 Set within a landscape of rolling hills and shallow valleys in Southwest France is the beautiful region of Gascony. Comprising of Gers, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Tarn-et-Garonne and Gironde, Gascony is the true home of traditional France, where agriculture is the main industry and where French property remains inexpensive, despite the region's awesome climate...and what a climate Gascony enjoys!
Gascony is one of the warmest and sunniest places to live in France. The temperature during the summer months regularly reaches up to 30°c - 35°c, while the sun seems to shine day after day from a deep azure sky. During the wintertime, the climate continues its warm and sunny theme, making it an ideal region in which to buy a villa in France should you want to escape the wet and dreary winters experienced across many other parts of Europe.
The influences of mass tourism are nowhere to be seen in Gascony. There are very few large conurbations in the area, with much of the population living in small medieval towns, villages and tranquil hamlets that are quiet and unassuming. Adding to Gascony's appeal is the region's clean air. In fact the air in Gascony is cleaner than in most other parts of Europe. Given these factors, it is perhaps not surprising that Gascony is famed for its fertile land, fresh local produce and for its wines. After all, Gascony is the original home of Foie Gras and Armagnac brandy!
Of the larger towns in the Gascony region, Auch in Gers is the most populated - although only 20,000 people reside here. Auch's main attraction is its shopping and restaurants. There are many fine eateries, bars and cafes in Auch, in which the best Gascony dishes can be sampled. There is also a large market on Thursdays and Saturdays, where fresh Gascony produce can be bought at excellent prices.
It is the countryside though that attracts most potential Gascony property buyers to the region. Forests, valleys and rivers interspersed with rolling hills abound in every part of Gascony. If you're looking for French property in an idyllic setting with wide-open spaces, Gascony should be at the top of your list of regions - and it's cheap too!
An 18th century 3-bed village house near Nogaro in the south of the Gascony region was recently on the market for only 105,000 euros. Cheaper Gascony property is available as well - especially if you're after a renovation project. For example, a 7-room townhouse property, also near Nogaro, could have been yours for as little as 50,000 euros at the start of 2005!
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