• World’s largest cycling road race is France’s “best advertising campaign” (FrenchEntrée)
• Surge in interest in French property likely to run along the route
• Fontenay le Comte, Fougères and Trie sur Baïse flagged as areas of particular interest

All eyes will be on France’s Noirmoutier-en-l’Île on 7 July, as the world’s biggest road cycling race kicks off once more. The Tour de France is possibly the most famous cycle race on the planet. Each year, it generates millions in revenue for the towns and cities that host the various stages. However, there are additional ‘unseen’ benefits to the race as well, according to premium French property agents FrenchEntrée.

“You couldn’t devise a better advertising campaign for France than the Tour de France! From the stunning urban architecture to the misty mountains to the rolling countryside, the race shows France at its very best – often including its glorious weather as well. It’s no wonder that it generates a surge of interest in French property each year!”

Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée

Anywhere and everywhere along the Tour de France route can attract interest from overseas property buyers. Millions of fans line the route every year, many of them travelling from elsewhere in Europe (and beyond) in order to be part of cycling’s greatest event. In addition, tens of millions of global viewers enjoy the experience on television.

This year, FrenchEntrée predict keen interest in properties in Fontenay le Comte, Fougères and Trie sur Baïse.

At the finish of stage 1, Fontenay-le-Comte is in France’s Pays de la Loire region. The pretty Vendée River flows through the town, which is home to a number of beautiful churches and other historic buildings.

Fougères, meanwhile, which hosts the start of stage 7 of the 2018 Tour de France, has one of the finest castles in Europe. The Brittany town is home to a lively Saturday market, along with some fabulous examples of medieval architecture.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside and quaint villages, Trie-sur-Baïse, the start of stage 18, is a historic market town that exemplifies traditional French life. The weekly market is the ideal place to shop and socialize, while a market specialising in goose and duck produce is held weekly over the winter months.

“France has something to offer every individual taste and budget, which is one of the things that makes it such a perennially popular destination with overseas property buyers. We’re expecting a busy summer season – as ever – with interest along the length of the Tour de France route, as it showcases this beautiful country to the world.”

Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée

Tour de France properties currently on the market

Fontenay-le-Comte: This large, impressive house enjoys magnificent views over the wooded countryside. The six-bedroom property comes complete with playroom, video room (home cinema) fully equipped and soundproof, hammam with rest room, leisure room, three garages, a greenhouse and around 5,450sqm of mature parkland planted with oak trees, cedars, rhododendrons and a superb weeping beech tree.

Fougères: This enormous 16^th and 19^th century dwelling offers peace and seclusion, and is packed with traditional charm. With a square courtyard, outbuildings, chapel and two beautiful round towers with pointed roof tiles, this is a property to truly capture the imagination. The property covers 24.76 acres, with meadows, woods, a pond and a park with a swimming pool.

Trie-sur-Baïse: This recently restored, nine-bedroom home comes with its own pool and gîte. The property is packed with character and luxury touches, from its multiple marble fireplaces to its sweeping views over the rolling countryside with the Pyrenees as a backdrop.

For further information, contact FrenchEntrée on +44 (0)1225 463752 or propertysales@frenchentree.com. You can also visit https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/.

• 80,000 cubic metres of sand extend Cannes’ beach to up to 40m wide in places
• Engraissement work will provide holidaymakers with more beach for their buck
• Property scene in Cannes serves up eclectic, high-end homes to suit every taste (FrenchEntrée)

With its Mediterranean climate, stunning waterfront, haute cuisine restaurants and high-end stores, Cannes has plenty to offer holidaymakers from around the world. Now, the jewel of the Cote d’Azur has even more to offer, with the beach made bigger and better for the summer season.

The 1.4-kilometre-long beach has been widened from its former 25-30 metre width, to an impressive 40 metres in places, providing more space for everyone from sunbathers to families building sand castles. It is the first major widening operation to take place since the 1960s, with some 80,000 cubic metres of sand brought in to bolster the shoreline.

