Weekly insights about property in France!

Subscribe and don't miss an issue!

Americans Living in the Languedoc-Roussillon

Volume IV, Issue 11

Tomorrow afternoon, the FPI team along with international property attorneys from John Howell & Co. London and a bevy of other professionals will be kicking off the 14th Living and Investing in France Conference since 2002! We are looking forward to working directly with this privileged group who have taken a serious interest in either living in France or making an important investment here.

Next week, I’ll be reporting on the outcome of the conference — as there is always new information to enlighten us all, even after having given so many!
While we wait for Spring to spring, as it’s still quite cold and the geraniums are still suffering here in Paris, we’ve had a visit from an old friend and conference attendee, Claudia Smith and her partner, Sid Simmons. Claudia attended one of the first conferences and tour to the Languedoc-Roussillon region in hopes of finding her dream French cottage. She and Sid scoured the countryside and failed the first time ’round, but on a second trip, she was lucky to find an Anglophone developer renovating an old village house in Tourbes on a street named “Tour des Caves.”
She and Sid have spent the last couple of years flying back and forth between the States and Tourbes to complete the renovation/decoration of the house. Sid’s brother, a formidable artist, painted Trompe l’Oeil works where they seemed appropriate — one being a tractor on the wall in the garage because as Claudia says, “It was the only house on the block without a tractor in the garage!” When the garage door is open, passers-by can’t help but stop to remark and chat with her.
Claudia reminded me of the other Americans who have installed themselves in the Languedoc-Roussillon, both of which run Bed and Breakfasts…Val Littman and Linda Korolewski at Le Petit Jardin in Florensac and Bill and Ben in St. Thibery. In today’s issue you can read Claudia’s personal story and all about the other Americans opening their homes to you and other guests to enjoy what the region has to offer.
The region has gained enormous popularity with British buyers in the last few years, because of it’s fabulously warm and mild climate, beautiful terrain and reasonable property prices. It is here that the stunning Canal du Midi winds its way.
Also take note of new information from GE MoneyBank about mortgage insurance and take advantage of downloading the pdf document they are providing our readers.
Today’s Leaseback property is on the coast not far from Languedoc-Roussillon and the Hot Properties are winners in the region for you to consider.

A bientôt…

Adrian Leeds
Editor, French Property Insider
Email: [email protected]

P.S. There are still a few places left at the Living and Investing in France Conference which begins tomorrow at 2 p.m. or the dinner Saturday night at 8 p.m. If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact us immediately at [email protected]
================================
Volume IV, Issue 11, March 16, 2006

In this issue:
* An Eye for Trompe l’Oeil
* The American B&B Dream
* Relaxing at B&B’s B&B
* In the Heart of Languedoc-Roussillon
* Raising a Glass in the World’s Largest Wine Producing Region
* Changes to Mortgage Insurance for Non-Residents
* National Real Estate Trade Show, March 23-26, 2006
* Upcoming Conferences
* FPI Property Consultation, Search and Relocation Solutions
* Today’s Currency Update from Moneycorp
* Next Parler Paris Après-Midi: April 11, 2006
* Hot Property Picks: Languedoc-Roussillon Lovelies
* Leasebacks: Domaine de Bourgeac, Mediterranean Coast, Paradou
* On the Auction Block: March 21 and 28, 2006
* Classified Advertising: Parler Paris Apartments

==============================



Trompe
l’Oeil in Languedoc-Roussillon< br> By Claudia Smith

In December 2003, I commissioned an American designer who is looking to create a part-time career in France as his own “rêve” to do three projects during his two-week working holiday. Even though I still lacked the basics, such as a dining table and real furniture and a car in my garage, he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse to launch his dream.
As my new home is in a wine-growing village with a lovely local co-op, I already knew I wanted a grape-themed stained glass window in the wall separating the garage and guest bedroom. It would be back-lit from both sides. He sent antique glass he had been collecting for years to use.
I had also noticed during my evening walks that I was the only kid on my block who did not have a tractor or some vinicole equipment in their garage/”cave.” As the main entrance is through the garage to an entry hall, I wanted “curb appeal.” Especially as the local Mairies are so strict as to what is allowed to the exterior of a building. I had tractor envy.
The new back wall of the garage was a blank canvas and he designed a mural of an antique steam engine tractor so that when I pulled my car in, I would be parking in tandem behind it…a guaranteed smile every day.
There was also a bricked-up original window in the third level master-bedroom. Here he painted a trompe l”oeil of a typical local landscape with lemon orchard.
My neighbors all think I am truly the mad “Americaine,” but are nevertheless anxiously looking forward to the official house-warming garage dance.
Amicalement, Claudia Smith
San Diego, California and Tourbes, France

Editor’s Note: Claudia Smith was a participant in the Working and Living in France Conference of October 2002 and Discovery Tour to Languedoc-Roussillon during which she started her hunt for her dream French country home.

