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NEWSLETTER No. 40 - FEBRUARY 6th 2007 December and January have been decidedly eventful months in Montpellier. The inauguration of the second tramway line on December 16th and the Musée Fabre, housing a wide selection of classical and contemporary artworks, was re-opened to the public on February 4th after a four year closure for extensive re-design and restoration. We will cover this latter event in more detail in a later newsletter. Victor Hugo very persuasively explains in the Hunchback of Notre Dame that prior to widespread publishing, architecture was the window on civilisations past. In this respect, the chateau is an important part of French heritage, evocative of centuries of history and the passage and ownership by nobility. In this newsletter we look at the history and appearance of three chateaux within the Cévennes, those of Portes, Roquedols and La Caze. This week's top property is a chateau in the southern Cévennes, for sale at 2.25M€. 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: Chateaux in the Cévennes The 11th century chateau of Portes, stands atop a hill in the Cévennes along a pilgrimage route between the Auvergne and Languedoc. In 1321 it was sold to the nephew of the first French pope in Avignon. Held under siege in 1629 and later passed to nobility, it was sold as a national asset during the French revolution. Mining in the area between 1870 and 1914 caused the collapse of part of the chateau. Restoration began in 1969 and continues today, assisted by numerous volunteers. Until the 13th century, the original castle had a square tower at each corner. Mullioned windows, galleries and a staircase in the courtyard were added in the 16th century, and at the beginning of the 17th, a vast, dignified and impressively proportioned dwelling was erected at the south east corner of the building. Workshops are run at the chateau in various techniques of restoration.   Of similarly medieval origins, the Chateau de Roquedols is situated within the Cévennes National Park a transitional point between the massive relief of the Mont Aigoual and the high plains of the southern Auvergne. The chateau, set in picturesque and serene countryside, comprises two main bodies that meet at a right angle, and is flanked with three towers. While of considerable size, it has more humble defences, no doubt in part due to its transformations in the 16th and 17th centuries, during which there was a notable injection of Renaissance styling inside, making it more a vast country manor than defensive castle. Roquedols is state owned and operates a summer tourist office. Of interest locally are the Tarn gorges, numerous villages and geological spectacles like the Abîme de Bramabiau.  Of early Renaissance origin, the Chateau de la Caze stands near the village of Ste Enemie along the Tarn gorges. The chateau is today a hotel and restaurant, and frequently hosts cultural events. At each corner is a tower with conical or pyramid roof. The chateau we see today is very different from the original edifice, having undergone various stylistic refinements in the 17th and 19th centuries. The tall north tower is very likely a 17th century addition and in the 19th century, the wall tops were given a more medieval look by means of impressive battlements and roofs. A Parc à la Française was created to celebrate its 500 years in existence.  Top Properties: Construction of this fortified castle in the southern Cévennes began in the 12th century. It carries a long and rich history and architecturally, many traditional medieval characteristics with battlements, towers and a chapel. The castle has Carolingian origins, when Emperor Charlemagne aspired to create architecture on a par with that of the Roman civilisation. It underwent transformations in later periods. The asking price is 2.25M€.   Other new options: Investors may be interested in purchasing a second floor furnished studio apartment in the historic centre of Montpellier. The dwelling is an ideal proposition for students, a one minute walk from the Place de la Comédie. The asking price is 55,000€.  +33 467 297 068 +33 626 581 415 Contact: 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 |