When and why did you decide to buy a property in France?

On our first trip to Europe, in 1991, we travelled extensively for 13 weeks in a campervan and found France to be the easiest place for camping and day-to-day shopping. The food and wine were the best and most affordable in Europe, the natives were friendly in response to our school French and of course the countryside surpassed all our imaginings in its variety and beauty.

In 1995, we rented a converted barn owned by some Australians, in the Périgord Vert for a week and became excited at the idea of having our own place in France. We looked at houses in the area with a real estate agent, following the gorgeous Sylvie up ladders through barns and attics, and decided that this was a dream that we wanted to pursue (i.e. owning a house, not Sylvie).

2. How did the search and purchase process happen?

In 2000, having decided on a specific area (see 5 below), we gave ourselves one week to find a house. The reason for limiting the parameters of our search like this is that we obviously had only a short time in France and we realised there are numberless villages in France with houses for sale, so the quest could become a never-ending story.

It’s important to realise that properties may be listed for sale with the local notaires, as well as with an agent, or simply by an <<AV>> sign in the window. An expatriate English property renovator knew through word of mouth some places that were available; with her and a local real estate agent, we saw about 12 properties in several villages – making notes and sketches of each place as we went. We were easily able to narrow the choice down to three and, though our final choice was not primarily dictated by price, it was luckily well below the others (and probably below market value).

We made an offer at the end of that week. Once this was accepted and the deposit paid, we and the vendors sat down with the local notaire and all signed the Compromis de Vente. Settlement was made within 6 weeks and the notaire then refunded us the balance of the money we had given him to cover costs .

The time between 1995 and December 2000 was spent working out how to scrape together enough money, which was finally achieved by renovating and selling an Australian property.

3. Where did you buy and why?

We chose to look in the Languedoc region – and specifically in the Minervois, which was not an area we knew well – by looking at the map of France. The Dordogne, our originally chosen area, was far too cold in winter (minus 15 degrees and the like); we needed to be further south. As well as having a milder climate this proved to be an area beautiful in itself and also affording easy access to the Massif Central, the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean coastline both towards the Spanish border and in the direction of Provence.

4. Did you do any renovations?

Adjoining this was what the owners described as a remise (shed): in fact a much older house which had not been lived in for 50 years. The date (1813) and name of the builder are inscribed over the front door.This had some beautiful original features and, most importantly for a French house, outside areas which could be made accessible for use as courtyards by knocking through from the ground floor of the main house. This was our first and messiest renovation; it included removing the wall between the kitchen and next door (a metre-thick stone wall); installing a ceiling and a floor in the old wine cellar (over the dirt); removing the concrete wine vats; removing the rabbit and chicken cages in the backyard; re-wiring.

After a couple of years, we realised we needed to repair the roof of the remise so that the building would not deteriorate. We decided on a total renovation, which included installing water and drainage to a new kitchen and bathroom, electric wiring (none had existed before), and a terrace replacing the old stable roof.

So we now have two fully functioning houses side by side – Maison du Puits and Maison de la Baronne

Masion du Puits and Maison de la Baronne – side by side in Trausse

5. What do you like to do when you stay in the area?

Just living the life in tranquil surroundings: walking in the Montagne Noire and elsewhere in the Minervois; buying food at the local markets or supermarkets and cooking it at home; enjoying the menu de jour lunches at inexpensive/mid-range restaurants; tasting and buying wine at the local wineries (this includes the excellent vin de table from the bowser at the co-op – €1.25 per litre); going to vide-greniers (car boot sales) and village festivals.

Having almost the entire family staying in the house for Christmas; having the house available for family members to stay in for extended periods; having friends and family from overseas meet us there and showing them our favourite places. Our son was married to his beautiful Vanessa in a fairytale wedding last year and the reception in a beautiful garden under the stars on a summer night – truly an occasion to remember.

Mark and Jenny’s son got married in the village – here’s some of the wedding party on their way!

Swimming and observing the passing scene at Narbonne Plage; touring in the nearby regions, enjoying the spectacular scenery; picnics by river swimming holes; visiting castles, bastide towns, medieval sites.

Taking the night train from Carcassonne and waking up in Paris for breakfast; taking the TGV and watching the French countryside streaming past at 200 km/h; enjoying driving on the immaculate autoroutes; getting lost on tiny roads in the middle of some of the most beautiful places in the world.

