Le Castel - The Complete French Retirement Homes Solution

Do you dream of retiring to the South of France? Just imagine - endless days spent in the sun or playing golf; gentle strolls along miles of sandy beach, and then dining out at any one of a myriad gorgeous French restaurants -- it's an idyllic and carefree existence, and one that is very attainable. All it takes is your resolve to find the right environment in which to retire in France -- an environment where you can live life to the full, and yet have the full support of a caring team of people to attend to your every retirement need. Does such a place exist in France? Oh yes! Welcome to Le Castel Retirement Homes.

Carefree Living in the South of France

Le Castel is designed with your future in mind. It is a retirement village complete with a staggering range of amenities including shops, restaurants, sports facilities, fitness centre and a health & medical centre with 24-hour emergency access. Accommodation is luxurious. There are retirement villas and apartments to choose from in the purpose-built village, all of which are finished to an exceptionally high standard. It is a self-contained community that provides every service that you could possibly want when retiring in the South of France.

Le Castel Location

Le Castel retirement community is set on a rural plateau in the Gers region of France about a kilometre away from the ancient town of Castelnau d'Auzan. It's rural, but it's not isolated. A free shuttle bus service will run between the retirement village and Castelnau d'Auzan so residents who don't drive can get out and about. For residents who do drive, the French Atlantic coast is but a two-hour drive away, as are the snow-capped mountains of the Pyrenees. The closest airport is at Toulouse, about an hour from the retirement village.

The Retirement Village

Exquisite architecture and quality finishing are the hallmarks of Le Castel Retirement Homes, a unique retirement development in the South of France. In the design, considerable attention has been given to the verandas and eaves. The materials used meet the highest quality standards and the living space in the villas and apartments are generous, typically ranging from 120 to 200 square metres.

Inside, each property has a minimum of two bedrooms. The master bedroom is ensuite and features a walk-in closet for easy storage. Kitchens and bathrooms are customisable to your own designs, while other rooms feature a wealth of luxury furnishings and fittings.

Overall, the village will consist of one hundred and seventy-eight retirement properties, these being split into 67 apartments and 111 villas. Construction begins in 2007 with the first properties being delivered in 2008. Work is scheduled for completion in the village during 2009 / 2010. Prices for apartments start in the mid-200s euros. Prices for villas start in the low 300s euros.

Fractional Ownership Vs French Leaseback

In 2009 we saw a new trend in the foreign market with a new type of investment called fractional ownership. We have analyzed the pros and cons of fractional ownership and French leaseback.

Want to property in France, you know, but not enough information about the property, then look no further. This will tell you everything you need to know about French fractional ownership and leasing.

As an investment, when you buy a French leasing canVAT returns, while fractional ownership will not be able to get the VAT back. A French leaseback is a guaranteed source of income paid to you, regardless of the management of his or someone to occupy the property or not, but with property ownership does not guarantee them an income. There is a wide selection of leaseback in various regions of France between the ski resorts, beach resorts and nature, fractional ownership isalmost nothing about the French property market as most are frozen in fractional ownership in Spain, Portugal and Florida. With the possession of the qualities that make ownership of the property and that can make it more difficult to sell, but with a French leaseback property of exclusive property, it is a property.

Living in terms of buying a property with a French leaseback property, you can stay in your property for a few weeks and possibly up to six months, with ownership of real estateThey only remains in your property for a quarter of the year. Depending on the type of accommodation you can get a larger, more expensive property with the property characteristics of each of the four people charged quarter and what they pay if they were to buy the property on his own. With a French leaseback property unless you have a lot of money that will not be able to afford a home can. As for living in your property, will the property ownership of the calendar matrix systembe very complicated. By leasing its French owner may, if he wants, but there are some restrictions, such as the high season usually between July 15 to August 15, and the residence is sometimes closed in winter.

In summary, fractional ownership is ideal for people with more money and for use as a holiday destination. A French leaseback is an excellent investment and gives you the ability to use your property for most of the yearand all the facilities like sauna, jacuzzi and swimming pool.

