Happy New Year and welcome to 2026 in southwest France

As a new year begins, it is the perfect moment to reflect, re-set and perhaps take a step closer to those long-held dreams. For many, that dream involves buying a property in southwest France, either as a holiday home or to move permanently.

This year, in particular, feels like an especially good . . . → Read More: Happy New Year and welcome to 2026 in southwest France

Christmas in the Foothills of the Pyrénées, a quiet magic all its own

One of the loveliest things about Christmas here in the foothills of the Pyrénées is how gently the season arrives. There’s no frantic countdown or overwhelming commercial frenzy, just a slow, steady build-up of lights, flavours, and traditions.

Christmas in rural France leans heavily toward the time-honoured rather than the trendy, with . . . → Read More: Christmas in the Foothills of the Pyrénées, a quiet magic all its own

Where does food come on your house-hunting priority list?

Are great local markets one of the attractions of buying a house in France?

Airbnb have just released the results of a study showing the importance of local food and gastronomy to French holidaymakers when choosing a destination. It turns out that 75% of French people who go on holiday or . . . → Read More: Where does food come on your house-hunting priority list?

The top 10 things buyers want most in their dream French home

A view is high on most buyer’s wish-list

Ask anyone what first draws them to France and the answers are almost always the same: quality of life, space, sunshine, food, wine, and a gentler pace. But when it comes to actually buying a home here, those romantic daydreams quickly take on more practical . . . → Read More: The top 10 things buyers want most in their dream French home