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 4th July 2025 
Every July, like clockwork, France transforms. Roads are re-surfaced, village squares are swept, bunting is hung, and roadsides fill with picnickers and painted slogans. For three glorious weeks, the country is gripped by a kind of collective madness: the Tour de France has arrived. Even if you don’t know your peloton from your polka dots, it’s hard not to be swept up in this rolling love letter to France.
A race like no other
First held in 1903 to boost sales of the newspaper L’Auto, the cyclists in the Tour de France cover around 3,500 kilometres, over 21 punishing stages. This year it begins on July 7th and during the tour, riders will tackle soaring mountain climbs, cobbled farm roads, dizzying descents and even the odd dash through city streets at 70km per hour. It is one of the toughest sporting events in the world.
And yet, it remains gloriously French. Where else would you find a race that pauses for lunch? (No longer but, in the early days, riders stopped to eat steak and wine mid-stage.) Where else would a podium ceremony involve flowers, champagne and kisses on both cheeks?
Some Tour facts
• The average Tour de France rider burns around 6,000 calories a day—more than double what most people eat.
• Over 12 million spectators line the roads each year, making it the biggest annual sporting event in the world.
• The highest point in the race is the Col de l’Iseran in the Alps at a lung-bursting 2,770 metres.
• The youngest winner was Henri Cornet, aged just 19, back in 1904.
• The most decorated rider is Eddy Merckx, who won five Tours
For most people it is not just about the cycling
For many, the real magic lies in what the Tour reveals: winding châteaux-dotted valleys, lavender-streaked hills, windswept coastlines and tucked-away mountain hamlets you might otherwise never discover. It’s a moving travel brochure, filmed and narrated with Gallic flair.
Each stage is a mini love letter to a region, complete with swooping helicopter shots of vineyards, abbeys, Roman bridges and hilltop villages with red-tiled roofs. You could plan a lifetime of holidays based on the route alone and, in fact, many of my clients have bought a home in this region having seen television footage of the rolling foothills and pretty valleys backed by the snow-capped Pyrenees as the Tour passed through. It is estimated that the Tour is watched by 3.5 billion people worldwide during the three weeks.
Here in southwest France, the arrival of the Tour is more than an event, it is a holiday. Roads close, gendarmes appear, and neighbours gather outside houses and along every road with flasks of coffee and folding chairs at dawn. The caravane publicitaire (a wild procession of floats, freebies and fancy dress) passes first, tossing sweets, hats and inflatable sausages to the crowd. It is chaotic, joyful and completely bonkers. Then comes the silence, the hush before the rush. A whisper of helicopters. A ripple through the crowd. And then, suddenly, they’re here: a flash of colour, a whir of wheels, a blur of muscle and machine, cheering and shouts of encouragement. And just like that, they’re gone.
Vive le Tour
You don’t have to know the names of the riders or the rules of the race to enjoy the Tour de France. You just have to show up. Stand by the roadside with a hat, a smile, and maybe a croissant or two and let yourself be swept up in the atmosphere. And if you find yourself thinking, “maybe I should get a bike,” you’re not alone.
If the idea of living somewhere where the Tour rolls past your garden gate, where neighbours still gather on the roadside with folding chairs and thermos flasks in sun-dappled, pretty countryside, and where life moves at a more gentle pace most of the year, all sounds like your kind of dream, please get in touch:
nadia@foothillsoffrance.com
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By nadia, on 4th June 2025 
One of the joys (and occasional confusions) of spending time in different countries is observing how something as seemingly universal as coffee can be approached so differently.
In France, ordering a coffee is almost never about the coffee itself, it is about the moment, the ritual, the pause. You sit down, you order un café (which, by default, means a small, strong espresso), and you sip it slowly, sometimes over a newspaper, often while simply watching the world drift by. No one is rushing and you don’t grab it in a paper cup and race to the next thing. In fact, à emporter (to take away) is still a relatively new concept and, in many places, still faintly frowned upon. Coffee is not a means to an end. It’s the end in itself.
Compare this with the UK, where the culture is gradually catching up with the Europe’s café lifestyle, but still carries the hallmark of utility. Coffee is fuel, you drink it on the go, you sip it mindlessly at your desk, or you line up for it on the school run with half an eye on your phone. It’s not that Brits don’t enjoy the taste (although, historically, coffee in the UK wasn’t much to write home about), but the emphasis is on convenience. The high street is dominated by takeaway chains, the cups are the size of small buckets, and there is rarely a saucer in sight.
