0:00:02 > 0:00:04I'm in a region where it's thought a single book inspired
0:00:04 > 0:00:07thousands of Brits to up sticks and seek a simpler life.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09But what was the book? And where could I be?
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Join me in just a moment to find out.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33The course of today's property search takes us to
0:00:33 > 0:00:35some glorious locations.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37Ta-da!
0:00:37 > 0:00:39Wow. Wow!
0:00:39 > 0:00:40Lovely!
0:00:40 > 0:00:44Our house-hunters aren't afraid to speak their mind.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- You don't like it?- No.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- Not at all? - THEY LAUGH
0:00:48 > 0:00:52But, in the end, the properties speak for themselves.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- I'm speechless.- Do you love it?
0:00:54 > 0:00:57I think it's absolutely beautiful.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06I am in Provence, in the south-east of France.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09And the book was Peter Mayle's A Year In Provence,
0:01:09 > 0:01:13about a couple who leave London for the pleasures of rural France,
0:01:13 > 0:01:15that helped paint a picture of paradise
0:01:15 > 0:01:17in the minds of thousands of Brits.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20It became one of the bestselling travel books of all time,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24selling six million copies in its first two decades.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26And with stunning scenery that's inspired the likes of Renoir
0:01:26 > 0:01:30and Matisse, world-renowned cuisine and 300 days of sunshine,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33maybe not right now, it's easy to understand why
0:01:33 > 0:01:36so many long for a life in Provence.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38A two hour flight from the UK
0:01:38 > 0:01:42and 400 miles south of Paris is the French region of Provence.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Sandwiched between the Languedoc region to the west,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48Italy to the east, and the Mediterranean coast to the south,
0:01:48 > 0:01:52it has a population just shy of five million.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Provence comes from the Roman name Provincia Romana.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59For around 700 years, the Romans settled across this bountiful
0:01:59 > 0:02:04territory, leaving behind epic feats of engineering and architecture.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06Such as the Roman bridge at Vaison-la-Romaine,
0:02:06 > 0:02:11and the spectacular amphitheatre in the town of Orange,
0:02:11 > 0:02:12thought to be one of the best preserved
0:02:12 > 0:02:15ancient Roman theatres in the world.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17The traditional stone towns
0:02:17 > 0:02:21and villages of Provence offer a very typical French way of life,
0:02:21 > 0:02:23centring on the town hall,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25the central square and the weekly market.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28And the local industries of agriculture, pottery,
0:02:28 > 0:02:33olive oil and wine are still very much part of the local economy.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37This region may well be the land of lavender fields, olive groves and
0:02:37 > 0:02:41vineyards, but it's also home to the glitzy coastline of the Cote d'Azur.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Known as the French Riviera, the golden beaches
0:02:44 > 0:02:48and marinas full of yachts have, for much of the 20th century,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51been a playground for the rich international crowd.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55But for most holiday-makers and relocators, it's the stunning
0:02:55 > 0:02:57rural landscapes and the rustic way of life
0:02:57 > 0:02:59that really captures the imagination.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Provence is idyllic and popular.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09With just under half of all foreigners who buy in this
0:03:09 > 0:03:11country moving to this region.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13And with good train links to the capital,
0:03:13 > 0:03:17it's also prime location for Parisians looking for a second home.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Little wonder, then, it's also the second most expensive place
0:03:21 > 0:03:24outside of Paris. But it's not all doom and gloom.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Particularly if you move to the north-west of the region where
0:03:27 > 0:03:31house prices are a whopping 46% cheaper than the south-east.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33But what about our buyers?
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Where are they looking to buy and how much are they wanting to spend?
0:03:36 > 0:03:38Let's meet them to find out.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Chasing the escape to Gallic shores
0:03:43 > 0:03:46are husband-and-wife duo Melanie and Richard,
0:03:46 > 0:03:48who have their hearts set on tapping into the French
0:03:48 > 0:03:50leisure and tourism industry,
0:03:50 > 0:03:52with a grand plan that involves much more than
0:03:52 > 0:03:55popping across the Channel to put their feet up.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59I'm a freelance fitness instructor and we thought about possibly buying
0:03:59 > 0:04:02a property offering a beautiful place,
0:04:02 > 0:04:06weather, exercise, wonderful food.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09We would be in stunning countryside near the mountains,
0:04:09 > 0:04:13sort of walking could come into it, biking could come into it.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15I love being outside. I love fiddling about.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19I'm certainly looking forward to just making sure that Melanie's
0:04:19 > 0:04:21business is working and helping out there,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23and doing everything as much as I can.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Originally from the West Country, Richard and Melanie have rented
0:04:27 > 0:04:30out their Devon home and are currently based
0:04:30 > 0:04:32in South East London. Which is just a stepping stone
0:04:32 > 0:04:37in their ambitious plan to relocate to more agreeable surroundings.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40The long-term decision to leave England, I think
0:04:40 > 0:04:42the catalyst was leaving Devon.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46So the main aim was a couple of years in London to springboard us
0:04:46 > 0:04:49off to the Continent.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53I loved living on Dartmoor. But the weather is terrible in the winter.
0:04:53 > 0:04:59I have travelled to France a lot in my past. I know it quite well.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01The South of France particularly,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04so I think it seems to be the obvious place.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06I'm not very good at languages.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11I know a little bit of French and I'm hoping to build on that.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16Now that marine engineer Richard has secured a new contract in Paris,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19that Provencal dream is becoming a more tangible reality.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22But, of course, that brings with it a few anxieties,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25especially leaving their three grown-up children.
0:05:25 > 0:05:31My major concern for the move is the distance between us and the children.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35I think that will be probably harder for me than you.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38I probably find it harder to let go a little bit.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41For me, it's probably more practical things.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45All the bureaucracy that we are going to have to come up against.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48You know, finding the right property, transferring the money.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51But there is always going to be a way around it. You've just got to...
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- Yeah, yeah.- That's the philosophy you have to have.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57By fusing both personal and professional interests,
0:05:57 > 0:06:00they are hoping to finally realise their long-held aspirations
0:06:00 > 0:06:05and so, are wholeheartedly embracing this wholesome new chapter.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09Suddenly, we are a couple without children around,
0:06:09 > 0:06:11for the first time ever.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- Enjoying every moment. - Enjoying every minute of it.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17And we just... It feels very much a new episode.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19And the right time.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23It's all about having an adventure, taking a risk.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- Going out and doing it.- Absolutely.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Having each other to support each other, which is great.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38With the live-in business such a core priority for today's buyers,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41coupled with Richard's need to commute to Paris, we are
0:06:41 > 0:06:45casting our house-hunting net over a 25-mile radius of Avignon.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49With its international airport and TGV high-speed rail link,
0:06:49 > 0:06:52it's a fantastically accessible part of rural France.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55And as Provence is the oldest winemaking region
0:06:55 > 0:06:58in all of France, we've arranged to meet our buyers
0:06:58 > 0:07:02amongst the vines of the sumptuous Chateau des Fines Roche.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- Welcome to Provence. - Thank you.- Yay!
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- It's not bad, is it? - Beautiful.- Gorgeous.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10What's pulling you towards this region in France?
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- The weather. - THEY LAUGH
0:07:12 > 0:07:14And the wine. The vines.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- The produce.- The produce. - The way of life.- The way of life.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- The markets.- Yeah.- Why now?
0:07:19 > 0:07:22I'm seconded to a project in Paris for the next three years.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26I would normally work in Paris during the week.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Will your commute to be longer or shorter than it is from London?
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Cos London to Paris is very speedy.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Yes, it's about two and a half hours.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36But on the Avignon TGV it's also two and a half hours.
0:07:36 > 0:07:37OK, perfect.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40But you will have the benefit of living in the South of France.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- Yes, exactly. - Tell me more about this business.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47It will absolutely involve yoga and Pilates.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49And great food and cycling.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Are they your passions? - Absolutely, yes.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55And it just seemed the perfect sort of time to leave the big smoke
0:07:55 > 0:07:58and come and bring it all together, our business...
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- In a wonderful environment. - In a wonderful...
0:08:00 > 0:08:01Well, it is. You are not wrong.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04It's a perfect environment to have a beautiful yoga retreat with
0:08:04 > 0:08:07good food and cycling. It sounds like the sort of place
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- I would happily visit. - Wonderful. You would be welcome.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12Presumably this house will have to accommodate your three
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- grown-up children as well? - When they choose to visit us.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- When they choose to visit us. - Which isn't very often.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Believe me, if you get a fantastic place in France, I'm sure
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- the kids will be here. - That would be wonderful. Yeah, yeah.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Talk to me about this property. What is the ideal?