==============================
Americans Offering Bed and Breakfast in the Languedoc-Roussillon
Val Littman and Linda Korolewski are an American couple who had a dream, followed a plan and made the leap of faith to create a new life in France. Theirs is a contemporary story: Professionals working long hours, making good money, but longing to feed their souls and balance their life. After twenty years of juggling the demands of individual careers along side their Bed & Breakfast in Chicago, they decided to simplify their lives.
Early retirement doesn’t describe it. They have created their next great adventure in Le Petit Jardin de L’Ame — a Bed & Breakfast — a place of rest and restoration. They chose this area of France because of its rich history and rural simplicity. The village of Florensac is home to 4500 people. It is a village alive in the 21st-century and proud of its heritage. The walking tour of Florensac includes remnants of the earliest mention of Florensac in 10th-century documents, its 12th-century church, the 16th-century Protestant temple and more.
Their neighbors told them that their home was built about 1750. However, professionals consulted during the renovation told them that’s only part of the story. They’ve uncovered a mud brick wall — a method of construction used from 1100-1500AD. It has served as a stable, a winery, and a farm house at the edge of town. The manger, stone feeding trough and wine vats are still part of their garden.
Outside of the village are row upon row of vines in this the largest wine producing area of France. Beyond the vineyards are the Etang de Thau, the oyster beds, and the Mediterranean. A stretch of twenty-two (22) kilometers of sandy beach is only 15 minutes from town.
For connoisseurs of the French Mediterranean, the Languedoc is “the other” south of France almost untouched by tourism. La France profonde is here. Within a few kilometers of Florensac you will find remnants of Roman provincial times and the earlier Greek and Phoenician seaport colonies of Sète, Agde, and Marsellian. Medieval Languedoc was the inspiration for the poetry of Troubadours and host to the political-religious struggles of the crusades and Cathari.
Nearby Pézenas is such a wonderful surprise of history, well-preserved architecture and a present day Saturday open-air market. Walk through town and you will know this was once the Royal Court of Languedoc and the home of Molière. A life-time of day trips to the surrounding area can be yours. Montpellier, Avignon, Arles, Carcassonne, Toulouse and richly diverse terrain are no further away than a morning drive along country roads lined with plane trees. Or, you may give a token nod to the 21st century by using the Languedocienne, the rapid auto route nearby.
Le Petit Jardin
http://www.petitjardin.com/welcome.htm
Val J. Littman and Linda S. Korolewski
10 rue Molière
34510 Florensac France
Telephone France (0)4 67 00 14 95
Email [email protected]

==============================

Bill and Ben’s B and B
Montpellier, the fastest growing city in France, with its magnificent architecture and parks is onl
y 30 minutes drive f
rom Bill and Ben’s. You can fly directly into the city’s airport from the rest of the world via Paris or direct from London. Road arrival is via the A9 autoroute only 3 kilometres from the village or the new A75 8 kilometers from its exit at the historic town of Pezenas.

Carcassonne, the most complete Medieaval ‘city’ in Europe, the magnificent Roman arena of Nimes, Van Gogh’s Arles, Avignon’s famed bridge and Pope’s Palace are but a few of the amazing sites waiting to be discovered.
For those interested in golfing, there is a superb golf course just 15 minutes drive away towards Beziers known as St. Thomas’.
Open all year round, Bill and Ben are there to look after you personally and can recommend places of interest, assist with travel plans/visits/tours and even offer advise on ‘house-hunting’ and further renovation plans.
The home was transformed over the past six years from a typical abandoned ‘vignerons’ house into a rejuvenated place of hospitality and well-being. Situated in the medieval village of St. Thibery in the heart of the vineyards superbly based for access to a world of history, art, wine, food, mountains, lakes, sun and sea. All this and more is literally on your doorstep. The 5 bed & breakfast rooms with their own color themes are completely different in style and attention to detail.
Be tempted by their continental breakfast served on the sunny terrace or under the shade of the fig tree in the walled garden. Dinner is a must, not just for the food, exquisite in itself, but for a memorable experience taken in the enchanting courtyard garden in summer – in winter in the elegant dining room.
Bill and Ben’s B & B
http://www.stthibery.net/Home.htm
7 avenue de Pezenas
34630 St. Thibery, Herault, France
[email protected]
Tel: 04 67 77 91 58, Fax: 04 67 77 91 58

