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.

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Mountain Biking in French Alps

Mountain biking is conquering the world by storm and is making every adventure-hungry denizen go loco. Gone are the days when mountain biking is simply just a mountain biking without the thrill involve.

Today's MB has grown not only in its popularity but also in its own disciplines. Any mountain biker and those who are willing to spend time and money just to learn the sport have more than one hundred and one reasons to be jolly because there are more than styles to learn in mountain biking and perhaps to enjoy too.

Because of the intense popularity of the sports, it is no longer solely confined to just mountains and man-made course because even ski resorts are now making it possible to do MB following a yet another challenging course to take- the snow trail. Perhaps one of the most challenging and beautiful places to visit and challenge with a mountain bike is the French Alps.

MB in French Alps will surely take anyone a great ride that will truly make anyone to go back for more. A craving that is definitely hard to satiate.

The French Alps form a large part of the world-renowned the Alps. In fact, one of the most popular and perhaps one that has the highest peak is the Mont Blanc, which is also partially found in France specifically in the city of Haute-Savoi. There are more mountains that can be found in the French Alps, which naturally make MB in French Alps exhilarating and something that is always looked forward to.

MB does not only take the bikers to the most beautiful mountain of all the Mont Blanc, which is also known as the White Mountain or the White Lady but also it can take other popular mountains and ski resorts.

In order to attract more tourists to these ski resorts specially when winter is gradually turning into spring they have these resorts not only a rendezvous for ski enthusiasts but a haven for mountain bikers as well. The number of sports enthusiasts who are MB in French Alps are growing in leaps and bounds thanks to those thrilling ride that gives them the adrenalin that they were looking for.

MB in French Alps can lead the bikers into yet another electrifying ride to the Les Chemins du Soleil or better known as the Paths of the Sun. This course is following two different paths that meet each other at a certain point somewhere in pre-Alps of the southern portion of France.

Most of the bikers take the road to the Grenoble leading to the Sisteron trail because of its remarkable trail with a higher degree of difficulty, nevertheless the one that can truly satisfy one's hunger for heart pumping adventure.

So if you are looking for the greatest ride of a lifetime then mountain biking in French Alps will definitely give what you wanted.

For a place to stay during your tour check out some rhone-alpes chalets for rental.

Author: Rene Graeber

About the Author: If you want to get more information please visit my blog at http://wellness-for-my-boddy.blogspot.com

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Self Catering Holiday Homes In France

The choice of self-catering holiday homes in France is huge and you can find a French villa in historic towns of Brittany, Normandy and Bordeaux, beautiful Chateaux in the Loire valley and ski chalets in the breathtaking French Alps and Pyrenees.

Throughout France you will find glorious countryside regions like Dordogne, the Loire Valley and Provence. Travelling in France, you can find both upmarket resorts and ‘away from it all hideaways'. There are stylish holiday villas in France, and pretty French Gites with a pool and also farmhouse cottages to rent. The pace of life and outdoor living is simple and you'll soon acclimatise. Although French cuisine has a great reputation, regional variations do exist, but you'll rarely go wrong with a ‘Plat de jour', or dish-of-the-day.

Vibrant cities such as Paris and Marseilles offer an exciting buzz and provide a great choice of top hotels and private apartments, all in a cosmopolitan atmosphere which is ideal for a short stay or city break. If you are touring, remember that France produces many of the world's best known wines, all from its famous vineyards in Burgundy, Bordeaux, and the Rhone valley.

In terms of summer holiday accommodation France offers numerous opportunities for holidaymakers to rent properties to suit your pocket. Located near seaside resorts or scattered around the coasts, some will easily tempt you to visit France for your next vacation. If you take a drive along the Cote d'Azur, you'll see it's the celebrity playground for the rich and famous. You'll love St Tropez, Nice and especially Cannes, a beautiful resort with stylish hotels, lavish restaurants, and fabulous yachts, laying silently moored in the Marina.

During winter, you'll find an abundance of great holiday resorts to choose from. If you are keen on skiing or just love the snow, there are beautiful resorts in the Haute-Savoie Rhone-Alps that will satisfy the most demanding skier. France also boasts opportunities in Val d'Isere and the Pyrenees, providing quality ski-lift facilities and great accommodation throughout. The mountain regions are superbly organised and ensure the quality of all chalet-accommodation is maintained, whilst providing spectacular snow-covered scenery for you to enjoy the perfect family ski holiday.

Read here for more useful information about France holiday rentals.

Author: Paul

About the Author:
Paul has travelled extensively for both business and pleasure. Paul has also designed and built a separate website for a holiday home.

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