French cuisine and its regional impact

In some regions, people there including regional specialties, but most of them were known and appreciated throughout the world. In its region of origin, can be found above all, their specialty with more quality of preparation and ingredients, even if you can find in France. In each region, they also have their usual way of selection of ingredients and cook their meals. For example, tomatoes, various herbs and olive oil is a must in the kitchenProvence.

Here are a few main influences of regional cuisine:

* The economic conditions and history, economic conditions, lifestyle and culture have made the price of local food traditions in different areas. hard cheeses are stored in the mountain regions during the winter as long and difficult, which can be found. In the story, when it comes to economics, we find that in some limited areas of this society and cheese are the main means of support for a variety ofHomes, since they are produced in the mountains for the animals. For many centuries, the economic prosperity of the region, Burgundy was suspended for his excellence in animal husbandry and have helped to deliver their rich cream sauces and meat.

* Local availability: fresh and local, must be transported long distances for a better quality and are the basis of the best food and, of course, the French nation of gourmets do not know that, forExamples of areas of the community in which to grow herbs and fruit is easy to use in their cuisine. Similarly, in inland areas don `t really use a lot of fish, but on the contrary, the coastal cities of the North West of France such as Normandy and Brittany have a typical way of eating seafood dishes.

* Immigration and neighboring countries: France near the kitchen is formally enshrined in the areas bordering other countries. Near the Italian borderFor example, it is not surprising to find Italian dishes. Due to the immigration of North Africans living in France are the French have to rent their original African dishes. It was also several border wars to Germany again in the Alsace region, but moved to find now the German sauerkraut and wine, very popular in this type of terrain it was.

It is found in all parts of France, both in homes and inRestaurants, a great variety of dishes, regional specialties. However, you will always observe the local influences in terms of cooking and ingredients. local recipes and ingredients seem to be the best food and most in their region. Feed your heart desires to enjoy because the species is largely a consequence of the election, or a visit to France to live where.

These are some examples:

* Freshwater Fish in domestic consumption,as in the Loire valley, while the fish is preferred in the Mediterranean Sea and near the Atlantic coast.

* The warm air throughout the South, the favorites of the use of fruit and vegetables.

* The sauerkraut and beer and have influenced the Alsace in northeastern France, in Lorraine, German.

* Apples, cream (or sour cream) and butter are used in French cuisine in the north-west.

* Tomatoes, fresh herbs and olive oilused mainly by the French Mediterranean.

Chocolate - Another Thing The French are famous for

France is known for many things, like the Eiffel Tower and high fashion. They are also known for their rich cuisine such as crepes and quiche Lorraine. They are known for their baked goods, wine and chocolate, of course, determined.

Chocolate is for centuries, from 1500 BC, when the Olmec Indians built cereal with cocoa beans. From there it was Maya, where only the rich can consume it were. In 600 AD they established plantationsdedicated to the coveted bean and from there took the Aztec elite on it.

The popularity of liquid chocolate to spread further and the famous explorer, Christopher Columbus brought with him to Spain in 1502. The Spaniards added sugar, which enhances the flavor and remove the bitterness from her. Strangely, when he reached France, he was mocked and called "barbaric" and "harmful." E 'was Anne of Austria and King Louis XIII, was adopted as a favorite drinkthe court that the Frenchman was the beginning of its popularity in France. chocolate became known as an aphrodisiac in France. 'was used by Casanova to seduce women. Would add champagne and then bring her lover. Madame De Pompador would also serve to her lover to her before she seduces exciting. Chocolate was also used for the intrigues of the Marquis de Sade. Would add poison and then give to those who wanted to harm.

The supply of cocoa beansFrance raises after the conquest of Cuba and Haiti in 1684. It was then that she first established, the plantings. In 1657 a Frenchman opened the first chocolate shop in London, where he was so dear, hope that only the rich could afford it. A Frenchman named Doret discovered how to grind the beans and invented a hydraulic press for this purpose, at the 1778th That was the beginning of the production of chocolate in a big way.