Strangely enough too, maintaining the houses. Something we might try to avoid at home. We try to paint throughout every few years, update the furniture and source “treasures” at the markets, to change the décor.

6. What do guests enjoy the most about staying in your property?

They enjoy feeling at home. After travelling it’s wonderful to be able to do their washing, to cook using the great local produce and to eat when they want and without having to dress up. Families enjoy being there because there are toys, books and movies as well as a high chair and all the baby furniture needed. They enjoy the outside space which, although small by Australian standards, is rare in a French village house.

Many people use the houses as a base, tapping into the train network or using Ryanair to go to other European centres for a few day, at a low cost, and only needing to carry an overnight bag.

We’ve had many groups using the houses for reunions because the houses are side by side and can cater for large groups. In fact seven lots of guests who’ve stayed over the years, have bought properties in the area! They must have enjoyed it there!

7. What do you enjoy most about travelling/living in France?

Now that we are retired, we spend as much as 4 months a year in France, and the houses are used quite often by family and friends. We have friends in the village and love catching up with them. See number 5 for other joys of our other home.

8. Any travel tips/must sees/restaurant recommendations for travellers travelling to France/the region of your property?

• The  Festival de Cerises (cherries) at Trausse at the end of May
• Visit Minerve
• Visit and climb Peyrepertruse, Queribus and  Lastours to explore the ruined Cathar castles. Eat at the superb restaurant at Lastours.
• Drive to Mirepoix with its main square and then continue on to Montsegur and climb to ruined castle.
• Visit Olonzac market on Tuesday morning
• Take a canal boat ride from Homps for about 2 hours.
• Drive to Narbonne, shop at the market, see the Roman warehouse and cathedral cloisters.
• Visit Oppidum d’Enserune a ruined Roman town.
• Visit La Cite at Carcassonne, a world heritage castle.
• Walk or ride hired bikes along the Canal du Midi towpath For those interested in ancient sites, visit the dolmen at Siran, others at Villeneuve and the menhir between Villegly and Laure-Minervois.
• The Niaux caves at Tarascon-sur-Ariege is a must see. Its 50,000 year old cave paintings are marvellous. You need to book ahead for tours. Details can be found online, eat at the wonderful restaurant le Poelon at Montgailhard either before or after. Enjoy the fascinating Forges de Pyrene there also. It’s a great day’s excursion.
• Foix castles
• Albi is a must visit. There is a superb cathedral there and the Toulouse Lautrec museum is amazing. The drive up through the mountains is lovely and Mazamet is icing on the cake.
• Go to Collioure for its pretty houses, terrific restaurants, follow the footsteps of the Fauves artists and see where they painted. Dip your toes into the Mediterranean there.
• Go walking in the Montagne Noire behind Trausse. There are wild iris and poppies in May. There is also a dolmen. Walk up to the windmill on the Felines road – a great vantage point from which to take photos.
• Go to the olive oil factory at Bize (l’Oulibo). You can spend ages there, learning about the processing of olives, tasting them and browsing for souvenirs. The soaps are wonderful. If it is hot, go for a swim in the river in the centre of the village.
• Do some wine tasting. There are wineries in Trausse eg Luc Lepeyre, Jean-Baptiste Senat or go to Chateau Villerembert-Julien at Caunes.
• Explore Caunes and its beautiful abbey and medieval heart. Have a drink in the sun at la Fontaine.

Mark and Jenny would love to welcome you to Trausse

It is not for nothing that France is the most visited country on earth. Provence is a large part of that allure. Apart from the history, the buildings, the food, the wine, the beauty and the quirky people, and just when you thought that you had seen everything, Provence keeps popping up with something unique and memorable.

Truffle-hunting!

It may look non-descript but at the bottom of those oak trees, lies hidden treasure

Stories about truffles and the intrigue around their harvesting and marketing are legion. Books and books have been written about it and pop into a Provençal bar and ask one of the weather-beaten locals for his favourite truffle story and you will be entranced, amazed and sometimes shocked at the depth of passion.

So it was with a great degree of excitement and curiosity that we headed off to the Cadenet area (35km from Aix-en-Provence) and the Pepins’ 11ha farm. Tucked up on the slopes of a small hill, Johann and Lisa combine a busy week work schedule with farming development over the weekend and offer truffle-hunting tours each weekend during the winter truffle season (January to March), and the summer truffle season (May to September).

