilhan.
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With prices 7.55% lower in August than in the previous October, the region of Limousin appears as a good place to invest. With an average price of €197,864, this area has beautiful properties to offer, such as this beautiful stone hamlet house with land within this budget.
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Poitou-Charentes is also a safe bet, with an average price of €230,369 and a 6.11% decrease since last October. A budget of about €230,000 in this region would buy you a recent house with land and garage, on the outskirts of the city of Angouleme.
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The region of Provence-Cote d’Azur boasts the most beautiful properties in France. With an average price of €856,543, which represents a 33% increase in these last 10 months, this area attracts investors from all over the world. A budget of €850,000 would buy you a beautiful stone house with a swimming-pool, 20 minutes away from the sea.

You can view the latest update here: French Rural Property index.

Discover France regions with the Tour de France

Aurelie — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:47:25 +0000

During three weeks in July, France is a nation of cycling. Most of Frenchs enjoy the Tour de France, famous annual race stage. This year, the famous race started in Rotterdam, in the Netherldans on July the 3rd and will end, as usual, in the famous Champs Elysees Avenue in Paris on July 25th.
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The famous race was born in 1903 with its first edition. At this time, the race was shorter with only six stages in the main cities of France. It was “the biggest race ever organised”. This 97th edition is organized by ASO, Amaury Sport Organisation. In fact, the race was not held every year since 1903 due to the war periods (from 1915 to 1918 and from 1940 to 1946). The race is famous for its yellow race worn by the leader of the race. But it did not exist in 1903. It has only been created after the First World War in 1919. The race also offers also famous jerseys: a green jersey for the best sprinters (created in 1953), a white jersey for the best young cyclist (created in 1970) and finally the white and red dots jersey for the best climber. Cyclists from all over other world play in this race which offers a variety of races in only one race: team race, against the clock, mountain race and plain race.

If the Tour de France is obviously a huge sport event, it has become also a cultural and historical event. In fact, with the important media exposure, it is a great occasion to discover France, from cities to small villages. The race is also extremely popular in France with the activities that take place before, during and after the race. At the beginning, teams were representing their countries. Since 1930, the companies represent the team that have to cover large expenses such as materials, hotels accommodations. The race has also an important cost. That is why the advertising caravan has been created. It is one of the best moments for the audience. The caravan goes one hour to two hours before the race. Here, the advertisers distribute publicity materials such as caps, shirts or key rings. Of course, the media exposure with the apparition of the television gave a new dimension to the race. People can follow the Tour de France and discover different regions of France. This 2010 edition will go through various towns such as Avoriaz, Revel and Paris.

Located in the Alps, a mountain race will take place in Avoriaz. At an altitude of 1800m, this ski resort has the advantage to be located in the middle of the “Portes du Soleil” which is a domain of 14 slopes in France and Swiss. Extremely attractive since the sixties, the resort is also known as the capital of snowboarding. If you enjoy spending time in the French Alps, you can buy an amazing new build in Avoriaz with 2 to 4 bedroom apartments available. But there are also various apartments and chalets near the station such in Morzine or Tignes.

After this demanding step, the cyclists will go to the south region of Midi Pyrenees. It will be the occasion to discover Revel, in the Haute-Garonne department. This village of approximately 8,000 inhabitants is located at 50 km of Toulouse. Revel is also known for its craftsmen and the excellence of its engravers, tapestry-makers or cabinetmakers. Located at the foot of the Black Mountain, Revel is a fortified town created in 1342 by Philippe V de Valois and the region is amazing. You can find many properties for sale in the surroundings of Limoux.

Like each year during 35 years, the finish line of the Tour de France will be crossed on the Champs Elysees Avenue in Paris. This step will be the smallest of this 2010 edition with only 102.5 km. It is the occasion to celebrate the bicycle in the French capital. This year, the third birthday of the “Velib” (public bicycle rental in Paris) will be celebrated with 600 km of bicycle paths and 71 million of rides available throughout the city. If you are dreaming of your own apartment in Paris or in the surroundings, take a look at those apartments in Paris.

