Our own home sits at the highest point between the Midi and the Pyrenees in the Lot. At least that is what we were told. It stands at the peak of my heart. This is a region of limestone cliffs, bucolic fields, ancient volcanic hilltowns; its people well fed on goose rich pate, geese fat and dark red wine, yet its people are among the healthiest in the world.
There are far more glitzy areas in France but the regions featured on this page have my heart. Readers of Peter Mayle, we first looked at pricey Provence. We were awed on our travel to the Dordogne, home of chateaus, cliffs, castles and canoing...and a zillion Brits and backed up traffic. We entered the Lot and relaxed with great relief when the only traffic was a farmer on his tractor, who tipped his beret to us in greeting.
My love affair has been extended to the gorges of the Garonne, the wild west look of the Tarn and the seaside sparkle of the Languedoc-Rousillon (and my number one choice of where I would invest today.)
Think of the North and center of France as a watercolor. This area is rugged rough and dramatic. It should only be painted in oils. Not that I am opinionated!
Eric and Sylvie in Catus
They say teach what you know and what I know best is Southwest France. I am changing budgetfrenchproperties to focus on my favorite four immobiliers in the Lot and Dordogne. These are people I have worked with and trust. When I first looked myself I was sent on many wild goose chases. Everyone has stories of hour long drives to a 'home' without floors or roofs' when clearly your bottom line was 'habitable'. I have chosen people who will not waste your precious time. I will continue to have one page showing properties in other areas that I have recently spent time in and love, such as the Languedoc and Paris. Look for my brand new updates in the coming weeks.
Loving the Lot. Our Hometown Realtor.
Our very favorite immobilier, Eric Georges, is a dead ringer for Gerard Depardieu, and is just as charming. The office he shares with his wife Sylvie, is located next to the spring running thru my closest village, Catus. Eric listens to what you really want in your new home and I trust him explicitly. House hunting with Eric is just plain fun! He is French and speaks perfect English. Please tell him I sent you!
We fell in love with the village where this charming affordable house is located. The village has a lively market and a very sweet cafe, with a patio, is just down the street. The town is located a mere 15 minutes from Cahors, which has direct train connections to Paris, Spain and Italy!
The house features warm stone walls and flooring that give the home the feeling of a true French country home, yet it is fitted with modern updates, without losing its charm. There is room for a large garden or pool.
There is a lovely stream running through the village. This is the town where I would purchase a home.
This is another of Eric and Sylvies affordable properties, nestled in our closest market town, Catus. There is a market on Tuesday mornings, and a stream runs through the town. A lake just outside brings tourists from as far as Paris, giving this small town an International feeling. This unusual property is owned by an architect who has given the home a bright airy feeling. Climb up to the roof top for glorious views of the Lot. Cozy up to the fireplaces or soak in the 2 bath tubs, located in the middle of the 2 bedrooms. Sadly due to the owners health, this property comes fully furnished. This property is more expensive then those I usually show but with the furnishings it is an amazing bargain. I recommend this village house to an artist, architect or graduate student.
Lots of Light and a Cozy Fireplace
Fabulous View of Catus
Roof Garden
Cazal and Surrounding Villages including the Lot and the Dordogne These properties share in common pigeonniers, low prices and immobilier, Charles Loftie.
When I last visited him his office was busier then the Grand Central Station!
He has plenty of budget listings, and in this affordable area, you may get more then you bargained for. For just $54,000 Euros I was charmed by a 2 story brick village house, with an oak staircase, wide French doors, and a wine cellar. There was a yard large enough for a pool and garden. It was the best budget property I have found in a decade.
Just down the street from Charles' office, enjoy the incredible cuisine of Le Recreation, featured in Michael Sanders lovely book, From Here You Can't See Paris.
Check out his newest lisitings at www.charles-loftie-immo.com Tell him his neighbor, Carmen Myers, sent you. I know that a visit with Charles will bring you closer to fulfilling your dream.
Quercynoise Home for $115,000 Euros
Dating From the 15th Century you are buying history for less then $55,000.
A Group of Semi-ruined buildings but with such possibility at only $33,600!
The Dordogne is seldom cheap but it is spectacular with its chateaux, cliffs, kayaking, canoing, and camping. It is so popular with the Brits that they are currently 1/3rd the number of residents. The upper half of the region still has some affordable properties and its location on the high speed TGF is ideal for weekends in Paris, or holidays to Spain or Italy.
French Property News featured this lovely home in a lovely Dordogne setting for $110,000 Euro,s. The property on the right is a village home on a river setting in Esperanza.
They feature property in the Dordogne and beyond.
I am leaving soon for one of their French property conferences. They are the worlds leading English language publication for French property, with a circulation of over 50,000. They offer comprehensive services in all matters of buying and relocating to France. www.french-property-news.com
Ancient Carcassonne for only $69,000
Charming 3 bedroom home for $70,000
Enjoy the Countryside of St. Pons
The sea of Collioure as viewed from the castle.
Allure France offers properties throughout the south of France, including the fabulous Languedoc-Roussillon.
They offer comprehensive services, making your home buying experience a pleasant and easy one. Contact them at www.south-france-properties.com and tell them I sent you.
This region is filled with history, castles and is bordered by the sparkling sea, with easy proximity to Spain. Enjoy the charm and life-style of France and the sunshine of nearby Spain. At the regions far west is the happening Toulouse, the beautiful rose red city. At the east sits the charming artist walled beach town of Collioure.
Lively lovely Location Available Through 1st For French only 32,000 E
Upper Languedoc for $90,000 E
3-bed stone village house fro 86,900 E
Limoux at Simply French for $44,000!
Carmens' Column
Not being an immobilier myself and simply an agent for you, the client, helps me have an unbiased look at the hundreds of web sites selling French property. I am the only American based site I have found; most are British.
I think that the American market is ready. We are baby boomers looking for a comfortable, less hectic and less money oriented lifestyle. We like "old Europe" and what it offers. My site is geared to the market who may be wanting a foothold in France or wants to remain with roots also in the states.
So we have a budget. This site contains mainly properties in the under $100,000 range with the occassional exceptional property for under $200,000. Even with the lower dollar, the prices are going up at a rate that makes buying now practical. These prices won't last forever. The smart buyer will gear their purchase to allow for a fluctuating dollar.
I like Simply French for its Languedoc-Roussillon showcase. They show hundreds of properties in the south of France. I like that they specialize.
1st-for-French-Property offers a huge selection, services in caring for your property, has a forum posting, offers links to gites, and has a weekly newsletter.
