Real Estate & Travel News in France from Propertyshowrooms.com

Increase in air travel to benefit French property market

Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

An increase in air travel of 9.1 per cent to France's Nice Cote d'Azur airport could be the incentive that property investors are looking for, it has been suggested.

Charlie Williams, business development manager of developer Terresens, said that investing in the French Riviera should be viewed as "common sense", adding that the high level of tourists the region attracts means that high rental yields can be achieved.

"The abundance of annual conferences and events taking place especially in Cannes, make the south of France an excellent choice for your overseas property investment," he explained.

Mr Williams noted that the short distance to the UK and the rest of Europe has made France one of the most popular choices for investment property buyers in the world.

The south of France, he added, is a prime example, with the airports of Nice and Marseille offering easy access to the French Riviera all year round.

France set for 'rival to air' as faster ferry is launched

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The launch of a new high-speed ferry could offer an alternative to budget airlines as a means of travelling from the UK to France, it has been claimed.

Ferry firm LD Lines recently announced the arrival of a new 112-metre catamaran that will cross the channel from Dover to Bolougne faster than any previous vessel carrying freight and cars, a service due to commence next month.

Such a service could interest investors in French property, as it may provide a new way of getting to a home in France swiftly.

LD Lines spokesman Nick Stevens said that fares will compete with those offered by budget airlines, while the journeys will avoid the procedures required at airports.

"Travelling by car, by ferry and now particularly by fast ferry, provide the traveller with so many unique advantages," he stated.

LD Lines already operates services to Le Havre from Portsmouth and to Dieppe from Newhaven and Dover.

Pyrenees hailed for lower prices

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Pyrenees offers lower prices for those wishing to buy property in a mountainous region of France, it has been stated.

In a feature on the Haute Ariege area, the Daily Telegraph noted that the cost of buying in the region is lower than in the Alps.

British property owner in the area Cherry Frizzell remarked to the paper: "The French don't know about the Pyrenees, they think about the mountains as being the Alps."

The Telegraph noted that the area offers attractions such as cross-country skiing, canoeing and climbing, features that may be attractive to property buyers.

A part of the French Pyrenees that is particularly popular with Britons is the Lot area, it has been claimed.

Last month marketing and communications official for the Midi-Pyrenees Tourist Board Solenne Odon stated that favoured places include the wine area around the town of Cieurac, as well as villages such as Rocamadour and St-Cirq Lapopie.

French property 'available at low cost'

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There are a number of properties to be found in France for less than GPB 150,000, it has been stated.

Such low prices exist because many British second home owners have decided to cash in their assets and are willing to offer discounts, the Times reports.

Joanna Leggett of Leggett Immobilier's Dordogne office told the paper: "Old holiday homes are being sold at a steal," noting as an example a recently renovated cottage with two bedrooms in the south-west of the country on offer for GBP 98,645.

The paper also revealed that there are homes available in Provence such as one-bed apartments for GBP 88,900 and a two-bedroom stone home from GBP 125,000.

Another area in which French property may appeal to UK buyers is the ease of accessibility to the country.

The northern region of Picardy is well served in this way, noted Marketing and PR manager for Picardy tourist board Claude Chaboud recently.

He commented: "From London there is the Eurostar and the ferries, so it [Picardy] is very, very accessible."

Brittany 'offering good tourism prospects'

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brittany will be offering a good summer season for British visitors, the region's tourist board has said.

Director of the Brittany Tourist Board Michael Dodds commented that the recession is a factor that is likely to make UK travellers choose to cross the channel for their summer break.

He remarked: "At the moment, with the economic downturn, people are looking for a good safe bet family friendly holidays. Brittany is looking forward to a good season."

Such factors may prompt those seeking to buy property to rent to tourists to consider investing in the region.

Mr Dodds stated that Britons tend to have favourite areas such as the historic town of Dinan and the ferry port of Saint-Malo.

He also noted that some Britons are moving inland and acting as a "driving force" for tourism in these areas.

British resident in the region Tracy Harris said that "life is simpler, safer and calmer" in Brittany than in England, the Daily Mail reported this week.

Transport hit by French strikers

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hundreds of thousands of French public and private sector workers begin a one-day strike, causing disruption to trains and flights...

