France Property Market's Blog

The Secret

France Property Market — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:49:17 +0000

It is after all inherent within us to be intrigued by the secrets of long ago, from a time way back in history of unsolved mysteries, secrets, folklore, call it what you may. This particular mystery actually began in the mid 6th Century in a n a small French Village in the eastern foothills of the Pyrénées called Rennes-le- Chateau.

Now this area in prehistoric times was regarded as a sacred site by the Celtic tribes that lived there and in Roman times too. It would now seem unbelievable but in the 6th Century this small village was actually a town with more than 30,000 inhabitants and was once the empire of the Visigoths who are said to have amassed great treasures during their advance of Europe and who later disowned Rome toppling the Roman Empire! Then in the 13t Century during the Albigensian Crusade when the Cathars were destroyed by the Knights Templars this area became rife with tales of secret treasures and wealth being amassed by the Knights plus something even more precious, the Holy Grail itself.

Fast forwarding a few centuries to the year 1885, Rennes-le-Chateau had a new parish priest, a rather handsome one at that – his name was Bérenger Saunière who at age 33 was born and raised a short distance from Rennes-le-Chateau in a village called Montazels and thus may have been aware of any village gossip or folklore surrounding the area at that time.

What the Curé may or may not have known of the area can only be conjecture, however, during his time at Rennes-le-Chateau he immersed himself in the history of the region taking help and guidance from his friend, the Curé of a neighbouring village of Rennes-les-Bains, the Abbé Henri Boudet.

It has been Saunière’s wish for so long to restore the ruin of a church at Rennes-le-Chateau which was consecrated to Mary Magdalene in 1059 but amazingly enough stood on even older foundations dating back from the times of theVisigoths in the 6th Century. So the Curé with the aid of what must have been a relatively small amount of money funded from the village coffers and what monies he had available from his own modest income, started the slow and arduous process of renovation. It was during this process that the Curé removed the original alter stone which rested on two ancient Visigoth columns. In one of the columns the Curé found 4 parchments that were sealed in wooden casings. Two of the parchments comprised genealogies dating back to 1244 with the remaining parchments dating back to the 1780’s and written by his predecessor, Abbé Antoine Bigou. They were partly Latin texts from the New Testament and a strange code like writing whereupon the words ran together without spacing and some words finishing mid sentence. The following is a portion of the secret code:

BERGERE PAS DE TENTATION QUE POUSSIN TENIERS GARDENT LA CLEF PAX DCLXXXI PAR LA CROIX ET CE CHEVAL DE DIEU L’ACHEVE CE DAEMON DE GARDIEN A MIDI POMMES BLEUS.

Translated means :

SHEPHERDESS, NO TEMPTATION. THAT POUSSIN, TENIERS, HOLD THE KEY ; PEACE 681. BY THE CROSS AND THIS HORSE OF GOD I COMPLETE (or destroy) THIS DEMON OF THE GUARDIAN AT NOON. BLUE APPLES.

Understandably, Saunière must have realised he had found something important and was shipped off to Paris to speak with the ecclesiastic authorities. Whilst in Paris, Saunière is said to have purchased reproductions of 3 paintings, two of which were by Teniers and Poussin – both great artists who were, co-incidentally referred to in the original secret code referred to above. The Poussin painting was his famous work entitled “Les Bergers d’Arcadie” (The Shepherds of Arcadia). It is this latter painting that is rather curious as the tomb it portrays shows in the distance the craggy mountains of Rennes-le-Chateau.

Upon his return to Rennes –le-Chateau the Curé Saunière carried on where he left off with the renovation works to the church and went on to find carved stones from the 7th Century. It has been suggested that these stones formed part of an ancient burial chamber but not much more is known of this. During the days that followed, the Curé began to take on some rather strange activities, like going for long walks and collecting strange stones and rocks and writing hundreds of letters to unknown recipients in Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. What is rather strange also is that the cost of sending all of these letters would have exceeded his annual income alone, before the cost of living expenses were taken into account.

