May French Property News in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes

The May issue of French Property News goes ‘digital’ in April !

Another article by Brian Franklin, Director of www.purefrancenow.com has been featured, covering property opportunities in the Roannais – from chateaux and ancient village houses, to farmhouses and barns.

(To read Brian’s Roannais article, go to page 72 at French Property News – Digital Edition)

A perfect place for French property investment, and excellent renovation opportunities.

Brian Franklin’s informative editorial has been entitled ‘Lovely in loire’  by French Property Magazine editor Karen Tait, and extolls the virtues of this area of the Rhône-Alpes region called the Roannaise.

Brian Franklin states: “There is a small, little-known corner of the north western end of the huge Rhone-Alpes region in France which is waiting, somewhat patiently, for discovery and greater attention. This area is called ‘Le Roannais’ in the departement  of the Loire.

Yes, of course, many  tourists, including business men, from the UK and other parts of Europe visit, or drive through the region down the famous rue N7 every year. This is exactly what they often do – drive straight through or around it without stopping and taking a ‘breath’!

They are missing a lot.

It is not, however, an ‘isolated’ part of France, like many areas can be in this huge country.

The Roannais is a delightful region with beautiful countryside, forests, lakes, mountains, and with the river la Loire meandering through it.

At the central hub of several more well-known regions, the Roannais is within
particularly easy access of some famous cities, towns, and villages.

Roanne is the main township with, for example, France’s second city of Lyon just over an hour’s drive or train journey away.
Vichy, with its famous spring waters, is also nearby, and Saint Etienne on the edge of the stunning, volcanic region of Puy-de-Dôme.

Located on the banks of the river la Loire, with the lower slopes of Auvergne, Beaujolais, and Bourgogne (Burgundy) forming the backdrop, the Roannais region offers French lifestyle at its very best.
It is renowned for its food, which includes the famous three-star restaurant, Maison Troisgros (a fantastic gastronomic experience if you’ve got the chance! And the money, of course!)
There are also many other local, family-run restaurants which are simply sublime, and for quality, service and surroundings, certainly do not break the bank!
Vineyards decorate the surrounding hillsides, with Côte Roannaise wine, made from Gamay grapes, being the local tipple. Also, the popular vineyards and succulent wines of the Beaujolais are just 45 minutes away.
There is much to see and do – from a large number of heritage sites, medieval villages, (some buildings dating from the 13th Century, some Roman churches from the 10th century)

Medieval castles and renaissance country houses abound – “Château de la Roche” being, probably, the most romantic.
Set on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the Loire, this classic ‘fairytale’ castle Is stunning. Every year in August there is an incredible son et lumiere  including dramatic firework displays celebrating its medieval history. (Brilliant for all the family!)

Roanne is surrounded by the uplands known as Monts de la Madeleine, Monts du Beaujolais and Monts du Lyonnais.
They provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Roanne Valley, and are easily accessible for hill-walking, mountain-biking, and, of course, ski-ing and snow-boarding during the winter months.
Due to its location near the Loire, the Roannais area is also popular for river cruising through the Loire gorges. Water sports, such as sailing, canoeing, rowing etc., are also available.

There is plenty to do for families and children all year round!
It is certainly a great place for either a holiday home, or more permanent residency.
This is a region which is developing, and is becoming much more easily accessible due to new links to France’s ever-growing auto-route network.
Lyon, in particular, continues to expand, and the Roannais is becoming even more commutable.
Most villages and townships within 25 kilometres of Lyon have seen massive increases in property prices during the last 10 years.

The Roannais is less than 50 kilometres away, and is such a ‘prize’ of a place for country living (but with all amenities, shops, entertainment, schools, colleges, etc.), for people wanting to live ‘the life’ whilst working and earning in the city.

There is even the possibility of a direct TGV link into Roanne in the near future. Even now, access to the TGV to Paris and Marseille, for example, is simple with easy connections to Lyon.
The ski resorts of the Alpes are around 3 hour’s drive away, and the popular southern regions and French Riviera are in easy reach.
There are several convenient airports such as Lyon (St.Exupery), Saint Etienne, Grenoble, Chambery, Geneva .
Property opportunities abound, and with all the rapid, ongoing regional development it seems, therefore, to be a particularly good time to invest.
Such opportunities include remarkable, ancient châteaux, farmhouses, barns, and medieval village townhouses (either in the mountains, hillsides, or amongst the forests and rich farmland.
Prices are good. There are absolute bargains and renovation opportunities to be had.
You can pick up a large château for less than 550,000 euros, a sizeable farmhouse  for less than 150,000 euros, or barn or cottage, ripe for renovation, for less than 50,000 euros.
Prices, of course, like most regions throughout France, vary a lot, and the willingness of the Roannais locals to negotiate is well known.

In the last 10 years property prices have increased throughout the Roannais region, and in the next 5 years, or so, property prices, despite the current economic malaise, are certainly expected to move upward further. An investment ahead of the game is well worth consideration.
It is, of course, impossible to depict the Roannais in its full glory, and define the myriad of opportunities available in this short article. You must visit, and see for yourself.

