View from the Foothills of France Some personal views on living, working,
bringing up family and making the dream happen in the most beautiful region of France. View from the Foothills of France also includes some personal and professional thoughts and tips on finding and buying the perfect property in the Ariège and Haute Garonne regions.
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By nadia, on 10th January 2024 
January can be a tough time of year as the winter chill sets in and the holiday festivities wind down, but it is also a time of new beginnings, fresh starts and the perfect time to think big and long-term, a time to set the stage for positive changes. For anyone looking to make the dream of owning a property in France a reality, January can offer the perfect opportunity. Planning a property purchase now means that all the motivation and optimism that come with the beginning of a new year can be channelled into actual steps towards realising this dream.
In addition, an effective property search requires thorough market knowledge, which takes time and lots of research. In January, the property market is quiet, providing you with an advantage; with fewer buyers actively searching, you can take your time to research different regions, property types, and prices. Additionally, sellers may be more open to negotiations during the off-peak season, potentially allowing you to secure a better deal.
It also gives you time to research legal requirements, consult with professionals, and plan your visits to potential properties. By taking a methodical approach, you can avoid rushed decisions and ensure a smoother buying process.
January is not just a month for resolutions; it’s an opportune time to lay the groundwork for the whole year and strategic planning in January sets the stage for a successful and enjoyable property search. So, as you welcome the new year, consider making your dream of owning a property in France a reality by starting the planning process now.
If you would like help with your property search, please get in touch: nadia@foothillsoffrance.com
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By nadia, on 19th December 2023 
Christmas in rural France is a more low-key and less commercial than in many parts of the world and is based mainly around food, family and festive traditions.
The main Christmas meal is Le Réveillon de Noël and this is eaten on Christmas Eve around midnight to celebrate the very beginning of Christmas Day. The meal typically consists of French favorites like oysters, foie gras and smoked salmon, followed by some kind of roast meats (often a capon) with Buche de Noël for pudding. Needless to say, it is also French tradition to wash down the meal with plenty of wine and Champagne.
Rather than hanging stockings by the fire, children in France leave their shoes on the hearth in the hopes that Santa will fill them with gifts and goodies overnight. It is traditional to hang mistletoe in French homes during the Christmas season but because the festive plant is considered to be a symbol of good luck rather than an invitation to get amorous, so if you offer a kiss under the mistletoe, you might get some funny looks.
Traditional Christmas markets (marchés de Noël) pop up in December in towns and villages all over France offering an array of handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and festive treats like roasted chestnuts and vin chaud, the smell of which is the predominant scent of a Christmas here in the foothills.
Holiday feasting continues into January with la Fête des Rois. December 1 is the start of the Christmas season in France and Epiphany, which is observed on January 6 and known as Three Kings Day, marks its end. Although la Fête des Rois is not a national holiday, it is still widely celebrated in schools and workplaces with a namesake cake (galette des rois or king cake) made from flaky pastry and almond paste. Per the tradition, a tiny figurine is baked into every cake and the person who is served the slice with the hidden treasure is crowned King or Queen for a day.
Best of all, when you live within sight of the Pyrenees, Christmas also means the chance to head up to find some snow either for a bit of sledging, skiing, a snowy walk or simply to picnic with some mulled wine and enjoy the blue sky, sunshine, and winter warmth we are so lucky to get predominantly at this time of the year.
If you would like some advice and help in finding your perfect house in the foothills in 2024, please get in touch: nadia@foothillsoffrance.com
Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
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By nadia, on 27th November 2023 
While the Autumn colours and blue sky days are still in full swing here in the foothills, snow has arrived up in the mountains of the Pyrenees and thoughts are turning to skiing, winter sports, log fires, warming cassoulets and vin chaud. In terms of property search enquiries, the focus is now on ski properties either in small mountain villages or in the bigger towns in the valleys with easy access to various ski resorts and facilities such as cafés, restaurants, and spa facilities all within walking distance.
While the Alps have become overpriced both for property and for skiing, here in the Pyrenees, excellent value mountain properties can still be found for buyers seeking boltholes they can use winter and summer, rent out easily and hopefully reap some eventual capital gain.
The last decade has seen massive investment in the resorts here in the Pyrenees, resulting in better access and faster lifts, many more snow-making machines and better infrastructure. Surprisingly, however, property prices have not risen at the same rate as these improvements so that ski property in the Pyrenees is currently looking like a very good buy.
In addition, skiing and holidaying in the Pyrenees is still relatively affordable, most notably, when it comes to ski passes, food, and accommodation thanks to the fact that, in the mountain villages of the Pyrenees, the restaurants and shops are mostly small family run enterprises whose primary aim is simply to make a living. This is not an area of commercial savvy and most small businesses have been here for generations. They also tend to operate year-round as part of the local community, as they have for centuries, as opposed to fleecing the tourists as much as possible during the few short months of the winter season. It is the same story with lift passes which are around half the price of those in the Alps.
So not only is the dream of a ski property achievable here in the Pyrenees, you will also save money when you come on holiday and there is also an excellent year-round rental market.
For more information and advice, please do get in touch: nadia@foothillsoffrance.com
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By nadia, on 2nd November 2023 
- Location: consider the orientation of the house, the proximity to amenities, the access to the things you are most interested in doing (nice restaurants, good walking, cycling, local markets, community, skiing etc). They are your ‘whys’ of buying a house in France in the first place.
- Budget: determine your budget and look for houses within that price range. Don’t assume that you can negotiate a much better price especially here in France where French sellers usually expect to get asking price or as near as and are often not in a rush and happy to wait until they do. If you need a mortgage, understand what you can afford before beginning your research to avoid heartbreak later.
- Size and layout: consider the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, and storage. Make sure that you are looking at the bone structure of the property, not how the current owners are using it. See past the décor and taste of the sellers and try to imagine how it would work for you.
- Condition: assess the condition of the property, including the state of the roof, plumbing, and electrical systems. Is it obviously well looked after and maintained?
- Amenities: consider the availability of amenities like a garden, garage, or swimming pool and the practicalities of the house.
- Energy efficiency: look for properties with energy-efficient features such as double-glazed windows, thick walls, south-facing position, solar panels and insulation.
- Schools: if you have children, consider the quality and proximity of schools in the area.
- Legal requirements: be aware of any legal requirements and restrictions in the region such as historical building protections.
- Proximity to neighbors: consider the proximity of neighbors and potential noise levels but also, if a holiday home, the proximity of neighbours to be able to keep an eye on the property in your absence.
- Future plans: consider any future plans you have, such as starting a family, putting in a swimming pool, running gites/bed and breakfast or working from home, and make sure the property you choose can accommodate them.
Most of all, do remember that your perfect house probably doesn’t exist but the property with the potential to be your perfect house does – but only if it meets your key priorities. Then you know that you can make it work for you.
If you need any help with your French property search, please get in touch: nadia@foothillsoffrance.com
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