==============================
Languedoc-Roussillon
From Maison de la France
http://us.franceguide.com

Miles of fine sandy beaches, a hinterland rising up the foothills of the Massif Central and the Pyrénées — Languedoc-Roussillon is a land of sun-filled charm.
The Languedoc-Roussillon region, where the Pyrénées Mountains plunge into the Mediterranean, has come into its own with a sparkling group of new yacht-port resorts. Long known as an area of abundant historic riches and distinctive Catalan cuisine and folklore, it is now also a modern resort area whose stunning architecture gleams under the Mediterranean sun.
In 1963, the French Government drew up plans to develop a “New Riviera” in Languedoc-Roussillon, radically refashioning over 100 miles of Mediterranean coast, a stretch of almost uninterrupted beach spreading southwest from colorful Provence to the rugged range of the Pyrénées Mountains. It is a region coveted by many in history, changing hands for centuries, treasured in turn as a vacation retreat by Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and Spaniards
Perpignan, only seven miles from sea, is the capital of Roussillon. Famous for its art treasures, Perpignan has made museums of several of its well-preserved medieval buildings, such as le Castillet, and the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. Another is the 16th-century Town Hall, which displays the work of Maillol, the celebrated sculptor who was born nearby in Banyuls-sur-Mer
The Catalan influence is strongly felt in this part of France. The traditional bullfight ritual takes place in Roussillon villages such as Collioure, and mid-summer festivals focus on the “coblas” and “sardanes,” folkdances of the Catalan people.
Over a third of France’s table wines are produced in the sun-drenched Languedoc region. The “Côteaux du Languedoc,” grown in the herb-scented and sandy garrigues (scrublands typical to this region), competes with “Côtes du Roussillon” to go with virtually any dish. Velvety Minervois, full bodied Corbières, and Banyuls, either sweet or dry, are well-known wines from this coastal region.
Today’s potential as a modern tourist center could only be developed with the concentrated resources of many government agencies. The scheme of five carefully spaced resorts is now well established. There is La Grande Motte, near Montpellier and on the very fringes of Provence’s romantic Camargue. Next is Leucate-Barcarés, followed by St-Cyprien, both in the Perpignan area. The others are Cap d’Agde and Gruissan, the most recently developed.
La Grande Motte is instantly recognizable from sea or land by the distinctive pyramidal outline of its dominant buildings. It fronts the sea along 2.5 miles of soft sandy beach. Behind it are two impressive lakes, and a rampart of craggy hills.
Leucate-Bacarés, largest of the resorts, has two centers, separated by parks and sports grounds. It accommodates 70,000 people. The resort forms a natural lido along a five-mile isthmus between the sandy sea-beach and a navigable lagoon. There are 12 miles of canals, directly linked to both lake and sea. An express road leads to the heart of the resort, but along the beach traffic is barred. The last of the coast’s long sandy beaches ends after St-Cyprien, giving way to red rocks that give this area the name of Vermillion Coast. Six hundred Catalan-style villas surround the lagoon.
Cap d’Agde and Gruissan are the most “scenic” of the new resorts. The cap, a peninsula formed by two low-pinnacled extinct volcanoes, provided the lava stones that built the 12th-century fortress church of nearby Agde. On
the slopes of
the two hills, villas and small houses rise in tiers, while hotels, motels and vacation villages with pool and tennis courts are gathered around the port. Gruissan consists of an ancient village. Its medieval fortress stands high, in counterpoint to the lovely limestone hills.