Cannes is one of the most exciting destinations on the Cote d’Azur. In the world’s most visited country, it does an excellent job of vying for the attention of France’s 89 million annual visitors. The engraissement work completed over the winter months has enhanced that offering, ensuring that the beach is even bigger and better for this summer’s visitors.

The famous palm tree-lined waterfront walkway, the Promenade de la Croisette, has also been revamped ready for the summer, with improved surfaces and a new bikeway.

“Cannes has a history of attracting the rich and famous, from the aristocracy in the 19^th century to some of the most recognised names in the global film and music industry today. Over time, we’ve seen a trend for the wealthy flocking to Cannes to build an array of outstanding properties. The result is an eclectic, exclusive mix of architectural styles, which serve to create an exciting local property scene for those looking to buy second homes on the Cote d’Azur.” 

Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée

Cannes is one of the most popular property markets in the world. It is no coincidence that it is the location of the MIPIM property event, which attracts attendees from across the globe every year. The city’s eye-watering price tags certainly reflect its popularity, but with so many fine homes on offer, the market is nonetheless competitive, though very much high end.

“Cannes is home to an elite raft of properties that were built to reflect the status of their original owners. As such, the city offers an outstanding level of choice when it comes to luxury features and architectural flair.”

Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée

Whether they’re in town to pick up a multi-million-pound property, or simply to enjoy the stunning surroundings and balmy climate, the widening of Cannes beach will benefit all of those who visit the city this summer. It ensures Cannes’ continued position as the highlight of the French Riviera.

Stunning Cannes homes currently on the market

Just a short stroll from the city centre, swanky marina and stunning Bay of Cannes, this contemporary seven-bedroom home should satisfy even the most demanding buyer. Set across four floors with lift, the property boasts numerous vast reception rooms, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, wellness areas, cinema, study and much more. The impressive home is on the market for €29.65 million.

Set in a charming 19^th century mansion, and within walking distance of the centre of Cannes, this contemporary, stylish, three-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment boasts two balconies, sea views and a shared pool. It is on the market for €760,000.

Those looking for a more grandiose home – and with €1.29 million to spend – will be delighted by this magnificent Bourgeois-style apartment with impressive sea views. As well as a large living area and two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, the home includes a private terrace, cellar and garage, in a secure residence with a dedicated caretaker.

For further information, contact FrenchEntrée on +44 (0)1225 463752 or propertysales@frenchentree.com. You can also visit https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/.

• French is world’s most romantic language (Google Translate)
• France is world’s most visited country (UNTWO)
• French property market offers something for everyone to fall in love with (FrenchEntrée)

With its alluring scenery, fine wines and plentiful summer sunshine, France has built up a reputation as one of the world’ most romantic countries. From swanky hotels on the banks of the River Seine in Paris to rustic country retreats with open fireplaces and miles of lavender fields around, France offers something to suit every couple’s taste when it comes to Valentine’s Day breaks. It’s also home to some incredibly romantic properties, perfect for those looking to buy a second home or fulltime residence to keep the love alive year-round.

 “Whether your idea of romance is a fairytale château with formal gardens, a period apartment just steps from the Seine or a cozy chalet in the mountains with an open fireplace, France has the perfect property. French is widely known as the language of love and the country’s properties certainly further its reputation as the home of romance.”

Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée

French is not just rumoured to be the language of love – its position as such is backed up by data from Google. According to Google Translate, 34 in every 1,000 French phrases that are translated are of a romantic nature, putting French ahead of every other language in terms of its romantic credentials. Indeed, after “bonjour,” “je t’aime” is the most requested French translation.

It is also the most visited country in the world, attracting some 82.6 million visitors in 2016, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO). And for those who want more than a holiday from the home of romance, a French property is the perfect answer.

