Buying Property in South West France

Are you interested in buying real estate in France? You are in luck because there are many people selling land in France. You don't even need to contact a real estate agent in France to find the houses for sale in France or the land for sale in France? You can search online for property in France.

What part of France are you thinking about? South of France property is hard for even the most discerning property investor to resist. You can find accommodation for sale in the south of France very well, French. You will find Gascony maisons to be of classic French style or properties for sale in Gers to be antique and castle-like. are, in fact, many of the properties in Gers 13th Century.

If you are looking for holiday homes for sale in France, please take a look at the Tarn et Garonne property. Here you will find traditional apartments or isolated, out of any real property for sale in Tarn-et-Garonne.Perhaps you prefer to holiday in one of the properties in Landes or a Gascony property. There are no limits to the wonderful holiday property to buy in France.

Haute Garonne properties for sale are a great place to start your search for homes in France. You may find property in Condom more to your liking. Homes for sale in Lot and Garonne are very nice, too, as are houses for sale in Les Landes. France countryside homes for sale make wonderful vacation homes in France.

Some of the best France investment property can be found in maison Gascony and maison Landes. Buy haute Garonne property for some of the best investments because of the proximity to the vineyards. There are many houses for sale in Gers that are large enough to turn into a France investment property.

If you have your heart set on homes for sale in the south of France, but you are on a budget, try looking for houses for renovation in France. You can find property in France under 100K that need very little work, which you could seek advice from a real estate agent in France about French contractors. There are some wonderful and affordable properties for sale in Tarn and homes for sale in Condom.

Haute Garonne luxury properties and real estate in Gascony, as well as Gers properties, are the more popular of the south of France property. Following closely in popularity are houses for sale in Miradoux south west France, and properties for sale in Landes.

If you don't want popular or populated, look for serene France countryside homes for sale. You might also do well to look for luxury properties in Gers, Tarn-et-Garonne real estate, Haute Garonne property, and homes for sale in Gascony.

Once you've looked online for property to buy in France and found some of interest, it's time to find a real estate agent in France to help you with it.

Best Hiking Destinations in France

Hiking is one of the major adventurous activities which attract people from all over the world. Hikers generally seek striking natural environment to make the most out of their hiking expeditions. There are a number of popular hiking destinations across the globe. However, the best hiking destinations of Europe is the picturesque France.

France is home to some of the most striking mountain ranges. The Pyrenees and the Alps are the two most favored destinations among the hikers. These mountain ranges offer exceptional conditions suitable for trekking as well as for hiking adventures.

Hiking is famous all over Europe. But France is considered as the best place for its unparalleled natural variety. Besides, the country also offers a good network of hiking trails. It provides diverse levels of hiking routes.

The hiking routes of France is spread over 40,000 km. It includes a range of stunning terrains which meet requirements of both experienced and amateur hikers. If you are in search for the best and the most exciting hiking experience, you can always go out hiking in the wonderful terrains of France.

Some of the major hiking destinations of France are the French Alps, the Jura, the island of Corsica, the Pyrenees, the Massif Central and the Champagne. Some of the other famous hiking spots include the Dordogne valley, Brittany, Languedoc, Burgundy, Aquitaine, Mont Saint Michel, Perigord region, the Ile de France region and the Alsace region. Tourists coming here can also opt for rock climb hiking at the Chamonix alpine.

Hiking in the French Alps will offer an opportunity to enjoy the breath taking view of this highest peak of Europe. On the other hand, Alsace region is another most popular hiking spot which attracts many travelers each year. This particular hiking area provides the taste of the wonderful French architecture and culture. You can also explore the popular Alsatian vineyards, medieval villages and a variety of French delicacies in Alsace.

Walking is often in the Queenstown area of France as most French-multi-day hiking trails starts from here. This path is Bourne tracks the route from the Queenstown region. Hiking in France conducted annually by the various agencies well known for the convenience of hikers around to visit this country.

Find the best excursionsdestination? If it is, you can always consider France. Undoubtedly, it is one of the busiest hiking destinations which attract lots of travelers each year.

Palace of Versailles France

If you have several days in Paris, we suggest you take time to visit the Palace of Versailles. A visit to the Palace at Versailles is a glimpse of the rich and opulent world of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI.