Transport hit amid French strike

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hundreds of thousands of French public and private sector workers begin a one-day strike, causing disruption to trains and flights...

Alitalia chooses Air France as partner

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

ROME (AP) - Alitalia, whose 62 years as a state-run company ended in bankruptcy, begins its new incarnation Tuesday as a private company with Air France-KLM as a minority shareholder alongside a varie...

New flights from northwest improve access to French property

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New routes announced by easyJet this week are set to make property in France more accessible for UK property investors based in the north-west.

The low-cost airline will commence flights to Bordeaux from Liverpool Airport in June, with one-way fares starting at £22.99.

In addition, a new easyJet route to Bastia in Corsica is set to begin operating from Manchester in August.

Andy Harrison, the airline's chief executive, said the new flights will be popular with "sun-seekers, city breakers and business travellers alike".

He added: "We are proud to keep growing in Liverpool and Manchester, where we will base additional aircraft that will boost the local economy, create much needed jobs and give even more destinations at our famously low fares."

For those planning to invest in property or take a holiday in Italy, easyJet has also announced a new route from Liverpool to Naples, beginning on June 1st.

Last week, low-cost carrier Jet2 announced a new connection between Leeds Bradford Airport and Albert-Picardie in northern France.

Visit our off-plan property France page.

Resort quality influences winter sports holidaymakers

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Snow conditions and the quality of a resort are two of the most important factors for Britons looking to go on a skiing holiday, it has been suggested.

The Ski Club of Great Britain has stated that due to the needs for good snow conditions, winter sports tourists will tend to favour top resorts over the smaller destinations.

"Whether you are looking for larger resorts or a more traditional resort, snow conditions are key," the body's Carrie Hainge explained, noting that the former are "more popular".

Those who are considering investing in skiing resorts - such as the variety of locations on offer in France - may wish to heed Ms Hainge's comments and ensure they purchase property in an area where snow is likely to be of a consistently good quality.

The body recently noted that areas such as Meribel, Courchevel, Val d'Isere and Tignes are all popular French destinations, adding that Britons are more likely to opt for nearby resorts rather than those in the United States.

France still has skiing hotspots

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

France's ski resorts are still proving popular with winter sports fans from the UK, despite the recent fall of the pound against the euro.

This is according to Carrie Hainge, brand and product manager from the Ski Club of Great Britain, who said that the "traditionally popular" ski destinations of Europe are continuing to attract a high level of visitors.

She said that the accessibility of ski resorts in France and other European countries will continue to attract British holidaymakers, which means that property owners in the country will continue to benefit from a reliable rental market.

"Europe will still prove popular because it is an area easy to access from the UK. For people who have young children, it's not the long flight if you would travel to Canada or America," Ms Hainge explained.

"All the big name resorts are popular. For example, you've got Val d'Isere and Tignes in France … [and] in the three valleys, there is Meribel and Courchevel."

The Telegraph recently named Tignes as the best resort in the world for snowboarding holidays.

Visit our off-plan property France page.

French resorts 'still popular' among skiers

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The declining value of the pound is unlikely to affect the popularity of Europe as a skiing destination, the Ski Club of Great Britain has suggested.

According to the body, Britons are still likely to choose locations in countries such as France for their skiing holidays, as they are easier to access than options in the United States and Canada.

Carrie Hainge of the club explained that "all the big name resorts" are still in favour.

"In France, in the three valleys, there is Meribel and Courchevel. These have always been traditionally popular," she noted, adding that Val d'Isere and Tignes are also favoured by those looking for a skiing holiday.

Property investors may wish to note these locations, as purchasing chalets in these areas may result in high investment returns caused by steady demand from holidaymakers looking to rent a home.

Ms Hainge's comments support recent findings from market analyst Protourisme, which concluded that there has been a positive start to the winter sports season in France.

France resorts see "excellent" winter season start

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

France's ski resorts have enjoyed a positive start to the winter sports season, it has been suggested.

Market analyst firm Protourisme found that high snow levels have resulted in the Christmas and new year periods being busier than expected.

Accommodation in the Alps and the Pyrenees - along with other skiing locations - was over three-quarters full during this time period, prompting manager of Protourisme Didier Arino to describe the start to the season as "excellent".

