Top 7 Holiday Destinations in France*

1) The Languedoc Roussillon
The Languedoc-Roussillon is bounded by the Auvergne, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, the Mediterranean sea, Spain and the Midi-Pyrénées.

The Massif Central is the north western border. The Cévennes Mountains cover much of the old province, reaching their highest point in the northeast. The southern part is a low coastal plain along the Mediterranean Sea, where the region enjoys a Mediterranean climate.

Throughout the original Roussillon area, Catalan is widely spoken - French, the official language, is spoken with a heavy Catalan accent. Regional cuisine relies heavily on olive oil and garlic and the warm winters and hot, dry summers produce vast quantities of inexpensive wine. Béziers is the centre for the wine trade in the Hérault department.


2) Brittany (Bretagne)
Situated in the extreme northwest of France, the Region of Brittany is known for its scenic villages, towns and picturesque landscapes.

Its rugged indented coastline is littered with small and pretty fishing villages. To the north the region has a rocky landscape and to the south sandy, sun swept beaches.

Fishing, farming and tourism are the important sectors of Brittany's economy and of the three, fishing is the mainstay. Rennes is the capital of Brittany.


3) The Aquitaine - Dordogne
From the flat, sandy plains and pine forests of the Landes to the beautiful lagoon of the Bassin d'Arcachon... Aquitaine is immensely diverse.

Bordeaux is one of the best and most established wine growing regions in France, with brandy lovers visiting the town of Cognac.

Towards the Pyrenees a Spanish feel takes hold in the popular resorts of Bayonne and Biarritz and the valley of the Dordogne provides a sharp contrast. With its old stone houses, gentle rolling hills and high quality of life, the Dordogne region - and the town of Eymet in particular - is a magnet for Britons looking to start a new life abroad.


4) Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is located in the south-east of France. The western border of the region consists of the plains of Comtat, Crau, and Camargue.

The regions boundaries are the Rhone River to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and Italy to the east, which is dominated by the Alpes. The region is rich in flower fields, vineyards, orchards and olive and mulberry groves. The capital of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is Marseille and other principal cities are Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Cannes, Nice and Toulon.


5) Poitou Charentes
Poitou-Charentes, located in the west of central France, is bounded by Pays-de-la-Loire, Centre, Limousin, Aquitaine and the Bay of Biscay.

The areas of Poitou and Charente are joined by the Charente River valley, which hosts the vines of the Cognac on the right bank. Poitiers is the capital of Poitou-Charentes.

The Massif Central and Massif Armoricain, cover the regions southeast and northwest respectively and the area in between is a lowland plateau that hosts the Vienne and Clain rivers.


6) The Limousin
If you are looking for rural France head to the Limousin with its woodland, green hills, pasture land, rivers & lakes.

Located in central France, Limousin sits on a series of rolling plateaus in the northwestern Massif Central. It is bounded by the regions of Centre, Auvergne, Midi-Pyrénées, Dordogne and Poitou-Charente.

The Blond Mountains are located in the southwest, between the Vienne and Gartempe rivers, and rise to more than 1600 feet. The Ambazac Mountains (Monts d'Ambazac), to the east, rise to more than 2300 feet.


7) The Pays de la Loire
By road, the region of the Pays-De-La-Loire is easily reached in a few hours from any of the Channel crossings, though the ports of St. Malo and Caen (sailings from Portsmouth) offer the shortest drive. Nantes also has an airport.

The Pays de la Loire includes the part of the Loire valley downstream from Saumur. The ancient houses of Anjou and Plantagenet held sway here, and history lurks on every corner.


*Based on Lets Rent Property In France.com page views in the short term lets section between September 21st 2008 and September 21st 2009 - using Google Analytics

Where to Find Cheap Property for Sale in Poitou-Charentes, France

The Charente area sits amid the undulating countryside and forests of western France’s Poitou-Charentes region, and has been in the spotlight recently for two reasons.

Firstly, some of the world’s most famous brandy is produced in the Charente town of Cognac, and sales of this precious tipple reached a new all-time high in 2007. With business booming, the cherry on the cake for locals was the opening, in spring this year, of the new Angoulême-Cognac airport, with direct flights to London Stansted.