There are several day tours you can book from Paris that include transportation and admission. If you prefer to do things on your own, you can take the RER (Reseau Express Regional) train from downtown Paris to Versailles and arrive in about 40 minutes. The train station is approximately a five minute walk from the Palace.

The beautiful Palace and Gardens of Versailles are famous as a symbol of the system of absolute monarchy in France. It was the official residence of the kings and queens from 1682 until 1790. Versailles has one of the largest formal gardens ever created, with fountains, extensive flower gardens and canals. It was designed by Andre Le Notre.

Visit the Museum of History of France to enjoy paintings and sculptures. While touring the inside of the Palace, make sure to see the Hall of Mirrors, which is a ballroom more than 230 feet long ballroom lined with 17 large mirrors. Many historical events took place in this room including the crowning of Kaiser Wilhelm I, and the signing of the Versailles Treaty that formed the League of Nations and ended World War I.

Spend time strolling through the gardens. You can also rent a row boat in mile long lake, called the Grand Canal. You can also walk in the nearby woods to visit the Grand Trianon which was home to Louis XV's favorite mistress, Madame de Maintenon, and the Petit Trianon which means home away from home for Queen Marie Antoinette the wife of Louis XVI. It is said that she would go here when she wanted to get away from royal treatment and formalities, and just be herself. Nearby you can visit the Queen's Hamlet, which was intended to be a play village where the Queen could see how it would feel to live as a peasant. This area offered cottages, a lake and watermill for her amusement. Can you imagine? Oh yes, and if the Palace and all these areas weren't enough, on the grounds there is a Royal Chapel, Royal Stables and an opera house, which is one of the largest in Europe still today.

If you visit the Palace in the summer months, make sure and enjoy the fountains. When on, the fountains are accompanied by classical music, and the water is synchronized with the tempo.

Several France tours of one week or longer include a visit to Versailles.

South of France Driving Holiday

In Western Europe we have the country of France, linked to the UK via the Channel Tunnel, hopping on the Eurostar is a quick way to get there. As one of the founding members of the European Union and 82 million tourists visiting every year, it is the most visited country in the world. If you do choose to explore France, here is a taster of some of the things you can see. We're going on a Fly-Drive to the South of France and exploring a few of the cities Amazon.de.

Carcassonne: We start our journey in the land of Carcassonne. Take your rental car from the airport and go directly to the city. Probably one of the most beautiful cities of France, Carcassonne is only an hour from Toulouse and is definitely a must for any traveler to stop and history lovers. This beautiful fully fortified French city has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List View 1997th day or night, both are so fascinating! The Fortressconsists of 53 towers and a double ring of walls. I am very likely that one day enjoy exploring the city to spend.

Narbonne: Drive over forty, which is located five minutes from Narbonne, 60.3 kilometers (37.4 miles), this port town, but now is further away from the Mediterranean and the change in the course of the Aude. Stop and visit Narbonne Cathedral, built in 1272, the return on the towers, the beach and enjoy a relaxing day in the sunor head into the city centre and explore the remains of the Via Domitia, the first Roman road built in Gaul.

Agde: The small town of Agde is 51.5km (32miles) away, taking 45 minutes from Narbonne. It used to be a Greek colony in the 55th century. Most of the building here are built from Black Basalt which gives the town a very unique architecture. Enjoy this quirky town and have a coffee by the Fountain of the Republic in the town centre or walk around the old Amphitrite statue, The Sea Goddess by the river.

Montpellier: Our last stop is Montpellier, an hour's drive away 61.6km (38.3miles). This lively city has some great attractions, the main being the Place de Comedie with sights such as the fountain that was moved here after a fire called Three Graces and the Oprea Comedie building. There is also a small park where you can enjoy some quiet time and reflect on your holiday. A must see attraction is the oldest botanical garden in France, founded in 1593, the Jardin des plantes de Montpellier, 4.5 hectares of free roaming gardens of all kinds of plants and trees. Then sadly, take yourself to Montpellier Airport, drop your car rental off, wipe the tears and fly home.

A great tip on the way is to send yourself and your family a postcard reminding yourself of the great things you have seen, so you have a wonderful memory from each place you have visited. You can cover a lot in a Fly-Drive by picking up a car hire in France at different locations, but you also must remember to plan ahead, plan your stops and overnight stays as well as account for food to make this one hell of a great trip!