"The economic crisis is helping French vacation spots. The French are not going abroad as much," he remarked.

Property investors who have been considering investing in ski resort property could welcome the news, as it may mean they see healthy demand from tenants wanting to hire accommodation while on a winter sports holiday.

The findings contradict a recent report from travel firm International Property Tribune, which suggested that ski and snowboard destinations could experience a fall in demand due to the credit crunch impacting people's holiday habits.

Lowcost airline unveils new flights to France

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Travelling to France is set to become even more convenient for overseas property investors with the launch of new flights from Jet2.

The low-cost carrier has announced a new route between Leeds Bradford Airport and Albert-Picardie Airport in northern France, with twice-weekly flights scheduled to begin in April.

Situated close to the Somme battlefield, the airport is used by visitors heading to France to experience a major location in world history and pay tribute to those killed during World War I.

"This is a really exciting destination for us and we are proud to offer the first direct scheduled flights to Albert from the UK," commented Ian Doubtfire, Jet2 managing director.

As well as containing areas of extreme historical importance, France is also the location of the world's best snowboarding destination, according to a recent article in the Telegraph.

The newspaper identified Tinges as "the premier snowboarding resort" for winter sports enthusiasts.

Visit our off-plan property France page.

The Advantages of Staying in Paris Apartments

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How about booking an apartment in Paris for your business trip or family vacation? Sounds good! But there is a catch as it is going to be yours only for few days. Paris is not only known for its furo...

Beaches In France

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The beaches in France are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country during summer. Whether its for a honeymoon or a family adventure, you should be able to find the beach that will...

Sarkozy's investment revenue tax increase could hit Britons

Mon, 1 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Britons who let their holiday homes in France could be affected by Nicolas Sarkozy's recently announced increase in tax on investment revenue. Sarkozy's one per cent tax increase will be applied to property rental income as well as other investment income.

The tax rise in France has been designed to finance a French welfare plan, reports The Times. The tax, which will bring the total tax rate on investment revenue to 30 per cent, will be wide ranging and it is thought that it could affect many Britons who let their holiday home in France during the holiday season.

French officials hope that the tax increase will generate around €1.5bn per year, However, opponents to the scheme feel that it contradicts Sarkozy's efforts to attract back French tax exiles from, amongst others, Britain, Switzerland and Belgium.

The tax rise will finance a back-to-work programme, the Revenue de Solidarité Active, which will ensure that the income of welfare claimants increases once they find employment; at present some people are better off claiming benefits than in a low-paid job.

It is thought that Sarkozy's scheme will cost roughly €8.5bn per year and the French government will generate the remaining €7bn by abolishing some of the existing benefits.

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 holiday home website.

French Tourist Eateries Served Hygiene Warnings

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One in four food outlets in tourist hotspots found to be breaking hygiene regulations...

Britons take the train to France

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A record number of leisure travellers are choosing to take the train to France, according to new figures.

Eurostar has revealed that in July 2008, passenger numbers rose by 16.8 per cent on the previous year to more than 900,000.

The recent introduction of a high-speed rail link between London and Paris was said to be one of the main reasons behind the increase.

Simon Montague, director of communications at Eurostar, stated that this is because it has helped draw customers away from airlines.

He commented: "Eurostar is persuading even habitual flyers to switch from plane to train for their holidays and business trips."

Mr Montague added that he is "delighted" that the monthly passenger numbers have broken previous records.

This comes after Eurostar revealed that passenger numbers during the first quarter of the year were 21.3 per cent higher than the amount recorded 12 months earlier.

Fuel costs hit Air France profits

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Air France-KLM says profits for the April to June period fell nearly 60% as the airline was hit by rising fuel costs and a slower economy...

New ways into France

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Getting to France these days is easy. What used to be a simple enough ferry trip or a short hop on a plane has now be...

France praised by expatriate

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A British expatriate has spoken of her decision to pack her bags and set up home in France.

Sue Moritz moved to the Bordeaux region back in 1994 and believes her quality of life has improved as a result.

Speaking to the Dorset Echo, she stated that the country offers a very pleasant and secure lifestyle, which is a significant improvement on life in the UK.

As a result, she said she has no desire to return home on a permanent basis, especially as she is now married and settled in France.

