LOCATION
some of the most historical and magnificent châteaux, keenly contested between the French and English during the Hundred Years’ War. Castles are everywhere – there are four around the tiny commune where I live in the northern Périgord alone! Spring comes early here when
grues (cranes) start flying in their enormous V-formations; summers are long and hot; warm autumn evenings invite you to sit outside dining late; winter is usually short. Many properties are stone-built with terracotta-tiled roofs. There are picturesque and bustling market towns with wonderful street markets and amazing local food. Getting here is easy too with
flights directly into Bergerac, and Bordeaux has even more!
PICTURE PROVENCE And when it comes to mini- breaks for research, it would be remiss not to mention Provence and the south of France. Avignon with its wonderful city and famous bridge springs to mind; there’s so much to see and do around here. Then there are the hilltop
villages of ancient Provence – visiting this region in June there seems to be a sea of purple in every direction as the lavender fields are in full fragrant bloom. Sample a glass of local pale
pink rosé as you feast your eyes and senses on ancient stone villages inviting you to keep exploring ‘just around the corner’ – the light is amazing no wonder the Impressionists loved to paint here! There are so many other
places to visit and explore on seductive mini-breaks while househunting. Carcassonne is a great stopping-off point for exploring what many call ‘the real south of France’ and it’s certainly less pricey than Provence and the Côte d’Azur! They say travel broadens the
mind – I say what a wonderful way to hunt for your dream French home. ■
Joanna Leggett is the Marketing Director at Leggett Immobilier Tel: 08700 115151 (UK) 0033 (0)5 53 60 84 88 (INT)
leggettfrance.com
38 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS:May/June 2024 €360,400
PERIGORDINE STYLE, BERBIGUIÈRES This modern house has been built in the local architectural vernacular. With wooden beams, lashings of charm and all mod cons, it has four bedrooms, delightful living spaces, a wooden barn and outbuildings, all set in a generous wooded parcel of land. Perhaps best of all is its location, close to the Dordogne river and ‘valley of the five châteaux’. Ancient bastides (fortified villages) abound, and the golden city of Sarlat and Bergerac with its vineyards are close by too.
€299,065
CHÂTEAUX CHARMS, SAZILLY Sazilly is just 10km from Chinon where its royal fortress dominates the river. The châteaux of the Loire Valley are renowned, and there’s much to see and explore. Close by, Saumur is famously depicted in the Middle Ages illustrated manuscript ‘les tres riches heures du duc du Berry’; today it’s better known as an equestrian centre for dressage and for its sparkling wines. Add your own fizz to this property of two stone houses in a hectare of grounds in a peaceful but not remote location. The main house has four bedrooms, the guest house two more and is ready to be rented out. Three hours’ drive from Caen – a great location.
€462,765
PROVENÇAL CULTURE, ORANGE This magical old farmhouse has been beautifully restored and sits in orange-toned splendour just a kilometre outside the town of Orange, which is famed for its music festivals held in the Roman theatre. This u-shaped home boasts four bedrooms, lovely living spaces flowing out into the garden, swimming pool, pretty courtyard and summer kitchen – everything you could want in a perfect French home!
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