month of April , 2008

Premier French Property specialises in properties for sale in the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne areas of Southern France. Selling rustic farmhouses, beautiful French homes, charming cottages, secluded villas, and the odd dilapidated building for renovation, there is something for everyone at Premier French Property.

In collaboration with a local estate agency who’ve been operating for over forty years, we are experts in our sector. We offer our customers a brand new website that you should find intuitive and easy to use. Here we give you a quick tour.

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!

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.

With so many more people now choosing to buy homes in France, prices are rising and it is becoming more difficult to find locations in truly rural parts of the country. Eymet in the Dordogne is a beautiful, traditional town and is an ideal spot to look if you’re thinking of buying property in France. A Dordogne holiday home is a great investment as this is such a sought after region for people wanting to experience the slower pace of French life. However, the area is one of the most popular, and Dordogne property for sale at the moment is more expensive than five years ago.

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.

If you are thinking of buying French property in the south west of the country, Bergerac is well worth including in your search. Situated in the heart of the Perigord Pourpre department, it lies on the level plains of the Dordogne.

It can be wonderful to buy and restore a house in the Dordogne, in one of the beautiful rural villages as a quiet retreat or holiday let, but if you want to enjoy the night life, a wider choice of restaurants, bars and shops, and easier access to the airport, French real estate in Bergerac could be more suitable.

photo:Le Figaro
IF you're one of the lucky ones who can afford to buy euros for your new french home then do it now.

photo: Monflanquin Office de TourismeMonflanquin is one of the prettiest villages in the Lot-et-Garonne region of France.

FOR most visitors to France it can be confusing and complicated. There are rules to be observed when meeting people, socialising and formal situations. This concise guide to French etiquette and manners from Expatica France gives you a good headstart.

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Photo: Monpazier office de tourismeIf you find the idea of owning real estate in France in an area rich in medieval history, appealing then the south west of the country is a great place to start looking for hidden property treasures.

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.