The Tarn-et-Garonne is the youngest of the 104 French departments situated discreetly in the heart of south-west France in the region Midi-Pyrenees. Blessed with three rivers the Tarn, the Garonne and the Aveyron and a stable climate with rain in spring and dry and sunny months after this is a wonderfully welcoming department with a relaxed and care-free feel. It was created in 1808 by Napoleon who had received a triumphant and grandiose welcome to the region. Legend has it that in order to define the border of this new territory Napoleon placed his hand on a map and drew around it to create the Tarn et Garonne. Take a look at the contour and you can see what vaguely resembles his thumb to the east ! Thus carving out chunks of neighbouring departments Lot, Aveyron, Tarn, Haute-Garonne, Gers and Lot et Garonne in clockwise direction around the capital town of the department which is Montauban.

This variety of geographical regions has given rise to a patchwork of diverse countryside. It is this diversity which makes the Tarn et Garonne a popular department. To the north lie the gentle foothills of the Massif Central, the centre is a contrast with its flat plains which break out towards the east into sudden, deep gorges dotted with numerous ancient villages. One of these villages is St Antonin de Noble Val which sits on the banks of the Aveyron and its valley. It is here in the Aveyron Gorges that exhilirating outdoor sports are enjoyed including canoe-kayaking, rock-climbing with sites equipped with the essentials, caves for pot-holing and mountain biking. St Antonin de Noble Val has also been described as « the St Tropez of South West France » and is a charming, friendly town with a popular local producer’s market on Sundays.

An important landmark in the Tarn et Garonne is the Abbey and Cloister in Moissac which is a staging post on the pilgrimage to St Jacques of Compostelle which since 1998 has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

« Fruits du Terroir »

Tarn et Garonne’s economy was dominated by agriculture however there has been a decline over the last few decades in this sector. Despite this decline the department is still the largest producer of greengages (« Reine-Claude » in french) which are the most eaten plum variety in France. The department also grows a massive 80 per cent of all the fruit grown in the entire Midi-Pyrénées.

Achitectural Highlights – The Pigeonniers

The « pigeonnier » or pigeon house is the emblem of the Tarn et Garonne. Pigeon-keeping was the privilege of the lords however after the French Revolution such privileges were extended to all classes. Construction of the pigeonniers was mainly between the 16th and 19th centuries. However now pigeonniers are being added on to properties now for their aesthetic appeal. There are 1000 pigeonniers in the department all boasting different styles, old and new and also restored and some in ruin waiting to be refurbished. There are a number of reasons why the pigeonniers were created. The droppings of the pigeons was used as a rich fertiliser particularly in the wine-producing regions where it was used to fertilize the vines. Up until World War I pigeons were used as « messengers » there is even a military pigeonnier in Albi. Pigeonniers were often also used for a daughter’s dowry. And of course another reason which is not a surprise is for meat especially of the younger birds.

Often the pigeonniers are set out alone as pigeons require peace and quiet to keep watch out for predators. It was also not advised that they be too close to the main property away from drinking water.

It’s Property Market

The Tarn et Garonne still continues to be a popular department and it is still possible to find a variety of properties types including stone farmhouses with outbuildings, properties with pigeonniers, however there are fewer properties to renovate now. Here is an example of a beautiful property to renovate which includes an attached pigeonnier and two terraces. This property was formerly the village school and has kept its original features. It is located 5km from a lake, 45 minutes from Toulouse and has views upon the Pyrénées. With 2500 m² of land this property costs 241 000 euros.

This an an exceptional price of just 168 000 euros for a house that is habitable and simply requires a bit of modernisation. It comes with several outbuildings, 4600 m² of land and a lovely view. However properties at this price are few and far between.

For those who are looking to renovate a property this is an example of a farmhouse set upon half a hecate of land. It includes a stone farmhouse, stone barn which has planning permission to convert into habitation and various other outbuildings. It has a wonderful location being at only 100 metres from the River Aveyron and also comes with 30 vines of its own ! It is also favourably situated close to St Antonin de Noble Val. The price is 233 000 euros.

There is a large choice of stone properties that have already been renovated. For instance this beautiful traditional stone built farmhouse from the Quercy costs 343 000 euros. It comes with a swimming pool, bread oven, 4700 m² of land and offers a beautiful view upon the countryside. Although it has not been used as a gite there is certainly the potential to create one bearing in mind that this area is popular with tourists from all over Europe.

The Tarn et Garonne is an attractive area in which to buy a property and will remain so for a number of reasons. The region is a popular area in terms of tourism and there will always be a healthy flow of tourists who visit the area but also who return to the area.

It is well located in terms of transport links and is only a one hour drive from Toulouse which offers international flights and a range of flights to the UK with low-cost and the traditional airlines. It is also not too far from Rodez Airport which serves flights to London Stansted. Many foreign purchases here are for those wanting to retire to the region however more and more families are relocating to this region for its warmth, friendliness and serenity.

Nav Vilain

Selection Habitat

+33 5 65 70 10 49

www.selectionhabitat.com

info@selectionhabitat.com

Correze and its Property Market 2008

The department of the Correze (numbered 19) is located in the region Limousin and is bordered by the departments Dordogne, Lot, Puy-de-Dome, Canal, Haute –Vienne and Creuse. Like the majortity of departements in France it takes its name from the river Correze which begins in the north of the department flowing downwards through Brive which is the capital and joining the river Vezère before flowing into the Aquitaine region. The Correze is a department rich in untouched landscapes, invigorating outdoor activities and cultural events. Its fertile ground and warm climate is ideal for strawberries, apples, including the famous « pomme du Limousin », blueberries, walnuts and chesnuts. The most famous « Correzien » is probably Jacques Chirac whose Museum houses a collection of gifts offered to him during his seven year term of office.