Before his death in 1917, Curé Saunière had built at the side of a mountain a huge Tower (Tour Magdala), a very sophisticated house which he called the Villa Bethania and never lived in and decorated the church in a bizarre way. Above the entrance to the church a Latin inscription read “TERRIBILIS EST LOCUS ISTE” – (this place is terrible) and if that was not enough, just inside the entrance to the church stood a gruesome statue of the demon Asmodeus who was apparently known as the custodian of secrets and the guardian of hidden treasures. On the walls of the church were painted plaques of the Stations of the Cross but not true representations of the originals but strange inconsistencies as if he was trying to tell you something, as if the truth as we know it to be was not the truth at all.

Bearing in mind the annual salary of the Curé which would not have risen much during his ministry from the equivalent of £45 per annum, he not only managed to carry out the renovation and restoration of the church, build a great mansion for himself (which he never occupied) and spent copious amounts of money on collecting rare antiques and china he also installed a zoological garden and an unbelievable library of proportions unknown to the area, he lavished money on banquets for the village and was visited by members of state from Austria and Germany.

When the Bishop held the Curé to account for his sudden wealth he refused to co-operate which resulted in him being suspended – but he appealed to the Pope and the Vatican exonerated him and he was re-instated.

On the feast day of St Sulpice – January 17th 1917, the Curé had a massive stroke. The date was rather ominous as St Sulpice in Paris was were Saunière originally took the parchments to be deciphered. The priest called to give the last rights and take a confession emerged, according to eye witnesses, visibly shaken and then lapsed into a deep depression obviously as a result of what he had heard at confession. Now what could possibly physically effect a priest taking confession from another priest – something hitting right to his core of belief, maybe?

Up to his death Curé Saunière who earned as earlier stated what would now equate to £45 per year had managed to spend what would today be equivalent to approximately 10 million pounds but unfortunately when he died his secret went with him.

It is not difficult to read between the lines and come up with a conclusion, the writer certainly has her own opinion as I am sure you will and there is a lot more to this story than has been stated above, however this is only a potted history so to speak of the great secret that was and to some extent still is.

There has been a lot of interest recently in secret of Rennes-le-Chateau thanks latterly to Dan Brown and his best selling book The Da Vinci Code plus many more to numerous to mention here but I will end on this note………the truth is out there!

France ~ Chateau for sale Montjoi, Tarn-et-Garonne, Midi Pyrenees

France Property Market — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 19:51:10 +0000

A truly magnificent Chateau with two towers, renovated to high standard plus amazing coach house and barn all within 17 Acres of land within the quiet of the countryside of Tarn et Garonne.

Summary:

This quite rare and very beautiful Chateau and water mill dates back in part to the 14th Century and standing within grounds of 7 Hectares (over 17 Acres). Having been tastefully renovated the Chateau also retains the very essence of its regal ambiance with echoes of the patina of a bygone age and yet offers all modern day requirements. To say this stunning property has the triple WOW factor is indeed an under estimate. The property also benefits from Oil fired Central Heating.

An interesting part of the Chateau’s unique history is that its previous owner was the Parisian born André Claveau who was a very popular singer in France from the 1940s to 1960s and who won the Euro-vision Song Contest in 1958 singing “Dors, mon amour” (Sleep my love). Indeed walking through the Chateau’s magnificent rooms one can still imagine the sound of the old gramophone playing his wonderfully romantic songs gently floating in the air.

Location:
The open space, natural beauty and palpable sense of history can all be found in within the countryside of the glorious Tarn et Garonne. Situated between 2 Bastide Villages of Castelsagrat which has most facilities available (so no driving 10 miles for the daily baguette) and Monjoi. Also within easy reach of Valence d’Agen which has good schools, excellent shopping, restaurants, cafes, fabulous Tuesday market and good sporting facilities. Excellent base for exploring the visual and culinary delights of Southwest France and also within easy reach of Moissac, Agen, Cahors, Montaigu-de-Quercy, Lauzerte and Montcuq to name but a few. Well served by two major airports at Toulouse and Bergerac. Contact Dee for more information: dee.france4homes@gmail.com or leave a comment and I will respond quickly.

