lot-et-garonne

AS estate agents we're often asked for our opinions and advice on not just buying french property but a host of other topics that interest people about the lifestyle in France. Of couse, a favourite topic of discussion is wine.In this part of the country, the south of the Dordogne and north Lot-et-Garonne, there's a vineyard in almost everyone's back garden. Some of the the best known are St Emilion, Pomerol, Sauternes and Médoc around Bordeaux.

Castillonnes is a fascinating medieval town in the south-west of France in the department of Lot-et-Garonne. This lies just north of the Dordogne in the region of Aquitaine. The pace of life in this area of great natural beauty is relaxed, and the climate warm and sunny for much of the year.

Everywhere you go within Lot-et-Garonne there are rolling hills, wild meadows, stunning valleys and towns, and villages steeped in history. If you’re thinking of investing in French property in a truly rural and peaceful location, this is a great place to start your search.

1. New tax breaks introduced by Sarkozy

The new Sarkozy Government has reformed the inheritance tax rules, trebling the threshold for bequests from parent to child, and introducing an exemption for husband and wives. Whether you’re French born or not, the rules apply to all property owners in France. MUCH better than England!