France Guide

Alsace is located on France's eastern border and on the west bank of the upper Rhine adjacent to Germany and Switzerland.

Having been early and always densely populated, Alsace is famous for its high number of picturesque villages, churches and castles and for the various beauties of its three main towns, in spite of severe destructions suffered throughout five centuries of wars between France and Germany.

Alsace is furthermore famous for its vineyards (especially along the 170 km of the Route des Vins d'Alsace from Marlenheim to Thann) and the Vosges mountains with their thick and green forests and picturesque lakes.

Alsace has a semi-continental climate with cold and dry winters and hot summers. There is little precipitation because the Vosges protect it from the west.

Please visit http://www.tourism-alsace.com/ and http://www.region-alsace.eu/index.php?lg=en for more information on the area.
 

PROPERTIES IN THIS AREA

Property Name	Property Reference
Strasbourg Studio	bhl2175
The Blue House	bhl5649

 

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Aquitaine is in the south-western part of France, along the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountain range on the border with Spain. It also has internal borders with the French regions of Poitou-Charentes and Limousin.

Tourism is hugely popular, in particular along the Côte d'Argent for sun and surfers. There are major resorts at Bayonne, Biarritz, St. Jean de Luz and Hendaye. Chateaux visiting in the Dordogne and hiking and skiing in the Pyrenees are also popular. Holiday homes and camping sites abound.

Aquitaine has something for everyone. Aquitaine is.....a never-ending coastline.....a mountain for all seasons.....protected nature.....varied leisure activities.....outstanding heritage.....the wine country.....gourmet delights.

Bordered along the whole of its west coast by the Atlantic Ocean, Aquitaine is bathed in a mild oceanic climate with the influence of the Gulf Stream.

The 2,200 sunshine hours per year make the Bordeaux region similar to the Mediterranean. Along with rainfall that is well distributed over the year, this sunshine is one of the elements which favour vine-growing in Aquitaine.

Please visit http://www.tourisme-aquitaine.fr/en/ for more information on this area.

 

PROPERTIES IN THIS AREA

Property Name	Property Reference
La Borie	89bhl5838
Le Moulin de Pierretoune	bhl5842
Le Mas du Ponteil	bhl8869
Le Vieux Cerisier	bhl8490
La Cour Des Jours - The Bakery	bhl7091
La Cour Des Jours - The House	bhl8088
La Cour Des Jours - The Cottage	bhl5003

 

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Centre is located towards the northwest of the actual centre of France.

The main feature of Centre is the Loire Valley. It includes the rich, fertile valleys of the Loire River and its tributaries: Cher, Indre, Loiret, etc. It is in Centre that are located the famous châteaux of the Loire Valley,  which attract many tourists to the region.

Striking in architecture, rich in art and sumptuous furnishings, and steeped in history, the chateaux reflect the opulent lifestyle of their inhabitants. Set in the restful surroundings of gentle green countryside, with woods and meandering rivers, the history and architecture of many of the châteaux can often best be appreciated after dark in one of the evocative "Son et Lumière" shows. Sound and light shows are available at Chambord, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Blois, Chenonceau and Valencay.

Please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centre_(region) and http://www.regioncentre.fr/ for more information on this area.  

 

PROPERTIES IN THIS AREA

Property Name	Property Reference
Chateau de Grandval	bhl1378

 

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île-de-France is composed mostly of the Paris metropolitan area. It is the compact region immediately surrounding the capital of France, Paris. As such, the region includes the now far-flung suburbs of the Paris metropolis, together with several large surrounding towns that form part of the larger conurbanation. All is not urban sprawl, however: the region is also known for its natural beauties, in the form of parks, forests and river lands.

Ile de France enjoys the best of both worlds. Despite its proximity to Paris, it has wide open spaces, densely wooded rural areas and charming villages. Yet Paris is within quick and easy commuting distance using the efficient urban train network – the RER.