0:08:26 > 0:08:28Paint a picture for me.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31We would prefer to have something that had a lot of character.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36But obviously large enough to allow us to do what we want to do.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38How many bedrooms?
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- Five to six.- Yes, five to six bedrooms.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Five to six bedrooms, but we are flexible on bedrooms.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47A swimming pool, most definitely. Or a space to put a swimming pool in.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50But also an outside space where you could maybe put sun sails
0:08:50 > 0:08:54so that we could exercise in the morning outside.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56And a room that we could convert to a studio.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59So this house we are looking for needs to be able to
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- accommodate the people coming. - Yes.- Or would they stay elsewhere?
0:09:02 > 0:09:04No, I need to accommodate the people coming.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07If it needed a bit of work doing, it wouldn't put you off?
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- Not at all.- What about the location? Do you want to be near a town?
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Do you want to be rural?
0:09:12 > 0:09:16I would like to be near the hustle and bustle but outside of it.
0:09:16 > 0:09:17Within easy reach of it.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- You would prefer to be more remote, wouldn't you?- Yes.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23When we lived on Dartmoor, we were quite remote.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25And you loved it?
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- He loved it.- Yes.- Yes.- Yes.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30OK, so you are in a bit of disagreement here.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32I think, for me, if the business were flourishing
0:09:32 > 0:09:36and there was that constant contact with people, I could be more remote.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38But I certainly don't want to be isolated.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40How much money do you have to spend?
0:09:40 > 0:09:42What's the budget for this dream house?
0:09:42 > 0:09:44£425,000.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47The sun is shining, the two of you are smiling, I think,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50as this mood is here, we should go off and see our first property.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- Fantastic, can't wait. - Definitely.- Thank you.
0:09:52 > 0:09:53Come on then, follow me.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01For a maximum budget of £425,000 Melanie and Richard
0:10:01 > 0:10:04need at least five bedrooms to house them and their guests.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08They want a pool and scope to create an exercise studio
0:10:08 > 0:10:11set within a traditional French Provencal estate.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14They'd happily take on major renovation work.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16There is definitely some disquiet
0:10:16 > 0:10:20when it comes to picking between a rural or better connected location.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23And we've got a variety of properties to cheer,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26charm and captivate our couple.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30They will have absolutely no idea how much the houses cost
0:10:30 > 0:10:32until the very end of each tour.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Then there is the mystery property - a thunderbolt of an option
0:10:36 > 0:10:40that will have our buyers careering towards totally uncharted territory.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48The first house in our Provencal journey
0:10:48 > 0:10:50is in the village of Althen-des-Paluds,
0:10:50 > 0:10:52just 20 minutes from Avignon.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56With 2,500 residents, it's a relatively quiet village,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59but offers all the basic amenities for day-to-day life.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03Just to the north is Provence's highest peak, Mont Ventoux.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Which, during the winter months, is a ski resort.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09Often used as a gruelling stage in the Tour de France,
0:11:09 > 0:11:11it attracts cyclists all year round.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14Just half a mile from the village itself
0:11:14 > 0:11:16is our first French country property.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20Melanie and Richard, welcome to property number one.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22Do you know, it's quite interesting.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25It's almost like a French version of our house in Manaton.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- Yes.- On Dartmoor.- Yeah.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- Is that right?- Yeah, yeah.
0:11:29 > 0:11:30In what way?
0:11:30 > 0:11:33The shape, the stonework. Would you agree?
0:11:33 > 0:11:34- Yeah, it's lovely. Yeah.- Yeah.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- Lovely is good, Richard. - Yes, lovely is good. Rustic.
0:11:38 > 0:11:39- You said you wanted rustic.- Yes.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- The house itself was built in 1820. - Lovely!
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Lots of wow factor. South-facing. Patio.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49You can see yourself sitting out in the evening having a glass of wine.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Yes, you can. That's for sure.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52Shall we go in?
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Yes, please.- Come on.- Great.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57So often the dream is to pick up your house
0:11:57 > 0:11:59and drop it in the perfect foreign location.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03So hopefully this stone-fronted three-storey property could
0:12:03 > 0:12:07prove to be the ideal substitute for Melanie and Richard.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Come on in.
0:12:09 > 0:12:10Wow.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Honestly, this is just so bizarre
0:12:13 > 0:12:17because our house on Dartmoor has this exact arch.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- Honestly, really uncanny. - That is very strange.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22The layout and the date of the house is around the same time.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- It's so similar. - Great fireplace.- Fab fireplace.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- I'm so glad they've kept that. - Fantastic feature.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- It's a really comfortable feeling room.- Yeah.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Tucked beyond the living space down here
0:12:35 > 0:12:37is also a sizeable dining room.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41But next, it's across to the kitchen.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- Small.- Bijou.- Bijou, yes.- Very small.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48It is small, yes.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Too small for me. Uh...
0:12:50 > 0:12:53I have battled with small kitchens for the last ten years.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56The first thing we said was you would have a big kitchen.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59A big kitchen cos I'm a big cook. I cook all the time.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00It is a small kitchen.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02What's on the other side of that wall?
0:13:02 > 0:13:05That is where you have a storage cupboard.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08OK, so there could be a good be a potential opportunity to extend.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11That would be interesting, if we could have a look at that.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- I like this building mind. Always looking for opportunity.- Yeah.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17OK, the room is small but certainly if we could extend,
0:13:17 > 0:13:19that would be no problem.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Richard's engineering mind might just have saved the day.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24But Melanie may need convincing.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28Perhaps the first floor will bring her back onside.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31There are four spacious double bedrooms with big French windows
0:13:31 > 0:13:33and a family bathroom.
0:13:35 > 0:13:36Ah. Hmm.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37It's lovely.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- Very surprising.- Yes.- Good size.- Yes.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Love the exposed beams.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46The sort of character that our customers or guests would love.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48So, yep. It's a great, great room.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51There is probably enough room to put an en-suite in here, actually.
0:13:51 > 0:13:52You probably could.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55And if anyone could figure it out, it would be you, Richard.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Now, I am going to give you the opportunity to look upstairs
0:13:58 > 0:14:01but I will tell you just now that it's got an attic and loft
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- and a solid staircase going up there.- OK.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08Should you want to think about business opportunity here,
0:14:08 > 0:14:12you could possibly turn the upstairs into a self-contained flat.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Use this as somewhere for people to stay and then downstairs could be...
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Which is something we've talked about.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22With our limitations on our budget in this area, it might be that we
0:14:22 > 0:14:25would have to give the property over, in a sense,
0:14:25 > 0:14:28and have a little contained space for ourselves during high season.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- Lots to think about.- Mm-hmm. - Let's go outside.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Plenty to ponder on
0:14:34 > 0:14:36and yet more to see outdoors.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39There is a quarter of an acre of land in total,
0:14:39 > 0:14:41including a beautiful swimming pool.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44And in front of the swimming pool you have...
0:14:44 > 0:14:46a pool house.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48That's a good footprint size.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51I'm sure we could block off the front portion
0:14:51 > 0:14:55and maybe expand it into a studio of some description.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Is this enough for you to be able to do some work with?
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Do you have enough space to do outdoor classes here?
0:15:01 > 0:15:03We knew that we were going to have to compromise
0:15:03 > 0:15:06when it came to the amount of land that we would be able to afford.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09So I think, with a bit of inventiveness and imagination, yeah.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Yeah.- It comes at a price.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Melanie, how much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:15:16 > 0:15:18525.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21£525,000. Thank you.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Uh...
0:15:23 > 0:15:27I think it's a lot less than that. It's probably around £425,000.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30£425,000.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33You are right, it is over budget. But only just.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36It's on for £430,000.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- Huh, OK.- OK.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Why don't you go and have an explore, feel this space.
0:15:41 > 0:15:42I will come and find you in a bit.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- OK?- OK.- OK.- Thanks a lot.- Enjoy.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48A pleasant surprise. Just £5,000 over budget.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52This early 19th-century stone home currently offers four
0:15:52 > 0:15:55double bedrooms, good-sized living and dining areas,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58and a petite yet functional kitchen.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Set in a quarter of an acre, there is a pool
0:16:01 > 0:16:04and a pool house which could become Melanie's studio.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06As well as a fantastic attic space that could be converted to
0:16:06 > 0:16:09give them the five bedrooms they really want.