Perfect for those with romance in their soul, this beautiful château is just a short drive from Saint Valentin. Nestled in the heart of Champagne Berrichonne, the “village of lovers” hosts a spectacular Valentine’s Day celebration weekend each year with a festival, marriage ceremonies and renewal of vows services. For those wanting more than just a weekend of romance, the 19^th century château offers ten bedrooms, eight bathrooms, an array of reception rooms and a wine cellar. Parquet flooring, decorative panelling, marble fireplaces and exposed beams create a wonderful sense of grandeur inside, while outdoors the meadows and woodland provide spectacular views over the Creuse valley. As well as a guest house and an apartment, the outbuildings also include a chapel – the ultimate romantic property feature!

Another superb property with its own chapel is this 19^th century château in Carcassonne. The home has been restored beautifully, from the formal grounds – which would make an idyllic setting for a wedding – to the modern yet authentically charming interior. Marble floors with underfloor heating, high ornate ceilings and elegant fireplaces make this an unforgettable property.

Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager at premium French property agents FrenchEntrée, shares what buyers are loving most about French property so far in 2018:

• Brittany and Languedoc-Roussillon have so far been the two most popular regions for new enquiries, accounting for 13% and 12% of all enquiries respectively. Brittany remains steady even in the colder months, as buyers are accepting of the variable weather and cooler temperatures – so the region doesn’t see as much seasonal variation in sales as the warmer southern areas. The Languedoc region is popular thanks to low cost flights from the UK, which mean that buyers can take advantage of school holidays and long weekends to visit their second home.

• As the pound stabilises and fluctuations in its value decrease, buyers have felt more comfortable in increasing their budgets. Compared to this period last year, we’ve seen an average 12% increase in budget. This reflects buyers’ increased confidence in the French market (which went from strength to strength last year), as well as what they can afford at current rates.
• When it comes to the most popular areas of Paris, the fashionable 16^th arrondissement, the historic Marais and the fabulously Parisian Saint-Germain-des-Prés all look set to attract buyers in their droves in 2018.

If France is the home of romance, then Paris is unquestionably the city of love. From rendezvous in impossibly chic pavement cafés to strolls along the river as evening falls, past incredible buildings oozing with history, it is a city that charms lovers of all ages and nationalities – and it seems that its property market does the same. According to Insee, 20% of Parisians are immigrants, reflecting the city’s vast international appeal.

FrenchEntrée have long understood the draw of the Parisian property market. From light-filled residences just a stone’s throw from some of Paris’ best restaurants to feature apartments in the city’s trendiest areas, the company has witnessed countless homes being snapped up by those who have fallen for France’s capital city.  

For further information, contact FrenchEntrée on +44 (0)1225 463752 or propertysales@frenchentree.com. You can also visit https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/.

Once again France remains the most popular place to visit in the world, with Jean Baptiste Lemoyne, French minister of state, expecting between 88 and 89 million foreign tourists in 2017, a record new high on the 85 million in 2015.

The British interest in France also remains high despite the Brexit vote with the latest data revealing that the number of British nationals acquiring French passports has risen fivefold since June 2016. 2017 saw 1,518 Britons become French citizens compared with 320 in 2015 and 439 in 2014.

“The appeals of visiting and indeed looking to live in France have remained clear for decades. Easy access to the UK, quality of life, climate, culture and gastronomy draw millions each year with the affordability of property, straightforward purchasing process and great mortgage deals also offer an additional incentive for those looking to make their visit to France more permanent.”

Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée

So, if you are thinking of making the move to France this year, take a look at what you can buy for the price of a house across the UK:

North West

For the average price of a property in the North West, £159,066 according to the latest HM Land Registry data (Nov 2017), you could own this attractive stone house in perfect condition with a pretty garden in Charentes, SW France.

Available for €171,200 (£151,834), this property offers a spacious open plan living room with wood burner, kitchen with stone fireplace, bedroom and shower room. Upstairs there is a mezzanine and a further two bedrooms with shower room.