Between World Wars I and II, the FrenchPralines.Many known people chocolate chocolate French was considered the best in the world to be. Its rich flavor is smooth and is internationally known by all those who want to love this candy. The French are known for their chocolates and truffles as nonpareils, means "without equal" famous. You put it in delicious pastries, cakes and puddings. One of his most famous deserts of this function is chocolate Eclair French. Another favorite is chocolate mousse. There arenothing like the rich aroma that emanates from a French bakery. Few can resist the smell as soon as they enter and are, where they attracted a wide range of offers in which this feature chocolate.

Christmas in France - What is a Christmas like the French?

And 'Christmas in France and other Christmas anywhere else? Well, I think it depends where you come from. For me as an Englishman, of course, there are many similarities and many differences.

Things like Santa Claus (Père Noël) is all over the place, shops suddenly illuminated by hiding all the useful things and their store shelves of toys, however, roads and decorated, something like that. In fact, they seem to do a little 'more than oneProblems with lighting - even small towns make an effort, in France, which is not often the case in the UK.

Differences with a French Christmas? Now, is not quite as commercial. Christmas is only in December to start here, while England will now begin the build-up in September!

There are practical differences. The local bread shop (Boulangerie) is often open on Christmas morning, for example, and Stephen is not a holiday. Most Frenchhave returned to work, if it is a weekend.

Christmas in France is still a very important religious holiday and a great family event. The French are big family. I am very likely that the main meal, with chestnuts, but could also be a goose or capon Turkey. The big difference is that meals will be on Christmas Eve - the evening - and it was not until after the midnight mass! Although perhaps less French than go to midnight massused the meal (reveillon - means that wake up) goes in the early morning hours.

Some parts of France still sixth start-to-day to celebrate St. Nicholas, December, 12th Night, but it means nothing to them. For us, if all the decorations down (or unlucky), but the French are celebrating the arrival of the Kings, Jan. 6 (Fête des Rois) and the decorations seem to be in order for weeks and weeks. Perhapsare only the most festive of us!

Sure, Christmas in France would be complete without the Sapin de Noël - Christmas tree - so we have probably more in common than we do what divides us. In the New Year Epiphany is a feast big enough, and most of the major communities are invited to a glass of champagne at the local town or village hall. There is also a cake with a little 'magic in it - like money in a Christmas pudding - althoughthe cake is usually round, flat and breath and Frangipane - very sweet.

French culinary specialties

Use this guide to get a great idea for what kind of trip to France to expect from you. If you are just starting to plan your trip, what better way than to follow in the stomach!

Paris and the Ile-de-France

The central regions of Paris and the Ile de France is a culinary marvel. With thousands of restaurants and a large number of Michelin star recipients, there is no lack of choice and quality. You can have food from all over the world in ParisIle de France, but local food and what is most affected is the maximum.

Alsace, Champagne, Lorraine

Have you ever heard of Quiche Lorraine? It is not the name of a woman, but the Lorraine region - famous for her jams. Champagne may be less obscure to you - comes this sparkling wine from Champagne, is the only way to make a toast warm. And the region of Alsace, bordering Germany, will be combined with the refined style of German wine, beer and foodSauerkraut without having to cross the border.

Bretagne, Nord Pas de Calais, Normandy, Picardy

including the Nord, Pas de Calais, Picardy, Normandy and Brittany - - If you're an addict of seafood, the coastal region is the place to go. Find some of the best lobster, mussels, scallops, herring, sea bass, monkfish, and here. The area also produce incredible and cornfields are abundant here - the climate is ideal for some of the best grain and vegetables inWorld.

Central France, The Loire Valley

The regions of the Loire Valley and central France pack a punch cooking - fresh fruit, game, offer them an unforgettable experience for the food. Try some of the best goat cheeses, or are in France, try the famous cherry, as it is, or liquor guignolet.

