The Hautes-Alpes region is dominated by the mountains that share its name. Outdoor activities are quite common in the area, from skiing in the winter to climbing, sailing and hiking in the summer. Due to the fact of the quite a few mountain roads in the Hautes-Alpes department, the world-well-known cycling race, the Tour de France, generally visits the area throughout the month of July. If you are luck sufficient to be in town when the Tour is passing through, you will be able to take pleasure in the carnival atmosphere as well as watching the world’s top cyclists battle with the Alpine climbs.

Natural beauty

The Queyras Valley in Hautes-Alpes is an unspoilt region of natural beauty, which is preferred with tourists all year-round. There are six ski resorts nearby with over 100km of downhill pistes for skiers of all abilities. You can try snowboarding or cross-country skiing as well as enjoying the scenery and local restaurants. If you’re not an experienced skier, you can take a ride on a dog sled or get pleasure from ice-skating on the natural rink in Abries. In summer there are hiking and mountain bike trails that take visitors round the most effective of the scenery or you can appreciate the view from horseback. Adrenaline junkies can try out white water rafting or a extra sedate kayak trip on the Aiguilles Lake.

Gap

The town of Gap has a spectacular backdrop, surrounded by the Alps, and is a amazing base for winter sports enthusiasts who still take pleasure in spending time in the city. The town was a well-known health resort in the 19th century, where wealthier French families could come and appreciate the warm climate and freshwater Alpine springs. Nearby is the 12th century Abbey of Boscodon, located at a high altitude amongst the mountains. Not only can you admire the architecture, but also get pleasure from views over the local region.

Les Ecrins National Park

The largest national park in France is located within the Hautes-Alpes region. There is a wide selection of scenery within Les Ecrins; high, treacherous mountains along with soft alpine meadows. Walking trails during the area suit all abilities and experience and cover forests, glaciers and lakes, as well as the ubiquitous mountains. The peak of Barre des Ecrins is a haven for climbers at over 4,000m although the park authorities run cultural events during the year. There are hotels, guesthouses and campground within the park and a amazing system of roads indicates it is simple to access even the remote parts of Les Ecrins.

The Author writes for Holiday House Rentals who have a variety of Chalets in Hautes-Alpes and Villas in France which can be rented direct from their owners.

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Provence is a awesome location for a holiday and thousands of persons from around the world go to this area throughout the summer. If you are planning to go to France throughout the summer, here are five factors to contemplate a holiday in Provence this year.

one. Cote d’Azur – The lovely French Riviera is 1 of the primary factors why persons go to the Provence area. It enjoys ideal weather during the year and has quite a few attractions that are certain to entice travellers. There are a lot of beaches in the region and quite a few water sports activities readily available to occupy your time. The Cote d’Azur is quickly the best holiday destination, specifically throughout summer.

2. Art – Art lovers will be able to enjoy some of the most significant artworks in the world on a summer trip to Provence. They will also be able to go to the area that inspired some of the ideal artists like Matisse, Van Gogh and Picasso. The art inspired by this area is legendary and there are also a large number of budding artists who display their pieces at the a large number of galleries in Provence.

three. Reasonably priced Vacation- Throughout the summer months, it is achievable to tour the Provence area at a significantly lower price than at other times of the year. Throughout these months, the area experiences an off-peak tourist season and as a result quite a few hotels and resorts in the region permit travellers to stay for lower costs. Even the entertainment and activities price much less throughout summer.

4. Outdoor Markets – The summer months are the ideal time of the year to experience the ideal of the outdoor markets in Provence. Each and every village and town has its own little market that will sell anything from lavender to fresh produce. It is also a wonderful location to experience the local cuisine and exquisite French baking, with baguettes and other pastries and breads being sold at these markets. Normally, the vendors at the outdoor markets begin their enterprise at 8 am and continue till one pm. This is not only a fantastic location to acquire local produce, but also to experience the culture of the individuals of Provence.

5. Golf – Golf enthusiasts from around the world go to Provence throughout the summer months. This area is property to two of the perfect golf courses in all of Europe, Le Riou and Le Chateau. Both these courses are incredibly picturesque, whilst at the identical time being difficult.

