France, as we love it, blessed with its geographical diversity and contrasts could not be complete without its very own lake district. The area known as the «Lévézou» is a collection of five lakes set upon an unspoilt and remote green plateaux in the heart of the department Aveyron in the Midi-Pyrenees. This part of France does not even exist as far the guide books are concerned but for those who spend time here it is a little corner of paradise…a haven of peace….an unforgettable friend….a million miles from everywhere… To put you on the map the lakes lie at half an hour between the towns Rodez and Millau. Millau claims recognition for its viaduct attracting many tourists to this part of France.
The five lakes are Lake Pareloup, Pont de Salars, Villefranche de Panat, Bages and Saint Amans totalling an area of 1800 hectares between the Aveyron valley to its north and the Tarn valley to the south. The largest of the lakes is Lake Pareloup covering alone 1290 hectares making it the fifth largest man-made lake in France and the largest lake in the entire south of France. Its 130km perimeter is dotted with a handful of sandy beaches, secluded creeks, grassy banks, rocky outcrops, campsites, friendly hotels and second homes. The majority of the second homes that exist around Lake Pareloup are owned by French living around Rodez. The owners use their properties here as holiday homes over the hot summer months where it is much cooler and comfortable at nights due to its altitude.
The creation of lake Pareloup to produce hydro-electric power began in the 1950s. Many buildings, agricultural land and an entire village were swallowed up all except a roman bridge which exists today. The lakes are linked underground allowing water to be pumped from one lake to another.
When writing about regions of southern France I am often curious to know about legends that surround certain places and I finally found the legend that surrounds Pareloup. In the local language Occtitan „Paro lo Loup“ translates as „protect yourself from the wolf“. This must have emerged from a time in the past when wolves inhabited the forests and pastures of the Levezou plateau.
TOURISM
Since the 1980’s tourism has been booming however the tourists are currently mostly French nationals from the area or beyond or foreign tourists including the Dutch who fill the campsites keeping this paradise all to themselves. It is of no surprise that this jewel has been kept well hidden. It is a true holiday resort where relaxation is the rule and one can do as much or as little as one wishes. The early mornings are no doubt my favourite time at the lake where the sun rises like a new dawn and glistens over the lake. This moment of stillness is only disturbed by keen fishermen making their way out for the morning’s catch.
Water sports on Lake Pareloup
During the holiday season the lake comes alive with many water based activities including swimming, boating, water-skiing, canoeing and kayaking and wind-surfing. There are professionals on-site in high season who provide courses and lessons to adults and childen. Or for those who enjoy speed maybe you can even have a go at wake-boarding or being pulled along by a boat whilst sitting on a rubber-ring! For those keen on boating it is also possible to take a boat licence.
Walking
Walking is a popular holiday activity in the Aveyron and here in the Levezou there are 600km of marked walking routes for all levels. You can choose from the botanical route where you pass 100 species of plants all whilst exploring the rolling Levezou hills. Alternatively there are walks through woodland which provide much needed shelter and are therefore ideal for the hotter summer months.
The fisherman’s paradise
The abundance of lakes, rivers and streams makes Aveyron an excellent base for fishermen. There are two lakes reserved exclusively for fishing (Lac de Bages and Lac de la Gourde) both are first category lakes. Lake Pareloup is known as a second category fishing lake and not exclusively for fisherman however it is is reknowned to be a „mythical“ spot for pike and perch either from caught from the border of the lake or in a boat allowing access to more difficult areas. The record to beat is 1.39m for a pike weighing in it 19.6kg!! Now there’s a little challenge for you on your next holiday to the lakes.
Property Market
Property prices in the Levezou are certainly amongst the lowest in the Aveyron if not the lowest in France. Up until recently this area has been very remote as it was cut off from everywhere making it difficult to access. The opening of the Millau Viaduct now connects this part of Aveyron to the coast injecting life to the region. The Levezou is only half an hour from the viaduct and now within 1.5hours from the coast. It is here that we forecast the biggest increase in price throughout Aveyron bringing prices in line with the rest of Aveyron. The reason for such price increase is due to a strong demand from the French living nearer the coast looking for holiday homes in a region where the quality of life is still very high and where crime rates are amongst the lowest in France. There is also demand beginning from international visitors discovering the area also buyng holiday homes however the percentage is far less.
There is a huge variety of excellent value properties here in the Levezou from barns at a mere 50,000 euros to a 14th century castle at a little above 500,000 euros. One can still find a huge choice of properties to renovate here at very affordable prices – for the moment anyway!
The architecture is similar to other parts of Aveyron where the agricultural heritage leaves its mark. Properties here usually started their lives as farm buildings including barns with separate farmhouses as the living quarters. These make wonderful family homes with annexes for extended families or gites and chambre d’hotes. Solid natural stone farmhouses are topped with beautiful fish-tail roofs made from „lauze“ which is the local stone.
Below is a small selection of what you can find in the area.
This barn looks small on the picture however has the potential to convert 225 m² on two levels. Planning permission has already been obtained to convert the property into a habitable property. This property is on the market for 52 000 euros including agency fees.
This wonderful little masterhouse is set in a village. Its structure is in good condition with a new roof and it offers great potential for conversion. It has a courtyard, garden with another annex. Located near the lakes at only 80 000 euros.
Here is another masterhouse however without the same dimensions. It includes 8 bedrooms for a large family or chambres d’hotes, a games room, cellar, 50 m² living and dining area, 25 m² kitchen set upon 1300 m² of land for 190 000 euros.
This large farmhouse is set upon 4000 m² of land with a view and access rights directly to the lake. Includes one house, 2 large barns all which require renovation. The structure is good however it is still a big project however once up and running it would be an exceptional family home or an idyllic chambres d’hotes.
Castles do not come cheaper than this. Here is a 14th century castle which is in a village close to the lakes. It is currently used as a hotel/restaurant however the owners are looking to sell due to retirement. It comes with a professional kitchen, 17 bedrooms, a courtyard and lots of authenticity. This costs a mere 530 000 euros. Agency fees included on all properties.
For those looking for a good investment in traditional stone properties or a family home close to a lake this region has all the qualities before prices rise in level with the rest of France.
Nav Vilain
Selection Habitat
+33 5 65 70 10 49
www.selectionhabitat.com
info@selectionhabitat.com