The southern tradition of Férias

admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:35:33 +0000

A feria is a local festive event, taking place every year in Spain and in the South of France, characterised by bullfights, bull releases in towns and cities, open-air bars and brass bands.
In France, the word was used to call bull race contests. These events have been held in Gascon cities for about 40 years now. The ferias of Nimes are held during the long week end of Pentecost and grape harvests. Several ferias in France are very famous, in Beziers, Istres, Saint-Martin de Crau or Ales for example. For many years, huge gatherings are taking place with more than 1 million people from all over France and the world.

Beziers’ ferias
Beziers is a French city located in the Hérault department, in the Languedoc-Roussillon, one of the sunniest regions in France. It is the 2nd biggest town in the department and the 4th in the region. Beziers is an ancient town, with a 2700-year-old history.
During the two first weeks in August, the city of Béziers offers great ferias with many activities including fireworks, street shows and entertainments, bullfights, and bull races. Béziers hosts a wine fair at the same time as the Féria.

Nimes’ ferias
Nimes’ feria is a popular event, based on bullfighting, held every year in Nimes.
Toulouse is the city where the first arrangements, which would later create Nimes’ féria, are imagined. In 1951, the law was passed, allowing officially bull races in the cities of bullfighting tradition. It came as a precision to a French regulation about cruelty towards animals. To celebrate this victory, many cities in the south of France wished to host the Ferias. The fame of Nimes’ roman amphitheatre was the major argument for Nimes to become the next organising city. Free racing would take place on Saturdays and 2 bullfights on Sundays. The first féria in Nimes took place from the 30th of May to the 2nd of June 1952. Since 1955, the city council has been organising the event.
It attracts until Whitsun more than 1 million spectators during 5 to 6 days. The whole town is involved in this big popular event, with bullfights taking place in the arenas as climax.
A feria can be broken down into several steps:
-   The opening parade with floats, brass bands and fireworks, which takes place on the Thursday before Whitsun
-   Bullfights, called corridas, twice a day at 11 am and 5 pm
-   Folk balls around open air bars until 4 am
-   Pre dinner drinks
-   Concerts on “Maison Carrée” square and in the park “Jardins de la Fontaine”
-   Bull releases in the centre of the town
Bullfights, on this occasion, have been officially held since 1853, with or without killing the bulls in Roman arenas. Pentecost’s feria is the first event in Europe, with a number of visitors reaching 1.2 million.
Located in the very heart of Languedoc Roussillon, these two cities have always been very popular with people looking for a perfect holiday house in a sunny area or to retire to. In this region, 220.000€ would buy you a large stone house with 5 bedrooms and 2 terraces (reference 21090), and a higher budget of 1.2 M Euros would buy you a C19th castle with a swimming pool and an outbuilding in the surroundings of Béziers (reference 22693). In the area of Nimes, a budget of 227.000€ would buy you a 3 bedroom-new build apartment in the Veronese Residence (reference 16610).

Latest hot spots in France

Matthieu Cany — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:56:11 +0000

Some years ago, big cities were really popular in France. But nowadays, it seems that small towns and even villages are well appreciated by the British. All these places allow you to live in a quiet area just a few kilometres away from all amenities: shops, schools, airports.

PROPERTIES IN BRITTANY

Carhaix-Plouguer

Carhaix-Plouguer is a town of the Finistere, part of the Brittany. With 7,600 inhabitants, the city has plenty of Gaul Empire reliques. In fact, Carhaix was known as Vorgium, the county town of Gaul. The city is at the heart of Brittany where you can appreciate the Breton culture from the gastronomic specialities to the cultural heritage. Carhaix welcomes the festival “des Vieilles Charrues” which brings together Breton artists like Yann Tiersen but also French and International such as Bruce Springsteen or Muse.