The magnificent new coastal communities serve as springboards for the marvelous countryside around them. In the past, fearful wars of religion swept over Languedoc, and St-Louis set off on his great Crusade to the Holy Land from nearby Aigues-Mortes. The celebrated Compostella pilgrimage route ran through there. Two of the abbeys that gave food and lodging to the pilgrims, St-Michel-de-Cuxa and St-Guilhem-le-Désert, have strong links with the United States. Sections of both their cloisters now stand in the Metropolitan Museum’s Cloisters in Front Tryon Park, New York.
Both Montpellier and Perpignan, regional capitals in an earlier age, are attractive provincial cities with fine shops and chic boutiques. Montpellier, a busy, dynamic university city, is the capital of Mediterranean Languedoc. Its wrought-iron balconies, public fountains and botanical gardens date from the 17th and 18th centuries. The city also boasts six museums, three rich libraries and the beautiful Gothic Cathedral of St-Pierre.
Nearby Carcassonne, the famous double-walled medieval city, stands as a prime example of 13th-century fortifications. Inside the walls, visitors find a picturesque village with museums, churches and fine restaurants along the narrow, meandering streets. Surrounding the plateau are the vineyards that produce the wine, Corbières. Also, there is a long list of festivals to choose from each year. Among the most famous is the Pablo Casals Music Festival, held in the cloister of St-Michel-de-Cuxa at Prades. Others include August’s water jousting in the harbor of Sète, and the International Folkdance Festival at Amélie-les-Bains. Numerous bull-fighting festivals take place from Easter to October in Béziers, Collioure, Ceret, Sommières and all the coastal villages.
Perhaps tiny Collioure best captures the charm of the area. Beautifully situated between two small ports, its bay is dominated by a massive château, designed in the 17th century by Charles V and Vauban. A visit to the light-house at the tip of the northern port affords a spectacular view of the medieval chapel, town and imposing fortress. The coastal road, also with magnificent views, links Collioure to Banyuls, of vineyard fame. Birthplace of Ariside Maillol, Banyuls is a fishing port in a deep cove. This short drive gives unforgettable views of the splendid Vermillion Coast.
Languedoc-Roussillon Tourism Board website: http://www.sunfrance.com
==============================
Sipping Wine in the Languedoc
By Max Bachellerie
Intro by Adrian Leeds

INTRO
The largest wine-producing region in the world is not California’s Nappa Valley. And no, it’s not the Down Under, either. It’s the region of Languedoc-Rouissillon, a huge département in the south of France.
The wine from this vast, ancient, vineyard-clad region was familiar to Julius Caesar and the Romans. Before that, it had attracted the Greeks, who built the town of Agde for the express purpose of shipping wine across the Mediterranean to Greece about 2,500 years ago. People have been living here since the Iron Age. So if you’re contemplating a visit to the Languedoc area, you’ll find plenty of history to keep you busy between sips.
THINK NÎMES, MONTPELLIER, NARBONNE, PERPIGNAN, CARCASSONNE…. AHH!
Think Nîmes, Montpellier, Narbonne, Perpignan, Carcassonne…ahh! From La Camargue to the east, the Pyrénées Mountains to the west, from the Hautes Terres to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Languedoc/Roussillon vineyards lie quietly in an arc around the Mediterranean Golfe du Lion. This area covers the regions of Gard, Herault and Aude for the Languedoc and Pyrénées Orientales for the Roussillon.
The main grape varieties for the red and rose wines are: carignan, consault, grenache, syrah and mourvedre. The main grape varieties for the white wines are: marsanne, roussanne, maccabeu, bourboulenc, rolle, clairette and muscat.
The Languedoc wines are: Corbières, Fitou, Limoux, Cabardès, Malpère, Minervois, Saint-Chinan, Faugères, Clairette du Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc (with it’s 12 different soils), the 4 Muscats (Lunel, Frontignan, Mirval, St. Jean de Minervois), Costières de Nimes plus the numerous “Pays d” Oc” wines.
Roussillon wines are called: Côtes du Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon Village, Collioure, Maury, Rivesaltes, Muscat de Rivesaltes, Banyuls and Vin de Pays Catalan.
This huge area produces more than one third of all French wines and has become in the past few years a fantastic experimental region for wine makers who dare to try new grape varieties in their wines (pinot, zinfandel…) or new blends (cabernet and syrah, or chardonnay and viognier…).
Languedoc/Roussillon wines are powerful, but with not too many tanins; always fruity and “sunny.” You will have the opportunity to discover wines with great “ratio/pleasure” prices.
Two Languedoc “appellations” to try:
Corbières
Red, Rose, and White wines, this is one of the most produced appellations in Languedoc (23,000 Hectares). This area is south of the line between Carcassonne and Narbonne, and the wines are very different because of the “micro-climates” and different soils in play. Generally speaking, these are strong wines
wit
h high alcohol content and a “keeping” time of 5 – 6 years!

