“If God were to come down to earth, he would seek shelter in Provence” – Henri Matisse. This region is legendary; from the glamour of Saint-Tropez, Nice and Cannes to the wilds of the Luberon’s sloping vineyards and lavender fields. A former Roman province in what is now south-eastern France, Provence is beautifully situated between the Mediterranean Sea and Mt. Ventoux.

An area of outstanding natural beauty, the Camargue, with its wild horses is my favourite pocket of Provence...

For most, buying a home abroad remains a significant, long-term commitment, especially if mortgage finance is required, but how do you ensure that your dream property in France remains as wise a purchase in 20 years’ time? According to experts, the best way to future-proof your French home is to think green.

Consideration for the environment and our impact upon it has become almost unavoidable in the 21st century. The UK has signed up to a variety of green legislation including the ...

The British have long had a love affair with France. Despite the groundless jibes about their food and culture, there is an underlying admiration for the nation. But why France?

The British have long favoured France over many other countries because it is so close to home. England is just a short journey across the water; whether by plane, train or boat. France also offers every type of lifestyle imaginable, from sun drenched beaches to hilly countryside, snowy mountains for skiing or ...

Located in the beautiful Tarentaise Valley, this four-star ski resort has plenty to offer

It tool the house of Savoie eight centuries to build its kingdom across the mountains. Now ordinary people can realise their Alpine dreams in the heart of Paradiski, one of Europe’s biggest ski areas.

Ideally located in the heart of Paradiski, Edenarc 1800 is strategically situated at the crossroads of Europe’s most beautiful ski resorts. Its 425km of runs are served by an expansive net...

The popularity of France’s Grand Massif area – the fourth biggest ski area in the French Alps and home to some of the region’s most scenic and traditional villages which attract Britons all year round – has prompted the region’s leading developer to bring forward plans to build more apartments there.

Richard Deans, sales consultant in the Regent Street, London office of leading French developer MGM, has revealed to Overseas Living that work will start next year on the con...

Jennifer and Helmet Gorlich are no strangers to the challenge of a refurbishment project, large or small. In fact to say that the Gorlichs are a pair of consummate professionals at the renovation game would be erring towards understatement. The couple have been in the game for decades, even before the concept of renovating and selling property for a profit had even filtered into public consciousness, let alone become the fodder of countless TV programs.

To date, the manoir, on the outs...

Kirsten O’Brien has been presenting on our screens for 14 years, making the transition from children’s to mainstream. She is currently presenting ‘World’s Toughest Driving Tests’ with Will Mellor for BBC3, and recently hosted ‘EastEnders Live: The Aftermath’. Kirsten wrote and starred in her own documentary ‘Kirsten’s Topless Ambition’, a personal investigation into why female presenters tend to do ‘lads mags’ shoots to f...

Some of the biggest online reservations agencies and online travel agents take a huge 25 percent commission when travelers reserve a hotel online with them and the cost is either added to the room’s price or the hotel has to pay a commission to the agent. This practice has been the standard for some 15 years since the internet became the most popular method of booking hotel reservations. Hoteliers that didn’t get their own websites at the time and are often still left behind, but ...

Unless you have a significant amount of disposable income and are passionate about winter sports, the idea of buying property in the French Alps might not have crossed your mind. Stereotypical images of the area generally include images of plush resorts and chalets boosted by exclusive apres-ski options.

This is no longer the case. The French Alps are much more than resorts such as Courcheval and Val D’Isere and the playground of the moneyed during the winter season. Instead, w...

If you’re a British or other foreign national living in France or intending to move to France, you may be concerned about financial matters like investments, pensions or savings. Perhaps you’re unsure about French succession laws, healthcare entitlements, taxes and the implications of different French marital regimes? Or maybe you’re wondering about the best approach to insurance, mortgages or equity release schemes?

Bilingual consul...

Mountain refuges, once the preserve of hardy mountaineers, have shaken off their image of scratchy blankets and no running water. These days, mountain huts close to major ski areas are more likely to offer gourmet food, en suite facilities and the chance to be the first on the slopes the next day. Pack your pyjamas for the ideal escape from the ennui of ski resort life.

Refuge Lognan Chamonix, France
Perched like a talisman below the ice-fa...

The Domaine de la Coquillade has been enhanced and extended to seduce devotees of Provence, wine enthusiasts and lovers of open spaces alike. Located in Gargas (Vaucluse) on a small hill with an extraordinary view over the Luberon and the Mont Ventoux and at the heart of a wine tourism estate, the property unveils a hamlet consisting of six residences, the oldest of which dates back to the 11th century, all renovated and furnished in the style of sumptuous four star villas. The estate also of...

Since its inception, the legendary Golf Resort Domaine de Terre Blanche has attracted golf enthusiasts from around the globe for its luxury, golfing tuition and wellbeing. Many of these have made this paradise their homestead on one of the generous plots of land measuring between 2,000 and 10,000sq m.

Owning property up there in the wild landscape gives automatic access to a membership in one of the most desirable golf communities on the continent. Membership of Terre Blanche Golf Club...

Choosing the right adviser is an important step towards making the most of your money, particularly so when moving abroad. Finding the perfect home is a priority and so planning finances can often be overlooked. You need an adviser who will always work in your best interests and can help you understand the complexities of the financial world. The first step in ensuring you receive the best possible advice is to use an independent financial adviser who is authorised and regulated both in the U...

The French Riviera is a varied and beautiful area that has been immortalised by film, song and glamorous associations spanning more than a century. Winter is kind, of course, with generally sunny weather all year round and with annual events in hot spots like Cannes, Monaco, Nice and St Tropez there is always something to keep everyone occupied. There are gentle ways to pass the time visiting perched medieval mountain villages, lush gardens and beaches and despite some concentrated urbanisat...