Dinan

Dinan is the strategic point between Normandy and Brittany. This medieval city is surrounding by fortification. Dinan is often called the most perfectly preserved medieval town in Brittany. Situated alongside the river Rance, it is surrounded by parks, trees and 600 year old ramparts. The cobbled streets are full of picturesque C15th and C16th half-timbered houses, traditional craft shops, a delightful selection of cafes and restaurants and a C14th castle. The seaside is nearby. Dinard airport and St Malo ferry port can be reached in 40mins.

PROPERTIES IN AQUITAINE

Eymet

Eymet, situated in the Dordogne, is a picturesque medieval village on the edge of the river Dropt. Dating back to 15th century, it is full of character and benefits from the beautiful remains of a feudal castle. It offers all sorts of every day amenities including shops, schools and restaurants. Every Thursday there is a street market with fresh local products and in the summer there is also a lively night market on Tuesdays. The village hosts many festivals including the famous festival of music, gastronomy (especially wine) and vintage cars. The most popular outdoors activities in this area are horse riding, cycling, swimming or golf. Eymet is located only 25mins drive from Bergerac airport with low cost flights to the UK and around 80mins from the international airport in Bordeaux.

Bergerac

Bergerac is the largest town in the Perigord Pourpre department, an area that derives its name from the purple grapes that grow in the region’s 125 sq km of vineyards. Set on a riverbank, it was once a flourishing trading port and has easy access to the surrounding countryside and many famous wine producers. The town of Bergerac offers superb cultural variety and numerous events are organized throughout the year. 5 days a week there is a street market with a wide range of fresh local products. The town has become renowned for numerous disciplines, particularly rowing, woman’s handball, parachuting, rugby and also promotes other activities like horse riding, harnessed horse competitions, tennis, regattas, fishing, cycling, rally and many more. Bergerac has its own airport with several low cost flights to the UK.

PROPERTIES IN LIMOUSIN

Eymoutiers

Eymoutiers is a beautiful medieval country town set on the banks of Vienne River, in the Haute-Vienne department. The town is built around the old monastery and offers a number of interesting places to visit such as the Romanesque and Gothic church St Etienne, bell tower and an old convent. Although it is fairly small there are many shows, exhibitions and cultural events running throughout the year. The most popular sports activities are kayaking, canoeing, hiking, horse riding, fishing, cycling and even hunting. Eymoutiers is only 50mins drive from the international airport in Limoges with daily low cost flights to the UK.

PROPERTIES IN PAYS DE LA LOIRE

Chateau du Loir

Chateau du Loir is located in the department of the Sarthe and the region Pays de la Loire between Angers, Blois and Le Mans, cities in the north-west of France. This area of the Loire Valley has the richest architectural, wine and gastronomical heritage. One can enjoy a visit to the 13th century Abbaye de la Clarte-Dieu, the St Guingalois church, the 14th of July street house which is the symbol of the town or a walk in the peaceful parks that the town has to offer and through the Berce forest. Hiking, horse riding, cycling and tennis are among the activities available in the valley. The beautiful lake of Varenne nearby also provides water sports and leisure activities. The town has all amenities and services you would expect including restaurants, bakeries, pharmacies, markets and doctors. Chateau du Loir is just an hour away from Angers international airport.

PROPERTIES IN POITOU-CHARENTES

Jonzac

Jonzac is located in the extreme south of the Charente-Maritime department, set on the banks of Seugne River. The town is famous for its thermal centre with its natural hot springs. It’s also home to the 11th century large castle, an indoor market, many bars, restaurants, the Les Antilles de Jonzac, an aquatic centre shaped liked the Caribbean islands, and a casino with 50 slot machines. One should also visit the two working mills and the Gallo-Roman villa. The Jonzac area offers many sports activities like sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding, trampoline, archery, mountain biking, bowling, and river fishing. Located only 50mins from Angouleme airport with low cost flights to the UK, 60mins from the airport in Bordeaux and only 80mins from La Rochelle airport.

