FRANCE The Land of Diversity, “par excellence” ...
France is Western Europe's largest country, measuring a thousand kilometres from north to south and from east to west.
It has 21 very different geographical regions, each with its own distinctive character, landscape, history, traditions, activities and specialities. This diversity is what makes France such a unique country with an unrivalled variety of choices, catering for all individual tastes.
Capital: Strasbourg Population: circa 1,624,000 Density: 200 per sq. km Area: 8,280 sq. km (3,196 sq. miles)
Alsace is the smallest French region in terms of Area. Administratively it is made up of two departments: Haut-Rhin close to Switzerland, main towns are Colmar and Mulhouse, and just above Bas-Rhin with Strasbourg, Alsace's and Europe's capital. In 1979 The European Parliament held its first session in Strasbourg bringing Alsace into the heart of the new Europe. The region lies in the north east of France between the Rhine and the mountains of the Vosges, sharing borders with Germany and Switzerland. Alsace has at different times in history been a territory of both France and Germany and the influences of both countries are reflected in its language, architecture, customs and traditions.
Alsace has preserved and protected its fascinating natural heritage. Sitting between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine, Alsace is very scenic and largely unspoiled with many picturesque villages. It has the greatest number of feudal castles in Europe, a sign of its tumultuous history. Traces of more than 400 of them have been discovered mostly in ruins, and one hundred are relatively intact.
Important cities Strasbourg is the seat of the European Parliament, the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe and therefore both the regional and European capital. It is a busy cosmopolitan city of great beauty with an old quarter of half timbered mediaeval houses lining narrow streets, squares with handsome 18th century buildings and many parks and gardens. Dominating the city is the great Romanesque/Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame, which ranks as one of the finest achievements of mediaeval art and architecture. Mulhouse is an old university town, the second largest in Alsace and has many museums, including one that houses a vast collection of vintage cars. It is known for its unique textiles with distinctive oriental designs. Colmar lies near the southern valleys of the Vosges and is the wine capital of the region. The old town has somehow survived and preserved its essence and charm and is worth visiting.
The warm-hearted Alsatians with their living traditions and skilled craftwork inhabit a corner of France where the good life is a byword.
Food and wine The great variety of regional dishes have evolved partly from an abundance of local produce and partly from traditional dishes brought from Poland, Germany, Russia and Austria, which have influenced Alsatian cooking. Creamy onion tarts, generous meat pies, snails with garlic parsley butter or pureed lentils, foie gras, slices of fresh goose liver studded with truffles or sometimes wrapped in pastry, patès and terrines. Excellent fresh water fish stews. Trout, perch and pike in simple wine based sauces. Strips of carp, deep-fried and served in a great mound with lemon. Steaming plates of choucroute (pickled cabbage) and sausages. Schiffala, smoked shoulder of pork. Casseroles, chicken cooked slowly in wine and cream or pheasant, with bacon, pepperoni and juniper berries. The region is famous for its cakes and pastries. Rich apple and plum tarts and cheesecakes. Kougelhopf is a moulded yeast cake with almonds and sultanas. Birewecke is a fruit bread bulging with dried pears, apples, plums, figs, raisins, almonds and walnuts which have been marinated in kirsch, then eaten a week after it has been baked. Munster is a strong, rich, creamy textured cheese which, at the right stage of ripeness, is one of the great cheeses of France. Fresh soft cheese, mixed with horseradish or herbs, is very local.
It is said that the Romans planted the first vines here. The wine route runs through the foothills of the Vosges from Marlenheim to Thann through a series of small towns and villages huddling in the midst of endless fields of vines. Alsace produces many excellent beers as well and a range of light, clear, scented and very powerful fruit brandies. White wine (Sylvaner, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Noir).
Activities Large areas of the Vosges are protected nature reserves with dense forest, high alpine meadows, peat bogs, rare plants and wildlife and scattered farms and villages. Good hiking and cycling country from spring until late autumn. Numerous canals and rivers which offer canoeing, boat hire and good fishing. There are several golf courses throughout the region, many with a minimum handicap of 30-35. Paragliding, hang-gliding and several flying clubs. Fairs and markets throughout the year. Many jazz, classical and folk music festivals. Carnivals and flower festivals. Several theme parks. In winter there is good downhill skiing as well, with tuition available. Numerous resorts, with several that provide night skiing.&
Situated in the heart of France, Auvergne is the land of wide-open spaces. It lies in the middle of the Massif Central, a mountain range with a chain of long extinct volcanos, or 'puy'. There are more than 80 former volcanic cones, from Puy de Dome in the north, through the Monts Dore and the vast volcanic hills of the Monts du Cantal, to the basalt slopes of the Monts d'Aubrac in the south. Nature-lovers are also attracted to Auvergne for its numerous natural springs and thermal sites. In addition to these natural riches, Auvergne is also endowed with a very rich historical heritage. The region is dotted over 500 Roman Churches, almost 50 castles and numerous fortified villages and antique forts.