James works in the travel business and works with Provence France holidays and Paris travel ideas.

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Provence


Secret Provence Cote d’Azur


You should be a lover like me of France and in specific the South East corner recognized as the French Riviera. If you are not but merely curious, then I hope to give you details that will excite you sufficient to want go to for the initial time or explore a bit deeper.


As you will know, Provence backs on to the Cote d’Azur and the Mediterranean Sea.


In 1975 I went on a company trip (in those days that was some trip by automobile) and I drove via France on my way to Italy to the great town of Bergamo. I was a young man, I had a tiny organization that was growing and I had treated myself to a brand new Triumph Stag Convertible. What a poser I need to have looked like with the top down and steam coming from the radiator. The Triumph Stag was notorious for overheating and 1000 miles was basically a bit too far for a brand new automobile.


Modest did I know what pleasure I was in for on my way. I decided to ‘stop off’ at Nice and Cannes. Back in those days the visitors wasn’t as heavy as it is these days and despite the overheating issues it was a pleasure to drive the 1000 miles or so from house to Nice. This was January and I was wrapped up in heavy coat. I was staggered to see on the beaches that in January folks had been swimming and sunbathing and the girls sunbathing with no top on. This was a revelation coming from England as you may possibly imagine. I went to Italy and drove back through the Dolomites and discovered myself in three metres of snow. Genuinely an area of contrasts.


Because that time, I have been a normal visitor up until 2004 when I decide with significantly pride to purchase a property in Provence. This Genuinely is a tremendous component of the world and with nowadays’s air, road and sea links a really available place and I may possibly say still a really secure place.


Why not come on a journey with me to discover the true delights and the wonders. We will take in the Cote d’Azur with its amazing holiday destination of Nice, Cannes, St Tropez and far more.


We will go to Provence which includes the VAR region, parts of the Verdon with its great gorges and lakes. We will explore the cities and the little towns delving into the delights of food and wine.


If you are looking for an adventure holiday I will show you how to have the time of your life – it may well be Wild Boar Hunting or Ballooning high into the warm air or maybe relaxing in the sun painting.


I will tell you about house, how to rent how to obtain and where to look. I will give you just significantly of knowledge that took me years to accumulate. Go to the four seasons with its great climate. Perhaps you would like to invest Christmas in Provence – let’s have a look.


THE FOUR SEASONS OF PROVENCE


A General View of Provence Cote d’Azur


A TASTE OF HONEY


1. THE FOUR SEASONS OF PROVENCE


SPRING


If you prefer total peace and quietness and couple of folks around…then you should go to Provence to experience the joys of spring.


Simply because of the fairly mild climate blossom seems early; mimosa blossom from the end of January; from early March the pink blossom of the almond trees can be seen in the gardens and from the end of April to June the amazing magnolia. The weather can be quite varied at this time of the year with cold nights and bright sunny days and some welcome rain. As I write this article, it is about 15 degrees centigrade average temperature but directly in the sun it is 25 degrees centigrade dropping to 3 to five degrees centigrade at night.


It may possibly be that you and your friends or family like walking. In spring several fossils are washed out of the rocks on the hillsides, the air is fantastic and you feel alive. The Hinterland is an fascinating and rewarding area for walkers but the Provencal coast is becoming additional and additional preferred


Go to charming local sights


Visits to Marseille or Aix-en-Provence are to say the least great days out. Aix with its charming squares and fountains and beautiful Baroque mansions. Paul Cezanne had his studio in the old town. You might go to Arles, a amazing Roman city and a favourite of Vincent Van Gogh. See its Roman amphitheatre and theatre along with the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral of St.Trophime. There is a Folk Arts Museum a fabric factory and even an olive mill to see how olive oil is produced.


If you would like to know a lot more in my reports then I am sure you will take pleasure in the a lot more detailed info.