It’s the only way!”
Visit www.purefrancenow.com for information on the Roannais region, selection of property, and holiday rental opportunities. Character French Property in the Rhône-Alpes

An organised visit for people interested in property can be arranged. French Property for Rent in the Roannais
Visit www.leroannais.com for a further ‘taste’ of this beautiful part of France.

Purefrancenow Car Hire – low cost, easy-driving in France

Yet another new service by www.purefrancenow.com in association with Auto-Europe. Excellent opportunities for easy, low-cost, convenient car hire, with flexible pick-up and drop-off arrangements throughout Europe.

All types of vehicles are available, and their are huge number of regional pick-up and drop-off points throughout France and Europe generally. Prices are certainly competitive, and you are assured of thesupport and security of dealing with on of Europes largest international car hire companies.

If you reserve through Purefrancenow we receive a small commission from Auto-Europe which contributes to the ongoing development of the Purefrancenow website and our services to customers and visitors. There is no increase in cost to people booking through Purefrancenow.

So take a look now, there’s nothing to loose!

Purefrancenow Car Hire Happy motoring!

French Property News in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes – April 2009

More news from ‘French Property News’.

The last part of Brian Franklin’s ‘Renovation Diary’ is featured in the April issue. ‘Le Cuvage’ is finished at last!

A happy ending is had by all. Although, of course, there is always more work to do, and more to think about!

After 8 months’ worth of articles in French Property News about Brian and Lucy Franklin’s progress of discovery, and renovation in the Roannais, Rhône-Alpes, it is time for them to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labours, and the results of their property investment and development.

It has been an exciting and intriguing journey for them, and a very rewarding one, too.

Brian Franklin says,” France is still a brilliant place to buy property to develop, and there are still many opportunities and bargains out there.”

” France is a great country in which to live, especially for families, and learning a new language and discovering another culture (particularly for children) can be hugely beneficial.”

“Le Cuvage’ was certainly one such opportunity, and demonstrates in its own particular way what can be achieved, and what is possible with such a renovation project like ‘Le Cuvage.”

Take a look at this April issue of ‘French Property News’. You can also see more images and access more details on ‘Le Cuvage’ at www.purefrancenow.com. Visit ‘Le Cuvage’ and other projects’, and ‘Property in the Roannais’.

‘Le Cuvage’ is also available for holidays, and special ‘Gourmet Weekends’ throughout the year organised by Brian and Lucy Franklin and their Purefrancenow Partners. Rent Le Cuvage for Yourselves!

Also, check out Purefrancenow’s other ‘free’ services to help you enjoy your trip to France, including some great deals with Purefrancenow Car Hire in association with Auto Europe. Definitely give it a try!

Purefrancenow Shopping – French Cook Books, Wine, and More!

More good news from Purefrancenow!

More opportunities to access and buy things French, including books on France – French cooking, recipes, wine and wine-making, along with easy access to buying top quality kitchen products at extremely competitive prices, to help with all those new cooking ideas to come!

With the Purefrancenow Shop they are determined to give you more choice of a wide range of related items, gift ideas, and more, through their partnership with Amazon. This is a great opportunity for people who want quick, easy, reliable access to a wide range of products.

And, of course, backed up with the tried and tested payment security procedures of Amazon.co.uk. You can rest assured that you are fully protected with every purchase.

The Purefrancenow ‘Shopping List’ will be added to every month as they search and find new items of interest for their customers. Watch this space for more announcements via the Purefrancenow Blog, News, and Reviews.

Purefrancenow has included this new service to their website to provide further choices to their customers and their ever-increasing numbers of visitors to www.purefrancenow.com.

Items purchased via the Purefrancenow website do not cost you anymore, but Purefrancenow receives a small commission payment direct from Amazon for every item sold via the Purefrancenow website. This contribution helps towards covering some of the costs of maintaining the Purefrancenow website for the benefit of all who visit.

So, once again, enjoy another new service from Purefrancenow. There’s more to come!

Purefrancenow Newsletter Archive

Following the launch of their regular Monthly Newsetter, Purefrancenow have now created a direct link from their main ‘Home Page’ to this month’s current newsletter and those of previous months. It’s easy!

Full of useful information about the Roannais in the Rhône-Alpes the Purefrancenow Newsletter also provides up-to-date details of the growing coverage and success of www.purefrancenow.com throughout the UK and Europe, as well as the USA and rest of the world.

There are links to the Purefrancenow Blogs, News, and Reviews as well as to regional Roannais businesses and restaurants. This includes opportunities for UK businesses and leisure-travellers alike.

Local news about places of interest are also regularly highlighted.

Just another useful and helpful service by Purefrancenow for their current clients, and prospective ones visiting their website for the first time. Well done!

Also take a look at the Purefrancenow Roannais Directory.

The Purefrancenow Monthly Newsletter Archive – at your service!