Estate agents brace for Tour de France effect
- 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 16th and 19th 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/.