0:16:11 > 0:16:12Wow.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Ha!
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Oh, wow. What an amazing space.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Two bedrooms in here.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Or you could have just one big living space, rather than...
0:16:23 > 0:16:24A bathroom next door.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Hmm.
0:16:27 > 0:16:32The actual house size is probably too small for us.
0:16:32 > 0:16:39However, the pool/garage building has some definite options for us.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43Ah.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Quite a good little space.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Are you envisaging it as a tool shed?
0:16:47 > 0:16:49HE LAUGHS
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- Somewhere to put all your tools.- No, I'm thinking more of your studio.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56The studio was fantastic. Lovely space. Really great space.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00That probably was the highlight, if I'm honest.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03And also, being right by the pool. Great.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07But as a working option, it just doesn't quite hit the mark.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09It's not big enough.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12I don't think that we could share the space with the guests.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15I think we'd have to give over the bottom floor to them,
0:17:15 > 0:17:16which isn't really ideal.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20What are the chances of the very first property reminding them
0:17:20 > 0:17:22of their own home?
0:17:22 > 0:17:23Is it too good to be true though?
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- Seen enough?- Yes.- Yes.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- Shall we go on, then? - Absolutely.- Definitely.- Let's go.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36As dusk draws in, we've got one last port of call
0:17:36 > 0:17:38which is about a half hour drive away,
0:17:38 > 0:17:42in the village of Robion, at the foot of the Luberon mountain,
0:17:42 > 0:17:46on the northern fringes of the Alpilles Natural Regional Park.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50OK, this is where I leave you. I'm dumping you here.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- OK.- I hope you'll be happy. I'm sure you will be.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Basically, for the rest of your time in Provence,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- this is where you will be staying. - Wow.- Wonderful.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00But I don't want you to get too comfortable in there.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03I want you to get out and do some stuff, get involved,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06and try and imagine what it might be like to live like locals.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- You up for it? - Absolutely.- I think we can do that.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- BOTH: Definitely.- I will see you tomorrow morning.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13- OK.- OK.- Hope you have a good night's sleep.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- Thank you so much.- Thank you. Bye.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18But before Melanie and Richard can get out and about,
0:18:18 > 0:18:21they first need to explore their temporary Provencal home.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23A charming bed and breakfast within the walls
0:18:23 > 0:18:25of a rustic stone farmhouse.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Wow.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- Fantastic stairs.- So lovely.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33Then there is also the minor job of unpacking.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Do you feel like this is it?
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- That we are actually on the road now after years of talking about it?- Yes.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44And dreaming that it's actually going to happen.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46Yeah, I think so.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51I can see that there are going to be opportunities within our budget.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54And yeah, no, it's very exciting.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57So, encouraged now the house-hunt is underway,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00our couple waste no time taking the opportunity to discover
0:19:00 > 0:19:02the delights Provence will have in store for them
0:19:02 > 0:19:05and their guests, aside from the bricks and mortar.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11Their destination is the medieval village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape,
0:19:11 > 0:19:13home to the region's most famous wine export
0:19:13 > 0:19:17with a viticulture pedigree over 700 years in the making.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- Bonjour mademoiselle. - Bonjour.- Bonjour.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25France is synonymous with wine and there are more than two million
0:19:25 > 0:19:28acres of vineyards stretched out across this country.
0:19:28 > 0:19:29Wow!
0:19:29 > 0:19:33But it's Provence that's celebrated as the oldest winemaking
0:19:33 > 0:19:35region in the entire country.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38What's the process? What we have to do? Swill it around a little?
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Time for a little try before they buy
0:19:41 > 0:19:46and they are starting with a young, fresh and fruity grape from 2012.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Hmm. There is a bit of fizz there.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50I'm assuming because it's slightly younger?
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Next is a 2007 Chateau de Beaucastel.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59Gosh! That's much more...velvety.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02It's a higher quality grade of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06And this bottle comes with a price tag of 81 euros.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08You wouldn't put that in your beef stew.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10THEY LAUGH
0:20:10 > 0:20:12No. No.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13Definitely not.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19- Take out a mortgage on that one. - De Beaucastel...
0:20:19 > 0:20:24I think we should buy a special bottle for a special occasion
0:20:24 > 0:20:25which would be...
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- The next big special occasion would be your 60th birthday.- OK.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Sounds like a plan to me.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33We should have it, keep it under lock and key...
0:20:33 > 0:20:35And I get to drink all of it?
0:20:35 > 0:20:37And you get to drink all of it.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39THEY LAUGH
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- Thank you so much. - See you. Au revoir.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Au revoir.- Au revoir.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50Now armed with a fine vintage for Richard's milestone birthday
0:20:50 > 0:20:52in a few years' time, it still remains to be seen
0:20:52 > 0:20:55whether or not they will be clinking glasses for the occasion
0:20:55 > 0:20:58in a new home here in Provence.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07It's the beginning of our second day searching for a French rural
0:21:07 > 0:21:11retreat which offers our house-hunters enough space
0:21:11 > 0:21:16and land for a live-in yoga business within a £425,000 budget.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Melanie and Richard don't really know what it is
0:21:21 > 0:21:22they are precisely looking for.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25They don't really know the image of the dream house yet
0:21:25 > 0:21:28because they are at the very early stages of their search.
0:21:28 > 0:21:29Which could make things difficult
0:21:29 > 0:21:33because there is no precise brief or it could make things very easy,
0:21:33 > 0:21:35particularly as these two can see
0:21:35 > 0:21:38the potential in pretty much everything.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Great for the start of another day.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- Good morning! - Good morning!- Good morning, Anita.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- Are we feeling positive?- Absolutely.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49How can you not? This is stunning, isn't it?
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- Gorgeous.- Beautiful. - Ready for another day?- Absolutely.
0:21:52 > 0:21:53Well rested?
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- Yes.- So rested. Well fed. Watered. We are ready to go.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- Let's do it then, come on.- OK.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Today we are looking eastwards
0:22:04 > 0:22:09and heading to the village of Venasque, 25 miles from Avignon.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Set in an area of widespread forest,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14Venasque is a small hilltop village.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16Its winding streets lead past the church,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19the artists' ateliers and local restaurants.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Popular with tourists, there are several hotels here.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25And an old-school charm which flows right through
0:22:25 > 0:22:28into today's first property.
0:22:28 > 0:22:29SHE GASPS
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- Thank you. - THEY LAUGH
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Wow, fantastic. Lovely aspect.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- Lovely stonework. It's gorgeous. - Oh, it's beautiful!- Yeah.
0:22:40 > 0:22:41I'm speechless.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- Do you love it? - It's absolutely beautiful.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- The drive up here was... - Stunning.- Stunning.
0:22:49 > 0:22:50So you like the location?
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- Oh!- Yeah.- Love the setting!
0:22:52 > 0:22:54Love the setting.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55There is so much to do around here.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58There's a lot of outdoor activities you can do in this area.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- Yeah.- Which is exactly what we had in mind.- Yes.
0:23:01 > 0:23:02- For our business.- Yes.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05You are very close to the village of Venasque, which is
0:23:05 > 0:23:08one of 156 most beautiful villages in France.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- Oh, wow.- I can see why.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12'I think they like it.'
0:23:12 > 0:23:16They are certainly keen on the classic stone facade of this
0:23:16 > 0:23:19semidetached 18th-century property.
0:23:19 > 0:23:20But will it continue
0:23:20 > 0:23:23when our business-minded duo explore the interior?
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Come on through. Stop right there.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- OK, let me tell you... - Sweet.- Sweet?- Mm-hmm.- Yes?
0:23:33 > 0:23:37Yeah, very sweet. I love an attached kitchen-diner.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Because you don't feel isolated then, do you?
0:23:39 > 0:23:41- Exactly. You are cooking, they are talking.- Yeah.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44But it does feel a little small. Especially when you're thinking
0:23:44 > 0:23:46we could potentially have eight guests in here.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48I think we could change it. We could get rid of this bar.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52Open up the kitchen. That would create more space immediately.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- And there is also a lounge on this floor.- OK.- OK.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Very snug little lounge.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59And also a toilet and a separate bathroom
0:23:59 > 0:24:01- with a separate shower in it. - OK.- OK.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05A rather mixed reception so far to the inside, even though
0:24:05 > 0:24:09Melanie is keeping positive and focusing on the potential.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11And there is plenty more to see.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15Winding our way up a spiral staircase to the first floor,
0:24:15 > 0:24:19we find another good-sized bathroom and three spacious bedrooms.
