0:00:02 > 0:00:05The highly decorative stonework on this historic building is celebrated
0:00:05 > 0:00:07as some of the most beautiful Romanesque carvings in the world.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09But where could I be?
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Join me in a moment to find out.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32Today, we're helping a couple from Gloucestershire,
0:00:32 > 0:00:34who are seeking a new life on the Continent,
0:00:34 > 0:00:36though not everything goes to plan.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38This hasn't got an old farmhouse feel.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40And it hasn't really got a cottagey feel.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42- You're just not feeling it.- No.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45But the vibes elsewhere are trying to win them over.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- I can't not see myself in here. - Yeah.- I'm thinking...
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Welcome to Escape To The Continent.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55I'm in Poitou-Charentes
0:00:55 > 0:00:57in the southwest of France
0:00:57 > 0:00:59and that wonderful building is the Notre-Dame la Grande,
0:00:59 > 0:01:01here in Poitiers.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04Now, it's been a place of pilgrimage for centuries
0:01:04 > 0:01:08and the carvings first began at the beginning of the 12th century,
0:01:08 > 0:01:11and they can still be read like a picture book of biblical stories,
0:01:11 > 0:01:15including Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and the Nativity.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19An extensive restoration project began in the 1990s,
0:01:19 > 0:01:20so Notre-Dame la Grande
0:01:20 > 0:01:25can still take pride of place in the capital of this captivating region.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30A 90-minute flight from British shores, the Poitou-Charentes region
0:01:30 > 0:01:32in south-west France stretches out
0:01:32 > 0:01:36across 10,000 square miles of countryside.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39As the second sunniest French departement,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42it offers some of the country's most impressive topography.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47Head west and you'll find 280 miles of sparse, sandy beaches
0:01:47 > 0:01:50leading up to La Rochelle, the historic port city.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Look east and you uncover swatches
0:01:52 > 0:01:56of undulating countryside that continue all the way
0:01:56 > 0:01:58over to the foothills of the Massif Central,
0:01:58 > 0:02:03taking in a patchwork of grain fields and fruit laden vineyards.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06The vistas draw attention to the intense seclusion here.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10On average, there are 160 inhabitants per square mile,
0:02:10 > 0:02:12placing the Poitou-Charentes
0:02:12 > 0:02:15amongst France's most sparsely populated regions.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18And there's the cognac, the brandy appellation of choice
0:02:18 > 0:02:21for over 400 years.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Traits of this area are reflected in this complex beverage,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27with subtle and intense flavours,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30discernible from a single grape variety.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33And it's the perfect blend of coast, country and calm
0:02:33 > 0:02:36that attracts 10% of all Britons making the permanent move to France,
0:02:36 > 0:02:39to this appealing corner of the country.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44So how much would a slice of this beautiful region set you back?
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Well, the average price of a property here in France
0:02:47 > 0:02:50is currently just over £126,000,
0:02:50 > 0:02:53which is £51,000 less than in the UK.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55And when you consider that here, in Poitou-Charentes,
0:02:55 > 0:02:58it's even cheaper at £110,000,
0:02:58 > 0:03:00you can get a whole lot of house for your pound.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03But will any of them tempt today's buyers?
0:03:03 > 0:03:05Because there are plenty on the market.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09Pursuing a new life abroad are duo Bill and his wife Sarah
0:03:09 > 0:03:11from Gloucestershire.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16Bonjour. Je m'appelle Guillaume
0:03:16 > 0:03:18et ma femme, Sarah.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Between them, they share four boys,
0:03:21 > 0:03:23three Labradors and 21 years together.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27They currently live in an old cottage in the village of Frocester
0:03:27 > 0:03:30that they restored and are constantly maintaining.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33The property was first built, we believe, in 1492
0:03:33 > 0:03:36and was going to be our final property, but now we feel that we
0:03:36 > 0:03:40would like to retire somewhere smaller
0:03:40 > 0:03:43and easier to keep up together.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46And after dedicating years to building up a successful
0:03:46 > 0:03:50removals business, amongst others, the couple are ready for a change.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52If we stay here, we will always be involved with
0:03:52 > 0:03:55the remnants of our businesses.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58We are carrying a huge burden around with us at the moment.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00I want to take the backpack off.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Hoping for time to try out new things.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05We've got three Labradors and we don't have as much time
0:04:05 > 0:04:07as we would like to spend,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10maybe an hour or two hours a day, out walking with the dogs.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13That would be a lovely thing to be able to do in France.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17We also enjoy bird-watching and we would be able to do that.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21I play the guitar in a very amateur way and I would like to have more
0:04:21 > 0:04:25time to try and learn to play, you know, a little bit more.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27I am not a great guitar player, by any stretch.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30I work on the principle that the more guitars I have
0:04:30 > 0:04:32the better guitarist I will be.
0:04:32 > 0:04:33I think, if I stick at it,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35I might well be able to prove that hypothesis.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38But there's one aspect of French culture that does
0:04:38 > 0:04:40worry them a little.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43I could see a slight problem in that we're both vegetarian
0:04:43 > 0:04:48and eating vegetarian meals in France,
0:04:48 > 0:04:50if you want go out to eat, is not always easy,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- so it may mean me doing more cooking at home.- Yes!
0:04:54 > 0:04:56And when it comes to their future property,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59it's as much a case of knowing what they don't want
0:04:59 > 0:05:02as it is of having a precise sense of what they do.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05We would really like somewhere that is a complete contrast
0:05:05 > 0:05:07to our cottage that we live in at the moment,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09just something simple and modern.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12I wouldn't mind how much land or garden there was,
0:05:12 > 0:05:14provided that was low-maintenance as well.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17If I can sit on a ride-on mower and cut some grass,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19round the small orchard, down by the little stream
0:05:19 > 0:05:23and the pond that the dogs can swim in, that's absolutely fine.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26And they fully appreciate how big a step it is they're about to take.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28I would consider this a big risk.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31All the time you're growing up, you always think,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33"Oh, one day I'm going to do such and such."