PROPERTIES IN NORMANDY

Vire

Vire was constructed on a rocky buttress, outlined by the River Vire. There are a range of local delicacies to enjoy and Vire is best known for its andouille sausages; somewhat an acquired taste, or you can sample the local salmon or trout fresh from the river, accompanied by local ‘poire’. The town has several restaurants, bars, schools, cinemas and shops. The most popular activities are golf, cycling, hiking, canoeing, horse riding and fishing. Apart from exploring its ancient forests, hidden lakes and streams there is a lot of cultural entertainment all year round. It is only 60minutes from the car-ferry at Ouistreham (Caen), about 90mins from ferries in Cherbourg and St Malo and the same distance from Dinard airport.

PROPERTIES IN LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON

Uzes

Uzes is a charming medieval town made of narrow streets, alleys and shaded squares, situated in the Gard department between the sea and the Cevennes Mountains. Its old town, listed as a protected historical site, is full of monuments and museums and retains a well preserved Duchy castle. Despite its modest size, it offers a large variety of shops, restaurants, festivals, year-round activities and even bull races. For the sports enthusiasts there is an opportunity to try mountain biking, hiking, golfing (the 9-hole course), canoeing, kayaking, fishing or hot-air ballooning. Every Saturday there is a street market with fresh regional products including truffles, wine and olive oil. Located only 30mins from the international airport in Nimes.

Limoux

Limoux is a beautiful market town which lies on the river Aude, in perfect harmony with surrounding mountains and vineyards. The town is perhaps best known for its winter festival called Fecos, lasting from January until Easter and its famous sparkling white wine. Thanks to a particularly mild climate with around 320 sunny days per year it offers many different outdoor activities: swimming, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, cycling, cross-country, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and mini golf. There are 3 varieties of markets including evening markets during the summer. Located only 30 minutes from Carcassonne airport, about 60 minutes from the seaside and only 100 minutes from the ski slopes.

Les Joutes de Sete

Matthieu Cany — Fri, 07 May 2010 09:07:54 +0000

Every summer, a unique sporting event takes place in the city of Sete, in the Languedoc Roussillon region, called Joutes Nautiques (nautical jousting). Les Joutes Nautiques is a typical sport of Languedoc Roussillon and has existed in Sete since the creation of the city, in 1666..

The Rules

The tournament starts with a parade of the jousting “knights” with traditional music: oboe and drums are the two main instruments. There is a blue and a red rowboat guided by steersmen and powered by 8 to 10 rowers. In the front of the boat, 2 musicians accompany the tournament with a traditional music. The jousting members are armed with a spear and protected by a “pavois” (a shield).They stand on the “tintaine”, a plank set at the back of the boat about 2 meters above the water. The aim of the game is to make the opponent fall in the water with the spear when the boats pass each other. Numerous rules regulate the fight and if they are not respected, competitors are disqualified; rules include: when the player falls in the water, when he touches the “tintaine” with his hands or knee, he drops the spear or the shield or doesn’t hold the spear properly under his arm…

Jousts during Saint Louis’ Day

Saint Louis is the Patron Saint of Sete and a festival is organised every year around August 20th. It is the greatest event of the year for the Setois and 2010’s festival will be the 268th since the emergence of the city. More than 70 shows take place, bodegas stay open late into the night and of course, jousts are organised along the Canal Royal. It is the final tournament of the year for jousting knights, a kind of world championship. The winner of these jousts will have his name written on a “pavois” which will then be exhibited in the Paul Valery museum. It is the tradition since 1666… In Sete, it is said that a real Setois has fought on the “tintaine” at least once in his life!

Sete, also called the Little Venice of Languedoc, is a truly charming city with typical districts crossed by canals, the colourful front of its houses, its fishing harbour and its 12km of sandy beaches. The Jousts of Sete are the occasion to go and visit this lively town and maybe it will make you want to stay there for a while… or forever!

Have a look at our properties in Sete and in the Languedoc Roussillon region!