0:24:19 > 0:24:24One is presented with twin beds, another is a bright, sunny double.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27And we are heading into the third.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Come on in.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31Into the master bedroom.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33What do you think?
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Yeah, a very good size. Surprising size.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37I thought it was going to be smaller.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- And it feels tucked away. - It does. And quiet.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43I'm sensing that the outside had more promise than the inside.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- Yes.- LAUGHING:- Yes.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47It looks fantastic on the outside
0:24:47 > 0:24:50but perhaps a little bit too small on the inside.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- Don't make up your mind yet.- No.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56I think there is definitely room for being creative,
0:24:56 > 0:24:58- particularly downstairs. - Good, because there is more to see.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00OK.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04'I'm hoping Melanie's positivity will start to rub off on Richard.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07'But he is keeping his cards fairly close to his chest.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10'There are a couple of surprises left in the property though.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14'The first - a potentially self-contained floor
0:25:14 > 0:25:16'up in the attic.'
0:25:16 > 0:25:17- Hmm.- Hmm.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20You can see there is a big double bedroom in there.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- Yes.- And there is a space here.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24- Yes.- You have that.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- Yep, potential for an en-suite.- Yes.
0:25:26 > 0:25:27It's a really nice space.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29I mean, if we could jig this around this would be
0:25:29 > 0:25:32great for the two of us during the season.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- Yeah, when you have people here. - When you have people here.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37- There's lots you can do it here. - Wonderful.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42A suite is a real godsend when guests are in your home.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44And this makes up the fourth bedroom.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48The property doesn't offer a fifth, but outside, there is
0:25:48 > 0:25:52a double garage space which could deliver on the exercise studio.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54There is something else I want to show them,
0:25:54 > 0:25:57which is also a great asset for guests.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02It's back down on the first floor and is a pretty special spot.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Ta-da!
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- Wow. Wow.- Lovely!
0:26:08 > 0:26:11- Mont Ventoux.- It's gorgeous.
0:26:11 > 0:26:12What a view.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16I love the fact that this is almost like a room on its own.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21I can imagine guests just coming out, sitting out here with a book.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24It's almost better than it being connected to one of the rooms.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26- And then the others not having one. - Yeah.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28This could be a communal balcony, couldn't it?
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Oh, God, yeah, sure.
0:26:30 > 0:26:31It's lovely.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35You have a swimming pool. You can see the way the garden runs,
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- that way. The plot in its entirety is about a third of an acre.- Yeah.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Well, you've been making all the right noises.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Can you put a price on it? How much do you think it is on for?
0:26:45 > 0:26:50I would say in the region of around £410,000.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Thank you. Melanie?
0:26:52 > 0:26:56I would say in the region of £430,000.
0:26:56 > 0:27:01It's actually on for £410,000. You were on the nose, Richard.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03- Spot on!- Thank you very much.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Are you smiling because you won or are you smiling
0:27:05 > 0:27:06because it is below budget?
0:27:06 > 0:27:10- Any time I can beat her, the better. - It doesn't happen often, darling.
0:27:10 > 0:27:11No, it doesn't.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13No, no, I think that's a pretty good price.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15It gives a little bit more in the pocket for us
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- to do the things that we want to do. - Yeah, yeah.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21£15,000 in your back pocket, it's not bad, is it?
0:27:21 > 0:27:22- So, go and have a look.- OK.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25And think about where you might spend that extra cash.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27- Thank you.- I'll be down there.- OK.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30It's hard not to get excited about this property, which has
0:27:30 > 0:27:34thrown up opportunities and pleasant surprises at nearly every turn.
0:27:34 > 0:27:39Comfortably under budget, this rustic property is a great option.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41It features four good-sized bedrooms,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44one of which is in a self-contained unit.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47There's work to do to convert a large garage into Melanie's studio,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50but it does come with a swimming pool
0:27:50 > 0:27:53and fantastic views across the countryside.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55- That's a stunning view.- Yeah.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57That is just beautiful.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- I could handle looking out to there in the morning.- Ah.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04This is definitely the sort of property that we were thinking of.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08There is a bit of potential for us to do what we want to do.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11The only downside is, it's just a little small
0:28:11 > 0:28:15so we would have to probably forfeit one bedroom, which is
0:28:15 > 0:28:19a little disappointing, but maybe we could work with that.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23I can definitely see our oak dining room table here.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Get rid of this. Make it more open plan.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Oh, God, yes. Yeah. Lovely kitchen in there.
0:28:27 > 0:28:28And a lovely kitchen in there.
0:28:29 > 0:28:30Yeah.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33The house has immense character, which I love.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37What it doesn't have is the one extra room.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40So maybe downsizing our expectations of how many guests
0:28:40 > 0:28:43we were going to take in, from eight to six, could be a possibility.
0:28:47 > 0:28:48Here they are.
0:28:50 > 0:28:51I can't get enough of this view.
0:28:53 > 0:28:54Have you seen enough?
0:28:54 > 0:28:56- Yes.- OK.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- But you love it, don't you? - Yes.- Absolutely.- Love it.- Love it.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01Good. Which means that there is lots to think about.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03- But it's not yours just yet. Come on.- OK.- OK.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14Moving to any country to live can be daunting.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17But basing your move on a new business venture can be
0:29:17 > 0:29:19absolutely terrifying.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23So I'm introducing Melanie and Richard to two friends living
0:29:23 > 0:29:27in Provence who have already set up their own successful enterprises.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30Joanna is a British expat who runs a photography business
0:29:30 > 0:29:32throughout France.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34And Jane is originally from the States,
0:29:34 > 0:29:36but has recently set up a company that should definitely
0:29:36 > 0:29:38be of interest to Melanie.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- Hello, Jane and Joanna.- Hey.- Hey.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- Meet Melanie and Richard. - ALL: Hello. Lovely to meet you.
0:29:43 > 0:29:44Lovely to meet you too.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46The reason the four of you are going to get together is
0:29:46 > 0:29:48because they have got bags of experience,
0:29:48 > 0:29:50they have lived here for a long time,
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- but Jane also runs a yoga retreat. - Fantastic.- Fantastic.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55I think the four of you should go off and have some fun.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58I will catch up with you back at the ranch. Off you go.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00- Shall we?- Have fun.- Great.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03But before we talk shop, the quartet are picking up
0:30:03 > 0:30:06provisions for lunch in the beautiful village of Eygalieres.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09We are going to go into the boulangerie.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12First stop, pastries. Both savoury.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17And not forgetting the sweet.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- Une...- Sacristain.- Sacristain.
0:30:22 > 0:30:23The really sugary one.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25SHE GASPS
0:30:27 > 0:30:30- Merci!- Merci!- Au revoir.- Au revoir.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32When it comes to fruit and vegetables,
0:30:32 > 0:30:37the region of Provence grows over half the entire country's produce.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- Shall we get some fruits and vegetables?- Yes, that would be nice.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- The tomatoes look... - Yeah, they are absolutely beautiful.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Just come into season. They are from just up the road.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Which is just fantastic. So we will get some of these.
0:30:49 > 0:30:50Beautiful.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54And with foodstuffs in hand,
0:30:54 > 0:30:57it's just a short stroll to Jane's yoga sanctuary.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Set in the postcard perfection of Eygalieres,
0:30:59 > 0:31:02and overlooking the hills of the Alpilles,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04the eight-bedroomed luxurious retreat
0:31:04 > 0:31:07lies within immaculately landscaped grounds
0:31:07 > 0:31:11and features a cool, calm and contemporary interior design.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Here we are. This is where we will be holding the yoga retreats.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16Wow!
0:31:16 > 0:31:19That's fantastic. Beautiful.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22Leaving Joanna and Richard to get cracking with lunch,
0:31:22 > 0:31:26the yoga devotees head out to look over the facilities.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28It's absolutely beautiful, Jane.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30Yeah, it is really.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Who are you marketing this to?
0:31:32 > 0:31:34It is quite high-end.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37It's going to cost 2,000 euros per person to come and stay for a week.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39What is your high season
0:31:39 > 0:31:42and what would you call your down season?
