|
Dear Readers, In the south of France, one is never far from evidence of former civilisations, the Romans being the most obvious. One of our recent newsletters focused on the archeological museum in Mèze, erected on the site of a Gallo Roman villa. In this newsletter, we take you briefly to Lattes on the outskirts of Montpellier, where the local museum is exhibiting fascinating artefacts unearthed in the Tunisian settlement of Oudhna, now little more than a farming zone, but once a thriving Roman city. Top properties this week are a villa in the Cevennes and a new residence in Carquieranne (Provence), overlooking the Mediterranean coastline. 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: Exhibition at Archeological Museum in Lattes (beside Montpellier) The archeological museum in Lattes near Montpellier is currently exhibiting Roman artefacts from digs in the Tunisian town of Oudhna, 20 miles south of the capital. Having participated in digs on site in 2004, the museum has the privilege of holding the exhibition before it moves to a permanent setting in Tunisia. Formed by the 13th legion of veteran soldiers sent by Emporer Augustus between 29 and 27 BC, the city, once called "Uthina" was to become one of the largest Roman settlements in Africa, after nearby Carthage.  Among the 129 objects exhibited are beautiful statues, capitals, vases and oil lamps. Also on show are archives of the first findings made between 1892 and 1896, for which there are a series of photographs. These in particular give evidence of the scope of the aqueducts that fed the baths and huge storage tanks of the city. The Roman mastery of water is never to be underestimated. No less than 8,500m² were devoted to the large and sumptously decorated public baths - a place for bathing, but also for intellectual and sporting activity. After a long hiatus, new archeological digs and restoration began in 1993. Staff at the museum in Lattes were involved in 2004.  Other Roman news: From March 14th, the tourist office in Nîmes will be running guided tours of the restoration of the Maison Carrée, work begun in October 2007. The Roman temple at the heart of the city is undergoing a thorough clean with latest techniques and technology, stone transplants and renderings. The work is presented to the public by the craftsmen on site and the designated architect of cultural sites in Nîmes. Visits will be run on the following days at 4pm: 14th and 28th March, 11th and 25th April, 16th and 30th May. Reservations: 04 66 76 74 49  A mosaic of Dionysos unearthed during roadwork on Boulevard Jean Jaures in Nîmes in 2007 and restored before the public is being exhibited in the Jesuit chapel in Nîmes till March 30th. It is the larger of two mosaics found. Commentary will be provided during free tours by experts on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3pm and on Sundays at 10.30am and 2pm. Reservations: 04 66 76 74 80 - -
Top Property: Villa in Cévennes (Gard) Very competently built villa near Lasalle in the southern Cévennes and offering an interior surface area of 130m². The property stands in enclosed grounds of 5500m² with numerous trees and views across the Cevennes. On the ground floor of the house comprises an open plan living room and kitchen with fireplace. There are three bedrooms, of which at ground level, and a spacious mezzanine area. Exposed timberwork, stonework around windows and doorways, and aged roof tiles give this very comfortable house certain character. Oil fired central heating is fitted, along with double glazing. The garden has an automated sprinkler system. A small outbuilding stands on the grounds. Shops and amenities are five minutes away. Property ref. : 568 Asking price: 368,000€ For more pictures and information, please click here.  Top Property: La Palmeraie de Saona (Carqueiranne, Var) An exceptional opportunity to buy an apartment in a three storey residence overlooking the Provençal coastline. Set in Carqueiranne, a picturesque bathing resort situated between Hyères and Le Pradet and near the popular Giens peninsula, the residence will offer well proportioned terraces to fully appreciate the sumptuous panorama. Hills border the town to the west and east and give it a micro-climate. From nearby Toulon, one can take a ferry to Corsica. Property ref. : 47 (Off plan for traditional Buy-to-Let / no letting commitment) Examples of prices: - 285,000€ for an easterly oriented 1/2 bed apartment (49.1m² habitable surface area and 9.5m² terrace) - 310,000€ for a south and easterly oriented 2 bed apartment (45.45m² habitable surface area and 31.45m² terrace) - 347,500€ for a westerly oriented 2 bed apartment (64m² habitable surface area and 63m² terrace) - 540,000€ for a south and westerly oriented 3 bed apartment (78.5m² habitable surface area and 156m² terrace) Further information is available on request.     +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 |