The university town of Clermont-Ferrand is the regional capital and a gateway between the north and south of the country.
La “Potée Auvergnate” is a hearty stew made with loin of pork, bacon, locally made sausages, cabbage and potatoes. Pork with green lentils is another. Le Puy lentils have been awarded an appellation d'origine, as a mark of quality. 'Aligot' from southern Auvergne, is a rich puree made with Cantal cheese, butter and mashed potato. There are many cheeses: St-Nectaire, Salers, Bleu d'Auvergne, Fourme d'Amber, the Cantal, etc... Fougasse, is a brioche flavoured with brandy or orange flower water and filled with crystallised fruit. The wines of Saint-Pourcain are the best known of the Auvergne wines, as are the mineral waters of Volvic, Saint-Yorre and Vichy.
From spring until late autumn, there are numerous flea markets where you can trawl through piles of bric-a-brac and country fetes, which are held to celebrate the harvest and the movement of the herds to their mountain pastures, with street theatre, folk dancing and markets which sell local hams and honey, lace and clogs. Famous are the agricultural fairs of Brion, Jaligny or Allanche.
Good golf courses throughout the region. It is outstanding riding, hiking and mountain climbing country and there are lakes where you can swim, sail and wind-surf , others that are good for fishing, bait, fly or spinning and white water rafting and kayaking through the gorges of the Allier and Sioule rivers, accompanied by experienced instructors. Paragliding and ballooning over the puy.
Usually long warm summers with temperatures often reaching 30 degrees punctuated by short sharp thunderstorms. The uplands are cooler and at altitudes of over 1000m, snow frequently lies until May.
Capital: Orleans Population: 2,449,000 (4,1% of French population) Area: 39,536 sq. km (15,264 sq. miles) representing 7,2% of France Economy: Services (66,7%), industry (28,3%), agriculture (4,9%)
Pays de la Loire is a welcoming region with rich and varied landscapes and architecture. The Loire Valley lies to the South West of Paris and makes up the "Centre" region of France. The Loire, France's longest river (1,020 km) runs from the Massif Central to the Atlantic coast, and provides what many regard as a north-south climatic divide.
The region was once France's royal and intellectual capital, and is extremely rich in both history and architecture. Picturesque villages alternate with towns rich in art and history, while Romanesque and Gothic styles dominate in the façades and decoration of the religious monuments. The Loire Valley has seven sites listed on Unesco World Heritage: Saint-Etienne Cathedral (Bourges), Chartres cathedral and the Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes. The Kings of France chose the Loire Valley to build their Chateaux because of its beauty and good hunting in the forests. Their Chateaux were nestled in the forests surrounded by splendid gardens that bordered the winding Loire river and her tributaries, the Cher, Indrois and Indre. The Royal Residence of Chambord symbolizes the success of Renaissance architecture and the political power of King François I. Other famous Châteaux include Chenonceaux and Villandry, both known for their splendid gardens, and Azay-le-Rideau, recognized by its fairytale turrets.
Along with its architectural treasures and history, the Loire valley is rich and fertile farming country, crissed crossed with tributaries from the river, forested and famous also for its food and wine.
Specialities: Tarte Tatin (caramelised apple), AOC goat cheeses, (Crottin-de-Chavignol, Valençay...), fish of the Loire river and famous wines such as Sancerre, Chinon, Muscadet, Rosé d’Anjou, Vouvray and Saumur.
Generally warm and showery in spring, with temperatures often reaching 30 plus degrees through the summer and often, a warm late autumn.
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Champagne
Champagne
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Corse
In the heart of the Mediterranean, the "island of beauty" offers a start primitive beauty with superb beaches and picturesque hillside villages.
The island of Corsica is 160km from France and 80km from Italy. Corsica is the third largest island in the western Mediterranean. Its coastline extends to over 600 miles and it rises to nearly 9,000 feet - the highest island in the Mediterranean. A mountain in the sea Corsica has rugged scenery which includes alpine peaks, snow-capped until late spring, deep gorges, rushing torrents, lofty pine forests, glacial mountain lakes and high mountain pastures and valleys - many inaccessible except by foot or horseback
Even though French is the official language, Corsica is quite different from mainland France in its geography, people, culture and customs. Corsica has preserved a singular identity and a language of its own, the Corsican, spoken everywhere, particularly in the villages.