France and the French house buying process

France Property Market — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:32:24 +0000

The French house buying process

Once you have selected properties, I will arrange to accompany you to visit each one. Accompanying buyers on viewings is the norm in France, in fact it’s a requirement.

Making an Offer

If you decide you want the house, you may make an offer. You still hear reports of houses selling for way below the asking price – this may still happen in a few as-yet less popular regions, but it seems far more common ‘ at least when houses are selling well – for buyers to insist on the price they are asking and not to consider lower offers. When an offer is made at the asking price then the seller is legally bound to accept it. There’s nothing to stop a buyer offering less, but beware as houses may be on the books of several agents it’s not uncommon for a higher offer to come in while your lower offer is being considered, and before you know it the seller has agreed to sell at that higher offer.

Contracts

When an offer is accepted, the estate agent or a notaire will draw up the initial sales contracts. These are generally known as either a compromis de vente, or sous seing privé, but can come under other names in different areas. Unlike English property transactions when a buyer can pull out with no reason, there is a moral expectation in France that once the buyer has made an offer then he will continue with the transaction, unless something happens outside the buyer’s control. The French compromis is a binding contract. So it is important that any questions about the condition of the property, the planning status, getting a mortgage etc are resolved before signing the compromis, or are subject to conditional clauses (“clauses suspensives”).

The Compromis de Vente is the first formal and legally binding stage in the property purchase process in France. It is a written contract of sale agreement which legally binds together the seller and purchaser. The format may vary but all Compromis de Ventes should state clearly the key points of agreement including:

Details of purchaser and seller (you will need to provide “Civil Status” information including your full names, contact details, professions, birth and marriage certificates, passport copies, details of ex-husbands and wives

Confirmation of the name and ownership “Title” details of the property A description of the property including reference and map of the plot as it is recorded in the Land Registry of your local Commune

The price agreed (sometimes furnishings and fittings may be negotiated as a separate amount)

The deposit agreed (usually 10% to be held by the Notaire usually or in some cases the agent) see also: What methods of payment should be used

The circumstances under which the deposit may be forfeited

Some declarations by the vendor about the property

Some obligations of the purchaser in buying the property

Results of the lead (paint), asbestos, and natural disaster reports and details of the other obligatory reports on termites, energy efficiency, fixed gas supply, electricity, fosse septique. These reports are not all required for every property. It will depend on the certain aspects such as the age of the property and which region it is situated in.

Provisional conditions (Clauses Suspensives) – these will include certain standard conditions which will be inserted by the person drawing up the agreement (e.g. that there are no other claims to the Title or that the searches conducted by the Notaire’s office do not reveal any problems). NB: The purchaser can request and negotiate the insertion of additional Provisional conditions before the Compromis is signed e.g. complete building work, obtain a mortgage or planning approval etc

Full details of the estate agents fees and on our contracts, provision for legal fees, (these generally do not appear on contracts drawn up by a notaire, but they can be provided on request.)

Various declarations by both purchaser and vendor about their ability to complete the contract

Statements describing what happens if either side fails to complete his part of the bargain, e.g. penalty clauses

The target completion date (note this is not definitive or guaranteed and can be changed by agreement between purchaser and seller or if the notaire has not completed his work for any reason)

Separate inventory of items to be included in the price

Copy of the land plan as an annex

Understand what you are about to sign

As purchasers it is essential that you understand every aspect of the Compromis de Vente as it is sets out all the key terms of your purchase.

