This area is called Le Roannais in the département of the Loire.

Yes, of course, many tourists and business travellers from the UK and other parts of Europe visit, or drive through the region down the famous route N7 every year.

This is exactly what they often do – drive straight through or around it without stopping and taking a ‘breath’ but 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, with the river la Loire meandering through it.

At the central hub of several more well-known regions, the Roannais is within 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 the 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, including some buildings dating from the 13th century and 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 show including dramatic firework displays celebrating its medieval history.

Roanne is surrounded by the uplands known as the 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, skiing 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 and rowing 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 easier to commute between.

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 70 kilometres away, and is such a prize of a place for country living but with all amenities such as shops, entertainment, schools and colleges 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 Alps are around three hour’s drive away, and the popular southern regions and French Riviera are within easy reach.

There are several convenient airports such as Lyon (St.Exupery), Saint Etienne, Grenoble, Chambery and 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 town houses 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, a sizeable farmhouse for less than €150,000, or small barn or cottage, ripe for renovation, for less than €50,000.

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 five 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.

If you want to know more about property opportunities in the Roannais and our ‘Property Finding Services’ please contact Brian Franklin direct at: info@purefrancenow.com or visit our dedicated website: www.purefrancenow.com

Also visit www.thisfrenchlife.com for more information about all things French, and a unique property renovation project in the Roannais at: Discovering the Roannais in the Rhône-Alpes – follow a series of editorials about a ‘Grand Design’ project by Brian and Lucy Franklin.

Purefrancenow Property Services

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At last! The work is over, the spending has slowed down, and the results of all our efforts can be clearly seen and appreciated.

In some respects, there is an element of anti-climax about it all.

As we neared the final stages of completing the ‘Cuvage’ renovation we, of course, could see all the elements of both interior and exterior renovation and conversion becoming a reality, and all our design and previous project control decisions working together as a whole.

Le Cuvage had eventually become a sum greater than its parts.

It was wonderful to walk up to the building and enter its doors to reveal the magnificent interior, and be pretty pleased with all our efforts.

It was a delight to spend our first holiday break within its four walls – to test out the showers for the first time, to christen the kitchen, to wake up with the newness all around us, and the sound of the Roannais countryside surrounding us.

Our first family occupation took place at Easter 2006, after myself and my good friend, Dale, had moved all furniture and houshold items into Le Cuvage during a very wintry and snowy February, a month or so before.

We had, typically, done a ‘white van’ trip from England, and had also ‘stripped’ our previous holiday home (‘The Stables’) located in the  original chateau grounds, and only a minutes walk away from our new residence.

We had prepared our interior furnishings pretty well, and would of course add to these over time. To be fair, we needed to ‘live’ in the place for a while to get a good ‘feel’ of how everything worked, and how the layout suited us.

Generally, it was all that we we wanted from our French ‘Dream House’, and more!

Yes, of course, there are always improvements and changes that one realises could be made – a wall here, access here, electric points repositioned, additional or less lighting, extra storage, But generally, we were very happy with the two dwellings we had created out of this huge wine-making barn.

Having previously owned a holiday home in the same enclave for 12 years, we were, of course, very familiar with our surroundings, and the region.

Whenever we arrived for a holiday  we immediately felt ‘at home’. So, although the newness of ‘Le Cuvage’ was a little strange, and we had to get to grips with a new home living experience, we did not have to contend with the need to discover  a new locality, and relate to new people, and find new friends. All this was already there!

There was no doubt that the attention to detail we had maintained, and the quality of internal and external installation and fixturing had all paid off.

We, of course, still had plenty to occupy us, and although internally it was really a matter of moving and positioning furniture to maximum effect, outside was a totally different matter.

I was keen to get into the garden, and commence the ‘tidying up’ work prior to the planting of trees and shrubbery.

Our new pool, too, and along with its surrounding area, required more attention to bring it to a decent holiday standard.

So, all-in-all, we still had more work cut out, but we were determined to enjoy it, and breathe in all that fresh French air!

Le Cuvage is definitely not a ‘holiday home’ in the normal sense of the term, and was never really intended to be such. It was designed for purpose – a ‘principal’ home ready for our eventual, and intended permanent commitment to living in France.

I hope that this ‘renovation diary’ has been of of interest to the many readers who are looking to for a property in France, whether for a holiday home or permanent residence.

Each person’s project, of course, is individual to themselves, but  seeing the results and hearing of the experience of others helps to see what can be achieved, and the potential benefits that the French way of life has to offer.

I also hope that the stage-by-stage images of our project, which have been featured in each issue during the last 7 months, have  demonstrated to varying extent what is possible with a renovation project like this.

In our view, France is a brilliant place to buy and develop a property, and there are still many opportunities and bargains to be had in many regions.

The French way of life is a great experience for couples, families, and, particularly children learning a new language, and discovering another culture.

‘Le Cuvage’ has been an incredible experience for us, and it is still continuing in so many different ways.

We look forward to many years of appreciating all it has to offer, both as a home, and as a place that gives us access to a beautiful part of France.

Take a look at the full series of articles featured during the last few months at  www.thisfrenchlife.com

The latest article can be seen at: Looking back and lessons learnt, of “Le Cuvage Project”

Brian and Lucy’s Roannais website:  www.purefrancenow.com

TOP TIPS – When buying and renovating in France

1. Spend plenty of time planning your electrics. You will rarelyl ever get it perfect (certainly before you start living and using your new place!). This includes positioning of all electrical sockets, radiators, and particularly lighting. Economy and coverage of light  is a delicate balance.

2. Plan all your rooms well, and try to avoid large areas of wasted, unuseable space. Make sure you maximise on bedrooms (you always need them when friends stay!).