Geologically, Corsica is part of the continental alpine system and is broadly divided into two parts: the dividing line between these two main parts runs roughly from St. Florent in the north, southwards to Corte, then southeast to Solenzara and the eastern coast. From these two large natural areas, the island divides further into natural regions, each distinctly different from its neighbour.
The Corsican people are traditionally mountain dwelling rather than sea dwelling people and their food therefore tends to be meat rather than fish. Corsica is renowned for its charcuterie, (smoked sausage and ham made from wild boar). Other traditional foods include Corsican soup with beans, meat and vegetables, small brown trout from the mountain rivers; beans and lentils and pulenta - a chestnut flour porridge. Most cheeses are made from sheep's milk (Brocciu). Wine is produced throughout the island, the better known is from Patrimonio, Cap Corse, and the Sartenais in the southwest. Most famous is Corsican Muscat drunk as an aperitif.
The seas are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, sailing and windsurfing. There is also an intricate network of ancient footpaths and mule paths, criss-crossing the whole island linking valley with valley, region with region. Horse riding is popular on the old mule trails as are canoeing and fishing on the rivers and streams.
From sea level to about 1500 feet, the climate and vegetation is typically Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild winters. Between 1,500 and 4,500 feet, the climate is similar but a little cooler the higher one goes. Above 4,500 feet, an alpine climate prevails, the sun is hot in summer, but the nights are cool, and in winter there is snow from September to May with skiing possible in many places. The island has an average of greater than 2700 hours of sunshine per year and the average sea temperature in the summer is 24 °C.
Capital: Montpellier Population: 2,314,000 (7,7% of French population) Density: 85,2 per sq. km (France = 108,2 per sq. km) Area: 27,761sq. km (10,718 sq. miles) representing 5,1% of France
Languedoc Roussillon, a charming region situated in the South of France, is a natural amphitheatre facing the Mediterranean, made up of three natural terraces formed by the mountains, the Causses and the plains, that slope down towards the sea. The region is a mixture of mountains, beaches and lakes, with medieval towns and castles nestling in the surrounding hills. Stretching from the Pyrenees on the Spanish border to the western edge of Provence, there is about 125 miles of golden Mediterranean beaches.
Languedoc-Rousillon is a land where traditions are part of everyday life. Ancient crafts still thrive in the beautiful region known as the Camargue. In Sète and Palavas you can watch teams of fishermen jousting with each other from their boats in water tournaments. In the ancient fishing ports, from Grau-du-Roi to the Côte Vermeille, the pace of life has barely changed for centuries. Regattas, cruises, fishing contests and wind surfing events draw the crowds to lively modern resorts such as Port-Camargue,Europe’s premier sailing resort; la Grande-Motte, with its bold architecture; Cap d’Agde, Gruissan, Port-Leucate, Port-Barcarès and Saint-Cyprien. To the south, the pine-clad slopes of the Massif de la Clape rise above the resorts of Gruissan and Leucate.
Great painters like Matisse and Picasso once found inspiration in the beauty and light of ports such as Collioure, Banyuls, Port-Vendres and Cerbère
With the hinterland still intact and a protected coastline, Languedoc-Rousillon surprises us by the wealth of its culture and its history, with its five structures listed on the UNESCO world heritage list: the roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, the Canal du Midi, the medieval city of Carcassonne (the biggest in Europe), the abbeys of St Guilhem le Désert and St Gilles du Gard, on the footsteps of St Jacques de Compostelle.
Roman, Arab and Celt influences have helped Languedoc-Roussillon become a melting pot for Mediterranean cultures and civilisations.
With top quality courses, year-round sunshine and a 12-month golfing season, Languedoc-Roussillon is fast becoming one of the most popular golfing destinations in Europe.
Languedoc-Roussillon is renowned for the diversity of its agricultural produce and boasts a delicious and authentic cuisine. Based on olive oil, garlic and basil, this cuisine is typically flavoured with herbs of the Provencal garrigue such as thyme, bay or rosemary. Specialities: Cassoulet, ‘Brandade de Nîmes’, the ‘petits pâtés’ of Pézénas, , mushrooms (Cèpes and giroles), ‘Bourride de Sète’, stuffed squids, anchovies, cherries, apricots and peaches. Sweet wine from Banyuls. Sparkling wine.
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Limousin
Departments in this region Creuse (23) - Haute Vienne (87) - Correze (19)
The Limousin region borders the Dordogne to the south west and the Loire Valley to the north. It takes its name from the capital Limoges, which is known for its exquisite enamel and porcelain. It is also a source of inspiration for numerous artists, painters, authors, and poets. Renoir began his artistic career in Limoges as a porcelain painter (many of his pieces are exposed at the museum in the Bishop's Palace).
