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NEWSLETTER No. 28 - JULY 11th 2006 Following the excellent reception to "A day trip west of Montpellier", back in September 2005 (see http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/newsletter_20092005.php), JPF presents a new excursion from Montpellier in the surrounding towns and countryside to the north, mixing the pleasures of a visit to Sommières, a drive through some breathtaking countryside, and a climb up the closest mountain to Montpellier, the Pic St. Loup. The two top properties are large and beautiful houses, situated respectively beside Uzès and St. Hippolyte-du-Fort and have both undergone painstaking restorations. 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 day trip north of Montpellier Heading out of Montpellier on the A9 autoroute, take the exit at junction 28 and follow signs to Castries, a village on a hill with a vast chateau at the top. The castle, of which parts date to the 16th century, cannot be visited presently but is occasionally used for cultural events. Medieval alleys and pretty village houses surround the castle and make for a brief, but nevertheless pleasant introduction to the tour.  >From Castries, the road to Sommières (N110) runs through vast expanses of vineyards, beside the occasional chateau, and along stretches of rectilinear road bordered by plane trees. The medieval tower on the hillside above the town first comes into view, then the town, mostly on the left bank. On the approach to the centre, staying on the right bank, a house will come into view, the only one with a slate roof and a veritable oddity in the south of France. This was once home to the Anglo-Irish writer Lawrence Durrell who, after a life spent in many countries around the Mediterranean basin settled in the town, and one might say, was very much at home. Fans can celebrate this fact by paying a visit to the Espace Lawrence Durrell on rue Taillade. Sommières is a nice place to amble - the Roman bridge over the river Vidourle, the pretty town houses and shop windows, the rows of arcades, the market square. The aesthetics and tranquility of the setting are upset every once in a while by the Vidourle when in spate, generally in early autumn. The river causes quite serious flooding in the region, yet the natives, despite a notable weariness, meet it with a certain fatalistic calm.   The length of the Vidourle is bordered by plane trees that bring shade, and the river, appreciable cool to summer afternoons. Those keen to gain altitude and simulate an aerial view of the town can follow the path upwards to the town castle. Follow the D22 out of Sommières in front of Durrell's former dwelling, and then the D120 through the appropriately named and picturesque villages of Campagne and Garrigues and then, where necessary follow signs to Vacquières. Approximately 2km out of Garrigues, watch out on the hill to your right for a curious pavilion out of reach of the road. A little further, the Mas de Martin, offering wines to taste and buy may be a nice point to halt for refreshment.  Taking the tour during the long summer months, cricket song will accompany you the whole way. Here however, it will seem particularly vigourous in contrast with the silence of the environment. The road meanders into hills with a valley to the left, in characteristically Mediterranean 'garrigue'. In contrast with the relatively lush Vallée de la Buèges in the last tour, this is more arrid and a definite landscape for a western, at only 15 miles from a bustling city!  Glass making was once a prosperous industry in this particular region extending from Sommières to nearby Ferrières-les-Verreries. At Vacquières, on prior request, one can visit two glass making workshops. Addresses are given below. Afterwards, take a left turn in the direction of Sauteyrargues and then proceed to and go across the D17 to the very pretty village of Claret. A glass making museum recently closed in the village but a new exhibition is due to open soon. Further onwards along the D107 in the direction of Pompignan, pause in the bends of the D25 which overlook the plain surrounding Pompignan and the Cévennes to the north, then head back southwards on the plateau along the largely straight and flat D17e6 across the elevated Montagne du Causse. After a few kilometers the edge of the plateau comes abruptly, leading you down through hair pin bends to Valflaunès. Follow the road into the village and then outwards on the minor D1e9 leading to the picturesque D1 between the Pic St. Loup and Montagne d'Hortus, on a promontary of which are chateau ruins. Vineyards ride up flanks of the Pic St. Loup, and gliders overfly it. The north facade offers itself to able rock climbers whilst the south, where we are headed, offers itself for a hearty stroll to the top. Continue along the D122 through Mas de Londres, and take a left turn onto the D986. Turn off the main road onto the D113 signposted Cazevieille. Beyond the village is a car park, where the walk begins to the top of the Pic. Good walking shoes are recommended and approximately 45 minutes at a good pace are required to reach the top. If visiting in summer, plan your climb towards the end of the afternoon or early evening. The peak - at an altitude of 658m - is indicated by a cross, visible from the car park and during the way up, enabling progress to be measured. Sightseers can take in views of Montpellier and the Mediterranean, 18 miles away.   The D986 carries you back to Montpellier - a stop for refreshment in the medieval village of Les Matelles may be appreciated. Further information: http://www.sommieres.info/ Glass making workshops: Yves Trucchi - Tel: 04 67 55 69 60 - yves.trucchi@club-internet.fr Jean-Claude and Patricia Yann - Tel: 06 13 20 84 61 - pyann@club-internet.fr Top Properties Of The Fortnight: A very pretty house with an excellent specification, set in countryside beside the very desirable historic town of Uzès. It has an interior surface area of 215m² and seven acres of land and has undergone an exemplary restoration. On the ground floor are a large living room, kitchen and dining rooms, each with fireplace, along with outbuildings. On the first floor are three bedrooms and a suite with solarium. Property reference: 382 Asking price: 595,000€ Web page: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/viewpropNP.php?id=382         A fabulous environment, extensive views and undeniable character. This beautiful 17th century farmhouse near St. Hippolyte-du-Fort has undergone a thorough restoration respectful of the character and authenticity of the building. The property comprises a main dwelling - with a large and fully fitted kitchen, a spatious living room and two large bedrooms - and an independent guest house. This latter part of the house comprises five spatious bedrooms, each with bathroom, and ideal for guest accommodation. A superb patio ensures a graceful transition from in to outdoors, completed by one and a half acre of grounds with swimming pool and pool house. A fabulous opportunity to acquire a most desirable home in the south of France. Property reference: 367 Asking price: 940,000€ Web page: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/viewpropNP.php?id=367          +33 467 297 068 +33 626 581 415 Enquiries can be made through the following page: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/contact.php www.jamespropertiesfrance.com 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 (JPF) 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, Nîmes, Montpellier, Anduze, St. Hippolyte du Fort, the Southern Cevennes, Gignac and Clermont l'Herault and the Hauts Cantons. The property selection proposed by JPF is targeted to fit buyers from abroad in terms of types of location, accessibility, environment / landscapes, and types and formats of construction. Besides bringing you a wide array of properties, JPF helps by running specific searches in the Gard and Hérault. JPF acts as an intermediary between you and a number of regional estate agencies, at no extra charge. Selections of properties that meet your criteria can be established prior to your visits, any linguistic issues totally alleviated, questions about French procedures and legislation addressed quickly, and information on prices and property details addressed plainly by all parties. JPF helps you with your purchase from the beginning to the end of the process, often communicating with the assigned notary to make sure that content and conditions of sale are correctly documented, ensuring all is in order for completion, and keeping you informed of progress. Insurance and utilities can also be arranged. In addition, should you wish to have assistance in maintaining or making alterations to your house, or any formalities associated with property ownership or financing in France, JPF can give assistance on an hourly basis. Should you wish to sell your property in the south of France, JPF can also help. If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click on the following link: www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/unsubscribe.php |