Couleurs de France Ltd.
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Published in French News in March 2005
Easy Does It
The picturesque villages of the Minervois, hidden among the vines, are quiet and relaxed places to live and unwind. They are also near the Canal du Midi, Carcassonne and the Mediterranean coast.
The attractions and warm, dry climate mean that guest houses and gîtes tend to work well here and rooms can usually be let from Easter to the start of October. One of our partners has a working guest house 275m2 with 2 bedrooms with bathrooms, 2 bedrooms with shower rooms, an independent apartment, a large convertible attic and outbuildings for 492 000€.
One of the most picturesque villages is Somail, beside the Canal du Midi and only 10km from Narbonne. Brightly coloured barges moor beside the seventeenth century hump-back bridge. The village of Rieux Minervois is known for its unique twelfth century seven-sided church and just up the road Caunes Minervis has quarries which produce some distinctive red-stained marble.
One of the most important wine-villages is La Livinière, the centre of the AOC Le Minervois La Lavinière. There are signs to châteaux everywhere. North of here is the ancient gorge-side village of Minerve.
The biggest village in these parts is Olonzac (population about 1500), a relatively lively place with a weekly market and a handful of restaurants. The favourite pass time is sitting under the plane trees with a drink. One of the agencies we work with has a village house for sale with three bedrooms and barn in need of renovation for €49 500.
House prices have risen significantly in the past 5 – 10 years but have now stabilised and at a level which remains reasonable compared to other parts of France. You can still find your place in the sun without breaking the bank.
Linda Rano, Couleurs de France
Property agents Couleurs de France offer property search in the SW, support for buyers and courses on how to buy property in France.
Tel. 05 61 09 54 39
www.couleurs-de-france.com