Still relatively unknown, Limousin has preserved much of its natural beauty : many hills, river valleys and lakes, high plateaux and forest, great feudal fortresses, Renaissance chateaux and mediaeval towns and villages. The Corrèze, in the southern half of the county, is great riding country and there are many equestrian farms where it is possible to hire horses and which cater for families, children, novices and experienced riders. The National Stud and racecourse at Arnac-Pompadour are worth a visit as are the gardens of the chateau, given as a gift by Louis XV to his mistress, Madame de Pompadour.
Important cities The city Limoges lies in hilly country on the River Vienne, dominated by a great Gothic cathedral. It is a pleasant prosperous town with many parks and gardens, the “Quartier de la Boucherie” is the old quarter with narrow mediaeval streets and houses.
Aubusson, in the beautiful Creuse valley, has been famous as the centre for weaving fine tapestries and carpets since the 15th century. You can visit the workshops and see a collection at the museum. The valley was a source of inspiration for many painters including Claude Monet, who worked at Fresselines where the River Creuse flows through wild gorges.
Food and wine Limousin is renowned for its clafoutis (a regional form of cherry pie), beef. Excellent organic beef and lamb, hams, duck and goose, from which patés and fois gras are made. A variety of fresh water fish dishes. A very good potato pie made with smoked ham and herbs and galettes, pancakes made without eggs or milk, fermented and eaten mostly as an accompaniment and to mop up juices, or drenched in honey with a dish of summer fruits marinated in a raspberry liqueur. Chestnuts and mushrooms, cèpe, truffles, morilles, gathered in the forests with the nuts are used in numerous dishes. The Corrèze is a great fruit growing area and blueberries, strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries and blackcurrant are used to make liqueurs, jams, tarts and pastries. Small vineyards in Branceilles and Mégénie produce a good country wine. Beer has been seriously produced in Limousin for more than a hundred years. Fine chocolates and violet mustard from Brive.
Activities Numerous rivers and a number of lakes, unpolluted and uncrowded, provide excellent fishing. Swimming, sailing, canoeing and water-skiing. Good walking, hiking, cycling country. Several golf courses throughout the region. Fairs and markets in most towns and villages on various days of the week and there are festivals of different kinds throughout the year.
The Midi-Pyrénées is situated in the heart of South West France, bordered by Aquitaine and the Atlantic to the west and the Pyrenees and the Spanish border to the south. It stretches as far north as the mountains of the Auvergne and east to the neighbouring region of Languedoc-Roussillon. The region is vast and therefore extremely varied. To the west, the landscape is undulating with fields of yellow sunflowers in spring and early summer. Further to the east lie deep gorges carved out millions of years ago, hilltop castles and picturesque walled villages known locally as bastide villages. Toulouse is both the regional capital and the centre of the aerospace industry in France. It is a lively, southern, cosmopolitan city, rich in art and architecture with a fine old quarter and an ancient university. Albi lies above the Tarn Valley, dominated by its great red brick cathedral. It is the birthplace of the painter Toulouse-Lautrec and the museum there houses many of his works. About 24 km North-West of Albi is Cordes, a walled mediaeval town with 13th and 14th century Gothic buildings where many artists have settled there.
The food of the Midi is hearty and generous and makes full use of the great variety of local produce farmed and grown here. Good soups, particularly in the north, and garlic, walnut oil, truffles, wild mushrooms and chestnuts and an abundance of vegetables form the basis of many dishes together with goose, duck and chicken fed on maize and corn, and lamb roasts and casseroles. Further south, the cooking of Gascony is based on goose fat or oil flavoured with garlic, shallots, and spices. Goose and duck farms produce foie gras and confits.
There are a variety of blue cheeses, Pyrenean mountain cheeses made from goat, ewe and cows' milk, and cabacou, a small soft cheese made from a mixture of the three.
The Midi Pyrenees is a good cycling country with many cycle hire places in larger towns and cities. The Pyrenees are also ideal for mountain biking and walking. There are white water rafting and rock-climbing centres.
There are markets in most towns and villages on different days of the week.
The Midi Pyrenees is one of the sunniest regions of France with over 2000 hours of sunshine per year. Between April and June the average temperatures are between 16 and 24C. In July and August with temperatures averaging between 26 & 28C. Autumn often enjoys the warmth of an Indian summer with temperatures between 21 and 25C. October’s temperatures average between 16 and 19C. In the winter months there is plenty of skiing to be found in the Pyrenees.
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Paca
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
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Pas de Calais
Pas de Calais
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Picardie
Picardie
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Rhône
Rhône-Alpes
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Newsflash
When the english buy in france The purchase of a secondary home by foreign nationals is an increasingly common procedure in Notarial practice. However, property purchases by the British have certain peculiarities
