Toulouse, ‘la ville en rose’

The Pyrenees viewed from central Toulouse

People choose this region for many and varied reasons but an oft cited one is the preference to be within striking distance of a vibrant and thriving city and Toulouse fits this bill perfectly.

Toulouse is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe and the fourth . . . → Read More: Toulouse, ‘la ville en rose’

Organic Ariège wine; delicious and healthy – santé

Philippe Babin, renowned organic winemaker of the Ariège

Most people have never heard of the Ariège – and that includes most French people – which means that very few people have ever tasted an Ariège wine despite the fact that the region now occupies the top spot for organic winegrowers in France, making . . . → Read More: Organic Ariège wine; delicious and healthy – santé

What Triple AAA Rating?

While much of the rest of the world seems preoccupied with the loss of France’s triple AAA rating, here in the Ariege and Haute Garonne, the whole subject has been dismissed by the locals as utterly irrelevant. Not that it hasn’t been discussed – the French love a good debate – but for people here, . . . → Read More: What Triple AAA Rating?

Goodwill to all – even French estate agents

Saint Lizier decorated for Christmas

As it is Christmas, I thought I should sprinkle some goodwill over that much maligned species, the French estate agent. Most of my clients cannot understand how estate agents here in France can justify their commission of between 5 and 10% and I certainly know of agents who . . . → Read More: Goodwill to all – even French estate agents