0:05:33 > 0:05:37Well, I think that now our "one day" has come.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45Sarah and Bill have targeted the Poitou-Charentes
0:05:45 > 0:05:49as the place to rectify their work-life balance.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52They'd like to focus their search in the triangle between the three
0:05:52 > 0:05:55major towns to the east - Limoges, Angouleme and Poitiers -
0:05:55 > 0:05:59although they're not adverse to venturing further towards the coast,
0:05:59 > 0:06:01should the right property crop up.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03I'm meeting them at the Chateau de Verteuil
0:06:03 > 0:06:05to learn more about their proposed move.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07Bill and Sarah, here we are.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- Welcome to Poitou-Charente. - Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12And welcome to my home.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- Beautiful.- Yes. - You're lucky girl.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17So, tell me, why do you want to move to this particular region?
0:06:17 > 0:06:20There's some lovely inland waterways, the canal system is nearby here,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23there are some lovely cities,
0:06:23 > 0:06:25so we thought it would be quite suitable here.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- And it's beautiful.- Why now?
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Because we've been working really, really hard for the last 20-odd years
0:06:31 > 0:06:33and we feel that now is the time
0:06:33 > 0:06:36to make a move so that there's still some time left
0:06:36 > 0:06:38for us to enjoy our retirement,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41rather than waiting until the very last minute,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43when we're too old to get anything out of it.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45Are you really the sort of people who are ready to kick back
0:06:45 > 0:06:47and put your slippers on?
0:06:47 > 0:06:49For a while, it would be really lovely to do nothing,
0:06:49 > 0:06:52but then we know that we would probably get a little bit bored.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56So we wanted something... Just a small activity or project to keep us
0:06:56 > 0:06:59occupied for some of the year, but not the whole time.
0:06:59 > 0:07:00So what are you thinking?
0:07:00 > 0:07:02We thought maybe a campsite, caravan site.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06There are a lot of mobile homes travelling up and down through France.
0:07:06 > 0:07:07A very small campsite, possibly.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09A small music festival would be nice.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- Yeah, wouldn't that be great? I'll come. For free?- We'll...
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Are you a bit of an old hippy there, Bill?
0:07:15 > 0:07:17He had very long hair when we got married.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18SHE COOS
0:07:18 > 0:07:20And how's your French?
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- OK.- Pas mal. - I would be fully aware that
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- we would need to integrate, certainly.- Yes.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Describe your dream property in France.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30I actually haven't dreamt of a house in France.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31We don't know until we've seen it.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33We live in a very old house at the moment.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35We're looking for something completely different,
0:07:35 > 0:07:40something modern, maintenance-free, two bedrooms would be adequate.
0:07:40 > 0:07:41- And you have three dogs? - Yes, we do.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- So you'll need space for the dogs? - Yes.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46A little bit of land but not a huge amount.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48We don't want to have do a lot of work on it.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49And I'd like some space of my own.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53I wouldn't mind an older property, particularly if it had an
0:07:53 > 0:07:56adjoining barn or some extra kind of free space.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58But you're also thinking about running a campsite
0:07:58 > 0:07:59because that's going to be work.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Yeah, but that's only for sometime during the summer.
0:08:02 > 0:08:03That wouldn't be year-round.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- Any big no-nos?- A restoration project that somebody's done badly.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09So let's talk budget.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- If you set a maximum of 200. - £200,000?- Yes.- OK.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- All right, well, let's go and see the first property.- OK.
0:08:16 > 0:08:17Follow me.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24Cash buyers Sarah and Bill have up to £200,000 to invest
0:08:24 > 0:08:26in a whole new way of life.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29There is one overriding property pre-requisite -
0:08:29 > 0:08:31anything but what they have in England.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34That translates into an easily maintainable,
0:08:34 > 0:08:36recently renovated or new property.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39With no idyllic home in mind, their desires are simple -
0:08:39 > 0:08:42a couple of rooms, space for the dogs
0:08:42 > 0:08:44and some kind of business potential.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Over the next couple of days, I'll be taking Sarah and Bill to
0:08:47 > 0:08:50view a selection of four diverse French properties,
0:08:50 > 0:08:54but I won't be revealing the price until the end of each tour.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57Our final offering will be the mystery property,
0:08:57 > 0:09:00with the one single aim of surprising our couple with an option
0:09:00 > 0:09:03they might never have chosen themselves.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13Our first house is a stones throw away from Melle,
0:09:13 > 0:09:17a former mining town just 30 miles southwest of Poitiers.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20The decree major airports of the region are all
0:09:20 > 0:09:24within a 90-minute drive and yet Melle's ancient town centre
0:09:24 > 0:09:25is just a walk away.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28And this melange of modern practicality and French charm
0:09:28 > 0:09:32reflects the story of the property.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Melle itself is home to France's
0:09:34 > 0:09:37oldest publicly accessible silver mine
0:09:37 > 0:09:40and it's smattering of houses and churches pay testimony to
0:09:40 > 0:09:42its heyday in the Middle Ages.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46The surrounding farmlands now evoke a serenity barely impacted
0:09:46 > 0:09:48by a handful of useful amenities
0:09:48 > 0:09:51and even a language school that sits nearby.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Hopefully, this first offering could be the ready-made slice
0:09:55 > 0:09:59of rural modernity that Sarah and Bill have been looking for,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01but they'd also have to put up with some stunning views
0:10:01 > 0:10:03right from their doorstep.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06OK, have a look.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08There it is.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- That looks gorgeous.- It's beautiful, isn't it? It's very, very, very pretty.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14The other thing is it looks, externally, in good condition.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- What's that?- Is that part of it?
0:10:16 > 0:10:19No, that is a barn that belongs to the farm,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22but it's only got tractors in it.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24There are no animals that will be bleating through the night,
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- or mooing, or whatever.- OK!