And then there is the US, where coffee culture has taken on an identity all of its own. It is performative, personalised; you order what you want, how you want it, and when you want it, at speed. Oat milk, half-caf, iced with caramel drizzle? Absolutely. The coffee shop is an extension of the home and the office: you can stay for hours with your laptop, use the Wi-Fi, plug into the wall, and no one bats an eyelid.
The French would likely be horrified. Here it is almost the opposite; you sit at a table, even if it’s just for a thimble of espresso, and in return, you’re given time. No one moves you on and no one rushes you. But there’s an unspoken contract: you’re here to be present, not plugged in and hence laptops and phones are not the norm. The café is a stage for real life, not remote work.
And maybe that’s what it comes down to. Coffee culture reflects broader ideas about how we choose to live. Are we consuming for purpose, or pausing for pleasure? Is the cup in our hand a tool to get through the day, or an excuse to step outside of it for a few minutes?
That is not to say that one is better than the other, just as where you were born should not determine how you live. But these quiet, seemingly inconsequential things; the way we take our coffee, how we greet our neighbours, whether we walk or drive, say so much more than we think about pace, about values, about culture.
So every time I sit on a terrace with a tiny porcelain cup, no rush, no wi-fi, I am reminded that, at least sometimes, it is good to let the coffee be the destination. Perhaps this is one of the many benefits of moving abroad for a while; the way your habits shift without you even noticing. You start to savour things differently, you stop apologising for sitting still, you ‘unlearn’ urgency.
When I first moved to France, I couldn’t understand how people took so long over lunch, or how a single espresso could last an entire conversation. Now, I find it hard to rush through a takeaway coffee without feeling a little cheated. Something that used to be transactional has become intentional. And that shift, small as it might seem, changes the texture of your day.
Living abroad doesn’t mean reinventing yourself completely. It just means letting new ways of living rub off on you, until one day you realise that you’re not the same as you were. You still love a good cup of coffee but maybe now, you take it sitting down. And maybe that’s the real difference in the coffee culture.
If you need help or advice with your French property search, please get in touch: nadia@foothillsoffrance.com
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By nadia, on 25th April 2025 
There is something undeniably romantic about the idea of buying a character-filled home in the rolling hills of southwest France and breathing new life into it; the stone walls, exposed beams, charming features and hidden history. For many buyers, the dream isn’t just to own a home in France, it is to create one, restoring those old stone walls and worn shutters, transforming a ruin into a beautiful retreat.
But for every tale of a stunning renovation, there is, inevitably, another of frustration, unexpected expense and frozen winters spent under a tarpaulin roof.
So, is buying a renovation project in southwest France a good idea? Here’s a look at the advantages and challenges of tackling your own French restoration.
The advantages
- Character, charm and history
Modern homes rarely capture the magic of centuries-old farmhouses or stone village homes with their original features intact. When you renovate, you get to preserve and enhance all of this, giving new life to buildings that have weathered generations and have many stories to tell.
- Space and flexibility
Properties in need of renovation often come with larger plots, barns, outbuildings, or internal spaces just waiting to be reimagined. Whether you dream of a mulit-generational home, a yoga studio, guest gîte or artist’s atelier, the space is yours to create.
- Cheaper to buy
Compared to ready-to-move-in homes, renovation projects are generally priced lower. So, if you don’t have the budget for the type and size of property you are looking for in the first instance or are not willing to take on a huge loan, then buying a project could be the way to get what you want in the long-term. Renovating is not cheaper, but it is a slower and surer way of achieving your goal if you’re prepared to put in the time and work.
- Satisfaction and the property that is right for you
There is huge satisfaction in seeing your vision come to life during a renovation project. You don’t just live in the house, you shape it; every paint choice, every window restored, every beam and floorboard sanded and each and every decision is a reflection of you.
- The lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of
Living on-site during works can be difficult but, alternatively, it can also mean lunches in the sun, friendly chats with artisans, and finding joy in small, daily progress. Life slows down – and you’ll probably realise that’s exactly what you were looking for.
The challenges
- It will take longer and cost more than expected
Remember that builders’estimates are starting points, not finish lines. Hidden issues can and do arise, so always build in a financial buffer.