They take groups of 4-8 people (winter) and 4-12 (summer) and Johann, speaking impeccable English, hosts the tour. Your first task is to be introduced to the truffle hunter, an old school friend Jean-Marc and his two truffle dogs – Pupuce and Mirabelle.

The dogs have found truffles! Much excitement and they are rewarded with treats from Jean-Marc.

Pupuce and Mirabelle are not your idea of truffle dogs. Expecting lean, nimble fighting machines, we were delighted that they were two small fluffy dogs of dubious parentage – the kind who are more at home on your lap in front of the fire than charging through the trees and muddy earth in search of truffles.

Jean-Marc allows them to charge ahead and, keeping a respectful distance, we watched in amazement that after only 20 metres, the two dogs started to scrabble furiously in the dirt. Jean-Marc calls them to stand back, he digs in the earth and voila!, he lifts out a largish truffle. The dogs are awarded with treats and charge off again.

At €1,200 per kilogram, this is serious business.

Johann’s commentary is entertaining and informative. He mixes the technical with the flavor of scandalous stories of theft, murder and chicanery of days gone by (and some quite recent too), as people try to get their hands on the elusive but lucrative fungus. 80% of France’s truffles come from the South East France, with the Provençal Departments of Vaucluse, Drome and Alpes de Haute Provence the most prolific, he tells us, making the area the centre of the world’s truffle trade.

He told us of the ‘witches circle’ – a bare patch of earth around a truffle oak which is caused by the truffles taking the oxygen out of the earth and thus deriving the undergrowth of life. The earth looks desolate and barren but hides the treasure.

Mirabelle heads towards the Witches’ Circle

After an hour of walking, chatting, explanations from Johann and sheer amazement at the simplicity but enormous skill in finding the truffles, we have been party to finding 28.9g of truffles (that’s €346.80 for the morning’s work). These are dispatched to the kitchen for lunch, while Johann takes us around the farm exploring new truffle oak plants, bee hives (still tended by his 90 year old grandfather), and vines.

The reward – truffle. Real truffles are noticeable by their pitted appearance after cleaning.

We arrive back at the farmhouse tired but thirsty. Family produced Champagne (the real thing from the Real Region) washes down pieces of baguette liberally spread with salt butter and truffle slices. Lisa is a more than accomplished cook and after a short truffle- and olive oil tasting, as well as a tour of some local reds, she serves a choice of Truffle Burger with frites (an absolute hit with the boys in our group!) or a Mushroom and Truffle Risotto, accompanied by a truffle oil salad. This is finished off with a panettone dessert, expresso coffee and as much wine as the Gendarmerie will permit (and probably more).

Tours are €85 each and must be pre-booked in advance. They only happen on a Saturday and Sunday, and during the truffle seasons – January to March (winter truffles) and summer truffles from May to September.

Talk to Simon about booking your unique truffle experience when you book Maison Olive!

So, you’re in for a treat today because more than just meeting Pat and Rob, they are also sharing some of their tips and secrets to great restaurants in the area, what to see and how to enjoy the beauty of the Pyrénées.

Patrick and Robbie ‘on the job’

1. When and why did you decide to buy a property in France?

Australia has been my adopted home since 1986, but part of me never left the Pyrenees.  Since 1996 my wife, Robbie, and I have conducted walking tours and gourmet tours in my home region, the Béarn.  We had been on the look-out for a special place to call home in the Pyrenees.

In 2004 we fell in love with “Pistoulet” and decided to make it ours.  Adding our own touch was important and to make it a comfortable home was essential. “Pistoulet” cottage was built in 1800’s in the village of Lagor.  The village has kept its heritage and still retains a country feel with all amenities close by.

2. How did the search and purchase process happen?

Twice a year while conducting our tours we kept looking for the right place to buy.  My brother in-law came across Pistoulet driving through the village of Lagor and told us about it.  We contacted the owner directly and made the deal direct with her.  This can be done in France and avoids agent commission.

3. Where did you buy and why?

We bought in the village of Lagor.  It had to be central to where we conducted our walking tours, the village had to have a view of the Pyrenées and the house needed to have ambience and have a small garden. We got it all!!

Pistoulet has it all for Patrick and Robbie – and you!

4. Did you do any renovations?

We only had to do cosmetic renovations.  We repainted inside and out and made some changes in the garden and have since updated the verandah and some appliances.  All the plumbing and electrical was updated by the previous owner.

5. What do you like to do when you stay in your own property/during your time in the area?

We like to explore all the little villages, go up into the mountains and drive into Spain for the day.  The Basque country, Spain, the mountains  and the sea  are all within an hour of the house!