Key points

All points within the agreement are important but particular attention should be focussed on the price and costs, the details regarding the Title and Land Registry information, the provisional conditions (if these cannot be met you may be entitled to withdraw from the purchase) and the declarations made by the vendor.

The buyer generally signs the contracts first, then the seller will sign. Once the seller has signed, the contract becomes binding for him, he is not allowed to withdraw from the sale without paying a 10% penalty. The buyer is given a seven day period of reflection in which he can withdraw without penalty, generally known as the seven day cooling off period (loi SRU).

Seven Day Cooling Off period

The estate agent or notaire will send the purchaser a letter by recorded delivery with a copy of the compromis, signed by all parties enclosed. The seven days begin the day after this letter is received, and include Sundays and bank holidays. If the buyer wishes to withdraw from the sale within this period he must send a letter by recorded delivery to the estate agent or notaire. If you are considered to be a property professional you may not be entitled to this cooling off period so obtain further advice first if you think this may apply to you. Once the seven day period is over, the buyer like the seller is legally bound by the contract and cannot withdraw for a reason other than a suspensive clause without forfeiting his 10% deposit

Deposit

This is normally payable to the notaire, though some agents maintain special secure accounts to hold deposits. Don’t pay anything before signing, particularly not to any agent personally. This is paid once the seven day cooling off period has finished. It can be paid by the means of a French cheque, or a bank transfer from a foreign or French account. The amount is generally 10% of the price of the house.

After signing

Once the Compromis is signed, the agent, and the Notaire (who acts for both parties under French law) will carry on the process of checking records and documentation regarding the property and land. Two to four months is generally allowed for this process but it is possible to move more swiftly, (depending on the clauses within the contracts) if both parties are agreed and the Notaire is able to conduct documentation searches without delays.

Mortgages

The only aspect of the contract that the notaire will not chase up is that of a buyer’s application for a mortgage. According to the contracts, the buyer will have a limited period of time firstly to apply for the mortgage (generally 30 days), and then secondly to receive a response from the bank (generally 60 days). So it is essential to provide the bank with paperwork as quickly as possible, and to keep in constant contact with them throughout this period.

Completion date

Note that the completion date shown in the Compromis is a target date which will allow you to plan removals, funds transfer etc however the date will need to be re-confirmed as completion draws nearer. The completion date is the date when both parties will attend the Notaire’s office to sign the Acte Authentique (or nominate a proxy, an alternative person, to sign on their behalf by power of attorney). The rest of the price, including legal and agency fees etc, must be in the notaire’s account by the signing date, and after signing the house becomes yours.

Getting the money there on time

Note that it is the buyer’s responsibility to make sure that the money, including all professional fees but less any deposit paid, reaches the notaire’s account in time for clearance of funds before signature. Bear in mind that the French banking system doesn’t operate during weekends, or bank holidays and in the case of some banks, Mondays, so try to allow 5 days for the money to arrive. Variable exchange rates can have quite an effect on the actual sum required, so many people use a currency exchange company. French money-laundering regulations mean that you won’t be able to turn up with a handful of Euros or a personal cheque. But however you intend to pay for your house – by bank transfer, banker’s draft, French or British mortgage, or via a currency exchange specialist – it is important to ensure that all parties are aware of the date by which the notaire requires the money.

France and all that Jazz – living and working in France.

France Property Market — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:23:37 +0000

Hi, my name is Dee and I welcome you to my special little corner of France known as the Quercy Blanc part of the Midi Pyrenees.

Having spent 20 plus years in the legal profession in the UK and I must admit having spent most of those years prevaricating about buying a place in France, I finally did it. So the purpose of my site is to provide useful information about my beautiful area of France in the hope that you too will have the courage to make the move, whether temporary or permanent, I can help turn your dreams into reality.

I now work as an estate agent here in France so I am best placed to advise you in any aspect of your house purchase and whilst I am physically cover the three departments of the Lot (department 46), the Lot-et-Garonne (department 47) and Tarn-et-Garonne (department 82) I have access to literary thousands of properties throughout France whether that be a bijoux residence in the North of France or a palatial villa in Cannes, I can find the right house for you.