Most Beautiful Villages

My journey began in the far west of Correze almost bordering the department Dordogne where two of the most beautiful villages of France are located. The Correze in fact owns six of these officially recognised villages which are part of « Association des Plus Beaux Villages de France ». St Robert is built on a ridge which sits upon the border of the Correze and the Dordogne with its charming narrow streets and 12th century Romanesque church. Northwards you will find Segur le Château which sits upon the route of Richard « The Lion Heart » and the river Auvézere on a truly picturesque setting. It is a small and peaceful town which in the Middle Ages had a major role with its important Court of Appeal. One can still see remains of its 12th Centuy feudal castle and wondeful architecture including several half-timbered houses and preserved turrets.

Only 10km east lies Pompadour famous for its castle which was offered by Louis XV in 1745 to his famous mistress Marquise de Pompadour. She was a lover of horses and created the first stud farm here in Pompadour. To this very day the stud farm remains and is now the headquarters of the Equestrian Institute since 1976. It is also the home of France’s National Stud and is famous internationally for its many horses races. Part of the castle, its gardens, Marquise stables and the orangery are open to the public.

To the South of the Correze bordering the Lot lies another classified « most beautiful village in France » called Turenne. This is a stunning, dominating village built upon a hillock with a breathtaking view of the valley of the Tourmente which is an affluent of the river Dordogne. The view stretches as far as the border of the Quercy in the Lot department and on a clear day Mont Auvergne is also visible. The ruins of the feudal castle remain proudly dominating the entire village and the surroundings. Old houses and 15th century shop fronts can be found in the village as well as an old hunting lodge.

Close to Turenne lies yet another picture-postcard village Collonge la Rouge which is a proudly preserved village in a contrasting red-stone. Unmistakingly part of the elite club of beautiful vilages it was in fact the Mayor of Collonges la Rouge, Charles Ceyrac, who in 1981 decided to serve a cause close to heart to protect and promote the outstanding heritage of such beautiful villages. In 1982 the association was made official and 66 mayors throughout France followed the example.

Travelling eastwards towards the river Dordogne lies Curemonte another « most beautiful village » with its three castles and three churches resting silently on a rocky outcrop.

For strawberry lovers we travel to the banks of the river Dordogne as we come across the Medieval town of Beaulieu sur Dordogne. The 9th Century Benedictine abbey was founded here however the abbey church of St Pierre is now all that remains. Thanks to its mild climate it has been given the name « Limousin Riviera » an area which is just right for strawberry production. An annual « fete de la fraise » is held here in the main square where visitors can taste a whole variety of strawberries from local producers coupled with music and animation to add to the ambiance of « la fete ». This year it will be held on Sunday 11th May which will be its 17th year.

The Dordogne snakes its way up to Argentat also on the banks of the Dordogne. For many centuries Argentat used to be an important trading port to transport local produce including wood, leather and oil.

Property Market

At present property prices are considerably lower than its neighbouring departments of the Dordogne and the Lot. This is probably as the department of the Correze is simply not as known and discovered. In terms of current British home owners the Correze has by far the lowest number of home owners compared to its two neighbours making up only 10 percent of the British home owners in the area. The Lot accounts for 28 percent and the Dordogne at 62 percent. Changes are set to shake up the property market here as the new airport near Brive will significantly open up the area to property purchasers. However the new airport is currently behind schedule and is now due to open in 2009.
It is believed that property prices here will shoot up between 30 to 50 percent.

Here is an example of the types of property you will find and their current prices. Expect to add at least 30 per cent in the years to come.

An excellent renovation project like this above costs 61 000 euros including agency fees. 135m² surface area which includes a cellar, bread oven, a large fireplace, exposed beams, stone walls and lots of charm. It is located in a peaceful hamlet around 15 minutes from Brive.

This farmhouse has a barn of 100m², a bread oven of 80m² as well as another two-storey house, an authentic fireplace and a superb view on the countryside. All this for 140 000 euros.

For only 242 000 euros this 5 bedroom country home comes with a large living room with open plan kitchen which gives direct access to the terrace and balcony. Also has a play room and laundry. Located in the strawberry pickers paradise Beaulieu sur Dordogne.

This wonderful stone-built property comes with its own private lake which is 1500m2 in size as well as almost 2 hectares of land. It is located between Brive and Pompadour. It comes with its own outbuildings which are in good condition, 4 bedrooms in the main house, a summer kitchen and plenty of character for 338 000 euros.

This property is also close to Beaulieu sur Dordogne and includes 12 hectares of land. Half of which is woodland and the other half meadow. The property itself is made from traditional stone. It is located on an exceptional setting above the Dordogne valley. This would cost 503 000 euros.

Getting to the Correze

There is quite some choice of airports into the area including Limoges, Bergerac, Rodez and Toulouse all of which receive low-cost flights. The new airport in Brive will also receive low-cost flights.

Nav Vilain
Selection Habitat
+33 5 65 70 10 49
www.selectionhabitat.com
info@selectionhabitat.com