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Dear Readers, On the right bank of the Rhône opposite Avignon is Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, an attractive and interesting town, indelibly linked to the history of the popes in Avignon. Top properties are a village house near Villeneuve that has undergone an exemplary restoration, and an extensive farmhouse (12 bedroom) in 25 acres of grounds near Barjac. New off-plan options include a residence in Perpignan offering studio to 3 bedroom accommodation and in Montpellier, near the new rugby stadium, with studios and 1/2 bedroom apartments. The next newsletter, no. 52, will be in four weeks from now (August 7th). 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: Villeneuve-lez-Avignon Villeneuve is a very pleasant town, in some ways on a par with Uzès in terms of beauty, and yet different, more dispersed. On the right bank of the Rhône, it faces Avignon, the remaining arches of its well known bridge, reach toward it. The latter, now a broken link between the two towns, was during the papacy in Avignon, (1309-1378), the means for the upper realms of the clergy to reach Villeneuve. The town was the place of residence of the Popes, Cardinals and prelates of the Pontifical court who ordered the construction of fortified palaces, monasteries and churches.   The central town square is characteristically charming, and while each building has its idiosyncrasies, is largely uniform. Trees offer shade and bars and restaurants, refreshments. Look out for signs, some obvious like plaques, and some not so obvious, of ownership by the pontifical court of the 14th century - an unusually high and noble looking building for example. A total of fifteen sumptuous dwellings were built in Villeneuve for the cardinals. Abandoned when the popes returned to Rome, they have since been divided and undergone numerous alterations, but stand nonetheless as a huge landmark in the town. Near the Priory hotel (a 4* Relais & Chateau establishment under commercialisation currently - see here) is an arcaded passageway with fine some restaurants. The monastery known as La Chartreuse was founded in 1356 by Pope Innocent VI who entrusted the decoration of his private chapel to Matteo Giovanetti, the very same who created the frescos in the papal palace. The pope's mausoleum is in the church, now in a semi-dilapidated state. Three cloisters are surrounded by a nest of 40 cells, and gardens, making it the largest Carthusian monastery in France. The monastery is home today to the National Playwriting Centre, an organisation that develops projects based on writing for the performing arts and offers workshops and summer gatherings.  On the hillside at the western entry to the town, the Philippe Le Bel tower, an impressively proportioned keep is the only remaining part of the 13th century fortress ordered by the King of France to control access to his kingdom. The tower now stands alone, though traces of walls adjoined to it are all apparent. The tower holds exhibitions in its vaulted rooms. The houses built alongside form their own district of Villeneuve, offering to the viewer some very dignified buildings with arrays of mullioned windows, and the occasional doorway complete with pediment.  The Saint André fortress, also a symbol of the power of the king of France, and still very upright, consists of a fortified outer wall flanked by watch towers and a monumental gateway framed by twin round towers. From here, one dominates Villeneuve - numerous towers and turrets punctuate the skyline, some with seemingly unnecessary battlements, and of course Avignon. One also commands an extensive vista across the Rhône valley, the Mont Ventoux and the Alpilles. Commissioned in 1292 by Philippe le Bel to affirm royal power in the lands of the empire and of the Avignon popes, the fortress also provided protection for the Benedictine abbey.  More information on Avignon http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/article.php?id_art=06_05_01 The annual theatre festival in Avignon, the biggest of its kind in France takes place from the 6th to the 28th of July. For information on the main festival (the "in") in the Palais des Papes: http://www.festival-avignon.com/index.php?lg=fr … and the "off" festival: http://www.avignonfestivaletcompagnies.com/ Places of interest nearby The area is a dense concentration of interesting villages, towns, cities: Uzès 37 minutes, Nîmes 39 minutes, Pont du Gard 27 minutes, Arles 48 minutes, Orange 25 minutes, Vaison-la-Romaine 54 minutes, Salon de Provence 43 minutes, Malaucène (at the foot of the Mont Ventoux) 51 minutes.  Top Properties: Ref. 527: Beautiful home created in the former stables of a village chateau near Villeneuve-lez-Avignon Village house with patio and jacuzzi near Avignon. Previously stables and barns of what would have been the village chateau, the property has tremendous charm and character, offering the comfort and convenience of a house one can immediately move into, and requiring near to no maintenance ... Asking price: 550,000€. Further details can be found here.  Ref. 526: Vast farmhouse near Barjac Beautifully restored and appointed domain on the Gard / Ardeche border near Barjac. The house stands in a 25 acre park. The interior comprises in particular a large living room, a dining room, 14 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, terraces and numerous vaulted cellars ... Asking price: 1,378,000€. Further details can be found here.  Ref. 29 (Off Plan Property): Residence Oréades (Perpignan, Pyrénées Orientales) Residence Oréades is a new development in the city of Perpignan, in Catalan country beside the Spanish border. The Pyrenees, Mediterranean coastline with nearby Collioure, and the beautiful Corbières region come together here to provide a compelling lifestyle. Oréades is a four storey residence with a total of 71 dwellings, from studio to 3 bedroom ... Prices from 88,000€ to 183,000€. Further details can be found here.  Ref. 28 (Off Plan Property): Webb Ellis Park (Montpellier, Hérault) The Webb Ellis Park residence is set to the south-west of the historical city centre of Montpellier in the Ovalie district beside the Rugby ground that later this year will play host to a number of World Cup matches. The city centre and train station are a 3.5km drive and Montpellier airport (little more than a 10 minute drive) can be reached from UK airports. Beaches are 8km from the city centre ... Prices from 114,000€ to 250,000€. Further details can be found here.   +33 467 297 068 +33 626 581 415 Contact: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/message.php For all other information: http://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 also presents a wide selection of off plan properties throughout France. If you are thinking about a leaseback operation, traditional buy-to-let or an apartment or villa for personal usage, JPF can help. Regions where JPF is particularly present include Paris / Ile de France, Languedoc Roussillon, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur, Aquitaine and Brittany. Please browse options on the Off Plan Property Page. 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. 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. Finally, if you are looking 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: http://www.jamespropertiesfrance.com/newsletter.php |