So if you have seen the films…..

Read the books…..

Tasted the wine….

Enjoyed the cuisine….

Have worn “le T Shirt”

Now is the time to come over and meet the cast….

Whether you are looking to buy a holiday home, move to France permanently or just simply enjoy travelling this is the blog to watch – offering a more tailored approach to the property buying process and updated frequently with lots of new properties and useful information about France, its history, culture and life in general.

Quercy Blanc, Midi Pyrenees.

France Property Market — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:36:21 +0000

For all those Francophiles who simply adore France as much as we do, we hope you enjoy reading about our favourite villages of France, some you may have heard of and others you won’t. All offer a small glimpse of life as it is today built from its palpable sense of history. Please check back frequently as we take you on a memorable trip that will only enhance your love for this beautiful land.

THE QUERCY & QUERCY BLANC

The Southern Lot area bordering Lot-et-Garonne and Tarn-et-Garonne is collectively known as The Quercy and The Blanc. This beautiful area of France offers a somewhat more sophisticated Mediterranean and less humid area to live plus it has stacks of history, gourmet food and wine and fields of beautiful sunflowers and with its excellent transport links there are cheap flights into Bergerac, Rodez, Carcassonne and Toulouse from all over the UK including Scotland and Ireland.

As you will discover also, this area has everything you could ever possibly wish for and a whole lot more, bordering five Departments, Tarn et Garonne, Tarn, Lot et Garonne, Lot and the Gers. The area is a living tribute to its rich historical past. The many historical sites of the region now make-up a dense network of touristic and cultural landmarks just waiting to be discovered by you from its pre-historic grottos such as Pech-Merle, the Tarn and Aveyron valley gorges. Moissacset amidst a bustling town with lively weekend markets and world famous Abbey and Cloisters. Medieval cities and the first urban planned towns (“bastides”) of Rocamadour, Lauzerte, Castelfranc, Montcabrier, Castelnau Montratier, Penne & Tournon D’Agenais, Montjoi,Auvillar, Valence d’Agen, St Nicolas de la grave and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie to name merely a few are all very picturesque and worth a visit or two. The rolling countryside is also a walkers paradise with the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella passing through.

The lot river meanders through many beautiful towns and villages such as, Cahors where the Romans marched their legions over the land more than two thousand years ago, and it was they who planted the first vineyards in the first century AD now famous throughout the world and known as “the Black wine of Cahors”, Luzech, Prayssac, Puy L’Eveque all waiting to be savoured by you. Although very beautiful with lots to offer both the tourist and residents of this area, the southern Lot region unlike other parts of France has thankfully retained its identity and life goes on at its leisurely rural pace and the locals are always friendly, helpful and very welcoming.

Montauban located on the glorious River Tarn is a city at centre of art and history in the Midi Pyrenees and is home to some exquisite architecture that dates back several centuries as well as housing some fine museums such as the Musée Ingres. The heart of the old town was founded in 1144 around the river and is one of the oldest bastide towns in Southern France and has a 14th century stone bridge which is one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in the town as is its Gothic sculpted facades. The town is also the birthplace of the painter Jean Dominique Ingres whose works are found in many museums throughout the world and have been compared to the style of the paintings produced by Picasso himself. If shopping is your style then Montauban has many cosmopolitan chic designer shops and art galleries, and a fabulous cafe culture where you could easily while away an hour or two watching the world go buy over a grande crème.

As an Estate Agent here in France, I am very fortunate to live in the Quercy Blanc and I have many beautiful properties for sale here just waiting to be discovered by you – why not take a tour around this amazing part of France now, enjoy the journey and if you would like to know more about this area please post a comment and I will respond quickly, or email me at dee.france4homes@gmail.com.