0:31:42 > 0:31:43What months are we looking at?
0:31:43 > 0:31:47Actually, the winter months here are quite quiet. I mean after October.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50So November, December, January, February.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52So an important thing to realise
0:31:52 > 0:31:54when you're living here full-time is to diversify.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57It's fantastic that your husband has another income, another job.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Jane, if you were to give me
0:31:59 > 0:32:02a single piece of advice for lasting through the quiet season
0:32:02 > 0:32:06what would you say is the most important thing to remember or to do?
0:32:06 > 0:32:08I think connecting with the local community
0:32:08 > 0:32:10because that's where you're also...
0:32:10 > 0:32:13You are going to work with the locals as well as the tourists
0:32:13 > 0:32:15coming in the summer. So that's really important.
0:32:15 > 0:32:16That's what I've done.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20And now the French banquet is ready, I'm rejoining the party to see
0:32:20 > 0:32:24what else our couple can learn from our business-minded hosts.
0:32:24 > 0:32:25Join us.
0:32:25 > 0:32:26Thank you.
0:32:26 > 0:32:27This looks lovely.
0:32:28 > 0:32:33Joanna, just how easy is it to set up a business without the language?
0:32:33 > 0:32:36It's not that difficult to set it up.
0:32:36 > 0:32:41It's just that it takes time to understand what statute
0:32:41 > 0:32:43you are going to take.
0:32:43 > 0:32:48But you can get there. You just have to be persuasive and determined.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50- It's possible.- It's possible.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52And what about health care?
0:32:52 > 0:32:55Obviously, in England we have the NHS which when it works,
0:32:55 > 0:32:59it works very well. Here in France, you do pay more.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02It took me a while to get my Carte Vitale but once you've got it,
0:33:02 > 0:33:04it does work very well.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07The Chamber of Commerce here is great.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09They were very helpful when I set up my business.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11They will give you advice on your business
0:33:11 > 0:33:14as well as the structures and how you can do that.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16That's great to know.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19Do you think there is a market for what Melanie wants to do,
0:33:19 > 0:33:21- setting up yoga and Pilates classes? - Absolutely.
0:33:21 > 0:33:26However, I think that what you are used to in London, it's exploded,
0:33:26 > 0:33:29the market for yoga and Pilates and all that.
0:33:29 > 0:33:30It's just now coming here.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33So if you are used to living in London and, you know,
0:33:33 > 0:33:36quite a bustly life, how do you cope with the sort of
0:33:36 > 0:33:38French laid-back lifestyle?
0:33:38 > 0:33:42That is definitely something that is trying.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44You never get used to it really.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48But it's also something we love because people are more laid-back.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50Still want to do it?
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- Yeah.- Yeah?- Yeah, absolutely.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55Look, we've got all this amazing produce in front of us. Shall we?
0:33:55 > 0:33:57ALL: Yep.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59'All in all, a successful detour
0:33:59 > 0:34:01'as we tuck into our fresh local fare.'
0:34:01 > 0:34:03And when it comes to moving to France,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06there are a few other details to bear in mind.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09If an offer on the property is made at the asking price
0:34:09 > 0:34:12the owners are legally bound to accept it.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14As a result,
0:34:14 > 0:34:18it's common for asking prices to be some 20% above the actual value.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22Also, to access health care, you need what's known as a Carte Vitale.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24It holds your Social Security number,
0:34:24 > 0:34:26medical insurance information,
0:34:26 > 0:34:29and next of kin details, all in one automated card.
0:34:35 > 0:34:40Back to the house hunt, and our next stop is 15 miles north of Avignon
0:34:40 > 0:34:44and just across the Provence border to the commune of Rochegude.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49It's an imposing Romanesque town that's home to nearly 2,000 people.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52The ruling 12th-century chateau majestically overlooks
0:34:52 > 0:34:54the Cotes du Rhone vineyards.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56And there is a handful of restaurants,
0:34:56 > 0:34:59shops and wine bars for sampling the local nectar.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02'We've headed three miles out of town
0:35:02 > 0:35:04'to a remote and tranquil wooded area.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07'Here our next property offers something we haven't
0:35:07 > 0:35:09'so far been able to find.'
0:35:09 > 0:35:12OK...
0:35:12 > 0:35:13Land.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17This property comes with 2.4 acres of woodland.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- And they are all oak. - Right.- They are all oak?
0:35:20 > 0:35:21- Isn't that wonderful?- OK, yeah.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24It's rural but you are not in the absolute sticks.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26You've got neighbours dotted around.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29And you can see their property from here.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31I can't quite work out the shape of the house.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34- Strange-looking property. - Let's get closer.
0:35:34 > 0:35:35- BOTH:- OK.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40The fairytale wooded backdrop could well fit in with the calming
0:35:40 > 0:35:43escape ethos of Melanie and Richard's business.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47The grounds here also boast a large, long swimming pool
0:35:47 > 0:35:50and plenty of areas for outdoor yoga classes.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53When it comes to the property itself, it is single-storey,
0:35:53 > 0:35:55made from local stone,
0:35:55 > 0:35:57and looks out over protected vineyards
0:35:57 > 0:36:00and land with no risk of future building work.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03I'm starting our tour with the main living area.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Come on up.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07LAUGHING: Right.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10- Wow.- Hmm.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14Very, very circa 1970s, '80s.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Yeah, built in the '80s, you are right.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19I'm just sort of trying to absorb what I'm looking at
0:36:19 > 0:36:20at the moment. The shape of it...
0:36:22 > 0:36:26I quite like that sort of modern fireplace. I could work with that.
0:36:26 > 0:36:27Floor plan...
0:36:29 > 0:36:32The room doesn't feel very homely.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34I'm not feeling it. What about you, darling?
0:36:34 > 0:36:36It's not what we are looking for at all.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38What's wrong with it?
0:36:38 > 0:36:41It's a completely unusable space for a start.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44I mean, the kitchen is so small, it's minute.
0:36:44 > 0:36:49In fact, I wouldn't even call it a kitchen.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52This area, in my opinion, is pointing in the wrong direction.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54What about the view though?
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Actually, this is probably the best part of the house, this view.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59From what I've seen so far.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01It's pointing in the wrong direction!
0:37:01 > 0:37:02It's pointing away from the sun.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06It...
0:37:06 > 0:37:07- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11Richard is not mincing his words and it's clear the versatile
0:37:11 > 0:37:14reception and living area aren't working for him, even though
0:37:14 > 0:37:18they are overlooked by an extra, reasonably-sized mezzanine level
0:37:18 > 0:37:21housing an office and single bedroom.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24There is more to see in this house though as there are three
0:37:24 > 0:37:27further ground-floor bedrooms, two of which are en-suite.
0:37:27 > 0:37:32And they all enjoy high ceilings, big windows and beautiful views.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35Come on in.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Come on in.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40This is one of three double bedrooms in this house.
0:37:40 > 0:37:41- It's light.- It's light.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44I love the doors. If the doors opened up, let's say,
0:37:44 > 0:37:48onto a sort of patio area or pool area, lovely.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52Not really so keen on the doors opening onto a shady bit of grass.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56It's just the pine. The pine window frames. It's my worst nightmare.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59- It hasn't been touched since the '80s, has it?- You can feel that.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01I could imagine this in the hands of someone
0:38:01 > 0:38:04with a real retro sort of style.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06But I think you have to be in love with that era of build.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- You don't like it.- No.- Not at all? - THEY LAUGH
0:38:11 > 0:38:13- Shall we go outside?- Yes. - Come on.- Let's go.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17'The property is fast running out of opportunities to impress,'
0:38:17 > 0:38:19and whilst there's more diplomacy from Melanie,
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Richard can't disguise his dismay.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26The unique style and layout would be viewed as cool and quirky by many,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29but we're some way off the mark for today's couple.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- That's beautiful. Come on, we can agree on that.- Of course.- Oh, yes.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34- Yeah.- This is not doing it for you. - No.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36It also comes with planning permission
0:38:36 > 0:38:39for an extra 1,000 square feet,
0:38:39 > 0:38:42so you could extend this property any which way you wanted
0:38:42 > 0:38:44- to make it bigger.- Oh, really?- Yeah.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47Come on, Richard. I know you've got very creative minds.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50- 1,000 square feet. - I... Yes, nothing, nothing...