6. What do guests enjoy the most about staying in your property?

Guests love the veranda overlooking the Pyrenees and country side, where they can sit and have meals. Its doors slide right back making it part of the garden.

Enjoy dining outdoors, undercover and feel part of the garden

7. What do you enjoy most about travelling/living in France?

So many things!!! Food would be our number one followed closely by beautiful country side, amazing mountains and the diversity of scenery, the passion of the people and the quirkiness of living in a small village. The proximity of so many different regions and also Spain.

8. Any travel tips/must sees/restaurant recommendations for travellers?

Restaurants:

Here are few of our favourites.

Auberge des Roses in Monein – fabulous food !! Ph: 05 59 21 45 63

Auberge de La Fontaine in Laas – my favourite!! Regional cuisine but finer – chef worked with Bocuse.  Ph 05 59 38 20 20 Need to book especially for lunch.  Ask for a table outside if the weather permits. Great value!! http://www.aubergedelafontaine.net/

Worth looking at the Chateau de Laas when there. http://www.chateaux-france.com/laas

L’Estaminet – Monein – great regional cuisine – good value – Mimi speaks very good English.  Best for dinner, closed on Sunday nights.  Ph 05.05.59.21.30.18 http://www.lestaminet.fr/

‘Cap et tot’ – Morlanne about 40 minutes away – traditional and in a quilles de six court. http://capetot-bearn.webou.net/ Ph 08 99 10 68 78

Restaurant des cols – Aydius – good basic country regional cuisine -tiny mountain village – spectacular views – Valley d’Aspe – Ph 0559347025  http://www.hebergement-restaurant-aspe.com/

Hotel ‘Etchemaite’in Larrau stunning food and views are gobsmacking !!  www.hotel-etchemaite.fr Ph 59286145

Auberge Labarthe – 1 Michelin star –in gorgeous village of Bosdarros- stunning cuisine!! http://www.restaurant-gastronomique.info/ Ph 05 59 21 50 13

Hotel Euskadi in Espelette – Fabulous hotel and restaurant – where we now run the Basque tours from!  www.hotel-restaurant-euzkadi.com/ Ph 0559939188  Book especially for lunch on weekend.

Restaurant du Commerce Navarenx http://www.hotel-commerce.fr/ Ph 05.59.66.50.16 Great food in beautiful town.

Restaurant Henry IV Next to the Chateau in Pau. 0559275443 fabulous regional food

Places to see:

Pau has a great Chateau and Museum plus it’s a great place to wander and shop.

Espelette – capital of the red chilli pepper – stunning little village – market day Wednesday – great little market!  Lots of nice Basque linen shops!! A must especially during the chilli growing season (August to October).

Great chilli products at L’Atelier du Piment. www.ateleirdupiment.com

St Jean Pied de Port.  A must! Fortified town in the middle of the Basque Country.  Market on Monday, fresh produce till 12.00 at the top of the town separate from main market. (Need to ask).  Place where they filmed the start of the movie “ The Way”.  On the path of “El Camino”

San Sebastian – (the old town) for tapas – unbelievable!! And great shopping!!!!

Market day Oloron – Friday – good market. St Marie Cathedral http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonygalvez/6217273273/ (Not the church near the market) At the back of St Marie Cathedral there is a pastry shop called Artigarrede  http://www.artigarrede.com/ You need to try the speciality called “ Le Russe” They sell individual portions .  Very rich but pure decadence!!!

Market day in Mourenx Wednesday and Saturday – Saturday the better one.

Sauvetere de Bearn – very pretty village on the river.

Navarenx.  Beautiful old fortified town.

Bayonne, great old town to visit.  Capital of the chocolate in France!!!

Biarritz.  Very trendy and trés chic…..with prices to match!!

St Jean De Luz.  Great place to see and maybe go to have a nice lunch.  Speciality of the area the Torro – basque seafood soup, need to be pre-ordered. Restaurant Chez Margo in the Port of Socoa near St Jean De Luz. Tell them we sent you. Big meal, maybe have a dessert after the soup. Ph 59471830

The Valley des Aldudes: Beautiful village of St Etienne de Bigorry to visit on the way and maybe have lunch at the Restaurant Arce

0559296670 http://www.hotel-arce.com/

If you are having a picnic just buy some bread and go to the next 2 places I mention to pick up trout and basque pork products!!  Sensational! Pass the village of Banca there is a trout farm you can visit call the Truite de Banca. (There are a couple of trout farms in that village – this is by far the best one). http://www.laroutegourmandedesbasques.com/la-truite-de-banca-banca-2.php traditional way to grow the trout and grown with passion.  Worth buying their Smoked trout and any of their products.

