The Joy Of Winter, Owning A Property In Languedoc-Roussillon
The delights of winter in the Languedoc-Roussillon France
As I sit looking out of the window on yet another grey day in the U.K. I think longingly of the joys of winter in the south of France and realise how lucky I have been to own a property in Languedoc Roussillon. It’s not that every day was warm and sunny but in winters we were never long without vivid blue skies and warm sun, warm enough to enjoy sitting at pavement cafés sharing coffee and croissants with friends. There are so many wonderful things about owning property in France and the incredible amount of sunny winter days are definitely amongst them.
From the start of winter sun and warmth were pretty much guaranteed every day unless there was an early arrival of the various winds which rattle around down the corridor formed between the mountains and the Mediterranean causing everyone to hurry indoors. Most people have heard of the Mistral which mainly affects the area where Languedoc Roussillon meets Provence. However, Languedoc Roussillon can boast its own wind called the Tramontane. This is much the same as the Mistral being a very cold, dry wind blowing from the North or North West down to the Mediterranean. From the end of November through until March these winds could blow and howl and when they arrived it was always best to settle down to a relaxing two or three days indoors looking longingly at the amazing skies turned brilliant blue by the winds and knowing that once these few days are over the warmth of the sun will return and days in the garden can be enjoyed again.
Despite many people thinking that winters in the south of France must be much warmer than in Northern Europe, it is not necessarily the case. The presence of the mountain ranges brings the possibility of snow. I only witnessed snow falling twice in the ten years that I owned my French property in the south of France and it was incredibly picturesque to see the olive groves and cypress trees covered in snow. No-one should buy property in Languedoc Roussillon or Provence with the idea that they will enjoy days of hot sunshine. There will certainly be many days when the sun brings enough heat to enjoy sitting outside but the main character of winters in this part of France is the incredible amount of blue skies. It is a rare day when the sun doesn’t shine and I miss it so much.
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Healey Fox have some amazing properties In Languedoc Roussillon. We are also happy to share our knowledge and experience with you, please call us +44 (0)1306 775 008 if you would like an informal chat about your plans to buy a French property.
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