One of the online newspapers has been running a series of articles entitled ‘could this be the best place to live in the world?’ This got me thinking because I have a sneaking suspicion that I know the answer and, by lucky circumstance, have found myself living here. I often open the shutters in the morning; look out on the lush green, snow capped Pyrenean Mountains under a perfect blue sky and think that I live in paradise.

Unlikely though it may sound, this is a part of France that really is, as yet, undiscovered. A long way south and slightly hidden; it has a secret, almost magical charm where geography, climate and nature have somehow combined to create something very special and then tucked it away out of view from everyone except the really curious or most determined.

This is, as my neighbours like to call it, the ‘real south of France’; almost as south as you can go before hitting the mountains and the border with Spain. With the historical centres of Saint Lizier and Saint Girons at its heart, lots of pretty market towns such as Aspet and Aurignac and the ski resorts of Guzet and Superbagnères combined with fabulous mountain views everywhere you turn, it is one of the most enticing and enchanting regions of France. The gently rolling hills of the Haute Garonne and Ariège really do have it all, from rich culture, history, natural wonders, stunning landscapes, mountains, lakes, rivers and wooded valleys and gastronomic excellence as well as a superb climate. With 2,000 hours of sunshine on average per year, this is also one of France's sunniest regions. Spring comes early with the rains ensuring a lush and green landscape followed by the intense sunshine of July and August which is often very hot and then a beautiful autumn season which continues until the first mountain snow which remains on the highest peaks through until the end of June. In my opinion the unspoiled natural valleys and pastures bordered by spectacular mountains conspire to make this one of the most beautiful regions in the whole of Europe.

Location, location, location

What is more, you do not have to content yourself only with the riches of France because, in addition, all the colourful local history and culture of Spain are right next door.  From this region, almost anything you are looking for is within reach, whether you want mountains, wild Atlantic beaches, or sunny Mediterranean coastline. You really can sit on a beach, ski in the mountains, eat tapas in Spain and explore the markets and historic towns and cities of rural France, all in a weekend.

For sports enthusiasts this region is a Mecca, whether your passion is walking, skiing, fishing, paragliding, golf, horse riding or cycling, you will be able to indulge it here. Walkers can enjoy clearly marked trails along rivers up to waterfalls and mountain lakes right up to 3000 metre peaks. Cyclists can take in a stage of the Tour de France, mountain bike down tracks or gently pedal along the valleys while horse riding is a popular pastime with many riding centres offering half or full day excursions. For fishermen, top grade trout streams rush down forested mountainsides into crystal clear rivers and lakes and for the more adventurous there are opportunities for paragliding and hot air ballooning. And, in winter, of course, skiers can enjoy the un-crowded pistes or strap on ‘raquettes’ (snow shoes) to hike the snow covered mountain trails.

If all that sounds too exhausting there are always the famous hot mineral spas which can be found dotted around the region, complete with treatments and pampering. Or you can just simply soak up the atmosphere in the many interesting local villages and towns with their colourful markets, beautiful architecture and ancient Romanesque churches.

Transport Links

This might be a hidden region but it is not difficult to access. Toulouse International Airport is set just outside the city and receives many direct flights from all across the UK, making it the easiest entry point for the Haute-Garonne and the Ariège. British Airways flies to Toulouse from Heathrow, Easyjet run services from London Gatwick and Bristol as does Flybe. For Ryanair, Tarbes airport is about 60-90 minutes from the region and there are also regular flights to Carcassonne which is within two hours. If you would prefer not to fly, the TGV train stops in Toulouse and there are train services from there to many of the major towns in the region.

Property paradise

The Ariège and southern Haute Garonne still have some of the best value property in France and the huge range and varied styles of houses means that there really is something for everyone whether that be a town or village house with access to work and culture in Toulouse or a peaceful retreat in the unspoiled natural valleys and pastures of the Pyrenees. Everything is available here from chateaux (there is a stunning example on the market right now with views to die for and already running as a successful bed and breakfast) to village houses and ruined barns which means that everyone who wants to can afford to have a place in France.

The closer you get to Toulouse, the more expensive the property. Many Toulousains own smart weekend houses 30-40 minutes south of Toulouse and there is also an increasing demand for houses in commutable distance of the international companies around this vibrant city. That said it is still possible to find a large stone house with a big garden within an hour of the city for less than 300,000 Euros. As you come further into the countryside, the range of properties increase in almost direct proportion to the decrease in prices and there are still plenty of farmhouses and village houses available here for under 200,000 Euros, some for complete restoration but others that just need a bit of updating to make them into the perfect home. It is even still possible (and this will undoubtedly change here as it has done in the Alps) to find a wooden shepherd’s hut in the mountains, minutes away from skiing with stunning views and a sizeable plot for around 50,000 Euros. Many of these are now being snapped up and turned into luxury ski chalets but that dream of owning a chalet or mountain retreat really is still achievable here.

There is also still no shortage of land in this region and lots of opportunities for living the good life or setting up a new business. We really do have a gap in the market in this area as, interestingly this must be one of the last few remaining areas of France where there is actually a shortage of holiday letting accommodation, particularly in the Ariège close to Saint Girons and the mountains. There is a real need for good quality holiday rentals here, particularly if you can offer family accommodation and a pool. Moreover, this region is the perfect place to have a holiday property as there is just so much to do here and yet the pace of life is slower and more peaceful which makes for a relaxing break. There is time and space to unwind, get fit, breathe pure mountain air, get back to nature and recharge those batteries.

Lifestyle choice

If we are honest, most of us know that, when we move to France, we are not just buying a house; we are buying into a lifestyle. We are looking for a simpler, slower and more pleasurable way of life. We want to escape the rush, the traffic, the noise, jump off the conveyer belt and start living again. Have time to take pleasure in a cup of coffee in the garden, a chat with the neighbour, the walk to school. We want to live in the minute, not always waiting for weekends, holidays and retirement and spend time buying local produce at colourful markets, time preparing it and time eating it en famille.  We want it to be about the journey not the destination.

It is a lot to ask from bricks and mortar and this is why the perfect house can be so difficult to find and why I have set up Foothills of France so that I can work as a property finder and help others fulfil this dream. When my clients ask me for a five bedroom farmhouse with views to the Pyrenees and room for a pool what they are also asking me for is a shot at a different way of life. We all know about the excellent schools, health care, local produce, better weather and good food and wine, all of which are available here. But there is something else in the equation which is much harder to put a finger on. Luckily I was looking for exactly the same thing and found it so I know that the dream is achievable. I also know I can’t keep this beautiful region a secret forever; I have found our little piece of paradise and now I hope that I will be able to help others find theirs too.

Foothills of France

Nadia Jordan runs Foothills of France, a property search agency based in the Ariège and southern Haute Garonne of the Midi-Pyrenees..  If you would like her help to find your perfect home in France, take a look at the Foothills of France business information page.

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