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Dear Readers, In this week's newsletter, we go in search of the source of the Vidourle, a river that crosses the Gard and Herault from the southern Cevennes, and famous for its spates. We also take a brief look at recent findings in the Rhône river at Arles. Before that though, we quote the experts on how they think exchange rates are to evolve in the medium term. Top properties are a villa with a 1.5 acre garden, a pleasantly contemporary stone village house, and a genuine piece of Cevenol heritage - a farmhouse directly overlooking the Gardon river. 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: I - A little insight into coming exchange rate fluctuations (GBP vs Euro) The Foremost Currency Group indicate in their latest market report regarding the pound / euro exchange rate, "... outlook for the short and medium term is that the Pound will loose further ground as it fails to strengthen, and the euro will steadily strengthen itself." This is in view of the European Central Bank's apparent capacity to control inflation compared with that of the Bank of England. They indicate that "the outcome could see Inter Bank levels below 1.23 and trading as low as the late teens. All those with large balances to be transferring to the Euro zone this summer, for business or property should strongly consider a Forward contract to protect themselves from further losses." For more information, contact Richard Beaumont at the Foremost Currency Group (+44 1442 892 060) II - Caesar in the Rhône A dream for an archeologist: just metres below the surface of the water, the marble sculpture of Julius Caesar, made whilst he was still alive, has been fished from the Rhône river. The life-sized find was made at Arles, a city of the Camargue, founded in 46BC. The sculpture gives Caesar a very real life portrayal with the visible loss of some of his hair and wrinkles and hollows. The theory has been advanced by experts that the head may have been disposed of following his assassination. This is the most spectacular of the various discoveries made during an archeological excursion by divers last autumn, and for which the fruits have been recently revealed to the media. Other findings - a 5.9 foot marble Neptune, Corinthian capitals, a legionaire's helmet, a bronze broadsword - have also been unearthed. All will be exhibited from 2009 in the archeological museum in Arles. Further "digs" are planned on local shipwrecks.  III - In search of the source of the Vidourle This weekend I went looking for the source of the river that crosses the Gard and Herault, and is known for its tantrums during periods of heavy rain. Why? Because a short hike in the area is always pleasant, but also because better knowledge of the large pools alongs its path - in French "marmites" - could come in useful for a summer dip in an outstanding setting. The source of the river is a little beyond the village of Cros, north of St. Hippolyte-du-Fort, and specifically in the commune of Saint-Roman-de-Codières at an altitude of 630 metres. While roadmaps of the area indicate two branches at the beginning of the Vidourle, the well established source in the minds of the locals - perhaps due to the relative volume of water - is the southernmost branch. A lane meanders upward into the hills enabling good access by car (D169, taking left branch after Cros). On reaching a fork with, on your right a hairpin bend, take the left branch past a series of houses until reaching a single hairpin, from which, to the left, departs a trail. Park here and follow the track down, then upwards into the hills, following, as far as possible the sound of running water. My findings were inconclusive - the day chosen for the excursion was a rainy one, meaning that potential sources were multiplied, despite there being a distinct main flow, albeit ebbing on nearing the top. It is evident that the path was not travelled by many, thorny plants hinder the passage of walkers and near the top, it is necessary to straddle the water with a leap and bound and climb steeply. My curiosity was nevertheless satisfied - several 'marmites' found and majestic views along the way.   Those curious to learn a little more about this river might wish to click here to read a JPF article. Top Properties: Villa on 1.5 acres of land (Gard) Villa in one and a half acres of landscaped grounds - of which part are buildable - with beautiful views. The property offers a surface area of 153m², with living and dining rooms, a fitted kitchen, a laundry room, three bedrooms, bath and shower rooms, a cellar and two large garages. A semi-roofed terrace gives a pleasant transition from in- to out-doors. The swimming pool measures 10 by 5 metres and has a pool house. The grounds have a rich variety of Mediterranean plants. Buyers have the option of also purchasing an olive grove of 7500m². Property reference: 579 Asking price: 485,000€ For more photographs, click here.   Village house near St. Hippolyte-du-Fort (Gard) Competently restored village house offering a compelling blend of traditional and contemporary. The property offers an interior surface area of 140m² and exterior space in the form of a small garden, patio and raised terrace with open views. Inside, there is a large living room with high ceiling, kitchen, four bedrooms, bath and shower rooms. A ground floor workshop (40m²) provides appreciable additional space. Floors are in terracotta and there is ample exposed stonework. Large windows make for a very bright interior. The property is situated in a village 45 minutes from Nîmes and Montpellier. Property reference: 578 Asking price: 196,000€ For more photographs, click here.   Farmhouse with direct access to Gardon river (Gard) Spacious 18th century farmhouse standing in 25 acres of land with a spring overlooking and with immediate access to the Gardon river. The property has a total internal surface area of 470m². The main dwelling offers living and dining rooms with fireplaces, a large kitchen, four bedrooms and mezzanine areas. The are a number of vaulted rooms and outbuildings along with a workshop. Exposed timber- and stone-work give character to the building. The area is one of great natural beauty near the south-eastern limit of the Cevennes. Property reference: 577 Asking price: 576,000€ For more photographs, click 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 |