Minervois
Producing red and white wines in a large area (18,000 Hectares) north of the Carcassonne/Narbonne dividing line. The red wines are dark with typical aromas of red fruits, spices and licorice. Tanins are soft. Some of the white wines can be extraordinary. Keeping potential: 3 -4 years!
Bonne dégustation!
Editor’s Note: The joke goes that after years managing corporate companies, Max fell into an oak barrel where a great Bordeaux Cru Classé was quietly becoming older . That was 15 years ago whenhe began to study grape culture and wine making — intimately — ashehas taste tested so many wines that he is not able today to count the number of different bottleshehas drunk! While, this is very French, all French are not experts. Max,however, is an international wine consultant, an advisor to corporations, a teacher on the art of wine tasting, and regularlyhelps people like you and me to buy the best of pleasure for the price of the bottle.
You can also contact Max at :[email protected] or call +33 (0) 6.10.84.91.31 (in paris) to arrange a private wine tasting party!
===============================
Mortgage Insurance for Non-Residents
By GE Moneybank

GE Moneybank is pleased to be able to offer mortgage insurance for non-residents in France. This mortgage insurance is provided by SACCEF, one of the largest mortgage insurance companies in France and a subsidiary of Caisses d’Epargne.
In order to benefit from the advantages of mortgage insurance, there are strict requirements and lending criteria. Among them, the borrower is required to put down 30% of the purchase price. But in the end, the cost of mortgage insurance is less expensive than the cost of a first charge over the property, and the property is totally unencumbered. Furthermore, the borrower does not need to sign a mortgage deed on completion, thus avoiding all the associated costs and fees.
We have also reached an agreement with SACCEF to extend the mortgage term to a maximum of 20 years, up from the previous maximum term of 15 years. The other eligibility conditions to obtain mortgage insurance remain the same.
For further information about mortgage insurance, please view the document “Your Mortgage Insurance with SACCEF” at the following link: https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/YOUR_MORTGAGE_INSURANCE_WITH_SACCEF.pdf
For further information about how to get a mortgage in France, refer to https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation/mortgage.html
===============================
Salon National de l’Immobilier – National Real Estate Trade Show
Paris, Palais des Congrès, Porte Maillot
March 23 – 26, 2006
Daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday until 9 p.m.

This show is part of the large, national real estate show which attracts a highly motivated audience. There are some 200 exhibitors currently registered including real estate agents, promoters and developers, financial organizations, insurance companies, notaires and trade associations. The 40,000 anticipated visitors will be able to meet these professionals and obtain information, whether they want to purchase a home, are looking for investment opportunities, or are interested in other projects. Promotion Expo Conseil, the show’s creator and organizer, also organizes shows in Lyon and Toulouse.
Métro: Porte Maillot
Parking: Porte Maillot, Hôtel Méridien, Avenue des Ternes, Avenue Foch
Entry: 5 Euros or free entry with an invitation for 2 people, available from site at http://www.salonimmobilier.com

===============================
Upcoming Conferences
Living and Investing in France Conference
May 26 – 28, 2006
Sheraton, New Orleans

Includes…
Saturday Night at the Second Oldest Restaurant in New Orleans!
May 27, 2006, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, May 29, 2006 at 1 p.m.
Tour New Orleans with Grayline Tours
Hurricane Katrina — “America’s Worst Catastrophe”

THE ART OF TROMPE L’OEIL SEMINAR
Paris
NEW DATES: May 15 – 19, 2006
Chateau de Saint-Loup

The Art of Trompe l’Oeil Workshop originally scheduled for December 29 – January 2, has now been postponed until May 15 – 19, 2006, and will be held at the fabulous Chateau de Saint-Loup. Join a unique community of artists, engaging in hands-on painting and conversation with internationally renowned trompe l’oeil muralist and educator, Yves Lanthier. An award-winning artist, Yves has created large oil paintings and elaborate trompe l’oeil that adorn the ceilings and walls of many East Coast mansions and Palm beach estates, including Celine Dion’s estate in Jupiter, Florida.
 