Ms Moritz commented: "I like visiting England, but I wouldn't particularly want to live here again."

She added that her mother emigrated to France before she did, while her sister has now followed suit and joined them both in the country.

Earlier this week, Shelter Offshore praised France for offering a number of financial benefits to expats, such as relatively low living costs.

France recommended to prospective migrants

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British people who are considering a move abroad have been encouraged to set up home in France.

Shelter Offshore said relocating to the European country could offer a number of financial benefits, as living costs are quite low in comparison with Britain.

In addition, the online portal stated that the price of property in France is also relatively cheap, as values are "a fraction" of those in the UK.

The website said this could allow British nationals some respite from domestic economic problems, such as rising inflation, the credit crunch and the faltering housing market.

Shelter Offshore commented: "Living in France really costs less than living in the UK despite the euro's strength against the pound."

The country was also praised for offering comparable living standards, which means people can "live the same life for less".

This comes after Marjorie Mansfield of financial advice group Siddalls stated that the country is currently one of the most popular destinations for British expats.

Speaking to the Telegraph, she said a growing number of people from the UK are setting up in France every year.

Air France eyes move to railways

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Air France confirms it is in talks with French group Veolia about launching a high-speed rail service...

Transport links draw investors to France

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Recent transport improvements are fuelling interest in the French market among Britons, it has been suggested.

The American Chronicle said that France is becoming a very popular destination among expatriates, second home buyers and investors alike.

According to the publication, this is because the country is well-serviced by a number of low-cost airlines, thereby making it cheap and easy to reach.

The media outlet added that the new Eurostar rail link between St Pancras International and Paris has also played a part, as it is quicker than previous train routes to France.

"Buying a property, setting up a second home or relocating to France has never been faster and easier," the American Chronicle added.

This comes after BuyAssociation stated that the increasing cost of fuel is likely to drive up air fares over the next 12 months.

Therefore, the website believes that people will shun long-haul destinations and instead invest in countries which are closer to Britain.

Rising fuel prices 'affecting property investors'

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

France could become a popular market for UK-based property investors as a result of rising oil prices.

According to BuyAssociation, the increasing cost of fuel is likely to drive up air fares over the next 12 months.

Therefore, the website believes that people will shun long-haul destinations and instead travel to countries which are closer to Britain.

Paul Collins, property editor at the website, said the fact that fuel prices are continuing to rise means that that "things have to change".

He commented: "You may find that people will stick closer to home where they have an option to maybe go by train, or even drive, or find some other way of getting there rather than fly."

This comes after Virgin Trains revealed that "more and more" people are choosing to use the railway as a means of getting to destinations they might previously have gone to by car or plane.

Biarritz tipped for French property

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Biarritz offers some outstanding prospects for overseas property buyers without the cost of other coastal areas, it has been suggested...

French tourist accommodation in high demand

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tourist accommodation in France came under higher demand last year, new figures have revealed.

According to government data, nearly 82 million holidaymakers visited the country in 2007, reports Reuters.

This figure - which is four per cent up on the previous year - was dominated by the European market, as this accounted for almost half of all incoming visitors.

A seven per cent increase in the number of American visitors was also recorded throughout the same period.

This means that rental accommodation in France will have been in much greater demand from holidaymakers in 2007, thereby generating higher returns for property owners.

The release of the figures comes after ShelterOffshore.com tipped France to be a hotspot of activity for British property buyers next year.

According to the website, this is because the country is "on our doorstep", which means rising fuel prices are less likely to be an issue for travellers.

France attracts more rail travellers

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

More consumers from the UK are travelling to France on the train, new figures have revealed.

According to Eurostar, passenger numbers during the first quarter of the year are 21.3 per cent higher than the amount recorded 12 months earlier.

This was said to be partly because of its new high-speed rail link between Paris and London, which has made the French capital accessible in just two hours and 20 minutes.

However, reduced journey times were not the only attraction of the new service to consumers, Eurostar added.

Richard Brown, chief executive of the firm, said the railways are increasingly being seen as an eco-friendly alternative to flying to France.

He commented: "We don't have all the answers, but we are chipping away at reducing our environmental impact and we will keep at it right across the business."