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Now, when you were describing the house that you wanted,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33you said modern but something French.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36It's not what I had pictured in my mind. I'm not adverse to it, but...
0:10:36 > 0:10:38Not what you'd been dreaming of.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- What were you dreaming of? - Yes.- What is it?
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Quick, this is what I want to know. What is it? What did you imagine?
0:10:44 > 0:10:47Well, something more modern and single-storey.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- However, we're happy to look. - Let's do it.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52That could have gone better and pretty, though it may be,
0:10:52 > 0:10:57the cottage is going to have its work cut out wooing Sarah and Bill.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01In spite of that barn, there's plenty on offer outside...
0:11:01 > 0:11:03with half an acre of land, vistas,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06a neatly decked out veranda and a stunning extension
0:11:06 > 0:11:09to the rear, which we'll get to a little bit later.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12First, I hope the interior will put them back on side.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- This is really lovely. - Lots of light, that's nice.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19And the fire, that's gorgeous.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- Good taste.- Yeah. I love the tiled floor.- Yeah, very pretty, isn't it?
0:11:23 > 0:11:24- And it's got a high ceiling.- Yeah.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- It's a very comfortable room. - Yes, excellent.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- Excellent. Shall we see the kitchen? - Yes, please.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32The property fights back.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36Maybe this isn't so far from Sarah's dreams after all.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Fingers crossed the sizeable kitchen comes up to scratch.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41I'm really taken aback by that.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44It's so different, it's not a colour scheme or anything that
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- I would ever have considered, but it works really well.- Brilliant.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- Yeah? Who does most of the cooking? - Sarah.- I do all of the cooking.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- Yeah.- Now, picture Christmas.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56Yes, with the fire and the dining table. Yeah, it's...
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- With all the boys here. - It's more of the living room.- Yeah.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02It's retained a certain amount of farmhouse charm
0:12:02 > 0:12:05and yet it's been brought up-to-date so well.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Yeah, it's so attractive that I wouldn't change anything.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10All right, well, let's show you the bedroom. This way.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11A-mazing!
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Downstairs has now got Sarah and Bill imagining a future
0:12:14 > 0:12:16in this sprawling, four-bedroom property.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19The cottage was saved from ruin by a Dutch artisan
0:12:19 > 0:12:24and again further modernised six years ago by the present owners.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26Master bedroom.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- Very nice.- It's nice to see a bedroom that's big enough
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- to actually get a bed and some furniture in it as well.- Yeah.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- I love these. - Yeah, aren't they gorgeous?
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Importantly, they're high enough
0:12:35 > 0:12:38that you don't crack your head on them, unlike at home.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- It's beautiful. - And you have an en-suite.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Oh, that's nice.- There is another bedroom up here.- OK.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46You actually have four bedrooms in total with this property.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50Could you potentially run a little B&B?
0:12:50 > 0:12:52I suppose it is a possibility but it's not on our, kind of, list
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- of things that we are aiming to do. - It's not what we intended to, no.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Fine. It's a whole lot of house.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01So far, what I've seen inside of this house is perfect.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05I actually haven't found anything to pick at yet.
0:13:05 > 0:13:06Yet.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- Shall we go and discuss the price somewhere?- OK.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14And the transformation is complete, but the best is still to come.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Annexed to the 18th-century property
0:13:17 > 0:13:20is barn extension housing two of the rooms
0:13:20 > 0:13:23and ample storage to the rear.
0:13:24 > 0:13:25- Wow!- Yes, wow.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Oh, isn't this lovely?
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- This is the barn extension. - Yes, yes.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33The sun comes in here, you can open these doors right out.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Yep, it is really, really, really lovely.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- It's nice, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40And that could be a brilliant man cave. Go and have a look.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- Can I have a look?- Yeah, yeah, off you go.- OK, excuse me.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48Oh, it's enormous. Enormous space.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49- Brilliant.- It's good, isn't it?
0:13:49 > 0:13:51It's a stunning space.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54So how much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:13:54 > 0:13:56I would estimate that
0:13:56 > 0:14:00it's for sale at £195,000.
0:14:00 > 0:14:01Sarah?
0:14:01 > 0:14:04I would go for £175,000.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06It's actually on for
0:14:06 > 0:14:10£152,000.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- Really?- That's incredible, isn't it? That really is incredible.- Goodness.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- Pleasant surprise.- Yeah, yeah. - I'm pleasantly surprised, certainly.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- Value for money for it being in such good order...- There's so much of it.
0:14:20 > 0:14:21..and so nicely done.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- You wouldn't have to do anything here, would you?- No, not a thing.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26I wouldn't even have to redecorate.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28The colour scheme's perfect, everything.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- It's too easy almost. - It is too easy.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- There's lots more of this property to see.- OK.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- Off you go and I'll find you in a bit.- Let's go and have a look.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- Go and explore.- Yep, thanks.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40(They love it.)
0:14:40 > 0:14:43I'm so happy, but it is property number one.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45Where do we go from here?
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Nearly £50,000 under budget,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50the price has clearly caught their attention,
0:14:50 > 0:14:54as we go from one barn threatening to ruin the property
0:14:54 > 0:14:55to another one saving it.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57With four double bedrooms, three bathrooms
0:14:57 > 0:15:01and a handy location within a calm, rural setting,
0:15:01 > 0:15:03our first property has given Sarah
0:15:03 > 0:15:05and Bill a lot to think about.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09From the outside I thought, "This isn't really what I specified."
0:15:09 > 0:15:13The big steel barn is a little bit of an eyesore,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16but you don't notice that quite so much outside.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20You could easily sit and look at the view with your back to the barn.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Watch your head.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- Another bathroom there and shower. - Yeah, shower.- Yeah.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31And another really good-sized room.