Just as you leave the village of Les Aldudes you will see the Pierre Oteiza shop where you will see the Basque Pig in the nursery next to the shop and then taste the products in the shop!!

There is a small walk from the shop that will take you in the woods to see the pigs in their natural environment.  A good way to burn some of the calories from all the food you may have sampled on the way!!! A lot of the staff speaks English.  You will often see vultures in this valley.

If you like walking here are few suggestions.  Good shoes, warm clothes, backpack and water are recommended.

Drive to the Plateau du Benou through gorgeous villages on the way up the mountain– have a look on google images -beautiful plateau on the route of the Tour de France – gorgeous for a picnic and a stroll!! Valley d’Ossau.

Lac de Bious Artigues near Gabas http://www.baladeenfamille.fr/lacs/bious.html Great place for picnic and walking, at the base of the Pic Du Midi D’Ossau, a must see on a beautiful day if you love the mountains. The lake is the start of a great walk to the Lac d’Ayous.

Valley D’Aspe and Valley D’ossau. Many villages to explore. Best to get off main drag and explore ttrough smaller roads leading to villages. Slower pace but worth if you are into beautiful villages.

The Cirque de Gavarnie.  Only place listed on the world heritage in the Pyrenees. About 2 hours drive, but spectacular. http://ete.gavarnie.com/ .  Best to get there earlier in the day before all the tourist buses. Easy walk to the Cirque de Gavarnie.  If you are walking take a picnic or have lunch in the village.

Lourdes is on the way if you like that kind of place.  Best to do that on the way back.

Gorges d’Holzarté  http://www.baladeenfamille.fr/villes/eaux_bonnes/holzarte.html Just before the village of Larrau there is a Café in the middle of the forest call Logibar.  Park there and ask for a map to show you the walk to the suspended bridge  Takes about a hour to get to the bridge and about 5 hours to do the full circuit if you are inclined for a good hard walk.  Not an easy walk if you are not fit.  Tell them we sent you.

Robbie and Patrick look forward to welcoming you to Pistoulet and all that the house and area has to offer!

The high Australian dollar means there’s rarely been a better time to travel.

Not only are airfares, accommodation and transport more affordable, but your increased shopping power will net you all types of bargains.

But while it’s true that the Australian dollar is up for most destinations, there are a few that really stand out.

In order, here are the best places to holiday if you want your dollar to work the hardest:

1. Europe

Three years ago in April 2009, $1 Australian would buy you 0.55 Euro.

Today, it’ll buy you 0.83 Euro – an increase of more than 43%.

From Paris to Rome, that’s a massive jump in your spending power. Travellers can thank a lack of confidence in the Euro, as a result of problems in Greece, Spain, Portugal and other European countries, for the bump.

2. The United States

The United States has long been considered a good destination for bargain travel, and the high dollar makes it even more so.

Three years ago, $1 Australia would net you 72 US cents.

Today, you’ll get around $1.04 – a leap of about 42%!

That’s because the US dollar has weakened as a result of their economic trouble, while ours has improved thanks to our close links with Asian economies, especially China.

3. The United Kingdom

While not gaining quite as much as it has on the Euro and the US dollar, over the last three years the Australian dollar is still up an enormous 33% on the pound.

That still might not make a notorious London latte good value, but it’s certainly a great boost for Australians visiting the UK, whose own economic troubles – and links to Europe’s woes – have devalued the pound.

4. Thailand.

Closer to home, many Australians will be pleased to hear that the next best destination when it comes to value is Thailand.

In 2009, you’d get about 25 baht for your dollar. Today, you’ll net about 32 – a rise of almost 24%.

Whether it’s the resorts of Phuket or Bangkok’s busy streets, value is there to be had.

Indeed, from South Korea (up 23%) to Malaysia (up 22%) the Australian dollar has been outperforming most Asian currencies – even Japan (where it’s up 16%) whose currency has become regarded by many as an attractive ‘safe haven’.

Time for travel!

The great advances the Australian dollar has made in the last three years mean that – as many Australians have already concluded – now is a great time for an overseas adventure.