The Midlands

For the average price of a home in the East Midlands, currently at £185,047, you could live the high life with this 4-bedroom charming house located in Sauvagnac, SW France complete with landscaped gardens and swimming pool.

Available for €206,700 (£183,319) this charming typical French 4-bedroom house has the modernity of tiled floors with under-floor heating, plus original features such as wooden beams. Located behind wrought iron gates, in a landscaped and wooded garden of 3800m2, lies a spacious and bright home. The fitted kitchen is roomy with plenty of units and space for a dining area. The split level, open plan lounge/diner is bright thanks to double aspect patio doors and boasts a feature stone fireplace. The Charente lakes and golf club La Preze is approximately 10 minutes away as well as easy access to Limoges airport and the TGV at Angouleme.

East

Those living in the East of England, where average house prices stand at £289,731, looking for a change of lifestyle should consider this spacious 4-bedroom character house in the Languedoc. Available for €315,000 (£280,014), the property boasts a beautiful garden, courtyard, terrace, 4/5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a nice kitchen, 2 lounges and a study.

Immediately habitable and located in a pretty village on the Canal with shops and restaurants, twice weekly market just 10 minutes from Narbonne and the beach, this is a quality winegrowers home with potential for two individual properties and income.

London

Notoriously expensive with the current house price an eye watering £481,915, more and more people are swapping life in the Big Smoke in the search of more affordable housing. This beautiful contemporary home near the coast of Brittany is available from €522,500 (£464,471) and offers a living room with a central fireplace, separate sitting area opening onto the garden with a French doors and a cathedral dining area, fully equipped kitchen and conservatory with Jacuzzi.

The first floor comprises an office, four bedrooms, one en suite and access to a fifth bedroom above. A basement with a large garage for two cars, dressing space, boiler room and shower completes the property all located in a quiet area just 1.5km from the coast.

South East

Geographically the closest to French shores, homeowners in the South East could trade in their pricey pads, averaging at £325,270, for this beautiful character house in Mayenne, north west France.  Available for €360,000 (£319,950) this beautiful manor-style house is set in a traditional wooded countryside.

Built in 1744 and enlarged at the beginning of the 19th century, the property comprises a small rural house and a former farmhouse now used as a home. On the ground floor, there is an oak staircase, dual-aspect living room with parquet flooring and a large marble fireplace, a dining room, exposed beams and terracotta floor. In the wing lies the kitchen, cellar, garage and boiler room. On the first floor the landing serves 4 bedrooms, two bathrooms with toilets.

South West

Lastly, for those in the South West, where the average price is a touch over the national average at £251,923 then this fully restored 3-bedroom stone-built country house and barn located in a quiet friendly hamlet near Varen, Tarn et Garonne could be for you.

On the market for €280,000 (£248,248) this property is set in beautiful landscaped gardens with the interior of the house fully restored with the original features and beams preserved. This is a stylish country residence, far from the madding crowd with a large barn dating back to 1874 primed for development of additional rooms.

“Whilst growth in the UK market is set to slow in 2018 with Nationwide forecasting a growth rate of just 1%, prices are up 3.9% y-o-y in France (L’INSEE, Q3 2017) and our partners at BNP Paribas are predicting 3-4% further growth in 2018.

“Here at FrenchEntrée, we have seen budgets of British buyers increasing anywhere from 10-20%, demonstrating increased confidence in a growth market and a desire to forge ahead instead of waiting for the resolution of Brexit.”

Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée

FrenchEntrée

+44 (0)1225 463752

propertysales@frenchentree.com

https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/

Effective from 1^st January 2018 the wealth tax, which previously implicated property buyers in France, is being amended.

Back in October 2017, President Macron’s reforms of this notorious wealth tax passed into law and will now come into effect as of 1^st January 2018 much to the delight of many British expats.