For the much more energetic


WHITE WATER RAFTING
(The Gorges of the Verdon)


CLASSIC EQYPTIAN ARABIANS WITH RACING AT CANNES & MARSEILLES
(Go to to a well-known stud with Racing in style on the coast)


PAINTING IN PEACE
(Water Colour and Oil)


GOLF BY THE MEDITTERANEAN
(Golfers heaven)


OLD BONES and OLD STONES
(Go to Museums and well-known art galleries)


ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE COURSE
(Aroma therapy and qualified massage specialists and a lot more)


ROMANTIC TRIPS
(Monaco, Nice, Cannes, St Tropez)


SKIING AT ISOLA 2000 or GAP
(Both outcomes offering good nearby Skiing)


LAVENDER EXPERIENCE
(Go to the Lavender fields and well-known Grasse Perfumeries


THE TRUFFLE HUNT
(Go to a well-known Truffle fete)


HOT AIR BALLOONING
(Ideal)


THE OLIVE MILL TOUR
(See how it\’s performed and additional)


FOLLOW THE STARS
(Go to the newest websites where filming is taking place)


PETER MAYLE HERE WE COME
(For those who love him follow in his footsteps)


PICASSO and CEZANNE
(Go to the towns and Galleries)


The list is endless – the excellent thing is that you can determine your season and to a wonderful degree you can decide your weather.


SUMMER


The picture above is taken at Lac St. Croix which is a man made lake which has story all of its own. In summer the water is warm and there are numerous activities. The lake is filled from the snow melt coming by way of the Gorges of the Verdon. The water is eventually turned into drinking water by way of a hydro electric dam.


Here is a letter which really nicely describes the atmosphere in summer


“Dear Mum and Dad…we Genuinely do wish you had been here, the temperature is around 28 degrees and we have been swimming in our own pool nowadays.


Did you know that Lavender is not only an important oil and utilized in perfumes but also grown in gardens to ward off any stray mosquitoes? We discover some thing new each day about the area and it is so relaxing. I have been reading a “Year in Provence” by Peter Mayle, you keep in mind do not you, John Thaw was in the Television series – it is true every single word. It\’s so effortless to slip in to the French way of life.


Oh! By the way, did you know that it is the law here that bread has to be baked seven days a week? It Genuinely is a great trip in the morning hunting out the breakfast in the charming village of Regusse.


We visited Grasse yesterday – the flower fields and the perfumeries. The entire area smells vibrant and heady with its various smells.


Dad, you have to see Monaco, it is stunning and breathtaking. We went to the Casino but Jackie Stewart wasn’t there nowadays, never mind maybe next time.


We are driving back by means of Cap Ferrat; you will keep in mind David Nivan won’t you?


Lots of the stars have locations here. I think Roger Moore still has a place outside of Grasse so where going back that way too. I hope we come across it. Tonight we’re going to the local village to join in the entertainment; I think tonight its Elvis!


Tomorrow we are going to the most well-known place of all St Tropez. We might go by vehicle but we are told that the finest way to see the bay is to go from St. Maxime on the boat that leaves each and every 30 minutes it avoids the visitors and there are amazing views as we cross. St Tropez is the place to be seen, all the attractive people today hang out here and by the way apparently there is a nude beach…what about that? We are going to sit on the front and watch the artist paint, and soak up the sun. The private boats are spectacular and I am told really usually you can see a celebrity or two.


PS. You should come with us next time, I believe I will finish now and relax once once more in the pool. They drink ice cold Rose here. See you soon”


Well I hope that put you in a relaxed mood attempting to capture what it is like in this component of the world. Up to now an unspoilt component of the world.


WINTER


You may well not have imagined your self in the South of France for winter but we can assure you that the weather in this region is often sunny by day with acceptable temperatures and cold at night. They have to have rain occasionally which appears to appear in October and November in the primary.


At this time of year the flora and formal is changing with unusual colours. The roads are empty and the countryside is all yours.


The Mediterranean resort towns are peaceful and you are within driving distance of the mountain region for skiing. If you don\’t feel like being energetic then simply relax. Read a book or although away the day creating that painting that you usually wanted to produce and never got round to it.


FEATURED TOWN IN THIS ARTICLE


Regusse is situated in the Parc Natural Regional du Verdon. It is 9km from Aups a 10 minute drive. Aups has some amazing restaurants and the town square has a lot of summer events. If you do not wish to join in you can relax at one of the restaurants or cafes.


