Situated in the South-West of France, Bordeaux is the capital of the Aquitaine region and with a population of over 500,000 it is the sixth largest city in France.

It is also one of Frances most architecturally splendid cities and is home to one of Europes largest 18th century metropolitan areas. Indeed the old part of the town is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

It is also a city well known for its shopping and the Rue Sainte-Catherine, a 1.2 km pedestrian avenue lined with some of the citys most exclusive shops, is classed as Europes longest shopping street.

One cannot talk about Bordeaux however, without mentioning the wine that bears its name. Curiously it is the English who helped to establish the region as a wine producing area, and it was during their stewardship of the city, between 1154 and 1453, that the distinctive taste of Claret was developed to suit their palate.

The rest, of course, is history and the region remains one of the worlds foremost producers of wine. The statistics are truly impressive and the region around the city boasts 117,000 hectares of vineyards, 9,000 wine-producing chateaus, 13,000 grape growers, and the production of 700 million bottles of wine a year.

Aside from the joys of wine tasting there is also plenty to do in the region around Bordeaux. The city is extremely close to the Atlantic and the town of Arcachon, not only provides the city with its closest beach, but the whole of Europe with its largest stretch of sand. The beaches of Aquitaine are also regarded as the home to the best surf in Europe.

All of these factors contribute to making Bordeaux a wonderful city to live in and it is unsurprising to learn that there has been a long tradition of property investment in Bordeaux. As a result Bordeaux property prices have risen sharply in relation to other French cities; and in 2005 prices rose by 15% as opposed to 6% in Paris.

Bordeaux properties have been particular popular with British buyers who have tended to buy in the Bordeaux suburbs. This has naturally led to an increase in prices for suburban properties and amongst properties in the region surrounding Bordeaux. Particular popular is the mediaeval village of St Emilion which is located 35km to the north-east of Bordeaux.

Those looking for more affordable Bordeaux property for sale should consider investing in city-centre locations. To date the city centre has mostly been occupied by the French who have tended to live and work centrally. This is an ideal location not only for those who enjoy the buzz of city living, but also for those looking to invest in the low-maintenance long-term rental market.

Although city-centre properties in Bordeaux have not experienced the same increase in prices as their sub-urban counterparts, this is likely to change as President Sarkozy encourages the French people to invest in their own property rather than continuing to rent.

Although there has been a recent stagnation in the French property market as a whole, the signs are that prices in Bordeaux will continue to rise as transport links, from all around Europe, continue to improve. This is a great time to invest in Bordeaux properties.

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The Languedoc-Roussillon region is located in the south of France and is known as the largest wine region in the whole world. There are more than 700,000 acres of land devoted to growing grapes, and the area is responsible for a third of the total wine production of the whole of France. In a wider context, the regions total output is significantly more than the total wine production of the entire United States.

If you are looking for a property for sale in South West France with a view to establish a vineyard, then you would be well advised to focus your search southward to Languedoc.

The Oldest Vineyards in France

The Languedoc-Roussillon region actually has the oldest vineyards in France. According to the history of the province, the first vineyards were planted by the Greeks, who came to live in the area during the fifth century, B.C. Wines coming from Languedoc became prized in the centuries to come, and in the 14th century, wines from Languedoc-Roussillon were praised for their healing and restorative properties.

Wide varieties of grapes are grown for distilling wines in the Languedoc-Roussillon province. They range from the traditional and obscure grape varieties such as Aubun and Carignan, to the more internationally recognised varieties like Merlot, Grenache, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier.

The reason why grapes for wines grow successfully in Languedoc-Roussillon is due primarily the Mediterranean climate of the region. The climate is extremely conducive for producing grapes en masse. The rich quality of soils in the region, varying from limestone to alluvial, also contributes to its suitablity.

The Industrial Age saw a decline in the quality of Languedoc wines. The vignerons of Languedoc began to focus on mass-producing their wine, coming up with a cheap variety of red wine that became known as le gros rouge. However, recent shifts in policies in the European Union as well as in Frances own Appellation dOrigine Cntrolle (AOC) have forced Languedoc vignerons to focus once more on quality rather than quantity.

Buying Property in South West France for Wine Making

If you are looking into buying a property for sale in south west France in order to start your own vineyard, you would not go far wrong in going south and making your purchase at Languedoc for this is, without a doubt, the best wine country in the world.

But there is more to running a vineyard beyond buying property. South west France may be extremely conducive for wine production, but being in the wine production business demands a great deal of hard work. You should have a clear idea of what you are getting into before you begin your search for property for sale in South West France.

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The property in France is easy to access, with many ways to reach the shores. In most cases, you can get there easily for a very cheap price. As many know, France is famous for their transport system, which includes high speed trains that travel to most of the regions. There are also ferries that cover the area, including low cost flights as well. Once you buy a home in France, you’ll quickly become accustomed to the lifestyle there.

A lot of people who decide to buy a home in France, do so because of the surroundings. Buying a home in France is more than just the house, as you’ll get a chance to experience the finer things in life. France has several romantic attractions, which makes it perfect for married couples looking to spend their life together. Throw in some great drinks and relaxation, and France has all of your activities covered – along with a beautiful and spectacular house.

Unlike other regions throughout the world, France has one of the most established legal processes, one that has been proven time and time again over the years. Locals view the legal system as safe, as it helps for those who are interested in French property. As you can tell, French real estate is very different from that of the United States.

Although there are many locations overseas that you can invest in, France is actually preferred to be one of the best. France is known as a nation of renters, with plenty of real estate available for purchase. If you choose to rent out your property, buying in France will pretty much mean that you won’t have any problems renting. There are always people looking for vacation rentals and such in the area, making it perfect for investors or those looking for a second income.

Unlike other real estate locations, France offers you mountain snow complete with maritime living. France is a massive region, with plenty of houses to choose from. If you’ve been looking for overseas real estate, France is a location you can’t go wrong with. There is always something to do here, and plenty of things to see. As a second home or as a way of life – France represents an amazing and cultivating lifestyle that you simply must see to believe.

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