3. Ensure your kitchen is a good size (the most important room in the house!). A good ‘Buanderie’ (storage/utility area) and you have plenty of other storage around the house (you’ll always need it!).

4. Externally, make sure you position your terrasse/patio areas in the best place for the sun, and access from the house. Ideally, if possible, ensure there is a covered area to get away from the heat of the day, and include a convenient barbeque space for all that outside entertaining!

5. If you are having a swimming pool, try and make sure it is as private and  as wind-protected as possible. Follow the French legal and security requirements for private and rental use.

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Just a pleasant countryside drive up the road for 30/40 minutes you are well into Burgundy (Bourgogne). As in all regions of France there are some amazing historical sites to visit, including many remarkable chateaux. One of these we have recently discovered on a weekend outing is Chateau Drée, just 5 minutes from La Clayette.

It is a wonderful place!

Often described, regionally, as a ‘Petite Versailles’ (a small version of the famous one near Paris)

Dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, the gardens and furnishings are living examples of life during the period.

Visit the Rocaille and Louis XVI drawing rooms as well as other state apartments, shown off to advantage by a collection of 18th century furniture and objects d’art. Discover the mundane side of 18th century life by visiting the kitchen, butchery, ice-house, stables, dovecote, and even a prison.

Take a walk in the extensive and fabulous gardens – it is a pure delight!

www.chateau-de-dree.com

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Our French friends, Jean-François and Adeline, co-partners in this exciting joint project, have now moved into their part of Le Cuvage.

Their new home looked great!

Although each of the three dwellings, being created out of this original ‘pressoir’ (wine-making barn) was individually planned and designed differently, the essential style and concept, led by our French architect, was consistently followed throughout each interior for a ‘co-ordinated ‘look’.

Our friends stepped over their threshold and moved into their new home before us at the end of October 2005.

This was purposely staged to be completed first so that they could move from their current smaller home at the ‘Pavillon de Chasse’ (hunting lodge), in part of the original grounds and courtyard of the Chateau des Cresses. Of course, unlike us at the time, Jean- François and Adeline lived in France, so it was essential that they ‘moved in’ first.

A young couple with modern attitudes, their new home in ‘Le Cuvage’ reflected an imaginative and contemporary ‘flavour’, with ‘lacquer-sealed concrete floor throughout the ground floor, stunning red kitchen, and a generally ‘fun’ atmosphere about the place.

We were impressed with their interior treatment and the practicality of Jean-François who had completed much of the flooring, painting, and lighting installations himself. As I have said previously, he is a useful, ‘hands-on’ guy (I have to admit with some envy!)Anyway, in the meantime, whilst our friends moved in, we moved on…!

Read the full article at:  www.frenchlife.com – The Cuvage Story

www.purefrancenow.com

For this month’s newsletter article on ‘Discovering the Roannais’ visit thisfrenchlife.com

www.purefrancenow.com

This French Life.com provides many interesting nuggets of information, and is of particular service to people who are keen to move to France, or those already living there.

This is an excellent, high quality website well worth a visit!

There are articles about setting-up a wide variety of necessary services, from banking to the internet, as well as some of the more enjoyable things about life.

It also features interviews with people from different French regions, those that have lived in France all their lives and those that have recently moved to start a fresh life.

Take a look!

This French Life

www.purefrancenow.com

Excellent autoroute networks throughout the above regions make driving holidays very easy and convenient, and, of course, there are lots of interesting places to visit and stop-over for the night to break the journey.

On our route to Carcassonne you also get the chance to cross the absolutely breathtaking Pont Millau, the new suspension bridge designed by British architect, Norman Foster, and built by the same company which constructed the Eiffel Tower.  Successful Anglo-French co-operation at its very best !

So, from the Roannais in the Rhône-Alpes the beautiful Medieval city of Carcassonne is less than 4 hours drive away. The autoroute is excellent.

Our holiday voyage was part of  a 6-day break which we made enroute to the vibrant city of Barcelona, and which included a stop-over in Figueres to visit the brilliant Dali Theatre-Museum, and a day trip to Salavador Dali’s house in the old fishing village of Cadaqués. A great experience.

So more to come on all this in my next series of blogs.

Meanwhile, our first visit (it will not be our last !) to Carcassonne was absolute magic. The ancient fortified city and castle of Carcassonne is stunning. Luckily the normally huge numbers of tourists were at a minimum when we arrived, so we were able to walk around with ease, and take in all the medieval wonders. Full of traditional, old French character, and incredible buildings and architecture.

Carcassonne is a fortified French town in the Aude department of France.
It is separated into the fortified Cité de Carcassonne and the more expansive lower city, and main township. The folk etymology – involving a châtelaine named Carcas, a ruse ending a siege and the joyous ringing of bells (“Carcas sona”) – though memorialized in a neo-Gothic sculpture of Madame Carcas on a column near the Narbonne Gate, is of modern invention. The fortress, which was thoroughly restored in 1853 by the theorist and architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.

There is obviously so much about the ancient history of Carcassonne which is interesting, so if you google ‘Carcassonne’, you’ll be sure to find it !

We spent the whole day there, strolling around the narrow, medieval streets of the ancient city, visiting the amazing castle, and walking along its fortified ramparts with stunning panoramic views across the lower township and countryside.

Afterward we discovered a superb restaurant for lunch, with a table situated in dappled sunlight under ancient olive trees, set in medieval surroundings oozing age-old history. A perfect time. A beautiful place !

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Next stop : Salvador Dali’s Country – His Theatre-Musée in Figueres, and his house in Cadaqués. So look out for our blog enroute to Barcelona !

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