0:38:50 > 0:38:52Is there nothing you could do to this property
0:38:52 > 0:38:54that would make you like it?
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Given free rein with this shell?
0:38:57 > 0:39:00I just, I can't really imagine anything that we can do with it
0:39:00 > 0:39:02which would suit our business.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06What do you think this property with all the land is on the market for?
0:39:06 > 0:39:10I would say it's on the market for £425,000.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Thank you.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Richard. What's the price tag?
0:39:14 > 0:39:16I... I'm really struggling with this one.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19I would say £300,000.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22ANITA AND MELANIE LAUGH In Provence.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26- It's actually on for £396,000.- Yeah.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28I know I'm not going to convince you,
0:39:28 > 0:39:30and it's not my job to convince you,
0:39:30 > 0:39:31the house should just speak for itself.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34- But I would like you to go and have a little explore.- OK.- See you later.
0:39:35 > 0:39:40Richard's big undervaluation offers a fair snapshot into his thinking
0:39:40 > 0:39:42on this rather curveball property.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47Built in 1980, this house is ripe for an ambitious upgrade.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51Seen as a shell, it offers a large living space and four bedrooms
0:39:51 > 0:39:55with planning permission in place to extend over 1,000 square feet.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58That would deliver all the living and sleeping accommodation
0:39:58 > 0:40:00they could possibly need.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03It's an ideal setting for a yoga retreat,
0:40:03 > 0:40:07but alas, I just don't think Richard and Melanie share this vision.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10I'm always intrigued, so I was intrigued to come in.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12I hadn't written it off immediately.
0:40:12 > 0:40:18However, it does feel a little bit like it's stuck in the '80s.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21I think my shabby chic style would just not go here,
0:40:21 > 0:40:26so...yeah, I don't feel I'm a match for the property. Definitely.
0:40:26 > 0:40:31When I look at a property...you know, normally I can see potential.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34and...in this property,
0:40:34 > 0:40:37I don't see...any potential whatsoever.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42My thoughts, my expectations are definitely changing
0:40:42 > 0:40:44with every day as the search goes on.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46- Hello.- Hi.- Hi.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47Are you ready to leave the '80s behind?
0:40:47 > 0:40:50- Yes.- Definitely. Well behind. THEY LAUGH
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Let's go and find the modern world over there somewhere.
0:40:52 > 0:40:53- Come on, we're off.- OK, let's go.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59After a busy day of lows and highs,
0:40:59 > 0:41:02it's time for me to part company with our couple
0:41:02 > 0:41:05and leave them to enjoy a well-earned evening out together
0:41:05 > 0:41:07where they can reflect on the move ahead.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10How do you think about leaving the kids
0:41:10 > 0:41:13- and, you know, do you think...? - Yeah!
0:41:13 > 0:41:16HE LAUGHS
0:41:16 > 0:41:17No, no. Not true, not true.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20Do you think they will cope without us?
0:41:21 > 0:41:23I hope so.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25Yeah, I mean, I feel a little bit...
0:41:27 > 0:41:30..anxious about the distance and if there are any problems, but...
0:41:32 > 0:41:37I think they're going to be on that Eurotunnel or on the plane...
0:41:37 > 0:41:40- Yeah.- ..whenever they have the opportunity.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44But before their relatives can descend upon their new French abode,
0:41:44 > 0:41:46Melanie and Richard need to find it.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49And tomorrow, we've got one last chance to tempt them.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01Fitness instructor Melanie and engineer Richard from Dartmoor
0:42:01 > 0:42:05have £425,000 to spend on a new home and life
0:42:05 > 0:42:06in the South of France.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11It's much, much more than a house they're after.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13Their dream yoga retreat live-in business
0:42:13 > 0:42:19requires a very specific property in very specific surroundings.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21Somewhere with grounds,
0:42:21 > 0:42:23not unlike the bed and breakfast they're staying in for the week.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27- Good morning.- Hello.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31- Wow. Isn't that wonderful?- Amazing.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- What a wonderful morning. - I know, imagine July and August.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- You'd be out here six o'clock in the morning.- Oh, all the time.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39- And I should be doing it with you. - SHE SIGHS, HE CHUCKLES
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Well, I've worked up an appetite.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43- Yeah, well, breakfast is ready. - Let's go. Yeah!
0:42:44 > 0:42:49Provence has a Mediterranean climate which doesn't get particularly cold,
0:42:49 > 0:42:50but does get pretty hot
0:42:50 > 0:42:54with temperatures regularly hitting the mid-30s throughout August.
0:42:54 > 0:42:59In winter and spring, this region is also affected by the mistral,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02a strong wind which often exceeds 25mph
0:43:02 > 0:43:05and can blow for days on end.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07The temperate climate does however lend itself
0:43:07 > 0:43:11to the production of fruit and delicious breakfast jams.
0:43:11 > 0:43:17Staying here and knowing that our budget is maybe a little bit...
0:43:18 > 0:43:20- Um...- Too optimistic.- Too optimistic.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23- I would be so willing to compromise on how much land.- Yes.
0:43:23 > 0:43:25If we just had enough for the pool,
0:43:25 > 0:43:29the outside area for sitting and an exercise area,
0:43:29 > 0:43:30that would be enough.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32Yeah, amazing.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36Hearing the word compromise is very reassuring
0:43:36 > 0:43:38as our couple will need a seriously open mind
0:43:38 > 0:43:41for the mystery option we've lined up today
0:43:43 > 0:43:45Now, Melanie and Richard know a thing or two about buildings,
0:43:45 > 0:43:47so we thought we'd test their creativity
0:43:47 > 0:43:50and really give them something to think about.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55Today's mystery proposal is located near the village of Roussillon,
0:43:55 > 0:43:5815 miles east of Avignon.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01It's perched on the edge of the Luberon Nature Park,
0:44:01 > 0:44:05famous for its flaming cliffs and rich ochre deposits.
0:44:05 > 0:44:07Ochre was first used as a natural paint
0:44:07 > 0:44:09in the caves of prehistoric man
0:44:09 > 0:44:11and these large local quarries were mined
0:44:11 > 0:44:14from the end of the 18th-century until 1930.
0:44:15 > 0:44:19Roussillon itself is known locally as the red and orange village,
0:44:19 > 0:44:21as the distinctive ochre pigment
0:44:21 > 0:44:24enlivens the walls and roofs of the entire community.
0:44:25 > 0:44:29- Often I take you to the property first.- Mm-hm.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32- This time, I thought I'd bring you to your local town first.- OK.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36- Do you like Roussillon?- Yeah. - Oh, it's lovely.- Spectacular.
0:44:36 > 0:44:38A lot of character. Lots of colour.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41All these houses have been built with ochre
0:44:41 > 0:44:44- and painted with the colour as well. - Yeah, stunning.
0:44:44 > 0:44:46So you like the town, you approve of the town...
0:44:46 > 0:44:47Yeah, beautiful approach.
0:44:47 > 0:44:50- So now it's just about the mystery property.- Ah!- Can't wait.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53And what a mystery it is today. I can't wait either.
0:44:53 > 0:44:55- THEY LAUGH - Come on, let's do it.- Let's go.
0:44:56 > 0:44:58So Roussillon has got the seal of approval.
0:44:58 > 0:44:59For our next offering,
0:44:59 > 0:45:02we're heading ten minutes deeper into the national park
0:45:02 > 0:45:04to the tiny village of Lioux.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06Inhabited since 960 AD,
0:45:06 > 0:45:11today there's a small population of just 258.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13Set in beautiful countryside,
0:45:13 > 0:45:15it's a Mecca for hiking and mountain biking
0:45:15 > 0:45:18as well as offering a calm and restful spot.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21Oh, yes, this really is a mystery tour.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24It is, which means it's going to be a curveball.
0:45:24 > 0:45:28- I'm really going to test how open-minded you are now, OK?- OK.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30Because the mystery is...
0:45:30 > 0:45:33- It's this plot.- It's the plot. - HE LAUGHS
0:45:33 > 0:45:36- Come and look. - The digger was the key.
0:45:36 > 0:45:38- It's this plot of land.- OK. - Right.- OK.
0:45:38 > 0:45:41I want your first instant reactions, please.
0:45:41 > 0:45:43Er, first instant reaction,
0:45:43 > 0:45:46very close to the building next to us.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48- It's his land.- OK. - He's selling it.- OK.
