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Dear Readers, We opt for another double theme in this week's newsletter, looking at both one of the highlights of the city of Nimes, and indeed of the Gard, and throwing a little light on the growing interest in wood houses, with their numerous environmental benefits. There are a few remaining options in residences nearing completion on the outskirts of the cities of Nimes and Meze - we detail herein. 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 - Jardins de la Fontaine - Nimes (Gard) At the heart of the Roman city, the "Jardins de la Fontaine" is justifiably given the title of one of the most remarkable gardens of France by the French culture ministry. It is one of the first European parks, construction dating to 1745 under the reign of Louis XV and foundations to Roman antiquity. By no coincidence, on the site are two impressive Roman constructions; at the bottom of the gardens, the so-called "Temple de Diane", the exact function of which remains elusive to experts, but which exhibits some beautiful architecture, and at the top, the "Tour Magne", a very early construction in Nimes, and which is widely visited as it offers a generous panorama of the city and countryside beyond.  The park, at the bottom, is a series of flat paths and waterways, and as it rides up onto the hill, offers the visitor a seemingly endless number of pathways, always well kept, ponds and a rich selection of plants and trees. One can find an impressive selection of cactii beside the Temple de Diane, of which perhaps the most unusual to the western eye is the "cactus cierge", named as such as it resembles a used candle with wax down it. Among the many other varieties of plants in the park are the Ginkgo biloba, Lebanon cedar and Sterculia, also known as the 'handkerchief tree', given the scale of its leaves, used at times by passers by with colds. Visits are organised relatively frequently by the city tourist office.   II - European wood habitat fair The "Salon Européen du Bois et de l'Habitat" took place in Grenoble in April this year uniting 300 exhibitors, with a clear emphasis in this year's edition on: - creating durable habitats in wood; - on "bio-climatic" construction – i.e. where a maximum benefit is gained from solar radiation and the circulation of air for heating / cooling; - and so-called "passive houses" which consume 80 to 90% less energy for heating that traditional construction techniques besides offering comfortable interior temperatures in both summer and winter. The fair offers life-sized presentations of houses, conferences, exhibitions by architects of projects taken from the drawing board to construction and ample opportunity to gather information. Also part of the proceedings for the third time was a series of prizes. The work of architects at drawing board level, or the final product is judged in varied categories - different sized houses, extensions and so on. The fair illustrates the breadth of interest in this type of construction amongst buyers of course, and naturally among architecture cabinets, keen to promote new construction techniques, and the inherent flexibility of the material.  The
winner of the private home category of less than 120m² interior surface
area. A three room home
designed for construction on a high gradient (>25%). Construction costs amounted to 90,000€. Web site: http://www.salondubois.com/ Off-Plan: Remaining options in Nimes and Meze: Residence Boticelli - Nimes The developer promised a compelling design; construction is nearing the end and the residence is looking very promising. Backed up against a typically Mediterranean landscape at the edge of the city, Boticelli offers a quiet residential environment. There are four remaining options, priced from 194,000 - 196,175€, each with two bedrooms, a garage and terrace. Property reference: 4 (Off plan property) For more information, click here.   Residence "Les Hauts de l'Embatut" - Mèze (Hérault) Situated on the outskirts of the port of Mèze, on the Thau lagoon, the first phase of this contemporary design is due for delivery at the end of the month, the second phase in September. Work is under way on landscaping and interior detailing. Four studio apartments are for sale, priced from 107,500€ to 121,500€. Property reference: 1 (Off plan property) For more information, 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 |