Medieval Villages - France

"History is written by the winners." A quote we're all familiar with. But, ya know what? It ain't necessarily so. Who does History remember more - Joan of Arc? Or the blue meanies who invited her to be the guest of dis-honor at her own bar-b-que?

You've seen this Movie before

Ok - every countries History is full of stuff like this. Because History has always been, and will always be: Kings, Queens, Love, War, Intrigue, Poverty, Oppression and a Revolution or two. History is a spontaneous stew of "the best of times, the worst of times." All the ingredients for a great action/adventure movie.

You don't know Squat

And precisely BECAUSE it was'nt our reality, we fantasize about/glamorize those eras in the past, that speak to us  across time. One of the most appealing seems to be one that, for the folks who had to live it, was nothing to blog about. The Middle Ages.(Le Moyen Age) Medieval Life, dear reader. The stuff of very rich and very poor. No equality for either sex. ("Workin' for the man every night and day.") Not to mention - decimated TWICE in 100 years by the Bubonic plague.( check out Daniel Defoe's - " A Journal of The Plague Year." This, not  the gay, alcoholic, drug users' -"In Cold Blood" was THE first non-fiction novel.)

Medieval Legacy

Happily, something good did come out of the Middle Ages. Architecture. And France done got it in spades. Waaaay too many  goodies for me to rant about in this space. So, today, i'm gonna hip ya to three that, for me, resonate with the authentic atmosphere of "Le Moyen Age."(and, would'nt ya know it, there's great wine in all three!)

Pezenas

Say it just the way it looks - pez-in-ass. Get out yer map o' France. Go right down the middle, 'til ya hit Avignon. Then head your eyeballs left to Montpellier. ("mon-pell-yea") 30 or so kms. SW you'll find Pezenas.

Obviously, like any village with a rad and gnarly Medieval History(and isn't that the best kind?) Pezenas has been "touristated" to a certain extent. But in a cutsey, "medieval home accessories"way.

Other than that, Pezenas retains a large part of it's Historical authenticity. As you stroll through it's streets, there is a genuine sense of being transported to, and immersed in another time. Full of atmosphere, calm, and, lucky for you, no plague!

What's up with This?

There is, dear reader, one mystery for me in Pezenas. The statue of the playright Moliere.

Normally, a statue is hommage to a native son who has gone on to greater glories in the world outside Smallville. Like the statue of George Brassens in Sete.Or the bronze of Paco de Lucia in Algcerias. But Moliere was born in Paris. His professional career was centered in Paris. He died in Paris.(on stage, acting in his own play "The Imaginary Invalid." ) So - HOW is Moliere connected to Pezenas? He zoomed down for a weekend of r 'n r? As do modern Parisians.He bought Costumes there? Parchment? Quills for his pen? WWWhat? If ya got the lowdown, please share it with the assembled multitude. Throw me a bone here people!

Cagnes-Sur-Mer

Alrighty then! After luxuriating in the Medieval delights of Pezenas, it's time to shuffle on down to the other side of the Med., past Avignon, Marseille, Toulon, etc, until  roughly 20 kms. before Nice(also worth a visit for it's "Old Town") you hit "Can -ya-sir-mare." But wait - you don't want this one. The one "sur le Mer." Head up the narrow snakey streets to the "Vieux Cagnes." (The "Old Town") Da BG suggests wandering spontaneously through them there streets at night. You'll have only wild cats for company.

The Real Deal

Refreshingly, with the exception of a small Hotel or two, there's nothing "touristated" about Le Vieux Cagnes. Here, especially at night,the stone streets bear silent witness to the struggle, courage and perseverance of Cagne's Medieval ancestors.

Not for the Agraphobic

After a good nights sleep, descend to the seafront and head to Nice. As I said, well worth visiting it's old town, especially if you happen to hit a market day. Whether or not you stop in Nice, keep heading east, in the direction of Monaco......soon you'll will be drolling over the hilltop village of Eze. 3000 metres above the blue, blue Med.( 1 metre = 3 ft) Fair warning - Eze is the most "tourisated" of these three Medieval gems.( A four star Hotel, guest houses, souvenir shops, re-cobbled cobblestone streets) but - in spite of all this - well worth a visit.