And by choosing Europe, the US, the UK or Asia, your holiday dollar will deliver even more value.

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It looks like the Grand Designs bug has bitten and these Australian owners have put in hard work and long hours (weeks, months and years in fact!) to achieve some amazing results. Not to mention the challenges of renovating in a foreign country, where you are not resident and more than likely don’t speak Italian fluently.

But I think you’ll agree that all their hard work has paid off and even better, you get to enjoy the final result in all its glory!

Casa Principessa Le Marche – Before

Casa Principessa Le Marche – After

I think you’ll agree that it was worth the effort!

Stay in Casa Principessa and enjoy a beautifully restored farmhouse situated in the famous Golden Triangle area of Le Marche with magnificent views of the villages of Gualdo, Sarnano and the majestic Sibillini Mountains.

Or perhaps you’d like a villa in Tuscany?

Il Mulinaccio, Tuscany – Before

Il Mulinaccio, Tuscany – After

A dramatic difference isn’t it?

Il Mulinaccio is a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom villa in Chianti and as a fully restored villa, offers traditional Tuscan comfort among the vineyards and castles of Chianti.

Located between the historic Chianti towns of Radda and Gaiole and within easy driving distance of Florence and Siena, Il Mulinaccio is the ideal base for your adventure in Tuscany.

Want to know more on renovating in Italy?

Then drop by and visit our friends at Renovating Italy and follow their journey and adventure as they make a start on renovating their 2nd property in Italy!

Poitou-Charentes is located in central western France. The capital is Poitiers, and the area is comprised of four departments: Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sevres and Vienne. This area of France is thought to be the region of origin for Acadians and Cajun people of North America.

The climate of the region is temperate and is in the very centre of the Atlantic coastal plain of France. It is also considered the second sunniest region in France after Provence, and it offers a variety of typical French accommodation.

History, Amusement and Water

For those who want to enjoy the countryside of Poitou, a visit to La Rochelle is a must. It is a coastal town where one can take a trip to various beautiful islands and villages. Many waterways, historical buildings (like the 17th century citadel) and stunning landscape make the Poitou-Charentes area a joy for tourists to explore.

Visit also the Romanesque church, Notre Dame la Grande in Poitiers (image above) with earliest parts of the church dating from the 11th century. Every evening from June 21st to the third weekend of September, spectacular colours are projected onto the west facade of the church, an amazing sight.

In Charente, one might want to visit the city of Cognac and learn about the origins and making of this type of liquor.

Vienne has several castles and villages as well as a very famous theme park (Futuroscope). Futuroscope Theme Park is a different kind of leisure park experience and is one of the best loved leisure Parks in France. The ideal place to relax in 60 hectares of tranquil green countryside and enjoy 25 experiences; films in giant format, thrill-filled attractions, games, live shows, open-air activities, people of the future and more… “An experience attraction“.

In Deux-Sevres one can visit a variety of lovely churches and abbeys. “Green Venice” is in Le Marais Poitevin and has many rivers, woods and fields.

Puy de Fou is just ten minutes over the Deux-Sèvres/Vendée border and is one of France’s top tourist attractions. Home to the spectacular Cinéscénie- a live outdoor show with more than 1,200 actors, horses and fireworks performed on Fridays & Saturdays over the summer. It welcomes approximately 1.5 million visitors each year. The park’s newest attraction is the Imaginary World of de la Fontaine, where trees talk and statues come to life!

Cognac, Wine and Delicious French Seafood

This area of France is most famous for the smooth liqueur, Cognac. But of course, one can also find a great deal of fine French wine, especially in the southern regions of Poitou – and an aperitif called ‘pineau’ originated here as well.

Since this area of France borders on the Atlantic Ocean, much of the local food is fresh seafood such as oysters, prawns, crab and mussels. The goat-cheeses and black chicken are a gourmet’s delight. Ile de Re potatoes, too, are a delicacy here, filled with cheese and topped with caviar.

Some believe that the best truffles come from the Charente region of France.

Hiking, Biking, and Sporting

If you are an adventure tourist, there is plenty for you to do in Poitou. One can bike ride for many miles or take long horseback riding trips through quiet villages and stunning countryside. There are also many forested parks through which one can hike.

The areas on the Atlantic coast sport activities such as surfing, kite and wind surfing. One can also tour the area in boats or go fishing and catch your own dinner!

French Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation options in Poitou, travellers can choose from rental villas, hotels, bed and breakfast homes, campsites, gites, and cottages.