The impôt de solidarité sur la fortune (ISF) was previously an annual levy (of up to 1.5%) on property and assets held worldwide by residents over €1.3 million.

Whilst Macron’s reforms result in no changes to the rates and thresholds themselves, the tax will now apply almost exclusively to the property and assets of French residents’ only.

“The implementation of these new tax changes on 1^st January 2018 is certainly welcomed by expatriates with property and assets in France. It will bring a renewed surge of interest from buyers and investors alike into some of the prime real estate markets in France including Paris, the Alps and of course Provence-Cote d’Azur.

“This comes at a time when agents are particularly proactive at bringing new properties to market in the anticipation of gearing up for Spring interest from new buyers.”

Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée

One market set to benefit from these tax changes is the French capital, Paris.

Typically, demand for property in Paris is greater than the supply but this will start to balance in the New Year with the buyers’ market becoming more competitive once again with the easing of the wealth tax.

On the market in Paris:

Incredible St-Germain Apartment with Wrap-Around Balcony

€4,500,000

https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/details/2974_xml_psu828/st-germain-des-pres-bonaparte-view

Located on the Rue Bonaparte steps from the Legendary Place Saint Germain des Prés, Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots this 173 m² apartment occupies the entire 3rd floor of this Haussmanien building, with a wrap-around balcony.

The apartment ‘s original features still intact with beautiful fireplace, parquet flooring and library. The marble floored entrance leads into a spacious salon with a fireplace and dining room. This, in turn, gives access to the Library with the television and the first suite. This suite has access to the balcony, as well as a dressing room and private bathroom. There is a classic hallway with the guest toilet and guest cloakroom. The second suite has an office area, dressing room, private bathroom and a hammam. The kitchen is fully equipped, with a dining area and a laundry room. Air conditioning, security, home automation system for sound and lighting. Elevator, 24H caretaker services and a cellar.

Gorgeous Historic Apartment in the Marais District

€1,050,000

https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/details/2974_xml_psu803/marais-notre-dame-de-nazareth-temple

Beautiful apartment in the trendy North Marais, a short walk from the Carreau du Temple and Rue de Bretagne with best shopping and restaurants at your doorstep. Recently renovated to a very high standard preserving all the original period features.

On the 4th floor of a beautiful early 1800’s building, offering a living and dining area, the property includes original beamed ceilings, working fireplace 2 bedrooms and fully equipped kitchen.

Luxury Flat with Stunning Views over Boulevard Saint Germain

€5,150,000

https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/details/2974_xml_psu827/st-germain-des-pres-boulevard-view

Located in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés, surrounded by renowned institutions such as Café le Flore, les Deux Margots, Brasserie Lipp, bookshops and luxury boutiques, this 186 m² apartment on the 4th floor, sits between the Rue des Saints Pères and the Boulevard Saint Germain in this world-famous Parisian neighbourhood.

The entrance hall leads to two large living rooms composed of one lounge area including an original fireplace and dining room, and a separate spacious television lounge area. The first bedroom suite boasts a dressing room and private bathroom. These rooms have a stunning view over the Boulevard Saint Germain. The second suite, which also has its own dressing and private bathroom, is south facing with a view over the garden. This property also includes a separate maid’s room, fully renovated and furnished.

FrenchEntrée

+44 (0)1225 463752

propertysales@frenchentree.com

https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/ 

• Huge range of châteaux in France can accommodate many budgets (FrenchEntrée)
• South-west France can provide exceptional value for those looking for fairytale properties
• Châteaux-based businesses available to those looking to profit from their dream home

As youngsters, many of us dream of living in a grand castle when we grow up. Most people’s ambitions change as they age, but for some, that fairytale never fades – and that’s where France’s plentiful châteaux come into play.

Of course, owning your own castle isn’t cheap, but the variety of styles, sizes and conditions on the market means that there are châteaux available to suit a surprising range of budgets.

