EXPERT
€236,500
BOUTEILLES-ST-SÉBASTIEN, DORDOGNE A pretty three-bedroom, three-bathroom stone property set on the edge of a village, with stunning views from its terrace. There is a large well-equipped kitchen, living room, study and more than an acre of land for you to put your stamp on.
€250,000
ST-SAVINIEN, CHARENTE-MARITIME Set in a tranquil location, this beautiful three-bedroom, two- bathroom Charentaise stone property is only 7km from St-Savinien and not far from the coast. The property has wonderful country views and a quarter of an acre of mature gardens.
€141,700
CASTILLONNÈS, LOT-ET-GARONNE A 13th-century historic property situated in the heart of a town, it has a lovely terrace that is perfect for watching the world go by. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom house has an open-plan kitchen/ diner/living room and the potential for a third bedroom.
14 July, where there may be an organised dinner, celebration and firework display. There is also always a memorial for Armistice Day on 11 November, where villagers get together at the local town hall or cemetery to commemorate the signing of the Armistice. A wreath is often laid and the French flag is raised, and people join together to mark the event. Respecting these traditions and wanting to be part of them shows you understand their significance to France’s history and people.
JOIN LOCAL CLUBS Look out for local clubs and activities that interest you. Perhaps you enjoy sewing,
€599,000
POUILLÉ, VENDÉE Enjoy the space at this stunning six-bedroom, five-bathroom ‘maison de maître’. It has 7,300m2
of gardens, a heated swimming
pool and numerous outbuildings. Set in a pretty village just 10 minutes from a town and 30 minutes from the coast.
“Where do you start
trying to gain that sense of belonging that is so important for wellbeing?”
playing rugby, or being part of a choral group? Whatever you enjoy, you will find something to suit advertised in the local tourist office, sports halls or Facebook groups. Sometimes, the most
daunting step is approaching the clubs and getting started, but once you have, you’ll soon be able to practise your skills and feel part of the group.
I have a friend who joined the local ping-pong club, and goes to training and matches. Now at every local event we go to, he always stops to talk to his friends from ping-pong. (Turn to page 86 to read more about joining clubs in France.)
TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY Learn something new and integrate into your local
community at the same time! Why not take up hiking? Or learn to salsa? Perhaps you always wanted to improve your photography or art skills? The more open you are to trying new activities, the easier it will be to get to know new people. There are French language lessons for all levels too. If you’re thinking of making
France your home, have recently moved or even visit regularly, there are lots of ways to integrate – just go for it! ■
Clare Rolt works in Beaux Villages’ marketing department Tel: 0800 270 0101 (Freephone from UK); 0033 (0) 8 05 69 23 23
beauxvillages.com
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: January/February 2024 33
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