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If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s feasible to start a gite business in France, you’re not alone. Many people now say that the industry is ‘saturated’ and that it ...

Salads in France, and especially the Midi are much more than a few leaves of lettuce on a side plate. They can comprise a meal in themselves, or at least a separate course. When made with fresh local produce and the right French vinaigrette they are delightul starters for the meal ahead.

Salads in France, and especially the Languedoc are much more than a few leaves of lettuce on a side plate. They can comprise a meal in themselves, or at least a separate course. When made with fresh local produce and the right vinaigrette they are delightul starters for the meal ahead. "Salads and Vinaigrettes"

There are three kinds of dogs in France. Firstly there are the upper classes, the pampered and protected pooches, coiffured within an inch of their lives that trot obediently beside their mistresses in the elegant city streets. Then there are their country cousins, farm dogs and family pets living the outdoor, rough and tumble life on vast tracts of agricultural land in and around the little villages and hamlets. But it’s the third kind that are probably the most vulnerable...

Dozens apply each year for permission to marry dead people under a law created during World War I. Over the years, hundreds of requests have been granted

"Damp on upper floor"The town square in front of our house slopes gently down to where a stream flows underground. Under the slightly raised ground floor there is a cellar with open vents to the pavement outside...

Many people dream of moving to France, and as a general rule these dreams include derelict stone houses that within the year look like something out of the pages of House and Garden. It does happen of course but not very often...

[IMAGE-MISSING]Camelias really cannot fail to add a touch of class to any garden at this time of year. It was the monks in rich Buddhist and Daoist monasteries ...

This is the next recipe in our Charentaise series, a bit more adventurous but definitely in the Charente style - do let us know what you thought of it.

[IMAGE-MISSING]If buying an old stone house in the south of France does not appeal to you for whatever reason, then having your own house built for you is an option worth considering. The advantages of using a specialised company is that when it is finished you can walk into it without having to do any further work. You will also have all the technical and financial guarantees in place

Wouldn’t you like to escape from the rat race in the cold north with its cool damp summers and drizzly winters? Thinking of retiring to some glorious sun-drenched corner of Europe to enjoy a little peace and quiet?

New laws are now in force The recent changes to French Law mean that all privately owned swimming pools must...

The true gourmet visiting the Languedoc-Roussillon will want to know all about the local delicacies and culinary traditions. This gourmet tour of the region highlights the delicious treats and hidden secrets to look out for.

Chef Pascal Ledroit creates classy gourmet dishes in the upper floor "Maison Gayda restaurant" at the Domaine Gayda winery south of Carcassonne, using local and organic produce grown in the same soils as the Gayda wines that are served with the food. Here he shares one of his speciality dessert recipes, "Mille Feuille with Truffle Mousse", for you to recreate at home.

The passionate region of the Languedoc Roussillon delights in its strong culinary traditions which are attributed to the unique and diverse blend of its multi-cultural peoples. Here we showcase some of the chefs and restaurants which are putting Languedoc cuisine on the map, as well as some more traditional restaurants which are highly recommended! Bon Appetit! "Restaurants in Languedoc-Roussillon"

"truffle dog at Uzès market"This year it was my pleasure to attend my first truffle market in the Languedoc. Mingling among serious culinary connoisseurs searching for the best truffle at prices of 700 euros per kg, it was plain to see that a special breed of person is attracted to these events. Many sporting leather hats, the type worn by local horsemen, it was down to serious money making as the stalls under the mediaeval arches of Uzes town centre buzzed, customers seeking out the best deal and the best quality dealer.

I was half-watching one of those CSI programmes the other evening (yes, I know...) and it occurred to me that here at FrenchEntrée Languedoc-Roussillon, we help profile property buyers every day, matching their requirements to the right search areas. Over time we’ve seen patterns emerging, so to save you a lot of bother, here’s our "Languedoc property location profile match"!

The Bassin de Thau - a majestic salt water lagoon south-west of Montpellier - is a firm favourite for holiday makers and sea-dogs alike. And who would blame them? With access to acres of sandy beaches, some of the best seafood in France, and fantastic transport links, berthing here makes for an excellent investment. "Bassin de Thau Property Guide"

"Cottage near Rouffignac"Choosing an area to buy into will depend on particular wishes and needs, as well as your own personal taste. I recently met a couple at Bergerac airport who had been looking for a holiday home around Sarlat. I asked them if they liked woods...

"Uzès Truffles"Here is a guide to truffles in the Languedoc and Provence regions - some history, and some advice about buying truffles, about preparing them and some simple authentic truffle recipes from the region. Delicious!

For those who believe that the truffle only grows in the Périgord, think again. The black truffle is also cultivated in Provence and the Languedoc.

"Barn for conversion"In 1989 I bought a tumbledown barn between Verteillac and Ribérac for about £35,000 as a holiday home. I spent a year renovating it with the aid of a local architect and local builders. It provided five bedrooms, a bathroom and two shower-rooms. It was heated by ...