Mr Brown added that both Eurostar and its customers have a "duty" to try and reduce their carbon footprint.

Earlier this month, Virgin Trains said "more and more" people are using the railway as a means of getting to destinations they might have previously gone to by car or plane.

Consumers take trains to France

Wed, 9 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

France's rental market could be boosted by the growing popularity of travelling by rail.

According to Virgin Trains, many people are choosing to use the railways to travel to short-haul destinations such as France.

The organisation said the rail networks and Channel Tunnel services are being "well-used" and are increasingly being seen as a good alternative to flying to France.

This could be good news for owners of rental property in France, as visiting holidaymakers will require temporary lodgings.

Philippa Richardson, communications manager for Virgin Trains, commented: "More and more people are choosing [the railway] as a means to get to destinations they might have previously gone to by car or plane."

She added that trains are a far more environmentally-friendly mode of transport than aircraft.

The comments come soon after Eurostar launched a high-speed service between Paris and London, which offers reduced journey times of just two hours and 15 minutes.

Eurostar to boost French tourist trade

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

France's tourism sector is set to directly benefit from Eurostar's new rail link to Paris, according to experts.

Travel company Thomas Cook believes that many British consumers will spend their Easter holidays taking city breaks in mainland Europe.

The firm has predicted that Paris will be one of the most popular destinations, as it is now one of the easiest places to reach.

Eurostar was credited with helping to attract visitors to the French capital, as it has recently introduced a high-speed rail link from London's newly-renovated St Pancras station.

The service, which was launched to the public in November, offers faster journey times than the previous route from Waterloo and has proved to be highly popular as a result.

According to currency specialist HiFX, the idea of quick passage between the two countries has even led to some people looking at relocating to France and commuting to work in the UK.

Thomas Cook commented: "Eurostar's recent move to St Pancras [makes Paris] more accessible throughout the UK."

Preparation 'Can Reduce Valentine's Rows'

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Couples who are going overseas for Valentine's Day may have a more successful trip if they prepare in advance, experts have advised.

Teletext Holidays stated that a large number of people had fallen out with their partner during a romantic trip abroad.

While external issues such as receiving poor customer service were said to have been one reason for the bad moods and frayed tempers, other matters within a person's control were also found to have played a part.

For example, the organisation said that some couples fell out after getting lost within a city centre.

Teletext Holidays said that this problem could be negated if people ensure that they are thoroughly prepared before leaving.

Matt Cheevers, managing director of Teletext Holidays, commented: "The key to a successful romantic trip is preparation. Spend time online researching your trip before you go away."

This comes after research by PayPal found that 27 per cent of people are hoping to get a weekend away as this year's Valentine's Day present.

So owners of investment property in France should be wary if they are taking the buy-to-let option.

Improved Eurostar access 'would help tackle climate change'

Thu, 3 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Making Eurostar more accessible to people in northern England could be good for the environment, according to a politician.

Liberal Democrat county councillor Rod Fletcher stated that extending the reach of the Channel Tunnel would lead to more people choosing to travel abroad by rail instead of by air.

He has suggested that a high-speed service between the north-west and London should be introduced in order to make the Eurostar network more accessible to those who do not live near the capital.

In addition, he has proposed diverting some West Coast Mainline trains to the station at St Pancras instead of London Euston, as this operates direct routes to the continent.

Councillor Fletcher said: "At a time when everyone is under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, some train services from the north-west must be integrated with Eurostar services to and from St Pancras to help combat cheap, low-cost airline services."

According to the Daily Mail, the reduced journey time offered by the company's new London-Paris route has helped make France more popular with overseas property buyers.

As a result of the service, people can travel from one city to the other in just two hours and 15 minutes.

Airport to see record number of Christmas tourists

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Norwich International Airport is preparing to handle an unprecedented amount of festive holidaymakers this year.

The Norfolk-based facility said that a record number of passengers were set to pass through its terminals between now and the beginning of 2008.

According to the airport, about 23,000 people are set to fly abroad to places such as France and Spain in order to spend Christmas in a warmer climate.

Commenting on the increased popularity of air travel, the portal's head of marketing Louise Wilkinson said that more and more people were starting to realise how easy it was.

