Friday, July 25, 2008

Unquestionably one of the most beautiful regions of France, the Dordogne has long been popular for good reason. The weather, the friendly inhabitants, the delicious food and wine, the interesting architecture, the fascinating historic monuments and prehistoric sites, the low crime rate, the traffic free roads and the relaxed way of life all contribute to a wonderful environment.  The towns and villages still have an old world feel, - your welcome in the shops will be perfectly sincere and you will leave after your purchases with the feeling that you have made another friend.  You are so quickly made to feel at home that it is hardly surprising that so many have stayed! 

Dordogne Spring        

Weather: Your way of life here is mostly dictated by the seasons, which are well defined and generous with sunshine.  Eating outside is the norm throughout the long summers from May to September.  Frequently you will want to eat out in October and November, and even in December there are balmy warm sunny days when a picnic is perfectly feasible.  Winters are usually divided into two weather types: clear blue skies with brilliant sunny days and freezing cold nights, or cloudy days, with wet spells of heavy rain but mild temperatures.  Spring and autumn – well, they are just that!  Unreliable weather swinging from one end to the other with surprising speed.  One factor which you always have to think about in the UK, is the wind.  There is no prevailing wind in Dordogne!  In 12 years we have never succeeded in flying a kite here - so seeking shelter for your garden is simply not a consideration. 

Gardeners’ paradise:  Only to be expected where sunshine is the norm.  Outdoor tomatoes and fruit of most sorts, herbs and vegetables aplenty all thrive here. The soils are mostly alkaline, and you will need to irrigate carefully most summers.  Late spring frosts can catch you unawares until mid May, but thereafter it is easy work!  Summer thunderstorms keep the region green and lush even in late summer.   

  Village in a dip

Easy access with flights from many UK airports to Bergerac, Limoges and Bordeaux, all within 2 hours drive.  Only a day’s drive from the channel ports and fast trains from Paris, Lille and London.

Property prices are always a pleasant surprise to first time UK visitors.  Prices do vary within the Departement with higher prices being found along the river Dordogne valley, and lower prices in the north east sector. Buyers who have failed to find what they want in costly southern or Mediterranean areas are delighted with our prices.   

Way of life.  While the French may work long hours and long weeks, they do know that a proper mid day break is important for health and sanity.  So many shops are closed from noon till 2.30 that there really is no point your rushing out to try to find a sandwich, so take it easy and go to the restaurant for a real meal.  So learn to relax and be relaxed, and France will become the perfect place to be!

  Excideuil view

Delicious food can be found in even the most humble of cafes. Local foods include Foie gras and all duck and goose products, walnuts, cheese, wine and truffles.  A typical menu in our local café might be mushroom soup, a fish dish or salad, confit de canard (duck stew), cheese, then tarte au pommes (apple pie), and with a carafe of wine all for 11 euros!  Specialities include cepes (huge beefy wild mushrooms) and local strawberries.  Fresh fruit and vegetables tend to be even better from the smaller shops.  Restaurants can be found in most villages, and of course there are many in the main towns. 

Contact us now to book your chance to have a house here!

Tel/Fax:0033 (0)553 62 44 79