Various kings and queens also thought it the ideal getaway retreat, so the region has more than its fair share of palaces, châteaux and vast forests used for their hunting expeditions. At the turn of the 19th century, artists, writers and musicians were of the same opinion, the banks of the rivers Seine, Oise and Marne providing their inspiration.

Please visit http://wikitravel.org/en/%C3%8Ele-de-France and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ile-de-France for more information on this area.

PROPERTIES IN THIS AREA

Property Name	Property Reference
Paris 5 : Furnished Apartment	bhl5783
Studio Victor Hugo	bhl7147

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Languedoc-Roussillon borders the other French regions of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Rhône-Alpes, Auvergne, Midi-Pyrénées on the one side, and Spain, Andorra and the Mediterranean sea on the other side.

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.

Not yet so developed as its rich neighbour, Provence, it has its own share of dramatic landscapes, divided by dramatic gorges, and plenty of great medieval architecture.

The region falls into two distinct areas with different characteristics - the Pyreneean region to the south -departments Aude and Pyrenees-Orientales (Eastern Pyrenees) - including the mountains and the coast between Perpignan and Spain; and the more northern part of the region (which includes the departments of Gard, Hérault, and Lozère)

Please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languedoc-Roussillon and http://www.beziers-tourisme.fr/index.php3?id_gmenu=10618&code_menu=viti&langue=en&PHPSESSID=8e6c4de28354cee6aabdf3818f148629 for more information on this area.

PROPERTIES IN THIS AREA

Property Name	Property Reference
Rue Du Chateau	bhl9825
Ave Alphonse Mas	73bhl2880
Maison De L Orb	bhl3219
Villa Des Roses	10bhl1568

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Limousin is in the south-western part of central France. This stunningly beautiful region of still lakes, fast flowing streams, gentle rolling valleys and forested mountains has been one of the best kept secrets in France. From the lovely old city of Limoges to the tiny hamlets scattered across the hills and forests, and the pure rivers and lakes, discover the friendliness and old world charm of one of the last remaining havens of the "real France"

The Limousin region is almost entirely an upland area. The lowest land is in the north-west of the region (approximately 250 m above sea level) and the highest land is roughly in the south-east (approximately 1000 m above sea level). However, the greater part of the region is above 350 m. There are numerous important rivers in the Limousin such as the Dordogne, Vienne, Creuse and Cher. The region is well-known for the high-quality of its water and for offering first rate fishing.

Although summer temperatures often exceed 32 °C – and have even reached 42 °C – the Limousin region has a damper and milder climate than its neighbours. Winters are often long and cold, especially in the higher areas, and snow is not at all uncommon.

The area around Brive in the Corrèze has more than 2000 hours per year of sunshine, the same as the southern city of Toulouse.

Please visit http://www.the-limousin.co.uk/ for more information on this area.

 

 

PROPERTIES IN THIS AREA

Property Name	Property Reference
Sunset House	bhl4884

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Midi-Pyrenees is the largest region of metropolitan France by area and occupies a strategic position between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. There are many tourist attractions including in Toulouse the Canal du Midi, Place du Capitole and Musee des Augustins. The region also has sizeable vineyards, such as in the areas round Gaillac, north of Toulouse, and  the Armagnac area, which lies partly in Midi-Pyrenees.

For more information on this area please visit http://about-france.com/regions/midi-pyrenees.htm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midi-pyrenees.

PROPERTIES IN THIS AREA

Property Name	Property Reference
Cantou at La Teuliere	bhl1811

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Poitou-Charentes is in central western France.

All along the coast you’ll find magnificent beaches and opportunities for all kinds of water sport. Inland, the lush countryside features wooded valleys, sleepy villages, and the famous Cognac vineyards. Poitiers is one of France’s oldest cities, while the nearby Futuroscope attraction is the ultimate in high-tech.

The regional capital of Poitiers is one of France’s oldest cities, and the 4th century St Jean bapistry here is the country’s oldest example of Christian architecture. Futuroscope on the other hand, just outside of Poitiers, is ultra modern. A high-tech theme park devoted to the moving image, it features the world’s largest screens and very latest projection techniques, making it a fantastic day out for all the family.