0:15:31 > 0:15:32With a headache-beam.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- This is like a family room.- Yes.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37So I can see where Anita was coming from when she was saying about
0:15:37 > 0:15:39having this as guest rooms or...
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- Because it is kind of separate. - It is separate.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Yeah, that's something well worth thinking about.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48The way that it has been renovated and decorated,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51to such a high standard, in such good taste,
0:15:51 > 0:15:53it really has surprised both of us.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55This is the kind of house we could move straight into.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- Imagine that field when it's full of sunflowers.- Yeah.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02I mean, there are properties next door, but the house is still
0:16:02 > 0:16:05lovely and the price is so good. That's a real possibility.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08I heard "Price is good, house is lovely, a real possibility."
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- Yeah, yeah.- Oh, fantastic.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13But we're not quite done for the day.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- There is one last place I'd like you to explore.- OK.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- Come on, this way.- OK, let's go.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Sarah and Bill are keen to unload, de-stress
0:16:21 > 0:16:23and move to a calmer way of life.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27With all this in mind, I'm bringing them to the village of Poursac
0:16:27 > 0:16:30for them to experience a snippet of what life could be like here
0:16:30 > 0:16:33with their own rented cottage.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Now, a little surprise for the two of you.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42We thought we'd do away with hotels and, for the rest of your time,
0:16:42 > 0:16:44you'll be staying in this rather sweet little gite.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Oh, it's fantastic. It's a real treat.- Yes.- Really lovely.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50And, to be honest, it's better than staying at a hotel.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- I'm going to give you the key then. - Thank you very much.- OK, enjoy.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- This is lovely, isn't it? Look at that.- Isn't that nice?
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- Brilliant, let's go and have a look. - Let's have a look.- Yeah.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06The two-tier home is simple, yet functional,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09with the kitchen-diner downstairs
0:17:09 > 0:17:11and a bedroom with en suite on the top floor.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- This is cosy, isn't it? - Yes, what a nice cosy bedroom.- Yep.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Oh, we'll sleep well tonight.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Sounds like this will do nicely,
0:17:19 > 0:17:22but one chore lies between Bill and a relaxing first evening in France.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25What on earth have you got in here, Sarah?
0:17:25 > 0:17:29No wonder it was overweight on the plane.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Once decamped and with the evening to themselves, Sarah and Bill
0:17:32 > 0:17:36take the opportunity to research an absolutely vital part of the
0:17:36 > 0:17:39French way of life - their local cave au vin -
0:17:39 > 0:17:41or wine bar to you and me.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- Bonjour.- Bonjour.- Bonjour.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47And the French required in this establishment
0:17:47 > 0:17:48isn't too taxing either.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52Je veux proposer un vin de Loire, ou un cote de blaye.
0:17:52 > 0:17:53C'est un Bordeaux.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- Bordeaux.- Oui, oui, yes. C'est bon.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00I can't believe we're here. I can't believe we're doing it.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02It still feels a little bit strange, but...
0:18:02 > 0:18:05At least we've started the process now.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Yes, we have and now we're actually looking seriously.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Yeah, who knows what will happen.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Yes.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- S'il vous plait. - Merci, monsieur.- Merci.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19This is not a holiday now. This is quite serious.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21It's on the verge of actually happening, isn't it?
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Yeah, making a decision.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26This could be the catalyst to a complete change of lifestyle,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28which is long overdue.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- Long overdue.- Yes.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- We'll drink to that, shall we?- Yes.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50Sarah and Bill from Gloucestershire have £200,000 to spend in a popular
0:18:50 > 0:18:52corner of southwest France.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55We've been tasked with distilling their rather broad wish list
0:18:55 > 0:18:57into four realistic properties.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01Over breakfast, our couples soon find themselves chatting over
0:19:01 > 0:19:03the possibilities of everyday life here.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06It would be lovely to go out for a walk with the dogs now, wouldn't it?
0:19:06 > 0:19:09I do know how much of a challenge it's going to be for the dogs.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11It's easy at home because we have a routine
0:19:11 > 0:19:14and they know where they are, they are at home.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- They'll soon get used to having all these new places.- They will.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20We have to make sure the house and the garden...
0:19:20 > 0:19:23That the garden is adaptable.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Well, that place yesterday was perfect.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27And inside the house was brilliant.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29And the tiled floors makes it so much easier to keep clean
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- with their paw marks.- Yeah.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35But lots and lots of lovely walks and that'll help us to explore the area.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Going out walking with the dogs will help us to explore.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41And hopefully meet people and get into that whole social thing as well.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43But the boys might come from time-to-time.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46We'd have more real-time with them if they came to see us,
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- rather than just cruising past when they want something...- Yeah.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51..and going away again.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55Yeah, they would come and see us. That would be nice.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58The first property I showed Bill and Sarah, they absolutely loved,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01which is brilliant, it set the bar very high, but these two are a bit
0:20:01 > 0:20:04unsure about what it is they're looking for.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07However, they're open to ideas and I, for one, can't wait to show them
0:20:07 > 0:20:09what I've got lined up today.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- Morning.- Good morning.- Morning. - Come on out.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- It's that time.- Oh, what a beautiful morning.- Beautiful day. - How was your evening?
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- It was good.- We had a lovely evening, yes, thank you.- Good.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- Are you ready to see some more properties?- Yeah.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25- Feeling open minded?- Yes.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- Yes, very much so. - Good, best way to be. Follow me.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32This morning, we're heading towards the town of Romagne,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35as we narrow our search to properties within Sarah and Bill's
0:20:35 > 0:20:39preferred Poitiers-Limoges-Angouleme triangle.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Here offers the classic French country escape,
0:20:42 > 0:20:47with the lush countryside disturbed only by the occasional farmer.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49In the village, the national flag adorns the shops
0:20:49 > 0:20:52and businesses in true Gallic style.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Less than half a mile from this quaint town,
0:20:54 > 0:20:58our next property offers the calm of life set against stone cottages,
0:20:58 > 0:21:01the odd farm and patchwork fields.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04And it's this access to the outdoors that will surely attract
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Sarah and Bill to our next property.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Take in the view.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- Oh, it's lovely, very French.- Very nice.- Very pretty. Tres jolie.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17It's an old farmhouse, but has been modernised quite recently.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20The barn behind us, which is huge,
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- is also part of the property. - Wow, OK.- Right, OK.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26And the current owners have two Labradors
0:21:26 > 0:21:29and the whole place is fenced off to keep the dogs in.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- Fantastic. - Are the Labradors included?