Burgundy, Franche-Comté

Wine lovers will be recognized for its wines of Burgundy. Franche-Comté is equally wellregarded for its fine cheeses. If you eat in these regions, you must be your wine with cheese or meat of large game and torque. If you are going to try snails for the first time, there is no other place to do it as Burgundy, where they are locked in herb butter.

Lyon, Rhône-Alpes

makes the wealth of fruit and vegetables in Lyon and the Rhone is a staple of the diet. Fish from lakes and rivers of the region Rhône always caught andServe chilled and Lyon is known for its great sausage and cheese known. The cooks of the area are well-celebrated, so you know that all these high quality ingredients in very good hands, if done on the plate.

Limousin, Poitou-Charentes

The long struggle between raw and cooked fish stay in the regions of Limousin and Poitou-Charentes - but do not think it matters. If you love raw oysters with a little 'of lemon juice or mussels cooked in wine andCream, are all great. The country is big on quality pasture true value of the sausage and cheese here is unsurpassed. Take a walk in the woods and find some large mushrooms, adding a taste-maker for local courts.

Bordeaux, Gascony, Pays Basque, Perigord

The soil and climate are ideal for grapes and wine, Bordeaux is the final representation of the perfection of the Bordeaux region in southwestern France. The great wine is just the incredibleDeep sea fishing in the Basque Country, the region offers an incredible sea. Perigord and Gascony are best for their pates, terrines and foie gras and confit known.

Aveyron, Quercy, Toulouse

Fat production, such as duck foie gras of the best, and provides enough grain in the area for ducks, and all the others. The land here is rich enough, and everything from high-quality truffles Haricot Verts and the grapes are grown up here and worked in the kitchen.Roquefort cheese fans will love the Aveyron, the number of sheep that graze along the region. Toulouse and produces what is widely recognized as one of the best sausage in all France.

Cévennes, Languedoc Roussillon

Cevennes famous for its grapes, chestnuts, mushrooms and honey. They also produce excellent sausages, cakes and goat cheese. Roquefort is the strength of the Languedoc, where the sheep are abundant. But it isSeafood in this southern region of France, should note the. Bourride, for example, is a stew of monkfish, which is absolutely delicious. stowage of cargo, an escargot dish, reflecting the Catalan influence in the region.

French Riviera, Provence

Do not miss the olive oil from this region of France. As the largest supplier of olives, the Côte d'Azur and Provence regions of the world, famous for its excellent olive oil. The region is also rich inFruits, vegetables and herbs that provide the rest of the country with high quality food. As you can imagine, the food here is spectacular, considering all the ingredients at hand. Both truffles, meats, goat cheese, basil and rice is no shortage of the best food and ingredients.

Corsica

The island of Corsica, is an abundance of goats, sheep and pigs, and then find a strong culture of meat, is of great sausage, sausage, bacon and ham.But with the water surrounding the island of Corsica, the fish is always fresh and delicious. Chestnuts, walnuts, clementines, figs and grow on the island and very useful for wine and desserts.

Reasons why the French Mardi Gras celebrations

Mardi Gras is an extravagant festival celebrated in France instead. Literally means "Fat Tuesday. It is a festival that Catholics can enjoy a feast before Lent losses for the week. There are many reasons why Mardi Gras is celebrated in France.

The first possible answer before the question of why the holiday is celebrated in France, because it is an extravagant housewarming party and happy. According to historical records, was initiated by Catholics, as the olda means of bringing peace to others in France with the pagan religions. It 'was their nature, respect for other religions.

According to the second possible answer to the question of why the festival is celebrated in France, because it was many centuries ago in Catholicism by the Catholic Church in France to convert more than one way to draw people in. It 'an event where everyone can feel equal. It 'also an event where then you can have fun withoutCatholic again. It 's a good way, because they can, an event highly charged with a Christian aspect was postponed because Lent is connected.

Third The third possible answer to the question of why Mardi Gras is celebrated in France because the French wanted to have age of precursor Roman festival called Lupercalia in the middle. These festivals were events where people are stubborn and people can just whatever they want. The Catholic Church thoughtthis celebration as an event pre-Lenten taken so that people like celebrating can be controlled.