Vide Greniers in France

France Property Market — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:09:52 +0000

Vide Greniers in the Lot, Tarn-et-Garonne and Lot-et-Garonne

You can find some treasures here for just 1 euro!

For those who have not heard of Vide Greniers, they are kind of similar to car boot sales in the UK but here in France they are regulated so usually you do not see the same stall holder more than twice in a year. As in the UK vide greniers are normally held every Sunday but occasionally on other days too.

Vide Grenier means literally “Empty Attic” and in true vide grenier style you will see a lot of junk, more junk and a wonderful find or two. There are lots of French Enamels available, French linens, embroidery, ornaments, English books, clothes, toys, everything you could possibly think off and the best thing most of it is just 1 or 2 euros. Here you can barter too so always ask, very rarely they say no and if they do just walk away and return a few hours later, it normally works and everyone is happy.

I have bought some lovely pieces from vide greniers, even designer label clothes, all good quality and looking as good as new after a wash. Children’s clothing is always a good buy too, you see such unusual clothing here most of which looks brand new and available for just a euro or two as are the toys and bicycles – all offering a huge saving and as good as new once cleaned up.

Vide grenier (ing) is more of an occasion here in France as firstly we have the wonderful weather, usually there is a musician playing and always there is food available to buy cheaply (normally filled baguettes, fries, sausages, pastries, plenty of drinks and something for the children.

I have compiled a list of a few vide greniers available throughout the summer months in my area and will post one month in advance. Please note that I can not be held responsible should the information change or the event be cancelled which in my experience has never happened although the turnout by stall holders is usually governed by the weather if it is an all outdoors event. Please feel free to drop me a line if you are intending visiting or if I can provide any more information. See you there!!

May – Vide Greniers in the Lot department.

1st Douelle (approx. 70 stalls) & Gourdon (approx. 80 stalls)

2nd Puy L’Eveque (approx. 40 stalls)

9th Felzins

13th Luzech

16th St Denis Catus (approx. 30 stalls) plus a Brocante.

23rd Grealou (between 120 & 150stalls) plus a Brocante.

24th Duravel (approx. 100 stalls)

30th Trespoux-Rassiels (between 70 & 90 stalls)

May – Vide Greniers in the Lot et Garonne department

1st Birac-sur-Trec.

2nd Marmande (approx. 60 stalls)

8th Boe (approx. 70 stalls)

9th Villeneuve-sur-Lot (more than 50 stalls)

13th Le Temple-sur-Lot

16th Miramont-de-Guyenne (between 100 – 150 stalls)

23rd Agen (approx. 100 stalls)

24th Penne d’Agenais plus Brocante

30th Agen, Dausse, Fumel & Villeneuve-sur-Lot (can you do them all?)

May – Vide Greniers in the Tarn-et-Garonne department

2nd Valence d’Agen, Montauban and Lafrancaise

8th Moissac (between 50 & 100 stalls)

9th Caussade (approx. 80 stalls)

13th Caussade (80 – 100 stalls)

23rd Bruniquel

30th Negrepelisse (more than 100 stalls)

French Markets

France Property Market — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:46:49 +0000

One of the many delights of France is of course its markets. For those fortunate to have visited at least one market in France you will no doubt feel a sense déjà vu as I attempt to explain what can only be described as a stage performance as each trader sets up ones “pitch” – most having occupied the same spot selling the same things for many many years. Out come the much used props to dress the stage, colourful fruits probably just picked the night before battle for center stage with the vast array of huge vegetables all placed in strategic formation ready for inspection by the early

A typical market in France

arrival of the locals. More akin to a social club, now is the time to catch up with every-ones gossip and embrace the fruit, comment on its colour, ask when it was picked and from where and so it goes, so there is a queue building – no rush here, no-one complains, why should they the same process begins once the last customer has left and on it goes. Once can imagine the same thing happening in the same place a thousand years ago probably by ancestors.