With its delightful old harbour, the chic resort of La Rochelle is western France’s foremost yachting centre, while further south along the coast at Royan, you’ll find La Palmyre Zoo, with over 1600 animals, it is the largest in France.

Marais Poitevin is very similar to the Norfolk Broads, but warmer and far less windy. You can explore the area in a punt, or via the many miles of cycling tracks. And don’t forget to visit the pretty medieval town of Cognac. Yes, there are free distillery tours where you can taste the fabled nectar.

Please visit http://www.poitou-charentes-vacances.com/ for more information on this area.

PROPERTIES IN THIS AREA

Property Name	Property Reference
Les Hirondelles	bhl8169
Au Puits Des Brousses	90bhl7997

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Provence-Alpes, Cote d'Azur is in southeastern France on the Mediterranean adjacent to Italy. Its western border is the Rhône River and its eastern border is Italy. Provence includes the French Riviera and is famous for its sun, color (Van Gogh spent a respectable amount of time in Arles, painting the countryside), traditions, wines, food, and language (Provençal). Its main attractions include the city of Avignon and the wide variety of villages which can be easily explored by car or bicycle on the network of country roads and highways.

Most of Provence has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, mild winters, little snow, and abundant sunshine. Within Provence there are micro-climates and local variations, ranging from the Alpine climate inland from Nice to the continental climate in the northern Vaucluse. The winds of Provence are an important feature of the climate, particularly the mistral, a cold, dry wind which, especially in the winter, blows down the Rhone Valley to the Bouches-du-Rhône and the Var Departments, and often reaches over one hundred kilometers an hour.

Please visit http://wikitravel.org/en/Provence and http://www.decouverte-paca.fr/us/ for more information on this area. 
 

PROPERTIES IN THIS AREA

Property Name	Property Reference
Apartment in Cannes	bhl4041
2 Bedroom Apartment	bhl4794
Villa La Citronneraie	bhl1147
My Beaucaire	bhl9041
Villa la Pinede	bhl1611
Gite L'Oustau de L'Olivier	bhl7535
La Raymondiere	67bhl9720

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Rhône-Alpes is located on the eastern border of the country, towards the south. The region was named after the Rhône River and the Alps mountain range.

Situated between Paris and the Côte d’Azur, on the border with both Switzerland and Italy, and offering access to two international airports (Lyon and Geneva), impressive rail connections and a vast motorway network, the Rhône-Alpes region is literally at the crossroads of Europe.

Boasting 8 natural parks and peerless sites such as Mont Blanc and the Gorges de l’Ardèche, the Rhône-Alpes offers a wide range of different landscapes: mountains, vineyards and gentle valleys, fields of lavender and olive groves.

In the Rhône-Alpes, water is everywhere: from snow to glacier ice, rivers and streams to lakes…the Rhône-Alpes is where three of France’s biggest lakes can be found (Lake Geneva, Lac du Bourget and Lac d’Annecy).

Every form of sport is readily available, set against an impressive natural backdrop: hiking, mountain biking or even paragliding and canoeing… the Rhône-Alpes is not only the second most important golfing region in France with over 60 courses but it also has the largest ski area in the world and has hosted the Winter Olympics three times.

Enthusiasts of art and culture will not be disappointed by the region’s Villes d’Art: Lyon, which is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Annecy, Grenoble, Chambéry, and Saint Etienne.

And last but not least, connoisseurs of good food and wine will be spoilt for choice by the range of local specialities available to taste along with a Beaujolais or a Côtes du Rhône, and by the sheer number of famous restaurants (with Paul Bocuse at the top of the list) in the region.

Please visit http://www.rhonealpes-tourisme.com/ for more information on this area.

PROPERTIES IN THIS AREA

Property Name	Property Reference
Chalet Cyclamen Aparment	bhl4073
Chalet Andu	79bhl2743
Hotel Particulier De Digoine	bhl7318

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