Enough to get ya started?

THROW  ME  A  BONE  HERE  PEOPLE!

What are ya thinkin'?

Holidays in Indre-Et-Loire, Loire Valley, France

Indre-et-Loire is a department in the Loire Valley region, named after the two rivers that flow through it. The region is not only dominated by its waterways and countryside, but is also home to several chateaux and the beautiful historic town of Tours.

Tours

Tours is the capital of the Indre-et-Loire department and is known as "The Garden of France". There are several parks and gardens in the town, many alongside the River Loire that runs through the centre. There are also botanical gardens in the town that can be visited for free all year. The cathedral in the town is famous for its flamboyant Gothic style; it was built just as the Renaissance was starting and artists were beginning to embrace the more showy aspects of architecture and design.

There are many private chapels within the cathedral, some of which are home to fine works of art, and the impressive organ is one of the cathedral's great treasures. Some areas of Tours were destroyed during the Second World War, but much of the historic town has fortunately survived. Cycling fans may like to visit the region in October, when the classic Paris-Tours cycling race is held annually.

Castles

There are many castles in the Indre-et-Loire region, which are fully open to the public. These include the Chateau de Chenonceau, built on a series of arches across the river and home to extensive gardens as well as the medieval fortress in the town of Chinon.

The Chateau de Villandry had fallen into ruin at the end of the 19th century, but luckily this beautiful country house has been restored to its former opulent glory, including the gorgeous laid-out gardens featuring flowers, vegetables, fountains and mazes. It is one of the most visited castles in France.

Rivers

If you enjoy getting outdoors, then there are plenty of activities you can enjoy in Indre-et-Loire. You can kayak down either the Indre or Loire rivers or just enjoy a walk on one of the many pathways that cross the region. The Loire a Velo scheme allows you to hire bicycles in one town along the famous river and drop them off at another.

You can even stay overnight in Tours to enjoy the sights and keep your bikes with you before moving on the next day. Best of all, the Loire a Velo team will organise to transport your luggage to your next destination so you can your ride without a backpack to slow you down.

France Car Hire

Here is a quick summary of the different French wine regions you can visit with some idea of what you'll be tasting and the airports where you can conveniently pick up a rental car.

Champagne Region

What to taste: bubbly, of course! From the twin champagne-making centres of Reims and Empernay

Which Airport to pick up your Champagne rental car? Paris Charles de Gaulle car hire or Paris Orly Airport car hire.

Alsace Region

What to taste: sweet and scented white wines

Where to get your Alsace car rental? Strasbourg Airport car hire or Mulhouse-Basle car rental both within a reasonable range of this wine region.

Burgundy Region

What to taste: Pinot Noir for the red, Chardonnay for the white and Beaujolais Nouveaux for the fun of it.

Where to get your Burgundy hire car? Lyon Airport car hire (Lyon Satolas - Saint Exupery) is the closest.

Loire Valley

What to taste: great white wine from the Chenin Grape and lusty, fruity reds from the Cabernet Franc.

Where to get your Loire Valley hire car: Tours Airport car hire

Bordeaux

What to taste: a huge region with a great variety of wines with great aging potential -- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc and dessert wines from the Sauterne grape.

Where to start your Bordeaux car hire tour: Bodeaux Airport car rental.

Rhone

What to taste: red wine from Syrah and white wines from Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.

Where to Get your Rhone region car hire: Avignon Airport car hire Nimes or rental car.

Provence

To taste: historians agree that began when the production of wine. Most of the wine produced here is Rose.

Where to find your region Provence: Avignon Airport car hire

South-West

To taste: let a true carnival of wines from a number of different grapes, as they are rarely found in other parts of the world, alone>France.

Where to get your South-West region car hire: Toulouse Airport car hire

Languedoc-Rousillon region

What to taste: mostly reds but some very interesting whites from the biggest continuous wine growing region in the world.

Where to get your Languedoc-Roussillon car hire: Nimes car hire and Perpignan car hire.

So there is plenty of variety to suit anybody's wine tasting needs. Flying to a particular airport and renting a car once you get there is a great way to explore your taste buds. If you are looking for a car hire deal, check out Vroom Vroom Vroom to get the best deal on your airport car hire. Happy hunting!