Speaking to the Norwich Evening News, she commented: "Our findings show our flights are fuller than last year and there's a growing awareness that it's quick and easy."

Earlier this week, Lastminute.com stated that the number of people heading outside of the UK for the festive season was likely to be 11 per cent higher than it was last year.

Britons 'tempted to visit France'

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Travel industry experts have tipped France to see a surge in tourist numbers next year.

According to the Association of Independent Tour Operators (Aito), the recent Rugby World Cup has led to increased levels of interest in visiting the country.

The sporting event placed France firmly on the international stage earlier this year, acting as a showcase for cities such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille.

Aito stated that the "outstanding hospitality" displayed by the French during the tournament had reminded British travellers of how good it was a holiday destination.

The organisation commented: "There really is no more agreeable short-haul European destination."

This comes after currency specialist HiFX stated that the imminent launch of a new high-speed rail link to France had led to overseas property buyers considering a purchase in the country.

Eurostar will begin operating its new route between St Pancras and Paris later this month, offering reduced journey times to passengers.

UK-France flights 'will be good for investors'

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

New flights between the UK and France are likely to directly benefit overseas property investors, according to an airline.

Eastern Airways said that holiday home owners in the Loire Valley would welcome the introduction of new flights to the region from Southampton Airport.

The carrier will offer passage between the two portals three times a week from November 15th.

Commenting on the move, Eastern Airways added that the service would also prove to be popular with Britons who had relocated to the Loire Valley permanently.

The airline said: "The new service will appeal to holidaymakers with property in the stunning French region, along with expatriates travelling to and from the south of England."

Jan Halliday, spokesperson for Southampton Airport, added that the flights would be important for both businesses and leisure travellers.

This comes after low-cost airline easyJet announced that it would significantly expand its services to France.

The carrier stated that it would open new bases at both Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon airports as part of a strategy to double its French presence in the next four years.

Accessibility 'affects success of foreign investment'

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The ease of access to a property could have an impact on its success as a holiday home, an expert has suggested.

Mark Bodega, director at currency specialist HiFX, said that investment spots were serviced by low-cost airlines, the future sale value of property could also be higher.

He highlighted the example of Bergerac, a town located in the Dordogne area of France, as new routes started flying there in 2001.

However, subsequent years have seen a boom in its property market due to more people visiting and investing in the area.

Mr Bodega stated that property values in Bergerac had risen by 57 per cent in the last six years, largely because of the accessibility offered by budget airlines.

He added that similar property booms had taken place in areas such as Cyprus and the Canary Islands, as investors could achieve the greatest capital value premium in these markets.

Budget airlines were recently praised by the Association of International Property Professionals for widening the range of choices available to overseas investors.

Market for Alpine holidays 'growing'

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A number of people are beginning to turn away from the Costas in favour of taking holidays in the Alps, it has been claimed.

Simon Malster, managing director of Investors in Property, suggested that hot temperatures recorded in some parts of Europe this year are a factor influencing rising interest in Alpine holidays.

Additionally, a growing number of people are taking to holidays each year, which could help boost the property market in such regions in France, which now offer a range of activities and attractions, Mr Malster said.

"They'll go and have two weeks on the beach and then have a long weekend or a week in the mountains," he remarked.

Paul Collins, overseas property editor at BuyAssociation, recently suggested that properties in the Alps are "great" during the summer months due to the number of golf facilities in the region and the favourable climate.

The French Alps are located in Province-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Rhone-Alpes regions, and include Grenoble and Chambery.

New rail link slashes London-Paris travel time

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

People who own property in France are likely to welcome news that a new rail link has reduced the time it takes to get there.

Eurostar's new rail link between Paris and London was launched yesterday and completed its run in two hours, three minutes and 39 seconds.

This is a record timing for a Channel Tunnel rail link, brought about the introduction of a new line from St Pancras International following its renovation.

Yesterday's launch was carried out in the company of invited guests, dignitaries and journalists, although the service is set to open to the public later this year.

Holidaymakers and overseas property owners will be able to benefit from the reduced journey times from November 14th.

Richard Brown, chief executive of Eurostar, commented: "Today marks Britain's entry into the European high-speed rail club."

He added that the service was a more environmentally-friendly way of accessing the European mainland than flying by plane.