The village has a number of little shops which includes a butcher, baker, modest supermarket, hairdresser and gift shop, plus a library with Net access. There is a modest market on Sunday mornings with Wednesday and Saturday being the market days in the nearby town of Aups.


From November to March there is a truffle market on Thursday mornings in Aups. Regusse has two municipal swimming pools one being a children’s pool and there are tennis courts readily available to use.


Regusse has two restaurants and a snack bar in the primary village. Within 5 minutes walk of the property there is a campsite that has two restaurants in the summer months. There are a lot of activities at the campsite that are open to non-residents.


The area is set in natural terrain with woods for walking.


Regusse is a calm and peaceful village set in the middle of woods of green oak trees far from crowded roads. The templar Knights built a fortified castle here in the 12th century. There are quite a few stunning walks such as exploring the ruins of the castle.


Throughout the year there are special events including cultural exhibitions, classical musical concerts, antique fairs and even a Kite Festival, different to the VAR


I do hope you liked reading this short article and I hope you will look out for a lot more as we journey into Provence

Grasse is located in the Provence hills about 15 km from the Cote d’Azur. The town has lengthy been recognized as a centre for manufacturing perfume thanks to the ideal conditions for growing a wide selection of flowers. Grasse itself is a historic town surrounded by gorgeous countryside that is best for exploring on foot or bicycle. The well-known towns of the French Riviera are close by if you want to make Provence your base for travelling throughout the region with out staying in a busy seaside resort.

Historic Grasse

The old town dates from the 17th and 18th centuries and is full of winding streets, carved archways and hidden squares. At the top of the actions and paths is the Location Aux Aires with a fountain in the centre and an arcade of boutique craft shops. The cathedral in Grasse is well worth a go to. The building features a substantial 18th century clock tower and even has many paintings by the artist Reubens. The local Tourism Office has put together a 90-minute walking tour of the town that can be downloaded from the Net or picked up from the office. The leaflet guides you round the old town and consists of fascinating facts about the history of Grasse.

Perfume

The perfume business in Grasse began in the 16th century and is still going strong right now. Nowadays most of the industrial production in fact takes Location outside of the town. There are 3 principal perfumeries, which still have headquarters in Grasse itself. It is achievable to go to every of them, Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard, and take a guided tour of the factory. Every provides a tour in English at least once a day and will tell you about the history of the business and how perfume was traditionally made in Provence as well as offering you the chance to purchase some of the local produce. Also located in Grasse is the Musee International de la Parfumerie with historical items from the perfume business.

Provence Countryside

There are quite a few hiking routes that depart from Grasse and explore many parts of the Provence hills, such as the Gorges du Loup and the Plateau de Caussols, which is also house to an observatory. Only 4km north of Grasse you can locate many caves in the limestone hills. Several are for experienced cavers only but there are numerous that you can walk into, as lengthy as you have sensible shoes and an experienced guide. The Grotte de la Cascade de St. Sauveur has a number of kilometres of tunnels to explore, which go down to a depth of 150m.

The Author writes for Holiday House Rentals who have a variety of Villas in Grasse and Villas in France which can be rented direct from their owners.

French Real estate Sales on the Rise Once more

From charming farmhouses amid lavender fields under the Provencal sun and reasonably priced apartments as well as pricey waterfront villas in Cote d’Azur to ski chalets in the Rhone-Alpes, France provides an fascinating diversity of landscapes and accommodation. Be it a retirement or second home, vacation property or a purchase-to-let residence, a house in France has lengthy been a dream for several international buyers.


It\’s effortless to realize why. One of Europe’s largest and most lovely countries, France’s attractions are a lot of and special – a selection of lovely landscapes, eclectic accommodation which includes chateaus, farmhouses, barns, cottages, chalets, villas as well as modern and classic apartments, a relaxed lifestyle, warmer weather, one of the world’s most effective healthcare systems, very good education, quick trains and of course, good cheeses and wine.


Though the recession has taken the shine off real estate investment in quite a few countries, the French market has proved relatively resilient, with some sections rebounding now.