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Do you want more labs?
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.- I don't know, maybe they're negotiable.
0:21:36 > 0:21:37That's really good, really good.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- All right, well, let me show you what's going on inside.- OK.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44The facade certainly impressed Sarah and Bill and, with any luck,
0:21:44 > 0:21:47the warm feelings will flow on as we head indoors.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Come in to this rather toasty kitchen.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Ah, yes.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53It's lovely and cosy in here.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- Yep, is it to your liking? - There's just...
0:21:57 > 0:21:58It's a little bit...
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- I don't really like that across there.- No.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- But I understand that's... - Very important.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09Yes, it's not, perhaps, the same kind of units
0:22:09 > 0:22:11that I would have chosen,
0:22:11 > 0:22:13but they're perfectly OK.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Seeing beyond the furniture, it's a good-sized room.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- So it's more cosmetic?- We're not expecting to find something
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- which is absolutely to our taste. - Which is perfect.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- There's lots more of this house to see. This is only the first room. Follow me.- OK.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- Oh, this is nice.- Yeah? - Lovely space.- Yes.
0:22:30 > 0:22:31Nice light.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Unspoilt, some original features that haven't been,
0:22:34 > 0:22:35- kind of, butchered.- Hmm.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37It hasn't got that cottagey feel,
0:22:37 > 0:22:39which maybe we're trying to avoid,
0:22:39 > 0:22:41and plenty of natural light and it's lovely.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Though we've heard some positive mutterings so far, I'm still
0:22:44 > 0:22:49waiting for that certain something to stir Sarah and Bill's excitement.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Elsewhere on this floor, there's a vast utility area
0:22:52 > 0:22:55and storage space leading onto a downstairs bathroom.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57And we're heading into...
0:22:57 > 0:23:00This huge dining room.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Em...
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Well, our big sofa would fit in here, wouldn't it?- Yes, it would.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07Furnishing it isn't a problem.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10It's... Can I be really honest?
0:23:10 > 0:23:11Please, please, Sarah.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- It looks a little bit tired.- Yes.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16The maintenance might be an issue, I think.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20Yeah, I think there would be little things to do quite often.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21And it's a concern for you?
0:23:21 > 0:23:24We live in an old property now and we know what it's like.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Having something that hasn't been completely gutted and started
0:23:27 > 0:23:32- from scratch is not really what we were looking for.- No.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Well, we've said this, there are compromises all the way through.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37So let's... Show us some more.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- I will. Follow me upstairs.- OK.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43The house simply isn't up to scratch for either Sarah or Bill,
0:23:43 > 0:23:47who seem to be hoping for a more modern twist.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51With two double rooms, a fair-sized single, an ultra modern wet room
0:23:51 > 0:23:54and an enormous walk-in storage space upstairs,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57and that glimmer of compromise offered up by Bill,
0:23:57 > 0:23:59I'm still hopeful as we head on up.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- Oh, this is lovely.- Yeah.
0:24:02 > 0:24:07Yes, I love this. I like the window, the beams are beautiful.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11So what has this room got that downstairs hasn't?
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- Downstairs seemed a little bit dark and oppressive somehow.- Yeah.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Could it be that downstairs just needs a lick of paint?
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- Could it be something as simple as that?- No, I think it's a little bit more than that.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23There's some old plaster, and that kind of thing, that you'd have to,
0:24:23 > 0:24:25possibly, have redone one day.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Those are the kind of issues we want to avoid.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- And you're speaking from experience of your old cottage?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33So I think we should go and find somewhere and talk about money.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- OK.- OK.
0:24:35 > 0:24:36All-in-all a mixed response,
0:24:36 > 0:24:41but there's still the vastness of outdoors left to throw into the pot.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44As we head out through the property's three flower-filled acres,
0:24:44 > 0:24:46and beyond the outbuildings,
0:24:46 > 0:24:48there remains one other consideration
0:24:48 > 0:24:51for Sarah and Bill to keep in mind.
0:24:51 > 0:24:52So, have a look at this.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Now, I know you've got this idea, somewhere in the back of your minds,
0:24:55 > 0:24:59- about potentially doing a campsite for half of the year.- Yep.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02This would be your garden.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05However, have a look behind you.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06That comes with the property.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- Really?.- Do you like it, Bill? - Yeah.- All that?- Yes.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- You also have this outhouse here. - Yes.- Oh, the log store.- Yes.
0:25:12 > 0:25:13Which you could turn it into
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- something for your campers, something very basic.- Yes.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- Let's see if we can guess the price. - OK.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23Sarah, what do you think it's on the market for?
0:25:23 > 0:25:25Em, I would say £175,000.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32- £175,000.- Bill?- I think this would be nearer £185,000.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36It's actually on the market for £184,000.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38BOTH: OK.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41It's a lot of house and a lot of land for that money.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- Yes.- You can't fault the place really.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47We're just being picky.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51Picky or not, Sarah and Bill deserve to be wowed and it's over to us
0:25:51 > 0:25:53to help them find what they want.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56But it looks unlikely that this 19th-century property will
0:25:56 > 0:25:58fulfil those hopes.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01And as we learn more on what's on offer locally,
0:26:01 > 0:26:04I'm wondering - can any property fit the bill?