"Stone house: 293k"According to Peter Doyle at Century 21 in Bergerac, English buyers represent only 20% of those buying through their agency, spending an average of €200,000 apiece. It's impossible to predict what they’ll go for, since it varies enormously, according to their needs and wants. However, he has noticed a change over the past decade. "Ten years ago people wanted...

It's confusing enough when you look at estate agents' particulars in a foreign language. You'll soon find out that "renovated" may mean little more than the installation of a ...

After a year in which I stopped taking bookings due to the poor standard of caretaking, I moved to France to manage my own property and that of a friend who had also had unsatisfactory help. Fortunately our changeovers were on different days, as the houses are 25kms apart.

The passionate region of the Languedoc Roussillon delights in its strong culinary traditions, attributed to the unique and diverse blend of its multi-cultural peoples. From hearty Cassoulet stews to traditional Spanish paella, there is a rich mix of cuisine to suit every palate - made sweeter by the excellent local produce! "Languedoc Specilaities & Recipes"

If you have read the French press over the last few years, you will be aware that despite a sense of crisis among traditional vine growers, a new wave of talented, young entrepreneurs have come into the Languedoc-Roussillon wine trade recently - and are making a success of it! We take a look at what it takes to acquire a vineyard and to make it a profitable venture. "Investing in a Vineyard"

The elegant charm, excellent amenities and ideal location of Pezenas continues to draw interest from property investors looking to have the best of everything the Languedoc-Roussillon has to offer and accounts for why the local property market has weathered the recent economic crisis better than other areas of France. "Pezenas Property Report"

If you're renovating an old house, you will have to use older style materials that work with the methods and original materials

The separation of church and state has an impact on school and public administration. France is a secular state, but what are the implications of "laïcité" in everyday life?

With all the fuss over school dinners in the UK, and headlines such as “Not fit for a dog” in...

My daughter, Lily, was born on 29 September at the Clinique des Emailleurs in Limoges. I was not resident in France at the start of my pregnancy and for three full months straddled the two health systems of England and France. As a result, I now have a fair insight into some of the differences between the two systems and can provide some (hopefully useful) information to those who find themselves embarking on having a baby in France....

La Ferme de Laubicherie is a very special place to stay. The Chambres d’Hôte, at Lanouille near Limoges (Dordogne), are catered for with a traditional Table d’Hôte...But the most special thing about this farm, and the reason for my visit, is the micro-brewery.

When considering what materials to use in your renovation project, take the time to find out about those that were used when your home was built...

When starting your renovation project, take the time to find out about the tools that were and, in most cases,...

A look at the traditional rice cultivation in the region, and a yummy recipe too! The first cultivation of rice in the Camargue dates back to around 1600. There are now 10,000 hectares of rice grown in the region, much of it exported across the world. "Camargue Rice"

"Camargue red rice"Rice might seem a pretty ordinary food, an item we take for granted. It goes with our curry or risotto, it is more of an add-on than a feature ingredient. But the majority of rice consumed in France is grown right here in the south of France, in the Delta of the Rhône valley. And not just any rice, but many varieties, including the gourmet red rice used by the best chefs. This has a great colour, fantastic texture and nutty flavour.

Situated in the far south west, nestled between the Quercy to the north, Languedoc-Roussillon to the south and Aquitaine to the west, the Midi-Pyrénées is France’s largest geographical region (it comprises eight départements) and boasts a wide variety of property styles at vastly different prices.

Thinking of buying a property in Languedoc-Roussillon? This article is an introductory guide to the region covering climate, landscape, attractions, access, property styles and prices.

Twenty years ago, Carol and I were best friends when we both lived in the Sussex village of Wineham. My...

The golden rule is that you cannot be too careful and if the seller tells you not to conduct a full investigation then you should become very suspicious...

The Dordogne is predominantly rural and agricultural, which means that the local cuisine is based on local produce, eaten in season. Forget the waxy tastelessness of the supermarket vegetables ...

Don't listen to what people say about property in the Dordogne being scarce - there's masses to buy, at all prices. The days of the tumbledown barn for five ...

Following the success of the buy to let as an investment idea, many people have begun to investigate the possibility...

Frequently Asked Questions about Mortgages for French Property Q. How much will I be able to borrow? Most lenders in...

Confused about French mortgages? Do you want some help to find the best option for you? These pages are designed to give you everything you might need to help you through the process of buying your property.

Most people will purchase a permanent or second home in France with a mortgage. With a number of mortgage products on both the French and overseas markets, choosing the right French mortgage for your financial and personal circumstances is an important decision.

The families of the book all work in southwest France growing malbec grapes, from which they have been making very good, very different wines for more than a hundred years...

Discover what the Herault has to offer. The difference in areas, the attractions, the prices, the weather and the trends in the Herault property and real estate market. "Herault Property Guide"

Languedoc-Roussillon is popular with sun-seekers, but this diverse part of the south of France has dramatically different climatic conditions. Here’s how to find the Languedoc home that’s right for you, whatever the weather. "Buying with the weather in mind"

You've bought your dream house, spent a fortune renovating it, said goodbye to the builders, moved in…and then the problems start. A prolonged drought dries out the ground and ...

Whether you need to get over your nerves or take a test to get a French licence, here's some advice to get you started...