Monty
We have a house in Salerm, unfortunately at the moment a holiday home, which is near Boulogne.
We very much like the rolling hills and especially the French people of the area who are friendly and tolerant of the fact that our language skills require developing.
Seems a very quiet area but with lots around. And very easy access to the mountains.
Weather seems very good - last February, when we had just taken ownership of the house I was working in just a pair of shorts.
There will be others more qualified to comment on the area due to actually living there. However, we looked at areas near the Pyrenees and think that we have chosen the best location.
Best of luck
Paul
As a little update, depending upon the type of location that you are looking for, you might also like to look around Aurignac, which is to the east of Boulogne.
A book published last month, A summer in Gascony by Martin Calder, is set in a village near Boulogne and does provide some description of the area and life, albeit a few years ago. Also provides some history of the area.
Have also PMd you with 3 properties for sale.
Hello
Can I butt in please? Like Monty, my husband and I are looking to move to the pyrenees. I have 3 dogs which like to swim so it would be fantastic if we could be close to lakes or canals but we also need views of the mountains. Local walks are a must where I can walk my 3 boys off the leads. Peace and quiet is also a must with beautiful countryside.
Any ideas please? It's such a vast area that it's very difficult to get to see it all so with a few pointers I can look suggested area's up on the internet before visiting.
Thanks very much
Well our place is South of the A64 in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Personally, rather than looking at the mountains, I prefer to be in them! OK, not too high up (we're about 500m above sea level). We're 15 minutes from the pistes for a bit of skiing, and it takes the same time to pop into Spain and have a paella! There are loads of lakes about and the countryside is fantastic. Real seasons too - The summer thunderstorms after a warm day are dramatic - I love 'em! You're right though, it's a big area (we're in 'the middle' East/West) so best to explore the lot before deciding. One point to bear in mind is lack of winter light if you are lower, and near a steep hill/mountain blocking the winter sun.
Having written the above, part of the charm of the place it the fact that it's not heavily populated. So I'd advise of course remaining North of the A64!
Hi Darnsarf
Can you give me a rough idea as to where you live? We were originally looking around Bagneres de Bigorre but we're a bit concerned about the lack of walking i'd be able to do during the winter months. At the moment, we live in the Charente-Maritime so I can walk the dogs all year round no problem. Now, the idea of having a snowy winter sounds idyllic to me but is it really practical when my favourite pastime is walking? We've noticed quite a few lovely properties/buildings for sale in the triangle of St-Girons. St Gaudens and Bagneres-de-Luchon. The area (on a map) looks beautiful but where do I walk in mid january?
Bagneres-de-Bigorre is still pulling at my heartstrings but am I being practical?
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