If you’re an Australian traveller looking for the most suitable accommodation, then the right choice for you is Australian owned holiday rentals in the region, which offer all the amenities you will need for a relaxing and comfortable holiday in Poitou.

Bon Voyage!

Take the time to walk the streets at a leisurely pace, discovering the details and delights of Paris, exploring its cobbled streets, wandering amongst markets and experiencing its thriving cafe life.

Here are my favourite top 5 places to wander and enjoy when in Paris.

1. Jardin des Tuileries

A stroll through the beautiful Tulieries Gardens is usually one of the must-do’s on most visitors itineraries. The formal gardens, designed in the 17th century, now form part of the Musee du Louvre and are a wonderful way to ponder on the delights of your visit to the Louvre whilst preparing yourself for the next Parisian experience.

2. Montmartre

The steep streets of the Butte (the hill of Montmartre) are a wonderful form of exercise. The real attractions of the area are the little parks and steep, winding cobblestone streets, with many of the houses encompassed by creeping vines and ivy.

Walking the area allows you a glimpse into its bohemian past when it was famous as an artists quarter. Enjoy the many winding back streets and small squares as you slowly make your way to the top and the delights of Sacre Coeur.

3. Marais

With inspiring art galleries, delectable delicatessens and magnificent mansions, the streets of the Marais are a wonderful backdrop to your stroll. This fascinating area of Paris offers main streets, narrow passage ways and a wonderful mix of cultures.

The Marais is also one of the few neighbourhoods of Paris that still has most of its pre-Revolution architecture. Examples include the oldest house in Paris, the 13th century house at 3 rue Volta parts of which date back to 1292!

Remember to replenish yourself, during your strolling, at one of the many bars and cafes in the area.

4. Jardin du Luxembourg

Napoleon designated this the ‘garden of children’ but Parisians of all ages flock here to the formal terraces and chestnut groves amongst the 23 hectares of garden and whether you have children in tow or not, you’ll enjoy a stroll through this whimsical delight.

Admire the octagonal pond and the Medicis Fountain, seek out the miniature Statue of Liberty and the statues of French queens or just grab a seat and people watch.

5. Boulevard St-Germain

After World War 2, St Germain-des-Pres became synonymous with intellectual life centred around bars and cafes with philosophers, writers, actors and musicians mingled shoulder to shoulder. Boulevard St-Germain is a treasure trove of cafe terraces, boutiques, cinemas, restaurants and bookshops and will be a feast for all your senses.

After your walk, honour the birthplace of cafe society with a coffee at either Les Deux Magots or Cafe de Flore, two of Paris’s most famous literary and intellectual haunts.

There are so many ways to explore Paris that you can enjoy a different perspective each time. And after all this walking, strolling and exploring, retire to your wonderful apartment in Paris, so that you are truly experiencing this magical city like a local.

Share your favourite Paris walk with us.

Most, if not every, traveller will return from their holidays with a camera full of photographs of their overseas adventure. Some of the photos will perfectly capture holiday memories whilst others will be blurred snaps of a finger laying across the lens.

If you’d like your photographs to look more inspired and impressive, then you may find the following workshop of interest.

Run by Sydney Photographic Workshops (SPW), this one day travel and documentary session will help you take great shots on your next holiday or outing. From portraits to landscape and architecture photographs, this photography workshop is designed to inspire you and deliver the skills you will need to develop a beautiful and stunning reportage of your travels.

The course is led by two professional photographers who will travel with you to various Sydney locations ending up with a sunset shot. Topics include equipment, composition, planning and shooting for black and white.

A great idea that will help to make the holiday slideshow for family and friends even more enjoyable!

Happy Travels

The New York Times has published the 45 places to go in 2012. Lonely Planet issued its top 10 destinations for 2012 whilst rival guide book Frommers also released its recommendations for top 2012 destinations.

Here at Getaway Guru, we’re less ambitious, or perhaps more discerning! So we’re focusing on our top 5 destinations for 2012.

1. Puglia

Australians have long been interested in Tuscany and Umbria but this year there is growing interest in the region of Puglia. Located in the ‘deep south’, Puglia sits in the heel of Italy’s boot and offers ancient history (traced back some 8000 years) combined with amazing landscapes with wind-eroded cliffs dotted along the coastline. You will still enjoy fresh food and robust wines and can learn more about the olive oil the region is famous for. Deepen your cultural experience with a stay in a trulli – the 16th century, conical-roofed houses unique to Puglia (pictured below).

