Six regions of southern France, each with its own light, landscape and way of life, and a local team that knows them house by house.
Provence
Say South of France and Provence is what most readily comes to mind. With typically southern summers and mild winters, this is the perfect escape from northern European weather. These warm seasons bring air loaded with the scent of maritime pines, lavender and wild herbs.
There is a wealth of luxurious property, both ancient and modern, set against a backdrop of hilltop villages, vineyards and countryside that inspired some of the most talented painters.
Aquitaine
If you want variety, Aquitaine is possibly the place for you. The largest region of France covers pretty much the whole of the south-west corner: Atlantic coastal towns and seemingly endless pine forests to the west, the stunning backdrop of the Pyrenees in the south, and vineyards, both wine and cognac, in the centre and north.
Lush pastures and farmland lie to the north-east, with the most stunning architecture, valleys and villages from the centre towards the east.
Languedoc-Roussillon
From Provence to the Pyrenees, the sun-baked Languedoc is home to wine, Roman history, Cathar castles and some rather fine beaches. The region produces around 30% of France’s wine, with some very agreeable rosés amongst them.
This western stretch of the Mediterranean features long sandy beaches, charming fishing ports and a sprinkling of flamingos.
Midi-Pyrénées
Stretching from the vibrant Toulouse area down to the Pyrenees and the Spanish border, this is one of the most varied regions, with a vast choice of property styles and surroundings.
The impressive rivers of the north and east, the mountain backdrop of the south and the open vistas of the Gers in the west: it really does have a little of everything.
Limousin
Stunningly green and beautiful, the Limousin is cattle country, made up of three departments: the Corrèze, the Creuse and the Haute-Vienne. West of the Massif Central, it offers some of the best year-round grazing, which makes it a magnet for equestrians.
Rolling hills, woodland and a low population density make for a truly rural lifestyle, yet with Limoges and Poitiers airports close at hand it is superbly accessible.
Poitou-Charentes
From the beaches of the Charente-Maritime through the Charente and Deux-Sèvres to the lush green of the Vienne, Poitou-Charentes has something for everyone.
Coastal towns with some of the highest number of sunshine days in France, cognac and goat’s cheese, and fine properties set in pretty, unspoilt countryside. The value for money has to be seen to be believed.