Adriana HATZAKIS's selection of French property for sale

About my area

I live in the Pyrenees Oriental department, which is bordered by Spain and the Mediterranean sea. The department offers fabulous year round sunshine with mild winters, long golden beaches, snow capped mountains, cultural towns and friendly local villages. I am based on the Mediterranean coast covering the beach resorts and villages, Perpignan city including surrounding suburbs. A wide variety of property types are available, from adorable village houses, to seaview apartments and modern family villas with beautiful swimming pools. Perpignan is easily accessible from everywhere in the department and offers a rich cultural heritage with many events, markets and exhibitions. Perpignan airport is a modern facility and has year round flights to numerous French and European destinations. There is a TGV train station and reliable public transport services. A vibrant and lively city with corner cafes, gastronomic restaurants, chic boutiques and a relaxed atmosphere. You will find Catalan influences around every corner with local traditions and "fiestas" still very much abundant. This Catalan flavour diffuses into the local cuisine and it is definitely a "chocolatine" you need to ask for, instead of your regular "pain au chocolat", at the boulangerie! The suburbs around Perpignan offer quiet residential streets, with village houses, family villas, and everything needed for daily family life. There are also exclusive neighbourhoods and luxury properties of contemporary design . The coastline includes the picture perfect fishing village of Collioure and runs along the coast to Le Barcares. Beaches are clean with golden sands, have amazing views to the Pyrenees mountain range and there are lifeguard patrols in high season. Each coastal village has something different to offer, Sainte Marie la Mer is a quiet family resort with a summer programme of activities. Both Canet en Roussillon and Le Barcares have year round entertainment, plus a fabulous promenade with cafes and seafood restaurants. Torreilles is famous for its natural unspoilt beaches and Saint Cyprien offers a fabulous golf resort. There are numerous ports along the coast and every vessel is catered for from traditional Catalan boats to super yachts. Ski resorts are just over an hour away, with a weekend break to the mountains a popular option for ski enthusiasts or beginners alike. You will find a fabulous blend of Mediterranean living, Catalan spirit and French style await you in this diverse department of Pyrenees Orientale.

About me

I am British and moved to France in the year 2000 with my Irish partner, after deciding to jump off the UK treadmill and live the rural dream in Normandy. Initially we had a small holding with lots of animals and an enormous renovation project to complete. We worked hard, learnt the language, made friends, started our family and never looked back. We renovated many projects over the years and built a new house in 2008. During this period we also ran our own successful renovation company and self storage businesses. After spending many summer holidays within France the realisation hit us, one wet and rainy Normandy day, that we really wanted more sun and fun in our lives. The dream was to actually live in one of the places we would often go to on holidays. After a lot of research we decided that the Pyrenees Orientale was the place that offered everything on our checklist, sunshine, mild winters, opportunities for our 3 bi-lingual children, beaches and a vibrant way of life. So we now live in a friendly local village, 3km from a fabulous Mediterranean beach and it is perfect here for the whole family. I decided to work with Leggett, because I like the client based approach of the company and it's professionalism. I have been involved in the French property sector, buying and selling, for over 15 years. Therefore I am able to guide you through the process and answer all your questions. My genuine love of this area, means I can advise of the best locations and properties to suit your personal requirements. I look forward to helping with your property search and hope you too can live your dream.