OccitanieAs a keen cyclist, Gillian Annesley covers
around 15,000km a year on her bike. So, who
better to tell us about their favourite places in
Aude and Hérault?
Gruissan, Aude
Lac Salagou, Hérault
Canal de Garonne
I
live in the beautiful
Minervois, close to the
Canal du Midi, and I do
indeed enjoy being able
to combine my passions
for cycling and property.
This is an area ideal for cyclists,
with glorious scenery, rolling
countryside and plenty of hills to
test the legs. I know this part of
Southern France like the back of
my hand, which defi nitely helps
when clients want information
about the region.
I belong to a thriving cycle
club, Vélo Club Randonneurs
Lezignanais, and am one of two
women members. We are always
on the lookout for new recruits
and enjoy nothing more than
cruising past the boys when the
road starts to rise.
Someone told me that my
colleague, Dominique Petit,
cycles around Paris for viewings
and taking on new mandates. I
have done this too for taking
on mandates, and I always carry
business cards in the back
pockets of my cycling jersey, as
the cycling community is closeknit and perfect
for networking!
My favourite villages are
higher up, in the foothills and
hills of the Montagnes Noires,
where the hidden back roads
are quiet and shady, perfect for
escaping the summer sunshine
that the tourists love. The Pic de
Nore (1211m altitude) is one of
my favourite climbs as it winds
through forested roads, above
the Caves of Cabrespine and the
picturesque villages of PradellesCabardes
and Castans.
This is a popular area with
holiday home owners, and we
are seeing strong demand from
both French and international
buyers. The villages along the
Aude river are extremely popular
with the British, German and
Dutch ex-pat community, with
many buying holiday homes or
permanent residences - this is
understandable, as there can't
be many better areas in France
that are perfect to retire to
and reasonably priced. The
climate is ideal and the farmers'
markets are full of spectacular
local produce, including some
excellent regional wine and
cheeses. If you are looking for
quality of life, combined with an
authentic French culture, then
you are in the right place.
Property offers excellent
value for money - whether
you are looking for a smaller,
easily maintained holiday home,
or a family house with pool,
80 +33 (0)5 53 60 84 88 info@leggett.fr