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NEWSLETTER No. 4 - JULY 26th 2005 This newsletter sheds light on a number of villages that run along the south-eastern foothills of the Cevennes in picturesque and highly accessible countryside. The heritage is rich and the climate distinctly mediterranean. In addition, a new property for sale beside the Lac du Salagou, west of Montpellier is highlighted along with information about a seminar held near Nîmes in September for people seeking plentiful advice about buying a home in France. Should you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please use the link provided at the bottom of the page. Otherwise, kindly read on. Theme Of The Fortnight A number of small towns and villages run along this south-eastern edge of the Cevennes. Two themes dominate the history across the region; the silk industry, and the growth of the reformist Church. The successive stages of silk making were all carried out here and in its heighday, the region was to produce half of France's requirements. Secondly, the growth of the Reformed Church. The peace treaty previously granted to Protestants enabling them to practise their religion freely was withdrawn by the monarchy in 1661, leading many Protestants to seek seclusion or indeed flee the kingdom altogether. The mountainous terrain of the Cevennes was to become a safe haven for many. The region saw fierce fighting, bloody battles and seiges. The transition from plain to the Cevennes mountains is a gentle one. The countryside starts to undulate and the vegetation undergoes changes from the traditional vegetation of the arid limestone garrigue rich with nettle tree and green oak, to the schist and granite hills rich in chestnut trees of the Cevennes. This Mediterranean region has many assets, most notably a very unspoilt countryside, the Cevennes at close hand for spectacular panorama and river bathing spots and airports within an hour drive. St. Hippolyte-du-Fort, "St. Hippo" to the locals, gives an opportunity to get a grasp of the local history. The cultivation of silk contributed considerably to the wealth of St. Hippolyte. This fact is celebrated today in the eco-museum in the former army barracks in the town. The people of the town are known as the "Cigalois", from the word "cigale", the cricket, no doubt due to the constant cricket song. Due south of St. Hippolyte among vineyards is the village of Pompignan, with the backdrop of the plateau that runs all the way southward to the Pic St Loup. Northwards from St. Hippolyte, there are various roads that wind up into the Cevennes, and give an idea of the promise of this mountainous zone. The D133 runs to Monoblet, a widely spread community and St. Felix de Pallières where refreshment can be sought in the bar beside the Chateau, before reaching Anduze. The medieval village of Durfort is joined to St. Hippolyte by the D982. Remnants of the 12th century village Chateau - a tower along and southern wing, transformed during the Renaissance, and another building that originally housed the main entrance to the chateau - make the centrepiece of the village. A walk around the village reveals its circular format, various portions of the 14th century ramparts and the 4 main entrances.  Sauve is a medieval town built against a cliff face above the river Vidourle that emerges in the village after following an underground route. The village stakes claim to the tradition of making pitch forks from the Nettle tree by the application of heat. The streets of Sauve, flaunt vaulted passageways, squares, Renaissance facades with mullioned windows, and from the 12th century bridge over the river, wind upwards into the hill and open up at the top to "une mer de rochers", a sea of rocks scattered over flat 'garrigue' type terrain. In the 17th century, the village was one of the largest producers of silk stockings in the region. Today Sauve stands in a more peaceful context and has become a little haven for artists. 
 Tornac is another village with a tourmented history. Intially a Roman settlement, an abbey was founded before the 8th century and later destroyed. The remains of the chateau, largely 16th century, but with a considerably older observation tower that was set alight during the Revolution of 1792, stand impressively beside the lower lying village. Anduze is an animated small town built on a hillside that runs down to the Gardon river. It is today known for its glazed earthenware but has a long history as a protestant stronghold, of which remnants are clearly visible. In 1597 Anduze was the seat of the General Assembly of Protestants in the Southern Languedoc. In 1622 became the home to the Protestant leader, the Duke of Rohan who consolidated the ramparts and built forts in the upper town. Anduze being beside the traditionally Protestant Cevennes, the Duke was to gain a position of considerable strength, such that when Louis XIII and Richelieu ran an expedition into Languedoc, they prefered to attack Alès which capitulated and Anduze was not subjected to siege. A very worthwhile visit beside Anduze is the "Bambouseraie de Prafrance", a botanical garden comprising a hundred different varieties of bamboo. The site was set up by a native of the Cevennes in 1855 who visited the Far East to study mulberry trees necessary for the cultivation of silk worms. He found himself captivated by the various species of bamboo and brought back samples. Conditions on the site beside the Gardon river where the soil is rich in nutrients and with the added benefit of a micro-climate have enabled the site to become a remarkable oasis of bamboo species. Vézénobres stands among olive groves and fig orchards. The village began its long history as a Roman Oppidum, a fortified town built on high ground. It comprises successive lines of houses of different periods, and vaulted streets within ramparts on various levels that follow the slope of the hillside and culminate at the top at a height of 219m, giving an impressive panorama in the direction of the Cevennes. There would have been 5 entrances to the village by portcullis. A fig party is held in the village at the end of October. Top Property Of The Fortnight: A very well restored stone house set in a picturesque village at 2km from the Lac du Salagou and with a small independent guest house. The main house has a large living room (38m²) with an elegant stonework fireplace, a separate kitchen (22m²), 2 bedrooms (10 and 12m²), a terrace (14m²) and cellars. The independant guest house is situated across a very minor village lane and has a living area (10m²), kitchen (7m²) and above a mezzanine (5m²). The asking price is 209,000 Euros. Photographs will be made available soon on the internet site. In the meantime please feel free to make enquiries. Other news: - The group "French Property and Life" will be running a seminar near Nîmes from September 16 - 18 entitled the "Bootcamp Conference". This will cover many aspects relating to purchasing a house in France. For further details and registration click here: http://www.france-property-and-life.com/index.cfm?affID=JPF05 Discounts are available till July 31st. - The city of Montpellier will be running nocturnal visits of the town centre on the 1st, 8th and 22nd August. Next newsletter will: - give details on an organisation set up to help newcomers with formalities as they settle down in France - showcase a new property on the market  +33 626 581 415 Enquiries can be made through the following page: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/contact.php About James Properties France: Based in Montpellier in the south of France, bringing to you a carefully picked selection of properties within a 70 mile radius - with the occasional more distant exception - that are chosen for their combinations of attributes, most notably: - Setting of outstanding natural beauty - Distinct character or unusual features - Quality of renovation or authenticity - Value for money James Properties France serves primarily an English speaking, though often highly Francophile clientele looking to move or own a second home in the south of France around such places as Uzes, Nimes, Montpellier, Anduze, St. Hippolyte du Fort, the Southern Cevennes, Gignac and Clermont l'Herault and the Hauts Cantons. Besides being a rich source of housing options, James Properties France represents a useful accompaniment during the process of viewing and purchasing a house. If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click on the following link: www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/unsubscribe.php |