2. Languedoc

This is one of France’s undiscovered secrets. With a combination of roman ruins, canals, wine and beautiful villages to get lost in, it should be a destination on your list.

Bordering Provence, the Languedoc Roussillon is just as charming and beautiful but is less tourist-ridden and more affordable. It benefits from a Mediterranean climate, a spectacular coast, and surprising history. When you visit don’t miss the famous mountain fortresses popularly known as Cathar Castles. The region possesses a number of World Heritage sites, including Carcassonne (castle pictured below), the Canal du Midi, and the Pont du Gard.

It is is a region rich not only in history but in food and wine. This excellent guide (November 2010) gives a great overview of the highlights of the region, particularly as France’s largest wine-producing area.

Not surprisingly, the region is popular with Australians buying property in France so you have a wide range of accommodation available.

3. Loire Valley

OK, this makes the list for the purely selfish reason that I would like to visit in 2012. I met some fellow francophiles whilst in Vanuatua last year and their stories of cycling in the Loire Valley has me feeling inspired. I’m not talking 7 day cycling tours just some gentle pedalling between wineries before returning to my holiday rental to rest!

Combined with this relaxed adventure will be visits to some of the hundreds of chatueaux dotted around the area (such as Chambord pictured below) and an attempt to dine at some of the recommendations made by Shannon Bennett in his personal guide to fine dining in regional France. All to give me just a taste for what this region offers.

4. Le Marche

This region, which Lonely Planet has referred to as the next Tuscany, offers beautiful coast and rustic hinterland with many spectacular ancient cities to be visited (think Urbino (pictured below) Ascoli Piceno and Macerata).

The region also offers some magnificent national parks and reserves including the stunning Monti Sibillini. Mountains make up approximately 31% of the terrain with the remaining 69% being hills with the region being separated from most of the remainder of Italy by the Apennines.

The combination of sea, hills and mountains provides great environments for sources of food too. Fred Plotkin in “Italy for the Gourmet Traveller” (a great read by the way) recommends the region for its superb seafood as well as excellent truffles, mushrooms, meats, olives, grapes and particularly cheeses.

Rent a villa for 2012 and explore this diverse region before word gets out and the numbers of tourists increase.

5. Poitou Charentes

Lonely Planet has listed Poitou-Charentes in its top-ten regions to visit for 2012 so we agree on this one. In the words of travel author Stuart Butler:

“With quiet country roads wending through vine-striped hills and wild stretches of coastal sands interspersed with misty islands, the Atlantic coast is where the French get back to nature. Much more laid-back than the Med (but with almost as much sunshine) and ideally suited to family holidays, this is a place where you can slow the pace right down. And there are numerous ways in which to do this. You could spend a morning quietly greeting curious ducks as you kayak down the glowing green canals, rivers and streams of the Marais Poitevin. You could cycle over the lazy landscapes of the dreamy Île de Ré or raise a glass in the pretty town of Cognac. Or soak up the salty air of the white city, La Rochelle, after exploring its fascinating museums and breathtaking aquarium. Poitou-Charentes is far from undiscovered – French tourists have been flocking here for years – but aside from the city of La Rochelle (an increasingly popular weekend break destination thanks to arrival of budget airlines), the area is woefully under-visited by foreigners.”

Need I say more (other than you can stay here when you visit).

So, with our top 5 list for inspiration, we’d love to here about your travel plans (or even dreams!) for 2012.

Happy travels.

Well 2012 is now upon us and I wanted to wish you all a happy new year with all the best for the year ahead.

I love the hope and promise of a new year and all the opportunities it holds. It is a time to reflect on the past year, the highights and challenges and to re-focus on your dreams and plans for the coming 12 months.

Everyday is a new beginning.

And, the travel tragic that I am, it is time to put travel plans into action (but more on my travel plans later).

Just today I met a group of 3 women who regaled me of their trip together to Florence and then Paris and we laughed at our shared experiences of the space age toilets of Paris before discussing what’s on our travel agendas for 2012 and beyond.

I love hearing about where people are heading off to, what they’re hoping to see and do and to hear the excitement in their voices.

So today I am asking about your travel plans.

• Where are you off to?
• When are you going?
• Tell us all about it.

Let us all live vicarously through your travel plans – make us envious and share your destination/s!

You may end up being the inspiration for other travellers!