0:26:04 > 0:26:06There are parts of the house that our fantastic.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Parts of the house are not really to our taste.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12The overall impression is mixed.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15- Ooh, ooh.- Dog land.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Laundry and dogs.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20They can come in, wet from the garden, and they can stay in here
0:26:20 > 0:26:23and not get muddy paws all over the house. Yeah, nice room.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- Oh, what a good, useful space. - Yeah, yep.- Very, very good.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30We realise that all our criteria are not going to be met.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32We are not going to find the perfect house,
0:26:32 > 0:26:35even if our budget was ten times what it is.
0:26:35 > 0:26:36Had a good explore?
0:26:36 > 0:26:38- Yes, thank you.- Yes, we have, yes.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40How do you feel about it now, having seen all of it?
0:26:40 > 0:26:42There are some really good points,
0:26:42 > 0:26:44but there's also some not-so-good points.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46So still not the house for you?
0:26:46 > 0:26:48I concur with Sarah on that.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50It's not quite there.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52- All right, in that case, let's depart.- BOTH: OK.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01After toiling for nearly 30 years to set up
0:27:01 > 0:27:03a successful removals business,
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Sarah and Bill are looking forward to a slower pace of life
0:27:06 > 0:27:08in southwest France.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11But their joie de vivre could be
0:27:11 > 0:27:15derailed by several key factors, not least their vegetarian diet,
0:27:15 > 0:27:18which could challenge the occasional local chef.
0:27:18 > 0:27:19So, to help them out,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22we're travelling to the remote village of Fontfaix
0:27:22 > 0:27:24to meet expats Nikki and Sean,
0:27:24 > 0:27:27who've been living the eco life for 15 years now
0:27:27 > 0:27:30and run a spa B&B that stands out from the crowd,
0:27:30 > 0:27:34with a focus on vegetarian and vegan catering.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Now I know that in the back of your mind somewhere you have this
0:27:36 > 0:27:39idea of possibly running a campsite when you're here,
0:27:39 > 0:27:43so I thought that these two could maybe talk to you about that.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45I know, Sean, you've got something special lined up.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Yes, I have. It's down in the woods. Let's go and have a look, shall we?
0:27:48 > 0:27:50- Off you go.- Great.- Thank you.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55But with 25 acres of land across this sizeable estate,
0:27:55 > 0:27:59the group will need to hitch a ride in Nikki's tractor to get there.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Nikki and Sean's party piece hails from the
0:28:04 > 0:28:07nomadic tribes of the Plains of North America and is
0:28:07 > 0:28:09great for a powwow.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13It also brings in a handy bit of extra business
0:28:13 > 0:28:17and adds to the four variously themed B&B rooms that they offer.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- Here we are.- Oh, here we are. - A tepee!- That's right, yeah.
0:28:23 > 0:28:24Oh, wonderful. Nice one.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27How old is the tepee?
0:28:27 > 0:28:29- The tepee is actually five years old.- Why a tepee?
0:28:29 > 0:28:33Well, if you're thinking of having a campsite or running anything really,
0:28:33 > 0:28:35you need a unique selling point.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39Make sure you've got something a little bit interesting that people
0:28:39 > 0:28:41are going to come to your campsite, your B&B,
0:28:41 > 0:28:43or a little mixture of the both.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45There is a lot to competition in France.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47And do you need planning permission or any kind of licence?
0:28:47 > 0:28:49If you would like to run a campsite,
0:28:49 > 0:28:51the best thing is to go to the maire, your local maire.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53Yes, we understand he is all powerful.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56That's right. Well, they are actually.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00- They're also going to be very helpful.- They are very civil and they will look after you.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03They will make sure that you've got all the information that you need to do what you want to do.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05And things are regulated.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07It sounds like your business is very well-established.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Presumably, there's quite a lot to do most of the time. You're kept very busy.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13Well, it's a year-round business for sure.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15When people aren't here there's always things to,
0:29:15 > 0:29:17there's repairs, hence my handyman.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- You have to keep on top of it.- I'm sure it's hard work.- It's hard work.
0:29:21 > 0:29:22You've run a business too.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25You know, there's a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27And that hard graft starts now.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30Nikki and Sean take their tepee down for the winter,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32so they're taking advantage of the extra numbers
0:29:32 > 0:29:34to get the job done a bit quicker.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Bill and Sarah, if you could undo all the tie ropes
0:29:37 > 0:29:40- around the base of the tepee.- OK.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Nikki and Sean's tepee was handcrafted with wood
0:29:42 > 0:29:44taken from the Midi-Pyrenees
0:29:44 > 0:29:46and provides a warm and dry hideaway
0:29:46 > 0:29:49for campers looking for an alternative experience.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52- Nikki?- What's that?- Taking these skirt ones off as well? Yeah?
0:29:52 > 0:29:54Yes, please.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58Fiddly bits out of the way, it's onto the next stage.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01- Now what we're going to do is roll this up...- OK.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03- ..like this.- Yep.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05Camping can be big business here.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08France is the world's second most popular camping destination,
0:30:08 > 0:30:10with six million campers and a
0:30:10 > 0:30:13further two million visiting from abroad.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17Having almost mastered the art of tepee deconstruction,
0:30:17 > 0:30:19it's time to load up the canvas.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- The tractor's is full. - The tractor is full, you say.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Sarah, I think you're going to have to walk
0:30:25 > 0:30:27because that box is in your space.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29So as Nikki heads back in the tractor...
0:30:29 > 0:30:30That was fun, I enjoyed that.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34..the others are left to amble back by foot.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37So time for Sarah and Bill to tap into that local knowledge.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40We meet up for an aperitif back outside the main building.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43So, do you fancy opening a campsite of tepees?
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- It would need some thinking about, yes.- Do you think they could do it?