“The region that a château is in can heavily influence the style. Pays de la Loire for example can be associated much more with ‘leisure’ châteaux, the historic playground of French aristocracy. Such châteaux were designed with elegance and aesthetics as the main concerns, whereas those in more contested areas, such as near to the Spanish border, were designed to be defendable.”

Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée

When looking at cost, buyers are sometimes drawn to renovation projects as a more accessible way to realise their grand ambitions, but for those unfamiliar with large-scale renovation projects or converting truly old buildings, the eventual overall cost is important to consider. This can vary based on region, but the average figure per square metre for renovation work is €700 and €1,500 (the latter if it’s a total rebuild). If the property is merely in need of internal modernisation and refurbishment (for example kitchens, bathrooms and heating) then you can generally reduce this figure by almost 50%.

As such, it can be an attractive proposition to acquire a château that is already in great condition and, for the business-oriented, generating revenue. In Dordogne, this château can seem like a considerable investment, but its sizeable revenue can help offset the cost. With over 18 hectares of land and architecture dating back to both the 12th and 15th century, an imposing estate awaits those looking to take over the reins of a successful hotel.

Châteaux often make fantastic settings for luxury accommodation, restaurants and wedding venues, while ample grounds open the possibility of running equestrian schools, hunting and fishing activities and plenty more. Working orchards, olive groves and vineyards can also provide business angles for those keen to work the land as part of their fairytale dream.

The inclusion of outbuildings with châteaux tends to provide plenty of flexibility for owners. Some rent them out as holiday properties, while others use them as accommodation for a caretaker or groundsman. Premium French property agents FrenchEntrée point out that the cost of employing such staff needs to be factored in from the outset.

“Running costs and upkeep are a major undertaking when you buy a property of this size. Heating, maintenance and tax alone mean a five figure spend on upkeep every year, which buyers need to take into account. For larger châteaux, a full time, salaried caretaker or groundsman is often essential. Providing an on-site cottage as accommodation can help to mitigate some of the cost of this, but minimum wage still exists in France – and at a higher rate than in the UK!”

Fleur Buckley, Property Services Manager, FrenchEntrée

Prices vary enormously based not only on the style and age of the château, but also its location. Buyers on a budget can focus their search around the South-west, while those with an eye for the pricier end of the market will delight in the châteaux available in Pays de la Loire and closer to Paris. Buyers looking to renovate a château typically come to FrenchEntrée with budgets ranging from €500,000 – €800,000 (excluding renovation), whilst those looking to buy already established have budgets of double that and upwards.

Either way, owning a château can’t be considered cheap. However, those with sufficient imagination, plenty of dedication and a head for business can find themselves living the dream for less than one might imagine.

Châteaux on the market:

For a truly impressive estate, this Loire château, 900 square metres in size, comes with not only its own moat but also 4 separate holiday cottages and 40 acres of land. Each cottage is larger than a typical 5-bedroom house, the largest of which is 270 square metres, almost a petit château in its own right. The château, rebuilt in 1863, has plenty of space to entertain, with 26 bedrooms and beautiful traditional features. On the market for €1,190,000.

As mentioned before, this three-star, 33-room hotel and restaurant offers an existing château-based business in the Dordogne. The château was built in the 12^th and 15^th centuries, before being converted into its current arrangement in the 1990s. Stunning views and a pool of course come as standard. The business generates a turnover of €900,000 for eight months of activity per year, which will go some way towards covering the purchase price of €6.386 million.

Continuing the trend of châteaux belonging to multiple centuries, this storied châteaux situated in the Loire Valley will no doubt appeal. With parts of the building dating back to the 15th, 17th and 19th centuries respectively, France’s architectural history is well-presented. 10 bedrooms, 4 hectares of riverside gardens and stables – not bad at all for just €890,000.

For further information, contact FrenchEntrée on +44 (0)1225 463752 or propertysales@frenchentree.com. You can also visit https://www.frenchentree.com/property-for-sale/.