For many people moving and looking for a property for sale in France, being in or close to a village is one of their top search requirements. There is something quite intimate about being part of a village – situated in the midst and centre of the daily life in southern France provides an instant insight in the community spirit. Speaking the French language is definitely one of the most important things to do. Even if you only speak a little French, do use it and your efforts will be much appreciated. The French love to hear the English try their language and many French people will agree with you, their language is “tres difficile”.

One way of making French friends and start integrating into the village life is to start going to the “Boulangerie and Boucherie” at the same time each day or at least regularly from the same place. This way you will see the same people and you will be recognised, it is also a good way of using your French! Purchasing “un pain” in France can take the average person quite some time when walking in the village, stopping off chatting to friends and acquaintances. Many French people do their socializing in the village streets and not in their homes, so if you want to get in with local go out onto the streets. Throughout the year, many French villages have various fetes, lotto’s and markets, it is a good idea to become involved in the village activities and be seen at the events.

Throughout France there are approximately 36,000 villages and it is undoubtedly the village way of life that defines France and its ‘savoir vivre’. To date, 152 villages are part of the association of the famous title “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) which requires these villages to have less than 2000 habitants. There are also 27 other strict criteria based on things such as value, diversity, quality of architecture and a wish to create excellency in the village.

Kirsten Pollard, Homehunts manager for the Aquitaine, moved to France from London six years ago. She describes why for her and her family, village life was the best decision:

“Moving to the south of France is for many about a living a rural idyll, tucked away in the peace and quiet of the stunning countryside, but after spending our first summer living here in the coutryside, we decided that for daily living throughout the year, being in the village was our preferred option. Although I grew up in the countryside, having moved here from London, we liked to have the hubbub and sociability that living in the village has. We chose the village of Saint Cyprien, a medieval hillside village in the Dordogne valley that my partner knew from a child as his Grandfather had moved here in the seventies.

We live in the medeival quarter of the village and we have enjoyed being integrated as part of the community here, who are pleased to have people moving in, specially families with children ( we have 3), who add life to the quartier, and become substitute’s to their own children and grandchildren who have moved off to lead their lives elsewhere.

For many years the population of the villages was steadily decreasing, but now it appears that there has been a turn around and many more people moving in – both French from other parts of France and foreigners. The locals seem to appreciate that this influx brings new life to the village as they often renovate previously derelict houses, open businesses and shops, and put their children in the schools. We appreciate the authenticity of the village life here that is all year round, not just overcrowded in the summer. Here they really do live that mythical laid back southern French lifestyle, sitting on the bench in the sun literally all day chatting, and until they go to bed on summer evenings, are forever popping in and out of each other’s houses, and regularly get to together on the small ‘place’ at the top of the hill for the customary aperitif, as well as having an annual summer meal that the whole quartier is invited to. Our youngest, being born at home here ’sur place’ is definitely considered as having her place here – she is to the locals the mascot of the quartier!

There is another practical side to being in the village from the convenience point of you – everything is within walking distance – those strolls to the boulangerie in the morning sunshine are one of those blissful moments that I savour, and remind me I’m in France. The kids can walk to school by themselves and come back for lunch. The neighbours are always looking out for each other and there is a genuine sense of community, and the people do have a certain contentedness about them. We also get offered their freshly picked mushrooms in season and freshly caught fish from time to time! During the summer months we have a constant source of entertainment on our doorstep, be it watching the tourists walking up and down the hill and peering in our windows, or the various events that happen throughout the year. I would be lost without them.”

For those of you who love coffee table books – one particularly lovely book by Marie-France Boyer’ titled ‘Village Voices’ is a wonderful collection of stories and photographs which captures the charm of rural French villages.

Dordogne: St Cyprien

Beautiful and rare authentic town ‘chartreuse’ in sandstone set in centre of a popular medieval village with all amenities in the heart of the Dordogne valley. Excellent condition throughout, immaculately restored, 300 m2 living space, 5 bedrooms and unique secluded patio courtyard with a further sunken patio with a total of 300m2. All within minutes walk of shops and conveniences.

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Ground floor: 150m2 comprising of entrance hall, living room with fireplace and woodburner, kitchen, pantry, 2 bedrooms including master suite with ensuite bathroom, shower, wc.

1st floor: 3 bedrooms, shower-room, wc. Possibilty to make further bedroom in attic of 50m2. Basement: 80m2, laundry room, cellar, two garages. Exterior: Unique large patio courtyard, a third of which is covered, barbecue, as well as a further sunken patio, total 300m2. Oil central heating and wood burner. New boiler and water softener. Electricity re-done, new parquet floors, new garage doors, and new built-in wardrobes in all bedrooms. A great property for someone wanting the ambiance of authentic French village life. The property is in the most popular quartier of a charming classically Dordogne medieval village, with the convenience of all the shops and the high street just round the corner, yet having an elegant and spacious property with its own totally private and peaceful courtyard, and easy maintenance, which is rare to find in a village. This would also suit commercial activity such as B&B or gite and can have separate entrance for guests. Price: 585,100 euros

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Dordogne: Vergt

A newly-completed beautiful, elegant, and classicly- French 18th century Maison de Maitre property, a former convent, exclusively marketed by Home Hunts. An exceptionally high quality renovation with great style and neutral tones giving it a light contemporary feel that harmonizes with the original features in keeping with the original style of the property. Situated in the Dordogne, in an elevated south-facing position overlooking the village of Vergt and the rolling hills beyond.

400 m2 of living space comprised of five bedrooms, four bathrooms, large office, large reception room with fireplace, contemporary fully fitted kitchen and dining room, snooker room, bar, multi-media room, elegant entrance and central spiral staircase, cellar. Outdoor terrace/belvedere and BBQ/dining area, 10 X 5m swimming pool, garage 80m2, and small outbuilding, courtyard, set in 1.3 hectares with a mature orchard that includes apple, pear, walnut and hazelnut trees

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