0:45:48 > 0:45:50Let me give you a bit more information.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54It's an acre and it has permission to build a property on it
0:45:54 > 0:45:57of 425 square metres.
0:45:57 > 0:45:59- Yeah.- Huge.
0:45:59 > 0:46:00It's about two and half times the size of
0:46:00 > 0:46:03- the second property we looked at. - Yes.- Right?- Crikey.
0:46:03 > 0:46:06- Also, that is the Luberon Mountain Range.- Yes.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08We are in a national park.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10Land here does not come up very often.
0:46:11 > 0:46:13- He's obviously built his own.- Yes.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15There's a couple of others where they've built their own.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17- They look great as well. - They do, don't they?- Yeah.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19What you think about the location?
0:46:19 > 0:46:22- Oh, it's a spectacular view. - Yeah, it's incredible.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25- And this path here, where does this go?- This is the mystery path...
0:46:25 > 0:46:28No, er, that actually links to the village of Lioux,
0:46:28 > 0:46:31- which is just there.- OK, which is just up the road.- Yeah.- Fantastic.
0:46:31 > 0:46:34- But let's go and see how far it goes that way.- OK.- Follow me.
0:46:36 > 0:46:38Great reaction so far,
0:46:38 > 0:46:41and as we gaze across all that the patch had to offer,
0:46:41 > 0:46:43there's plenty to consider for anyone building
0:46:43 > 0:46:44their own property in France.
0:46:46 > 0:46:50The easiest bit of advice - go and chat to those neighbours.
0:46:50 > 0:46:52Relatively new buildings nearby
0:46:52 > 0:46:55suggest that invaluable information can be mined
0:46:55 > 0:46:59regarding builders, administration problems and recommendations.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02And whilst you're making friends,
0:47:02 > 0:47:05add the local mayor to your contact list.
0:47:05 > 0:47:07Permissions always run through the town hall,
0:47:07 > 0:47:09so they'll make a useful ally.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11On that note, while it's sometimes advised
0:47:11 > 0:47:14to bring workmen from the UK to cut costs,
0:47:14 > 0:47:16the practice will be frowned upon locally,
0:47:16 > 0:47:19so think twice before you risk alienating the community.
0:47:21 > 0:47:25- The view.- Wow.- Mm.
0:47:25 > 0:47:26This is more like it.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30- I mean, infinity pool.- Yeah. - Yoga platform.- Yeah.
0:47:30 > 0:47:34- Pilates...- Yeah.- ..studio. Pff, I don't know.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:47:35 > 0:47:39So, you know, this is, this is the plot.
0:47:39 > 0:47:41Yeah, I can see there's a lot of potential here.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44We'd have to look at whatever plans there are.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47- It's a big plot, one acre. - Shall we try and put a price on it?
0:47:49 > 0:47:52- What do you think? - I would say...for the plot.
0:47:53 > 0:47:55I say £200,000.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58- What do you think, Melanie? - I think I'm going to go bit higher.
0:47:58 > 0:47:59I say £250,000.
0:47:59 > 0:48:05- It's actually on the market for £136,000.- Wow.
0:48:05 > 0:48:09Having known how much land is in the UK, this is, yeah, very reasonable.
0:48:09 > 0:48:15To build in the UK, it's about £1,000 per square metre.
0:48:15 > 0:48:17Here it's about 815,
0:48:17 > 0:48:24- so you could probably get a huge house for maybe £350,000.- OK.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27- I mean, obviously, you can spend as much or as little as you want.- Yeah.
0:48:27 > 0:48:29We certainly could build a pretty good property,
0:48:29 > 0:48:31- you know, for £350,000.- Definitely.
0:48:31 > 0:48:34I mean, it's always something we're interested in.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36We've always said, if there was a plot that we liked,
0:48:36 > 0:48:38we would definitely consider it.
0:48:38 > 0:48:40You could build your dream woman her dream home.
0:48:40 > 0:48:42I would love that, actually.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45- That's probably one of the greatest things I would love to do.- Aw!
0:48:45 > 0:48:46Yeah.
0:48:46 > 0:48:49Well, I will let the two of you just have a wonder.
0:48:49 > 0:48:50I'm going to go find a spot somewhere
0:48:50 > 0:48:53- and maybe go and look at, be nosy in the neighbour's garden.- OK.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55- And I'll find you. OK? - All right, thank you.- Thanks.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57Come on then.
0:49:00 > 0:49:01The mystery tag has given us leeway
0:49:01 > 0:49:04to showcase what could be the best way
0:49:04 > 0:49:08to create that perfect business location - building it.
0:49:08 > 0:49:12The land is on the market for £136,000.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15There's water and electricity supply already in place,
0:49:15 > 0:49:19as well as road access and local amenities.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22Generally, you can expect your total costs to break down as
0:49:22 > 0:49:2825% on the land, building at 40%, interior fittings, 25%,
0:49:28 > 0:49:33the garden, 5%, and professional fees, at a minimum of 5%.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36So much to think about, but for Melanie and Richard,
0:49:36 > 0:49:41to get the perfect property in a great location within budget,
0:49:41 > 0:49:43this could really be their best option.
0:49:43 > 0:49:47Honestly, love, we could make the most spectacular property here.
0:49:47 > 0:49:49- Yeah.- I mean, that would be their vista.- Yeah.
0:49:49 > 0:49:53They would wake up in the morning...and see that.
0:49:53 > 0:49:56You know, just think of the studio you could build.
0:49:56 > 0:49:58I have a very hopeful feeling when I look around the plot.
0:49:58 > 0:49:59The views are stunning.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03I can imagine...waking up in a beautiful home here.
0:50:03 > 0:50:04Yeah, most definitely.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07And I would imagine that guests would love it.
0:50:07 > 0:50:10We've kind of regained our positivity and optimism really.
0:50:10 > 0:50:14- It was waning, seeing how much our money...- Mm.
0:50:14 > 0:50:15- How far it would go.- Mm-hm.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18Whereas I think this has restored that.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21We're very surprised by the price of the plot, aren't we?
0:50:21 > 0:50:23- Very surprised.- Yeah, yeah.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25And, you know, we could certainly build
0:50:25 > 0:50:27the property that we would want to build
0:50:27 > 0:50:30on this piece of land at that cost.
0:50:32 > 0:50:35- Have we drawn up the plans, Richard? - Yes, yes. It's all in my mind now.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37- Still feeling positive about this? - Very.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40- So we've got lots to talk about. - Definitely.- Come on then.
0:50:50 > 0:50:53The medieval city of Avignon, with its famous bridge,
0:50:53 > 0:50:58is without a doubt an architectural jewel in the region's crown.
0:50:58 > 0:51:01What is perhaps not so well known is that in the 14th century,
0:51:01 > 0:51:05it was also one of the most powerful cities in the Western world.
0:51:05 > 0:51:09For almost 70 years, this was the seat of the Catholic Church
0:51:09 > 0:51:12when the papacy moved here from Rome.
0:51:12 > 0:51:14An extravagant papal residence was built,
0:51:14 > 0:51:17and I'm exploring this Pope's palace
0:51:17 > 0:51:21with my guide from the office of tourism, France Olliver.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24- This is incredible. - Wonderful, isn't it?
0:51:24 > 0:51:28France, I just wasn't expecting it to be so huge.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31And you haven't seen anything yet. THEY LAUGH
0:51:31 > 0:51:33OK, talk to me about this
0:51:33 > 0:51:36because I didn't even really fully appreciate that
0:51:36 > 0:51:39the Pope spent time living in France.
0:51:39 > 0:51:41- Yes.- Not in Italy.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44So the Popes arrived in Avignon in the 14th century
0:51:44 > 0:51:47because there was problems in Italy, civil wars.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49So they came to settle here.
0:51:49 > 0:51:54The first Pope who came to Avignon lived in a very simple place.
0:51:54 > 0:51:57Benedict XII, which was the third Pope,
0:51:57 > 0:51:59started to build this palace,
0:51:59 > 0:52:01and he started with this side here,
0:52:01 > 0:52:03which is called the Old Palace.
0:52:03 > 0:52:06- The Old Palace. What year was that? - 1335.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08- So this was the third Pope.- Yes.
0:52:08 > 0:52:13Talk to me about this bit of building, cos this is enormous.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16- Who built this? - The fourth Pope, Clement VI.
