During 2008, we spent much of our time trawling the property websites and trying to narrow down our search area.  To be honest, we did not know that much about the Midi-Pyrenees and had only holidayed there twice in the past.

Our first preference would have been the Alps, but there was no way we could afford to buy what we wanted there, which makes the Pyrenees a second choice.

Our first property viewing trip was in May 2008 and ended up being a bit of a waste of time.  We had arranged to meet some agents and view some properties and due to our keenness to find somewhere, we landed at Pau at 10am and by 12 were meeting the first agents.

Feeling a little tired the last thing we were expecting was an interrogation!  Our interrogators bought us a coffee and then the quiz began.  Why did we want to come to France, why do you want to open a gites business, don't you know how hard it is out here!!  It sounded like we were being checked out by the border guards to see if we were suitable for France!  I guess it is better than them trying to sell us any old decaying heap of rubble, but it was just the way it was carried out.

Anyway, we headed off to view some property, but nothing really sprang out and we retreated to our gites to lick our wounds.  If that was going to be the reception we got from all the agents, it would be a long week!

Until next time!