 
===============================< /strong>
< font size=”2″ face=”Verdana”>Property Consultation, Search and Relocation Solutions
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation

Visit our new site!
Let French Property Insider expert property consultants find your dream home in France for you. We consult with you to help you make the best decisions, ferret out the finest properties to meet your criteria, schedule the visits and accompany you, negotiate with the agencies and owners, recommend the notaires and other professionals, schedule the signings and oversee the purchase with you from start to finish! You could never do it so easily on your own. Let us take the time and effort off your hands.
FPI Offers More Relocation Solutions!
Moving to Paris? Our experienced relocation expert will make your move easy and hassle-free. We offer complete property and relocation services normally only provided by employer hired relocation firms…but at a price much more affordable for individuals.
Download Complete Brochure
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/consultation/fpibrochure.pdf

===============================
       

TODAY’S CURRENCY UPDATE

Visit the FPI Web site and click on the link on the left panel “Click Here for Currency Convertor by Moneycorp Global Money Services” for up to the minute conversions of all major currencies.
Compare currency values easily and quickly by visiting: https://adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan/moneycorpconvertor.html
Charts http://www.Moneycorp.co.uk/members/charts.asp The charts below are updated every ten seconds.
The prices shown are “inter bank” exchange rates and are not the rates that you will be offered by Moneycorp. Your rate will be determined by the amount of currency that you are buying. Please speak with an Moneycorp dealer or your consultant for a live quotation.
===============================
Parler Paris Après-Midi
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apresmidi.html
NEXT MEETING: April 11, 2006 AND EVERY SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This is your opportunity to meet every month, often with local
professionals who can answer your Working and Living in France questions. You are invited to come for drinks and share your questions and comments about what it takes to create a life here, own property and enjoy what France has to offer. It is also an opportunity to network with other Parler Paris readers.

Upstairs at La Pierre du Marais
96, rue des Archives at the corner of rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris
Métro Lines 9, 3 et 11, stations Temple, République or Arts et Métiers

===============================
HOT PROPERTY PICKS: Languedoc-Roussillon Lovelies
Each week French Property Insider features a range of properties which we believe are on the market at the time of writing. These properties are featured in order to give readers a sample of what is currently available and a working example of prices being asked in various regions of France and districts of Paris.
As we are not a real estate agency. These properties do not constitute a sales listing. For those readers seriously interested in finding property in Paris or France. you can retain our services to do the whole thing for you. For more information, visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/propertyconsultation.html
Under 500,000 Euros
***Pézenas, Villa, 4 rooms, approx. 100m²
An enchanting 3-bedroom villa, near shops, situated on 4,230 square fee of land. With open kitchen, lounge, garage, terrace and raised swimming pool. Not far from shops, this is a lovely little find.
Asking Price: 223,000 Euros + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
***Béziers, Villa, 6 rooms, approx. 150m²
Fantastic Mediterranean location, a short drive from the sea and from the vibrant and beautiful city of Montpellier with its lovely historic center. This villa has 5 bedrooms, living room, 2 bathrooms with thalasso spa bath tubs, equipped kitchen, terrace and plenty of parking space, including a garage for two cars. Enough land to install a swimming pool.
Asking Price: 258 120 Euros + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
***Pézenas, Country house, 7 rooms
Just a few minutes from Pezenas, Languedoc’s former capital, and the stomping ground of Molière, still evokes the glory of the Age of Ab
solutism. In a lo
vely and tranquil setting, this stone village house, built 1850, and spread over 3 floors, with 6 bedrooms, lounge of 26m², fitted kitchen and wonderful roof terrace with splendid view. In good condition and beautifully decorated.