Summer is a wonderful time in the markets as travelling bands set up and play away whilst you meander or as you sit with your cafe and croissant people watching. Everyone is happy and there is never any trouble or ill feeling. Night markets in the summer are a wonder to behold too, again, more akin to dropping in at the social club, food and drink is available, people dance to the fabulous jazz strains.

I have compiled a list of my favourite markets in my area of the Lot, Lot et Garonne and Tarn et Garonne for all of your serial market lovers, there is practically a market held on each day. Then when you have had your fill of markets there are the wonderful vide greniers to consider – but this is for another time.

Cahors, Lot - every Saturday in Place Chapou amongst the medieval streets and spread all around the Cathedral Saint Etienne. Here you will find just about everything you need. There is also a daily covered market filled with local delicacies. Also Lauzerte and Montaigu de Quercy.

Montcuq Lot - every Sunday in the town square and along the side streets with the 12th Donjon forming a wonderful backdrop here you will find practically everything from food & wine (of course) to clothing bric a brac and even furniture!

Caussade, Tarn et Garonne - every Monday in the village centre a huge market again with everything on offer plus lots of frippey stalls where you can sometimes buy designer clothes (pre-used) for just 1 or 2 euros.

Valence d’Agen, Tarn et Garonne - every Tuesday again another huge market starting in the centre by the fountains and wrapping right around the town.

Penne d’Agenais, Lot et Garonne - every Wednesday only a small market in the village centre but a lovely village to explore too with some great restaurants. Also on Sunday too.

Montsempron-Libos, Lot et Garonne - Thursday another huge market with lots on offer and good prices too. Also Tournon D’Agenais.

Prayssac, Lot - Friday with a good choice on offer and plenty of nice restaurants around too.

Grape picking in France

France Property Market — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:35:28 +0000

Grape-picking in the Vineyards of France – a traditional event.

Ever since the first grapes were cultivated in Gaul, the French have nurtured them with a passion to produce the world’s finest wines.

It is now September and we are now in the middle of the grape picking season in France. The grapes are ripe and this year wine could well be one to remember. The grape picking is eagerly awaited by the vineyard owners and takes place from September to October – not only in the large vineyards but also in little villages. The harvest is a key moment in the life of a wine chateau or grape growing community.

There are two ways to harvest the grapes – by machine and by hand

Machines are now very advanced and can even serve a variety of vineyard tasks such as pruning and spraying. They are also expensive. Often smaller vineyards lease them much in the same way that small farmers lease combine-harvesters. The machine straddles the row of vines shakes the grapes off their stems. However, unlike manual picking, the machines are indiscriminate and cannot reject nor discern any poor parts of the grapes as manual picking can.

Such is the case with ‘Noble rot’. Noble rot, or Botrytis cinerea, is a mold that can affect many wine grapes and cause them to shrivel into raisins losing most of their water content and concentrating both the sugar and flavour. Many winemakers are happy if their vines are touched by the mold as it imparts a unique and subtle honey flavour which is ideal for making dessert wines.

The vineyards of Bordeaux are famous for their exploitation of Botrytis cinerea. Their location close to the Atlantic Ocean often leads to alternating humidity and sunshine. This offers good growing conditions for the fungus.

To capitalise on the presence of the mold, the wine makers of the Bordeaux region will hand-pick the affected grapes.

However, not all grapes are infected at the same time so the harvest pickers will work through the vineyards several times between October and November to hand-pick the rotted grapes.

Having done the vendange, I remember the process. There are two main jobs; picking and carrying. The picking is the less physically demanding of the two, but can be back-breaking work and I also remember the nasty cuts I inflicted upon myself with the sécateurs. A common way to stop the bleeding was to put cigarette tobacco on the cut (Gaulois – if I remember correctly). It hurt like hell but it did work. The other job is to walk the rows of pickers, collect all the grapes from their buckets and carry, or stagger with them, in a large bin or hod and deposit them into the trailer waiting at the end of the row. It was hard work and a few weeks of it soon made the puppy fat fall off.