New in Languedoc: Beautiful house with leaseback opportunity

Matthieu Cany — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:57:41 +0000

Looking to invest in an expanding housing market? Look no further than the new estate at Saint Benoit in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. These new houses give the perfect opportunity to enjoy a holiday and rake in profits at the same time!

A vineyard and Spa estate, Saint Benoit offers both the ancient and the contemporary in its modern styled furnished apartments, with private gardens, set within the estate’s 12th century renovated gardens. Set in the heart of all this modernity is the estate’s reception centre which incorporates:

-   Restaurant/bar
-   Lounges and libraries.
-   Spa facilities with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, saunas and Jacuzzis.
-   Kids’ area.

These delightful apartments are €245,180 with a required deposit of 2% on agreement.

At Sextant French Properties, we can offer you a top quality mortgage service whether it be an interest-only mortgage, a traditional repayment mortgage or even a hybrid mortgage should you so require.

The property will be under the watchful eye of a management specialist with rents guaranteed on a 9-year renewable commercial lease and paid on a quarterly basis. The buyer receives 19.6% VAT cash back and the property can be offered on 5 different options from a pure investment (yields can be up to 4.5% per annum) or a 6-month personal use scheme that sees nil return on the investment but you can nonetheless enjoy the property all by yourself!

There are only a few units left in the estate so hurry now and make good on a great opportunity!

A successful renovation in the South of France

Matthieu Cany — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:20:55 +0000

The property and lifestyle series with Charlie Luxton continues its new run. Keith, Antoinette and their family have moved from Oxfordshire to the Languedoc region of France. Their dream is to convert a 19th century chateau style mansion into a luxury bed and breakfast. Keith is fully employed and runs his own company. His long working hours leave little time together as a family, so now having always dreamed of moving to France, the family hope to spend some more time together and have finally taken the plunge. Their hope is that they will live in an idyllic village where their children will become bilingual.

Before they make their big move, Keith has to sell his IT business in the UK. Antoinette takes on the task of managing a group of French builders while Keith divides his time between France and England. Not only is Antoinette alone on this project for much of the time whilst having to look after their four children, but she does not speak fluent French either. They hope to have the guest accommodation ready to rent for the summer season, but as their financial situation worsens; their hopes and dreams begin to recede. Can Keith and Antoinette realise their dream?

Here is the link to the Video on Channel 5

Breaking News – Price reduction of the Finca Majorca development in Collioure

Matthieu Cany — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:39:11 +0000

We are pleased to announce a price reduction of up to 17% on the 13 remaining properties on the Finca Majorca development in Collioure.

This development, on which construction has already begun, is scheduled for completion during the first quarter of 2010. This is a fantastic opportunity for those wishing to purchase a property in this charming seaside city located near Perpignan and the Spanish border.

Classified as a site of outstanding natural beauty which has inspired many great artists such as Matisse and Derrain. With its slate walls, cypress trees and pastel colours, this lively city has charming street markets, art galleries, gourmet restaurants and regular festivals and is just 40 minutes from Perpignan-Rivesaltes airport which is serviced by Ryanair

click here to view the properties in Collioure

Ryanair Announces 34th Base at Leeds Bradford

Matthieu Cany — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:37:28 +0000

2 aircraft, 17 routes and 1M passengers p.a.

Ryanair, the World’s favourite airline, today (11th Aug) announced it would open its 34th base at Leeds Bradford in March 2010 with two based aircraft and 14 new routes (17 in total) being launched. Ryanair will offer 63 weekly return flights to/from Leeds Bradford in an investment worth over $140 million in the airport.

Ryanair’s 14 new routes from Leeds Bradford including: Carcassonne, Limoges, Montpellier, Nantes will increase Ryanair’s traffic at Leeds Bradford to 1 million passengers p.a. which will create and sustain 1,000 well paid local jobs in Yorkshire.

Ryanair celebrated its new Leeds Bradford base, two new aircraft, 17 routes and 1million passengers by releasing 1 million £5 seats for travel across its European network for travel in October and November which are available for booking on www.ryanair.com until midnight Thursday (13th August).