Asking Price: 340,000 Euros + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
500,000 Euros to 1,000,000 Euros
***Montpellier, Villa, 6 rooms, approx. 230 m²
A beautiful villa with contemporary style. Includes entrance, living room, office, dining room with fireplace, separate equipped kitchen, master bedroom with en suite and walk in closet, 2 additional bedrooms, bathroom, toilet.
Asking Price: 795,000 Euros + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
 
***Béziers, Villa, 8 rooms, approx. 300 m²
At the foot of an 18 hole golf course, this superb, spacious villa was designed by an architect. Large living room, master bedroom with ensuite, three other bedrooms. Opens on to a garden filled with exotic foliage and a heated swimming pool. Separate studio with kitchenette in the basement.
Asking Price: 980,000 Euros + 2.5% Finder’s Fee

 
 
 
 
 
 
Over 1,000,000 Euros
***Montpellier, Château, 15 rooms, approx. 780 m²
This magnificent 19th century château has been completely renovated, while maintaining its authenticity. On a treed park of 6,575m². 15 rooms including a large entrance hall that deserves large piece of artwork. Features many beautiful traditional elements of the period.
Asking Price: 2,241,000 Euros + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
***Montpellier, House, 10 rooms, approx. 550 m²
In the center of Montpellier, a majestic master house on a 1,650m² lot. It has been renovated while maintaining traditional features. It could be made into two apartments.
Asking Price: 2,500,000 Euros + 2.5% Finder’s Fee
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
===============================
LEASEBACK NEWS FROM IMOINVEST
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/sales/leasebacks/lb_list.php
DOMAINE DE BOURGEAC
France, Mediterranean Coast, Paradou

One Bedroom 31m² to 37m² Euros 124,000 to Euros 143,000
Two Bedrooms 36m² to 50m² Euros 142,000 to Euros 185,000
Three Bedrooms 62m² to 76m² Euros 260,000 to Euros 312,000

LEASEBACK PROPERTY
GUARANTEED RENTAL INCOME UP TO: 4.00%

 
 
Provence with mountains, lavender fields, olive trees and vivid villages in natural earthy colors. Region known for beautiful landscapes with the Basses-Alpes on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. Authentic and irresistible, Paradou is situated between the Baux de Provence and Maussane les Alpilles, at the foot of the Alpilles mountain range, 8km north of Arles and 29km south of Avignon. Stunning scenery such as the fortress ‘Les Baux De Provence’ near Saint Remy de Provence, the charming village centre and the ocean.
New build complex of five bastides comprising pleasant and luminous leaseback apartments. Private gardens abound, most with direct access to the basin and moorings. The residence will be situated amongst a park of olive trees and the complex offers a swimming pool and splash pool. All the apartments are sold with a parking space. In addition, the residence is very close to Camargue and enjoys easy access from airports in Nimes, Avignon and Marseille.
Inve
stors benefit from an immediate discount of 19.6% off the sale price and a guaranteed rental income for a minimum of 11 years. Owners receive a 20% discount off vacation rates within the residence concerned and a 10% discount within any other residence serviced by the same management group. This is a very sound investment mainly because of the excellent management and location (good access thanks to the different airports located nearby and proximity to Saint Remy de Provence and Baux de Provence and Riviera beaches).
===============================
Paris Auctions
http://www.encheres-Paris.com

Next sessions: March 21 and 28, 2006, 2 p.m.
Notaires de Paris
Place du Châtelet
12 avenue Victoria
Paris 1st

Additional information on Les Ventes aux Enchères des Notaires can be found on the website at http://www.encheres-Paris.com/ Though the site has a button for an English version, it isn’t reliable to work.
To read Schuyler Hoffman’s article about the property auctions in Paris, click on:
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/articles/auctions1.html

