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Champion destinations in the south of France

19th October 2007 | back to article listings BACK    print this article PRINT

A considerable number of people have left Britain and spent time in France recently, not least over the last few days as the England rugby team prepares to defend its crown in the World Cup Final. For those making a short trip across, or under the English Channel, the proximity of France has been good news.

But while thousands will be in Paris for a one-off event this weekend, that same proximity has been one of the reasons so many others are drawn to the country. Yet at the same time the cultural difference which belies that geographical closeness has also provided an enticement. The combination has helped make France second only to Spain as a destination for UK property buyers, be they retirees, lifestyle changers or buy-to-let investors.

Of course, where many people will look to move to live, others will seek to spend holidays, so investors will rightly note the same factors which appeal to so many.

This has never been truer of the south of France than at present, Ben Sanders, a spokesman for property portal french-property.com pointed out. He said: "Traditionally it has been people of retirement age or approaching retirement age but we've definitely seen a trend of much younger people in their 30s and 40s looking for a holiday home over there."

Consequently, he added, "the buy-to-let market is booming".

What is significant, Mr Sanders stated, is that the particular appeal of the south of France fills a particular niche in the market. While Spain draws in the sun-worshippers, the south of France is the destination of choice for culture vultures, he suggested, saying: "There's plenty to see and do, lots of history and lots of wine [in the south of France]. Languedoc is a big producer of wine."

Indeed, the Languedoc region has a major asset in its vineyards, not just for the direct economic benefits it brings, but the attraction it adds to an already scenic area. The Daily Telegraph describes it as one of France's most varied regions, incorporating as it does Pyrenean mountain country bordering Catalonian Spain, the Mediterranean Coast and of course the biggest wine-producing region on Earth.

The Telegraph adds that many expect this particular region to grow rapidly in years to come, even as the overall French property market slows. But it also notes that investments have to be made carefully.

Local estate agent Cherry Honeywill told the paper that anyone buying a home in the region should "consider buying a property that washes its face", which means a home that can bring in an income. But given the proximity of so many attractions of wine, mountains and sea, the paper suggests, it will be much easier to rent out a property to tourists in the Langedoc region than in most of France.

This weekend, all attention will be on the Stade de France, but thereafter, wise investors' eyes may be focused a little further south.

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