0:30:46 > 0:30:49They could do it and I'm going to share some wine with them
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- for their great thanks. Thank you very much.- Oh, look at that.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55So, Sean, what, I mean, really important advice would
0:30:55 > 0:30:57you give Bill and Sarah?
0:30:57 > 0:30:59When you're coming to France,
0:30:59 > 0:31:01you need to think about integrating yourself.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04It's introducing yourself to your neighbours and your local mayor,
0:31:04 > 0:31:07and putting yourself out there because, as soon as you do that,
0:31:07 > 0:31:09you integrate into your community.
0:31:09 > 0:31:10Once you integrate into your community,
0:31:10 > 0:31:12then you open doors, doors open naturally.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16Oh, that's interesting, yes. So generally you have felt welcomed?
0:31:16 > 0:31:18- We did.- Absolutely.- Yep.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- Good, that's encouraging. - How important is the language?
0:31:21 > 0:31:23It's fundamental to your integration into French life.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25You need to be able to speak some French.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29- We understand that it is essential. - You're already there then really.
0:31:29 > 0:31:30What surprised you the most?
0:31:30 > 0:31:33What you find the most difficult when you got here?
0:31:33 > 0:31:36What surprised me most was actually finding vegetarian products
0:31:36 > 0:31:37in the local supermarket.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39That is something that I had thought about
0:31:39 > 0:31:41and whether the products would be available over here.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44You get, in a lot of towns, British shops.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46So, if it is a favourite, then you can get it.
0:31:46 > 0:31:47But what about eating out?
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- We go out. Sean takes me out.- Yes.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53But we've got to go to a bigger town for that and our wonderful
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- choice is pasta and pizza.- Yes.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58And that's, that's really it.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00One of the most serious, or difficult,
0:32:00 > 0:32:02things to deal with is having no takeaways.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04And that's not just because we live
0:32:04 > 0:32:06remotely in the French rural countryside.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09They just don't have takeaways in the way that you had that choice...
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- Apart from pizza.- Apart from pizzas.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Most of us cater for ourselves.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17We have our home entertainment, we throw parties for one another,
0:32:17 > 0:32:19- you know, we get round it that way. - Much nicer.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Any regrets, making that big move?
0:32:21 > 0:32:22For me? Not at all.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25There must be things you miss about living in England.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28Do you know, off the top of my head, I can't think of anything.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32I mean, there's a wonderful buzz about the UK, but it is really busy.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34And I don't miss products.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36I get whatever I can here.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39I like the idea that it's a slower pace of life.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43It does feel, you know, sometimes 15-to-20 years behind the UK.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- So, you're still ready for this move?- Yeah.
0:32:46 > 0:32:47You haven't been put off?
0:32:47 > 0:32:51- No, no, no.- It's been a good learning curve. Thank you very much.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- Yes, thank you for your help. - And thank you for this.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- Yes, Cheers.- ALL:- Cheers. - Bon courage!
0:32:57 > 0:32:59Having gained useful intel from their hosts,
0:32:59 > 0:33:03Sarah and Bill are all the more prepared for their move.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07Once in France, they'll need to set aside 10% of their purchase price
0:33:07 > 0:33:10for legal fees and other costs.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14Buyers are well-protected here, with a seven-day cooling-off period.
0:33:14 > 0:33:19But, do note, relocating Britains should make enquiries as to the most
0:33:19 > 0:33:21up-to-date tax regulations.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24French tax authorities have broadened their rules
0:33:24 > 0:33:27and, under the wealth tax, can even bypass the tax-free
0:33:27 > 0:33:30status of ISAs, or other savings in the UK,
0:33:30 > 0:33:31and impose tax on them.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Any failure to disclose investments or income can
0:33:34 > 0:33:39even incur tax penalties of almost two thirds of the total value.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47We're driving to the village of Sommieres-du-Clain
0:33:47 > 0:33:51for a house sitting within the most beautiful of beautiful gardens
0:33:51 > 0:33:55and still within a 45-minute drive of Poitiers.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58Agriculture covers 84% of this land
0:33:58 > 0:34:02and the rest is a mosaic of peaceful rivers, classic French architecture,
0:34:02 > 0:34:07old churches and even an historic chateau above.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10The imposing structure was supposedly built by order
0:34:10 > 0:34:14of Louis XIV to house the exiled marquise de Montespan,
0:34:14 > 0:34:16the unofficial queen with whom
0:34:16 > 0:34:19he fathered seven illegitimate children.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21But before they get to survey the countryside nearby,
0:34:21 > 0:34:27there's the small matter of a 19th-century cottage to examine first.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30And here's the next property. What do you think?
0:34:30 > 0:34:31- This looks really nice.- Yeah?
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- It's very tidy.- Yeah, but that's what I want is...- Tidiness.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Neat and tidy, yes, I like this.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40It's similar to the picture that I had in my mind, so...yeah,
0:34:40 > 0:34:42it looks very promising.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- Now the house was built about 130 years ago...- Really?
0:34:45 > 0:34:48..and it's three cottages that have been knocked into one.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52That's OK, so long as it's nicely modernised inside,
0:34:52 > 0:34:54then that's fine.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- Shall we go in?- Yes, please.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Sarah's preference for a tidy and easy property has now
0:35:00 > 0:35:03overtaken any previous sympathy for charm and character.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06And whilst the frontage seems to fit the bill,
0:35:06 > 0:35:09a clear line has been drawn.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11Does it match expectations?
0:35:11 > 0:35:14It's not... It's not modern.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17I mean, it's lovely, but it's just, kind of...
0:35:19 > 0:35:23It's back to the old cottage-y feel I was trying to get away from.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27I was looking forward to tiled floors and, you know,
0:35:27 > 0:35:30simple elegant lines. No, sorry.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32- I don't like it. - Oh, Sarah, are you upset?
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- Are you a little bit disappointed? - I'm a bit disappointed, yeah.