March 21, 2006

2 rooms 42 m²
5-7 rue des Beaux Arts
75006 PARIS 6th
Starting Bid: 218,400 Euros
Deposit: 43,680 Euros
4 rooms 88,50 m²
28 rue Jacob
75006 PARIS 6th
Starting Bid: 587,000 Euros
Deposit: 117,400 Euros
5 rooms 82,30 m²
28 rue Jacob
75006 PARIS 6th
Starting Bid: 496,000 Euros
Deposit: 99,200 Euros
3 rooms 78,60 m²
5 quai Malaquais
75006 PARIS 6th
Starting Bid: 440,000 Euros
Deposit: 88,000 Euros
3 rooms 63,90 m²
20 rue Mazarine
75006 PARIS 6th
Starting Bid: 312,000 Euros
Deposit: 62,400 Euros
5 rooms 135,80 m²
2 rue des Beaux Arts
75006 PARIS 6th
Starting Bid: 816,000 Euros
Deposit: 163,200 Euros
Studio 25,20 m²
29 rue de Seine
75006 PARIS 6th
Starting Bid: 100,800 Euros
Deposit: 20,160 Euros
2 rooms 33,90 m²
29 rue de Seine
75006 PARIS 6th
Starting Bid: 136,000 Euros
Deposit: 27,200 Euros
2 rooms 92,80 m²
12 rue des Nonnains d’Hyères
75004 PARIS 4th
Starting Bid: 556,800 Euros
Deposit: 111,360 Euros
3 rooms 32,30 m²
2 quai de Gesvres
75004 PARIS 4th
Starting Bid: 126,400 Euros
Deposit: 25 280,00 Euros
3 rooms 37,90 m²
10 rue Bisson
75020 PARIS 20th
Starting Bid: 72,010 Euros
Deposit: 17 550,00 Euros
3 rooms 38,85 m²
10 rue Bisson
75020 PARIS 20th
Starting Bid: 54,390 Euros
Deposit: 16,900 Euros
2 rooms 32,95 m²
10 rue Bisson
75020 PARIS 20th
Starting Bid: 46,130 Euros
Deposit: 14,300 Euros

March 28, 2006

6 rooms 155,85 m² + 2 rooms, 1 occupied
24bis rue Greuze
75016 PARIS 16th
Starting Bid: 690,000 Euros
Deposit: 138,000 Euros
Studio 28,30 m²
102 rue Saint Maur,
105/107 rue Oberkampf
75011 PARIS 11th
Starting Bid: 90,000 Euros
Deposit: 18,000 Euros

 
===============================
SEEKING A MORTGAGE IN FRANCE?
Let us help you secure a mortgage in France with interest rates as low as 3%. Visit https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/loan for more information.
================================
INSIDER PARIS GUIDES DISCOUNT FOR FPI SUBSCRIBERS
Don’t forget that with your FPI subscription you are entitled to a discount on the purchase of any Insider Paris Guides. You’ll find details of the guides at http://www.insiderparisguides.com/. When ordering, a box will pop up allowing you to enter the following:
Username: fpi
Password: subscriber

Order more than one guide at a time and you will receive an additional discount!

================================

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

To access password protected pages: click on any of the links on the left panel of the home page of FrenchPropertyInsider.com under “Subscriber’s Only,” then type in your personal username and password.

Past issues of FPI are available on the website. You will find the
“Past Issues” link on the left under “Subscribers Only” or by going to
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/pastissues/index.html

To receive your free French Leaseback Report or the Paris Property
Report, click on
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/reports.html

================================

HELPFUL CONVERSIONS FOR REAL ESTATE

1 square meter = 10.7639104 square feet

1 hectare = 2.4710538 acres

For more conversions, refer to: http://www.onlineconversion.com/

==== CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ===

==APARTMENT RENTAL==

Coming soon…Parler Paris Apartments rental representation at adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments. If you have a property ín Paris you’d like to keep booked and represented properly, please email Adrian Leeds at [email protected] for more information.

For all short term rental apartments in Paris, take a look at https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/parlerparis/apartments or
https://adrianleeds.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/frenchproperty/insider/longterm.html for long term apartments.

================================

SUBSCRIBE TO PARLER PARIS

If you’re not a regular reader of the Parler Paris daily e-letter, and would like to be, simply enter your e-mail address here (it’s free!): http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis

================================

Copyright 2006, Adrian Leeds Group, LLC

SHARE THIS POST

Leave a Comment




Let Us create a custom strategy for you

You can live or invest in France-now.

Property for sale

what's happening

Check out upcoming events, conferences, or webinars. Join us!

GET FINANCING

Learn about French Property Loan Information.

French Property Loan logo

Read & Subscribe

Dive into more by reading the Adrian Leeds Nouvellettre®

Better yet, subscribe to both and get the updates delivered to your inbox.

Adrian Leeds in red beret and sunglasses

Get started with your dream of owning property in Paris.

Join us on Youtube

Dive into more on how to live, invest & escape to France

Be sure to subscribe!

Advertise with Us

Deliver your message to 15,000+ Francophile readers in our Nouvellettres®

Save money on currency exchange. See who we use and recommend.