This picture illustrates the use of an old-fashioned method to crush the grapes on site. Normally, the grapes are transported back to the château or co-op for processing. Indeed, brimming with grapes and silhouetted against the setting autumn sun, the sight of the trailer leaving at the end of the day was both welcome and memorable.

If you would like to try your hand at the vendange next year there are grape-picking ‘holidays’ or you could even buy your own vineyard for under 160,000 euros. I have other vineyards available for sale, just email me for more information. Who knows you might be lucky enough to get a touch of noble rot yourself!

France Property Market – About us.

France Property Market — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:16:41 +0000

With a 30 year career in the UK predominantly in property law, conveyancing and estate agency you can rely upon us to provide you with a service to exceed your expectations. Totally open, honest and confidential at all times. We would be happy to use all of that experience to assist you achieve your French dream.

Thank you for your visit and welcome to what we consider to be the best part of France – the South West. After many years of searching for the right house in the right location and in the best department we tryly believe that this area “the Quercy Blanc” has it all. This beautiful area of France offers a somewhat more sophisticated Mediterranean and less humid area to live plus it has stacks of history, gourmet food and wine and fields of beautiful sunflowers and with its excellent transport links there are cheap flights into Bergerac, Rodez, Carcassonne and Toulouse from all over the UK including Scotland and Ireland.

We are often asked by my clients just how is it possible to be sure you are buying in the right area given the size of France as a whole. Our advice is based on our own experience which was typical of the majority of buyers coming over from the UK to realise their dream of owning a property in France. The moral our tale is not to be too set in your requirements, although having an idea of the general area/department would be a good starting point. There is little point in arranging to view properties if you are not sure of the area – so our first tip would be to research all the areas thoroughly and for this there are a magnitude of glossy brochures for sale offering lots of useful information, coupled with the infinite information available on the internet. Then make a few trips over to France to research the various departments that you have shortlisted and then utilise the service of a good English/French speaking Agent to assist you find the home of your dreams. This is where we step in.

If like us you decide upon the Quercy Blanc area which encompasses the Lot Department (46) the Tarn et Garonne Department (82) or the Lot et Garonne Department (47) we can help you find your dream home and ensure that those dreams do not turn into nightmares. We work with one of the largest Anglophone Agencies in France who cover most departments so if we do not have a suitable property for you, we will know someone that does.

Please feel free to email us without obligation at dee.france4homes@gmail.com should you require any help or assistance in your French Property Search or just leave a comment and we will respond quickly.

France detached village house for sale Nr. Prayssac, Lot Valley.

France Property Market — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:19:45 +0000

Central to Prayssac, Castelfranc and Luzech, renovated village house with large gardens, swimming pool and huge partly converted barn to finish. Full planning permission obtained and Architect plans available for viewing. Fabulous opportunity for extended family living/gite rental.

Summary:
An excellent opportunity to acquire not only a detached property at the edge of a tranquil village but also an attractive partly renovated stone barn of 154m2 with full planning permission to create a large three bedroom property. In addition there is a lovely swimming pool and 2.7 hectares of land some of which is not attached but offers stunning far reaching views of the surrounding countryside you would be forgiven in thinking that you were on the set of Emmerdale Farm!!. Such a lot on offer and at this price worthy of an early viewing.

Location:
Situated within the beautiful lot valley and the famous Cahors wine country with stunning scenery and countryside surrounding the property and yet close to several lovely villages such as Castelfranc (2 km) Prayssac (6 km) and Luzech (11 km). Cahors is just a 20 minutes drive and midway between Toulouse & Bordeaux. Accessible from either Paris or Toulouse by the N20 motorway. Well served by Bergerac and Toulouse airports from most major cities in the UK and Europe. Contact Dee at dee.france4homes@gmail.com for more details or leave a comment below and I will respond quickly.