For those seeking alternatives to distressed markets in the US, UK, Spain and elsewhere, French real estate is a safer choice. Fixed-rate mortgages, which account for 80% of housing loans, and prudent lending norms have insulated the market from sharp price swings either way. Spared the financial stress of growing mortgage payments, French borrowers are far less likely to default. Typically, domestic investors now take into account French real estate a safer investment choice than the stock market.


The CAC 40 fell from 7000 points in 2000 to 3600 in 2010, a fall of practically 50% whereas the real estate index posted over 200% gains throughout the exact same period.


FNAIM (National Association of Real estate Agents in France) is expecting total sales in 2010 to exceed 700,000 transactions, up from less than 600,000 in 2009. The recent spurt in sales is being attributed to extremely low interest rates – an average of 3.3%, reported to be the lowest in 50 years – and the impending withdrawal of mortgage tax and investment residence tax relief as well as scheduled increases in capital gains tax, all due in 2011.


Over the last decade, at least 300,000 new homes have come up every single year in France, yet another factor that keeps costs at relatively realistic levels. The government has been encouraging the construction of new homes by offering generous subsidies. Presently around 40% of new homes obtain some subsidy.


Economically, France is stronger than most countries in the E.U. and was one of the initial to emerge from the recent recession but structural flaws remain, making the country less competitive in an increasingly global market. As the recent strikes over pension reforms showed, French labour unions wield considerable clout, leading to an inflexible labour market. Also, generous unemployment advantages have resulted in fairly high unemployment rates. A rising social security bill is growing government borrowing and spending budget deficit as a percentage of GDP has risen considerably simply because 2008.


Relative economic uncertainty is driving a lot of locals to migrate to towns and cities from the countryside, resulting in disparities between urban and rural markets. Globalization, even so, has led to an increase in the number of international buyers who have the funds to invest in luxury, vacation or rental properties in France. Additionally, faced with the prospect of dwindling real estate values at residence, buyers from the UK and Northern Europe are showing interest in some parts of rural France and appear keen to benefit from the fairly low costs.


A recent FNAIM report for Q3 2010 points to a disparate market. Whilst price increases had been the highest in Paris and to a lower extent in the Ile de France region, Aquitaine, Cote d’Azur, Brittany and Provence, costs fell in Lorraine, Normandy and Picardy. Elsewhere, costs remained far more or less stable. Costs tend to be higher in the main cities and towns due to the fact demand exceeds supply. In general, Q3 has seen additional sales but house costs have risen only in some regions.


Paris, the wider Ile de France region and PACA (Provence and Cote d’Azur) are still common with foreign buyers. Demand for very good properties continues to be encouraging irrespective of interest rates and fiscal incentives. Reportedly, costs of apartments in Paris touched historic highs in Q2 2010, with the average price going up to 6680 euros per square meter.


Economic sluggishness notwithstanding, France continues to be one of the most common tourist destinations in the world. Purchasing to let in well-liked tourist destinations which includes the French Alps and Cote d’Azur has proved to be incredibly profitable for quite a few foreigners who also have the assurance of French real estate being a comparatively safe investment over the lengthy term.


All things considered, a new residence or an old one of great high quality in the correct location is likely to be a stable investment from a lengthy term perspective. And this could be a very good time to invest.


Facts about real estate transactions in France:


In France, foreigners are totally free to get house with out any restrictions. Though most house is freehold, 99 year leases are also offered. The use of French notary is a should for all French property transactions.


• Buyer and seller sign preliminary agreement once price and residence particulars are agreed upon.
• Usually, buyer deposits 5% to 10% of the price with the notaire who keeps it in an account for the buyer. The deposit serves as a guarantee until the sale is concluded or cancelled.
• A 7-day cooling-off period follows, throughout which the buyer can reconsider his choice.
• Structural surveys, land registry, local authority and planning permission searches are conducted after the preliminary agreement is signed.
• On completion of all formalities, the buyer and seller sign the Acte Authentique de Vente at the Notaire’s office.
• Buyer pays sale price net of deposit plus legal fees and taxes to the notaire.
• After documentation is complete and the house is insured, keys are handed over to the buyer.


