RHÔNE-ALPES

Drôme Provencale is the name given to the southernmost part of the Drôme department. This area boasts the most famous olive oil produced in France, and is a premier growing area for aromatic plants and herbs, including lavender. There is some dramatic hill scenery including wonderful views of Mont Ventoux. Nyons, a lovely old Roman town, is well known for a dry sunny unpolluted climate, which can benefit those suffering from respiratory diseases. There are some delightful properties including old stone farmhouses, (called mas), sometimes with large areas of land.

To the north of the Drôme is the Savoie with its fine skiing areas such as Les Trois Vallées where you will find Albertville - host to the 1992 winter Olympics, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the capital of the Haute Tarentaise region, Les Arcs, Tignes, Courcheval, Méribel, Val d'Isère etc. Properties range from small studios, to larger apartments and chalets. If you are looking for rental income, it is a popular area to purchase.

Activities in the area are not confined to skiing. You will be able to enjoy, amongst other leisure activities, depending on the season, golf, tennis, mountain walking, white water rafting, hang-gliding, mountain biking, and swimming. So, if you buy a property in this area, it can be enjoyed throughout the year.

If you would prefer a property in a lower lying area, look at some in the Plaine, in Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry for example.

To the north of the Savoie is the Haute-Savoie with Chamonix and the Portes du Soleil with places such as Châtel and Chapelle d'Abondance. This is a wonderful area for skiers, whilst towns such as Thonon-les-Bains and Evian-les-Bains offer stunning properties overlooking Lac Léman (Lake Geneva).

For sports enthusiasts, Evian offers, amongst other activities, tennis, golf, riding, sailing, swimming, mountain walking and, of course, skiing. For a more sedate pastime, those who enjoy a 'flutter' can visit the famous domed casino. For total relaxation, take the thermal baths and enjoy the natural mineral water treatments.

For accommodation along the banks of the lake and just inland, there are de-luxe to small private hotels and chambres d'hôtes, as well as many restaurants offering fine cuisine.

Access to this area is very easy, with Geneva airport an hour to an hour and a half away from the lakeside towns.

VIEW ALL PROPERTIES

As well as providing some very general information, these notes reflect my own impressions following many visits to France. They are, however, no substitute for the very good and interesting books which are available. William Pearson©