"It’s bound to have a positive effect on the property market in and around Cognac and Jarnac," says Graham Downie, a property search agent who tips this part of western France to soar. “There are several reasons that make the Cognac area worth a look: it has a very convenient location, within striking distance of four airports, and only five and a half hours by train from London; the cognac industry makes it an affluent area popular with tourists, who come to visit Rémy Martin, Hennessy, Martell and Courvoisier, which means it’s lively year-round; and the thriving local economy spells good news for property owners and investors alike.”

Figures released in June 2008 show that of the nine areas that make up Poitou-Charentes, property for sale in Charente has the most accessibly priced dwellings, and its traditional stone properties will appeal to property buyers with a penchant for character property. According to Downie, a two-bedroom townhouse within five minutes’ walk of Cognac’s main square can be picked up for around €120,000 (£95,000), while €200,000 (£159,000) bags a three-bedroom stone property in a nearby village, with a small garden and easy access to shops and restaurants. For an imposing four- to six-bedroom property with pool, walled garden and vineyard views (the kind coveted by many UK property buyers), allow €300,000 to €450,000 (£240,000 to £355,000); in the lively market town of Jarnac (home to the house of Courvoisier), a three-bedroom property in immaculate condition, with pool and garden, is selling for just under €400,000 (£318,000).

For your house hunting trip accommodation, check out these gites in Poitou Charentes or if you plan on staying longer take a look at these long term lets in Poitou Charentes.

Author: Louise Taylor
About the Author: Louise Taylor for Homes Overseas - Property for sale in France, information about buying property in France, property investment advice and international property news.

International property experts since 1965.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com

Poitou Charentes, France

Poitou-Charentes, located in the west of central France, is bounded buy Pays-de-la-Loire, Centre, Limousin, Aquitaine and the Bay of Biscay. The areas of Poitou and Charente are joined by the Charente River valley, which hosts the vines of the Cognac on the right bank. Poitiers is the capital of Poitou-Charentes. The Massif Central and Massif Armoricain, cover the regions south east and north west respectively and the area in between is a lowland plateau that hosts the Vienne and Clain rivers.

Long term lets.
Follow the links to see our extensive, growing selection of properties for long term let in the Poitou Charentes region. For your convenience the listings are arranged into the four departments Charente, Charente Maritime, Deux Sèvres and Vienne.

Short term holiday lets.
If you're looking for shorter term lets or holiday rentals in the Poitou Charentes you can visit the short term section again arranged into departments of the Charente, Charente Maritime, Deux Sèvres and the Vienne.

Holiday Gite, Poitou Charentes

Le Petit Chapel
Chaunay, Vienne
2 bedroom, sleeps 4

Restored 15th century chapel with an interesting history and located on the southern tip of the Vienne department of Poitou Charentes. The gite has been renovated to a high standard and, located just an hour from La Rochelle, makes an ideal base for walking, cycling, bird watching and fishing. Please follow the link for more information and direct contact with the owners of this holiday Gite in Poitou Charentes.

Holiday Gite in Poitou Charentes, France.

Gite Retaud
Charente Maritime
3 bedrooms, sleeps 6

Bungalow style holiday Gite set in 1.5 acres of garden offering privacy on the edge of a quiet village. Gite Retaud benefits from 3 bedrooms and sleeps up to 6 people. Outside finds a heated swimming pool and garden area with games equipment provided. Follow the link for full details an direct contact with the owners of this delightful Holiday Gite in the Charente Maritime.

Gite in the Charente Maritime

Gite l'Etable
Port d'Envaux, Poitou Charentes
1 bedroom, sleeps 2 to 5

This lovely gite occupies a delightful, rural location offering you peace, quiet and space but at the same time being only ten minutes from all amenities and forty minutes from several wonderful pine-fringed sandy beaches.

The cottage is bright, sunny and airy with high ceilings and exposed beams. Outside there are mature trees and space offering shade and privacy where wanted. Follow the link for more information and direct contact with the owner of this delightful Gite in Poitou Charentes.