Buyer pays 8.67% to 13.37% of home price in transaction prices. Seller pays 2.39% to 5.98% of house price in transaction prices.


On an average, it takes around 193 days to conclude all the 10 procedures needed to register a house in France.


Tony Osust, director: Holprop.com
Search through our large international portfolio of properties for sale and rent. Holprop.com now showcases thousands of rental and sale properties, from single family homes, commercial and recreational properties such as hotels, bars-restaurants, new create or off-plan developments for sale worldwide.


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Property in Cannes

Panorama view of CannesRight now we are looking at the widely known resort of Cannes as the place you should buy real estate in the South of France.

Situated in the heart of the Cote d’Azur or French Riviera as it is also known Cannes is among the better-known spots on the Cote d’azur and is also found in the close area of Antibes (an alternate favourite spot in particular if you own a boat).

What to do and see:

When you are there, make sure to take a look at Vieux Port.

Like a number of other spots in Provence, several of the marketplaces are available on daily basis apart from Monday.

Sailing boat - Sunset (Cannes)Close by are two islands, that can be viewed from the shore. You can easlily get to both St. Maguerite and St. Honorat by motorboat.

St. Honorat is a tiny island covered by forest. It is home to an ancient abbey.

St. Maguerite is a larger size and more populated.

The character upon which Alexandre Dumas modeled his work of fiction, <em>The Man in the Iron Mask</em>, actually was held at Fort St. Marguerite, and a large number of other prisoners have been held there besides.

There are numerous beaches, a majority of that are topless (whilst not bottomless).

Swimming is a common diversion, although most swimmers use swimming pools;

Frommer’s France 2010 states that Cannes probably has more privately owned swimming pools than elsewhere in France!

There are a few renowned candy manufacturers working out of Cannes. There are a number of markets. Like several markets in the French Riviera, the food stuff markets usually do not operate on Monday, although suppliers of dishes and other crafts do run stalls on those days.

Cannes has numerous casinos and, regardless of its elderly population, a booming night life. There are actually numerous clubs and pubs, a number of which run all night.

Weather conditions:

The weather in Cannes is fairly dry and Mediterranean, with lots of sun. It is often hot during the day through the summer months while cool during the night.

Real-estate:

Real-estate price tags in Cannes have been on an uptrend and they are higher than those in neighboring Antibes. Oddly enough, Cannes as well as targeting the young as well as the famous likewise has an elderly population.

There are numerous zones in the locality where there are lower realty prices but because of its fame along with the all year round festivals and interesting attractions Cannes attracts examples of the more expensive prices in the area.

Buying a property which has a view of the beach is very expensive, but there are plenty of more affordable choices near to Cannes. Frequently, bargains can be obtained near major construction and renovation sites.

Some more affordable sea front houses can be found in the next door areas of Cannes La Bocca and Golfe Juan

Beach locations:

Cannes has about twenty sandy beaches, but the majority of typically are not free. Several are nevertheless, and if you’re willing to take a short drive, you can discover near by free beaches easily.

Staying in and Getting There:

Visiting Cannes in the pinnacle of the holiday season is often very costly, in particular during the annual film festival.

The TGV line though runs through the city and from Cannes you can reach the vast majority of Riviera and Monaco by railroad.

There are some tiny tourist trains functioning in Cannes, and they provide a tour to young and old alike for low cost. Take a look at http://www.cannes-petit-train.com/.

The Film Festival.

Cannes is most widely known due to the once-a-year film festival. In the event you spend a little time around the town at festival time, you’re just about sure to come upon famed filmmakers and actors.

Though the film festival takes only a couple weeks in May, famous people visit all year round.

Cannes boasts numerous film houses and movie theaters.

During the film festival, some of them run 24×7.

For real estate owners this period of time can be quite lucrative with rental homes near the Croissette realizing 1000s of Euros for the ten day period. A good villa nearby can frequently generate between Ten and Fifty thousand Euros for example and therefore can provide a very good return on the investment.

Overall Cannes is one of the stablest spots in the world to possess real-estate and among the fabulous spots to make your home…

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