French property region guideLANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON Lozere (48), Gard (30), Herault (34), Aude (11), Pyrenees-Orientales (66) The word Languedoc derives from "Langue d'Oc" the word "oc" meaning yes. Roussillon is actually another word for French Catalonia. This is a land of medieval cities, vineyards and the Mediterranean coast. The Pyrenees-Orientales has a highly developed coastline with picturesque towns such as Collioure and Ceret. The large cities of this region are expensive but cheaper properties can be found inland. Aude is generally cheaper than Gard and Herault. The hot and dry climate along with the Catalan culture make this area attractive to retirees. Aude is home to Carcassonne, one of Europe's most famous medieval towns. It lies on the Canal du Midi, a huge waterway running from Toulouse to the sea at Agde. Above Aude is the department of Herault, whose prefectural town, Montpellier, is one of France's most dynamic cities with a young, cosmopolitan feel. There is an excellent international school just outside Montpellier and a fine university also here. The neighbouring department of the Gard is noted for its Roman ruins and has long been popular with British property buyers who have tended to congregate around the beautiful hilltop town of Uzes. A note of caution however: this area is prone to flash flooding, worth taking into account when looking at property here. Generally an area of strong Mediterranean influence with one of the best climates in France it is predicted that it will catch up with the Cote d'Azur in terms of property prices. There is a constant demand for property and with easy access from the UK to Perpignan, Montpellier and Carcassonne, as well as proximity to Spain, the mountains and the sea, its popularity is bound to increase. 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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