Duras, a magnificent Chateau village

photo: Duras office de tourismeBuying property in France is as popular as ever, particularly among the English who love the slower pace of French living. The Lot-et-Garonne area of south western France is a popular choice for people looking for French property to buy, whether the intention is to invest in a house that will be used for holidays or letting out, or to settle in France permanently. A quick search of estate agents selling French property will give you a feel for prices in the different regions, and you will quickly realise that property bargains in France are quite difficult to find.

You can still find great property bargains

French property for sale in the Lot-et-Garonne department is rather less in demand than in the very fashionable neighbouring Dordogne, but it is becoming more desirable as people realise just how beautiful it is. Cheap property for sale in France can still be found, and if you’re lucky enough to find houses in this area that require some renovation, you could have the chance of a very sound investment.

Packed with over forty medieval bastide towns, the Lot-et-Garonne is bursting with French history and tradition and many of the buildings, street plans, roads, and other features have changed very little in 700 years.

Duras is a particularly delightful town and has its own magnificent chateau, the Château de Duras. This fine building, which dates from the early 1300s, dominates the landscape for miles around. Properties for sale in this area frequently have views of its majestic towers.

For property in France – choose the Duras!

If you’re looking for property in France to use for regular holidays, or to rent out, houses in or around Duras would be ideal as the chateau is a major tourist attraction. Open every day in the summer season (March to October) and at weekends during the winter, it’s a great place to visit for all the family. As well as the chateau interior, the dungeons are fascinating and there is also a museum of wine production within the chateau complex. You’re even given a personal wine glass engraved with the chateau emblem when you visit, so you can sample the many different wines on offer in the displays. Of course you can purchase bottles of your favourites…

The Cote de Duras area is famous for its wine production. 5000 acres around the village are full of vineyards and produce the fruity white and red wines that are sold worldwide under the Cote de Duras label. The village itself is a lively place, with local fairs and a market every Monday, selling fresh produce from local farms picked fresh that morning. There are several very good restaurants selling food that’s extremely good value for money. The car boot sales make an interesting outing, and for the more energetic, the Canal du Midi has long tow-paths that offer good cycling or jogging routes.

Buying one of our properties for sale in Duras will also enable you to visit other attractions in this part of France in your own time. The larger towns of Bergerac and Agen, both also beautiful and steeped in history but which offer large supermarkets, boutiques and a wider range of shops, plus airport access, are only an hour’s drive away from Duras.