Giles Tilley's selection of French property for sale

About my area

I suspect you can’t beat a place where you have good weather and great people, food, wine and armagnac. Little known Bigorre is right in the middle of the Pyrenees encompassing mountains, lakes, rivers, medieval castles, beautiful fortified villages (bastides), local markets, rolling hills, and a stunning variety of flore and fauna. The region is famous for its festivals of all types - the world renowned Jazz in Marciac, for example. The Pyrenees are right in front of you, the Atlantic two hours to the right, the Med two and half hours to the left and Spain, an hour due South. The region is green, the weather clement, and there is always something to do, whether you are sporty, cultural, musical, artsy, gastronomical, or anything else that takes your fancy. With international airports in Toulouse, Tarbes/Lourdes, Pau and Biarritz as well as good train services, travel is straightforward. It’s a cycling and rugby region, an equestrian region, a ski region, a spa/balnea region and it has a proud agricultural tradition. It is the region for all things duck related and haricots Tarbais. From the famous black pigs of Bigorre, the transhumance of sheep, cattle and the beautiful black Merens horses to the mountains for the summer, to wine in St. Mont and Jurançon, there is something for everyone. Last, but certainly not least, it is a region where lunch is still sacred and a bonjour obligatory.

About me

The Hautes Pyrenees beckoned in 1991 when, on a whim, I saw a house, bought it, loved it and stayed. A sojourn in Paris for three years in the late 1990s was fabulous fun but the South West, specifically, the Hautes Pyrenees is home. As a born and bred American and Brit by circumstance, I’ve Atlantic-hopped all my life and lived in the UK, the States, Chile, Mexico and, of course, la belle France! After a long, international career in management and organisational development, marketing and consulting, I started with Leggett. I really enjoy it. When I’m not talking to people about houses, taking photos of houses, writing about houses, viewing/valuing/showing houses, I write fiction and lead the good life. Let me help you find or sell your property here in this wonderful corner of SW France! I’d be delighted to share with you anything useful I’ve managed to learn over the years. Languages - English, French and very (very!) rusty Spanish.