Discover the regions of France
One of the attractions of France is the climate, and whilst it will be hot and sunny throughout France during summer, most people are looking for such sunny weather also in Spring and Autumn, thus giving short winters.
To obtain such weather, it is generally considered that one should be at least half-way down into France, well south of the low-lying Loire Valley. Note also, that getting to close to the Pyrénées Mountains does not necessarily improve the climate in winter, for snow regularly falls on the Pyrénées and falls as rain in the valleys! The Massif Centrale Mountains that run down the centre of France, have the same climatic features.
In the regions we cover (see map), the temperatures in the mid-summer months are about the same (24º/27º air temp.) but the difference is elsewhere in the year, the Charente being only about 1º lower than the Dordogne but the Vienne being 3º lower. For comparative purposes the Riviera and mid-summer is 26º/28º air temperature.
Journey times also come into some peoples equation, especially if the property is to be used on a regular basis. Generally the area we cover is all accessible in one reasonable day`s drive from any of the Channel Port. There are airports Bordeaux, Poitiers, La Rochelle, Bergerac & Limoges. Fares on all start at around £70 return. Alternatively, the Eurostar/TGV high speed train from London to Poitiers, Angoulême or Bordeaux is a relaxing & economical way to travel.
If driving, note that your average speed on main roads will be considerably less than on motorways. Therefore, the longer mileage on a motorway may well be quicker than a shorter mileage on other roads. Caen to La Rochelle 270 miles and to Périgueux 340 miles. Calais to La Rochelle 470 miles; Périgueux 490 miles.
Values and styles of properties are different within regions and this can also influence peoples choices.............for there is little point looking for a specific type or style of property that generally does not exist in a particular region, or is within ones budget in one area and outside of budget in another. The region we cover is as shown on the map below and detailed overleaf:
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