Fourth The fourth possible answer to the question of why Mardi Gras is celebrated in France is why Catholics for centuries have called before a certain day to indulge in food and wine before going to victims of forty days of fasting and others. The Catholic Church was then the fastest time is a big party to celebrate, like most Protestant churchesat that time was not the focus for Lent.

The last fifth possible reason why Mardi Gras is celebrated in France, it was because the Catholic Church wanted to instill discipline in the French Catholics for centuries. They wanted to teach them a lesson that day of Mardi Gras indulgence, and so much fun, but during Lent, they can not do it anymore. It 'was a special day for Catholics, given to celebrate.

Properties in France - A look at French property market

As one of the closest countries Britain, France has always dazed the British term Real Estate Investors in all aspects. Historically, culturally, politically, France has always lured investors from around the world, with its precious natural properties distributed throughout the country.

The nation better known as the love capital of the world has a few things in its favor, that the real estate field, to make investment destination in the world today. AsThey say there is something that keeps you hooked the nation's capital Paris. Perhaps no better place to spend a romantic holiday in the city of lovers.

Property in France

After a lean patch recently, the housing market in France is back in favor of British investors. As one of the most sought after destination for commercial and industrial power plants, the country remains one of the bestInvestments in businesses and commercial properties.

Paris is also one of the most popular fashion destinations in the world and, as such goods in the capital, certainly commands a premium. Yes, according to a recent survey, Paris has grown beyond the average real estate investor. But retail investors need not worry as yet can fairly cheap homes throughout the French countryside and picturesque coastal towns.

As the housing market is undergoing aTransition in France, a smart investor can take an interesting country to strike in some of the most important. You can order a price indicator, apartments in Languedoc Roussillon access from EUR 40K. But you still have to go in the top 50K + for a decent house in the Var region of Provence. However, closer to Paris, France, you can lay your hands on comfortable apartments in Ile de for just over 40K. Alternatively, you canFrance could consider a mobile home already located in 13K by.

But back to the alternatives in Paris, prospective investors would do well not only on the hook of the capital, as are many other more viable and economic opportunities throughout the landscape. The country cottage in rural or ski chalet in the mountains are an immediate turn-on for tourists, and offer the best investment if you look for a regular ongoing rentalIncome from your investment property in France.

Other important areas, such as the French Riviera more off the field to the average purchaser of a property. Similarly, cities along the French Riviera, as the millionaire's playground viewed simply too expensive for an average real estate investor. If you're an above average investor, however, then these places an automatic choice for any type of investment.

Overall, the natural choiceReal estate investments in France include the Resort property along the coast, the Alps, residential real estate, apartments, villas, palaces and cities, Paris, Toulouse, Nice and Monaco - and business and trade, such as in and around the Capital City of Paris.

And here's a tip for all potential investors are looking for property in France for a purchase of a property in. The majority of the members speak French and understand only French. So is an additional benefit ifYou brush up on your French before investing in the country.

For love of a property in France English

Even if France is attracting investment from around the world, which has a special place among the pride of British property investors. Here are some of the reasons for this positive development -

- For both countries are founding members of the European Union and enjoy a mutual goodwill among men.

- Regular flights from low cost airlines betweenThe two countries makes the country easily accessible.

- Who can look at the underwater tunnel of the Channel Tunnel between the two countries and the Euro Star rail system running at high speed?

- France offers the closest and one of the world famous holiday destinations in the world for UK coastal and mountain areas, with resorts attracting property investors of all walks of life in France.

- The food and French wine (not to mention champagne!)is too good to resist.

- Option French Leaseback property is a great incentive for investor cash in the British housing boom in the country.

- France offers best rates of return on real estate, both long and short term investors. All you need is the fulfillment of certain laws, and you're the proud owner of a property in France.

- France is a powerhouse of fashion, offering the best of life in modernWorld.

- Increase regular flow of tourists on rental income from the property.