0:52:16 > 0:52:20So two Popes, basically, Benedict XII for the Old Palace,
0:52:20 > 0:52:23and Clement VI for the New Palace.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26But let's start with the Old Palace, if you want.
0:52:26 > 0:52:28Lead the way, lead the way, France.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30Built in an era of political instability,
0:52:30 > 0:52:33the papal residence was constructed as a fortress
0:52:33 > 0:52:35protecting the Pope and his followers
0:52:35 > 0:52:39whilst showing off the church's considerable power and wealth.
0:52:39 > 0:52:41Wow.
0:52:41 > 0:52:43What was this place, France?
0:52:43 > 0:52:49So this is the tinel, which means the dining room.
0:52:49 > 0:52:53- I can imagine this would be one heck of a room to throw a party in.- Yes.
0:52:53 > 0:52:57And this is about showing dominance and might and power.
0:52:57 > 0:52:59And luxury cos you think at that time,
0:52:59 > 0:53:04the ceiling was covered with blue fabric with gold stars on it
0:53:04 > 0:53:06to represent the sky.
0:53:06 > 0:53:07Is that right?
0:53:07 > 0:53:10That would've been absolutely magical.
0:53:10 > 0:53:14Over the next 20 years, the palace was vastly extended.
0:53:14 > 0:53:18- ANITA LAUGHS - Another massive room.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21A more ornate Gothic style was introduced,
0:53:21 > 0:53:25and the floor space increased to a colossal 15,000 square metres,
0:53:25 > 0:53:28the equivalent of four Gothic cathedrals.
0:53:28 > 0:53:32Living with the Pope inside the residence were around 100 people
0:53:32 > 0:53:35made up of clerics, guards and domestic staff.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38And on any given day, around 1,000 people
0:53:38 > 0:53:40would be coming in and out of the palace.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42The period of the Avignon papacy
0:53:42 > 0:53:45saw the reign of seven successive Popes.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47Now, let's talk about this thing staring at us.
0:53:47 > 0:53:49What is this?
0:53:49 > 0:53:51So this is called the indulgence window.
0:53:51 > 0:53:54This is where the Pope, freshly elected,
0:53:54 > 0:53:57would come and give a blessing to the crowd.
0:53:57 > 0:53:59And I bet there would've been quite some crowd down there.
0:53:59 > 0:54:01Yes, cos at that time,
0:54:01 > 0:54:04the doors would be open for the public to come in
0:54:04 > 0:54:06on official days like this one.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09Standing right where all those Popes would've stood.
0:54:09 > 0:54:13- Bless you all, bless you all. - THEY LAUGH
0:54:13 > 0:54:16At the end of the 14th century, the papacy moved back to Rome,
0:54:16 > 0:54:20leaving the palace to become military barracks and even a prison.
0:54:20 > 0:54:24But this period in history changed the face of Avignon forever.
0:54:24 > 0:54:26With the Pope's palace being here,
0:54:26 > 0:54:29did it really impact the town and the shape of the town as well?
0:54:29 > 0:54:33Yes, of course, cos there was 6,000 people living in Avignon
0:54:33 > 0:54:35before the Popes arrived.
0:54:35 > 0:54:39And under Clement VI, there was about 30,000 people.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42Huge then. It grew five times.
0:54:42 > 0:54:46It exploded because of all the merchants and all the people
0:54:46 > 0:54:50who had come here and be with the Pope.
0:54:50 > 0:54:52- So he really boosted the city.- Yes.
0:54:52 > 0:54:56Now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
0:54:56 > 0:54:59it receives over 650,000 visitors a year
0:54:59 > 0:55:02and remains one of Europe's largest and most important
0:55:02 > 0:55:04medieval Gothic buildings.
0:55:10 > 0:55:11Back at the farmhouse in Robion,
0:55:11 > 0:55:14Richard and Melanie are getting ready to leave
0:55:14 > 0:55:17and are also reassessing their next move.
0:55:17 > 0:55:19- Come on then, help me pack.- What?
0:55:19 > 0:55:21Standing around. HE LAUGHS
0:55:21 > 0:55:23Our couple are starting to doubt that their budget
0:55:23 > 0:55:26will match up to their high hopes and dreams
0:55:26 > 0:55:28in this particular part of the country.
0:55:28 > 0:55:31I'm not upset that we've discovered
0:55:31 > 0:55:33- that Provence is a little bit beyond us.- No.
0:55:33 > 0:55:37Because Provence wasn't the dream...
0:55:37 > 0:55:38- No.- ..France is the dream.- Yes.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41I'm not particularly concerned.
0:55:41 > 0:55:44I think that we just need to look at our options,
0:55:44 > 0:55:46you know, and see where we're going to go next.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49The tour is now over.
0:55:49 > 0:55:52We've shown Richard and Melanie all our options here in Provence,
0:55:52 > 0:55:55so I'm joining them at the B&B farmhouse
0:55:55 > 0:55:57to find out if any of our possibilities
0:55:57 > 0:56:00have convinced them to make their dream a reality.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04Melanie and Richard, we've come to the end of our time together.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07I feel like we've been on quite a journey.
0:56:07 > 0:56:08I mean, it's been a windy road,
0:56:08 > 0:56:10- a lot like the roads around Provence, hasn't it?- Yes.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12- Yeah, it has, it has.- It has.
0:56:12 > 0:56:17Talk to me about the mystery property, or the plot of land.
0:56:17 > 0:56:20- The plot of land.- You loved it. - Yeah.- Yes.
0:56:20 > 0:56:24It was interesting on arrival, cos we were quite,
0:56:24 > 0:56:27I think, we felt a little bit demoralised on arrival, didn't we?
0:56:27 > 0:56:32- Yes. We couldn't quite see a way forward for us here.- Yeah.
0:56:32 > 0:56:34Er, you know, most of the properties
0:56:34 > 0:56:36that we would be perhaps interested in
0:56:36 > 0:56:38were, you know, were beyond our budget.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41So we would be very restricted, I think,
0:56:41 > 0:56:42in what we wanted to do here.
0:56:43 > 0:56:47However, with the plot of land, you know, there were more options.
0:56:47 > 0:56:51Unfortunately, the acre of land was quite narrow
0:56:51 > 0:56:53and very close to the other property,
0:56:53 > 0:56:57so that was a bit of a sting in the tail, unfortunately.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00- Oh, otherwise, how close, how close are we talking?- So close.
0:57:00 > 0:57:03Well, so close that he said to me, "We could buy it now."
0:57:03 > 0:57:06- HE LAUGHS - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:57:06 > 0:57:07- We were that close.- Yeah.
0:57:07 > 0:57:10Maybe this has shown you that, actually, maybe a plot of land...
0:57:10 > 0:57:11Yeah, maybe a plot of land is an option.
0:57:11 > 0:57:15In actual fact, that probably has given me, you know, an idea,
0:57:15 > 0:57:16maybe that's what we should do.
0:57:16 > 0:57:19- I think it's really added fuel to the fire.- Yeah.
0:57:19 > 0:57:23It's been just so interesting, the journey.
0:57:23 > 0:57:26And it's just, I think, cemented in our minds that,
0:57:26 > 0:57:30yes, we're coming, but we still have quite a way to go.
0:57:30 > 0:57:33Well, I have no doubt, absolutely no doubt,
0:57:33 > 0:57:36that you will make this dream a reality.
0:57:36 > 0:57:38You will build it and you will make it happen.
0:57:38 > 0:57:41And I've really enjoyed myself this week.
0:57:41 > 0:57:44- And we've enjoyed ourselves as well. - Yes, it's been so amazing.
0:57:44 > 0:57:46So here's to the two of you and the dream and to headstands.
0:57:46 > 0:57:48To the dream and headstands.
0:57:48 > 0:57:50- May we do many of them. - Cheers. Thank you.
0:57:55 > 0:57:57Melanie and Richard came to Provence with a dream,
0:57:57 > 0:58:00and things don't quite match up precisely.
0:58:00 > 0:58:02Either the house was perfect and the land was too small
0:58:02 > 0:58:05or the land was perfect and the house was too small.
0:58:05 > 0:58:08But what they've come to realise is with the skills that they have,
0:58:08 > 0:58:10if they want their dream to become a reality,
0:58:10 > 0:58:12they should probably build it themselves.
0:58:12 > 0:58:14And you know what? I think they will.
0:58:14 > 0:58:17Join me next time for another Escape To The Continent.