French property region guidesAQUITAINE A large and diverse area of south west France, the regional capital of Bordeaux also being the prefectural town of the Gironde. Of the five departments, the Pyrenees-Atlantiques is the least typical of the region, incorporating as it does the French Basque country bordering on Spain. Biarritz is ever popular with the Brits and the prefectural town of this area is Pau, nestling in an area of mountainous scenery. The Landes has a long straight beach, the Cote d'Argent stretching from the Gironde estuary right down to Biarritz, a flatter area ideal for camping or cycling. The Dordogne is known as Perigord to the French and is one of the most popular areas with Brits (who tend to use the word Dordogne to incorporate a wider area). Though prices have hiked up in recent years, there are still relative bargains to be had and the French marvel at the Brits' bravery in taking on derelict barns and doing them up! Thus you have to accept you are no longer dealing with undiscovered France. Finding property in much of the Dordogne can prove straightforward or challenging, depending on your budget. However, as with many other areas, the arrival of more local budget flights from the UK has made the journey here so much easier and prices look set to hold their value, such is the continual demand for good property. The Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne (slightly less expensive) are two departments where you will find many second homes for Brits. Still some fabulous traditional farmhouse type property generally available, often built from rough-hewn limestone, lending them a most appealing character, also Provencal-style manor houses in the more southern area of the Dordogne. A good quality of life, the area has a “plush” feel to it with the wine industry being at the forefront. Bordeaux is a large commercial centre and getting from there to many parts of France is very easy. Prices almost certain to increase so from an investment point of view, although more expensive than some areas, a sure fire return on your money. A warm climate coupled with low cost flights. Excellent rental possibilities all year round, but particularly from June to September. Alexis Goldberg is co-author of The France Buying Guide published by the Overseas Guides Company. Alexis owns a second home in the tiny bastide of Montjoi, in the Tarn et Garonne department of the Midi-Pyrenees, South West France. Alexis is passionate about helping others follow in her footsteps to France. The France Buying Guide was created to help people step by step to successfully buy a property in France. To get more information on the France Buying Guide please go to www.francebuyingguide.com/france.htm
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