- Not all elements of a renovation will be gratifying or rewarding
It is tempting to focus on the interesting and satisfying part of a renovation but remember that all the basic services are just as vital such as electricity, water and drainage. Putting in a new septic tank is hardly glamorous or a fun way to spend your budget, but it is essential and needs to be factored in however much you would rather spend the money on a new bathroom.
- Planning restrictions exist even in rural France
Don’t assume that you will be able to do anything you like to the building. There are very few restrictions on internal changes to buildings in this part of France, but there are certain places that have laws as to type of roof tile used or whether you can put up solar panels etc. and some villages with historical monuments have their own restrictions; each commune has its own rules, so always consult the mairie before finalising your plans.
- Living through the work isn’t for everyone
If you plan to live in the property while restoring it, think practically. Summer is one thing. Winter without heating or insulation is quite another. Know what you can and can’t put up with and for how long.
- Builders may not be in a hurry
French artisans are highly skilled but not always speedy. Embrace the slower pace, plan around long lunch breaks, and never forget this is why you came. To live differently.
Top Tips for a Smooth Renovation Experience
- Speak to your neighbours – They’ll often know the best local artisans and where to get materials.
- Don’t knock down walls without advice – Even the flimsy-looking ones might be holding your house up!
- Take your time choosing a builder – A good one is worth the wait. Get detailed written quotes (devis) and clarify what is and is not included.
- Look into grants – France offers aid for eco-friendly upgrades. Solar panels, insulation and wood burners could all be subsidised.
- Make peace with imperfections – Old houses will always have quirks. But that’s part of their charm.
Final Thoughts
Buying a property to renovate in southwest France is not just about bricks and mortar, it is about building a life and about a certain way of living. If you approach it with patience, flexibility, and a generous sense of humour, it can be one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll ever take. You will finish with more than a house; you will gain stories, skills, friendships, and a home that is truly yours. You are part of its history and it is part of yours.
If you need help finding the perfect French property, please get in touch: nadia@foothillsoffrance.com
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By nadia, on 2nd April 2025 
There is no doubt that the past few years have reshaped the property market in southwest France. As lifestyle priorities continue to evolve, the way we choose, design, and use our homes is undergoing a transformation. The region, long favoured for its picturesque landscapes, relaxed pace, and high quality of life, is seeing new trends emerge as buyers adapt to a changing and more uncertain world.
Over the past couple of years, I have noticed these shifts first-hand during property viewings. Buyers are increasingly looking for homes that offer flexibility, tranquillity, and a deeper connection with nature. The surge in remote working has made it possible for more people to relocate to rural areas, meaning demand for properties with dedicated office spaces, high-speed internet, and peaceful surroundings has never been higher. Many are looking for homes that facilitate a work-life balance, blending functionality with comfort.
At the same time, outdoor space has become a key priority. Whether it is a sprawling garden, a sunny terrace, or a balcony, buyers want a slice of the outdoors that allows them to unwind and reconnect with nature. In a region blessed with stunning countryside and a great climate, this shift has only reinforced the appeal of southwest France, where traditional stone houses with character and land continue to attract attention.
Sustainability is another major driver of change. More homeowners are opting for energy-efficient renovations, with solar panels, better insulation, and eco-friendly materials becoming more common. The increasing cost of energy has accelerated this movement, pushing buyers to seek homes that are not just beautiful but also efficient and cost-effective in the long term. Climate change is another factor in this with more buyers looking to relocate from hotter and drier parts of the world ravaged by wildfires or from regions suffering from flooding and more extreme weather events to the gentler climate of southwest France.
For interiors, there is also a move away from stark, minimalist, grey décor towards homes that feel warm, inviting, and personal. The aesthetic now leans towards comfort and individuality, with vintage furniture, earthy tones, and locally sourced materials making a comeback. People want their homes to tell a story, to reflect their personality and enhance their lifestyle.
Ultimately, the property market in southwest France right now is about more than just buying a house—it is about creating a home that aligns with a more thoughtful and fulfilling way of life. Whether it is a countryside retreat, a village house with a sense of community, or a sustainable renovation project, the market is adapting to meet the needs of a new era of homeowners.
If you need help or advice with your property search, please get in touch: nadia@foothillsoffrance.com
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