0:35:35 > 0:35:36Well, look, there is more.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- Let's take you through into this room.- OK.- OK.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45It's just not giving me anything, I'm afraid.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48This hasn't got an old farmhouse feel to it.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50And it hasn't really got a cottage-y feel.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52And it hasn't got a modern feel either.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- You're just not feeling it. - No.- No.- OK.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57This house is failing to connect,
0:35:57 > 0:36:00but there is plenty more to see here.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02This ground-floor alone has a double bedroom,
0:36:02 > 0:36:06bathroom and a full-size snooker room,
0:36:06 > 0:36:09but it's over to the kitchen for round three.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11It's been quite nicely done.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14I guess, I don't cook, but there's worktops and things and
0:36:14 > 0:36:16a cooker and stuff to cook with.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20- Yes.- It's a kitchen, it does what it's supposed to do.- Yes, yes.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22- It would produce a meal for you. - Correct.- Yeah, yeah.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26It's got plenty of cupboard space and it's nice and light,
0:36:26 > 0:36:27but it's small.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29What would you do to this kitchen?
0:36:29 > 0:36:32If you knocked this wall down and turned all this into a
0:36:32 > 0:36:37kitchen-living area, then you have a nice big open space,
0:36:37 > 0:36:38but we don't want to do that.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42- No, because we want to get involved in all that.- No, no, I'm too old.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45- I want comfort and my food prepared and brought to me.- Yeah.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48OK. All right.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50Are you ready for this?
0:36:50 > 0:36:52- You know.- I'm used to it.- You're used to it.- I'm used to it, yeah.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55He must give you something. What do you get in return?
0:36:55 > 0:36:57- Cup of tea in bed every morning. - Oh, come on, that's good.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- That's quite nice. - Yes, that's most important.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03- Come on, let me show you upstairs. - OK.
0:37:03 > 0:37:04It's time to head upstairs
0:37:04 > 0:37:07to view three more recently updated bedrooms,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10two doubles and a single used as a study,
0:37:10 > 0:37:14all accessible via the cosy, wooden corridors.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17- The master bedroom. - Yes, this is pretty.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- Is this an improvement on downstairs?- Yes, very much so.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22- Yeah.- It's lighter.
0:37:22 > 0:37:23And the beams are nice
0:37:23 > 0:37:25because they're not painted or messed about with.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28So it's retaining something historic about it
0:37:28 > 0:37:29in a way that downstairs isn't
0:37:29 > 0:37:32because downstairs has been messed about with.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34But this hasn't, this has retained it, and yet it's made into a
0:37:34 > 0:37:38- nice, clean, modern room and some good natural light. - Yes, this pretty.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41- I do want to show you a bit more of the house and the outside.- OK.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44- Shall we do that?- Yes.- Come on.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46Was that approval or indifference?
0:37:46 > 0:37:50I'm not sure. But this property has an ace up its sleeve...
0:37:50 > 0:37:55a four-acre, bird-filled tree-lined ace, to be precise.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Handily situated on the edge of the village,
0:37:57 > 0:37:59neighbours are hidden from view,
0:37:59 > 0:38:02and there's a bar and a small shop just a short walk away.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08- Do you feel better? - Yes.- Instantly, right?
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Yes, yes. This is glorious.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15It gets better. This plot is actually just under four acres.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17- OK.- Really?- It's huge.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19- You've got a fantastic barn.- OK.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- This is currently being used as an artist's studio.- Oh, it's gorgeous.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26And then that is your very own pond.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28I was going to say, that looks like there's water over there.
0:38:28 > 0:38:29There is water here.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33- You saved the best till last, didn't you?- I did!
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Labradors in the water.
0:38:35 > 0:38:36- Labradors in the water.- Yeah.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38- I don't want the house. Can we just have this?- Yeah.
0:38:38 > 0:38:43- This is delightful, isn't it?- Yes, spot on.- It's gorgeous.- It's by the land.- Yeah, all these trees.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45I wouldn't mind this kind of work, garden work like this.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47- Riding round on your mower. - Well, yes.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51- And picking up the leaves.- Yeah, maybe put a pool in or something.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54OK, let's talk about price. How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:38:54 > 0:38:59I think it's probably on the market for £155,000.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03- Sarah?- I would say about £140,000.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07It's on for £188,000.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09- OK.- OK.- I think it's too high.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11It would be too high for us.
0:39:11 > 0:39:12OK, the land outside is beautiful,
0:39:12 > 0:39:15but you'd actually need to have the house.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- We live in the house.- You live in the house.- You have to get the fundamentals right.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Well, enjoy the garden.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Go and cheer yourselves up, have a run-around,
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- and I'll come find you. - OK.- Thank you.- Off you go.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29It may be £12,000 under budget, but this property has failed to
0:39:29 > 0:39:32live up to its external promise for our house-hunting duo.
0:39:32 > 0:39:37As perfect as the four-acre exterior may be, the cottage effect is
0:39:37 > 0:39:39simply too similar to the house they're leaving behind,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42with a classic interior that falls short of the
0:39:42 > 0:39:44sleek modern finish Sarah's after.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48From the outside, I thought, "Yes, this may well be something that we
0:39:48 > 0:39:51"could take seriously", but it hasn't been modernised.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54If we came to live here, we would have to do quite a lot of work.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58- Oh, wow!- Look at this. - Oh, and there's fields there.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03- How peaceful, just to sit there in the evening and watch the stars.- Yep.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05Hmm, that's lovely.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09- That is really nice.- And the dogs would love it.- Yeah.
0:40:09 > 0:40:10What a shame about the house.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14The real treasure of this property is the outside -
0:40:14 > 0:40:15the garden and the land.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18It's really the property's saving grace.
0:40:18 > 0:40:24If we were just playing a piece of land, yes, I'd bite your hand off.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26- It's pretty special, isn't it? - It is.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- Has it changed your mind at all about the house?- Sadly, no.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32- OK, in that case then, we need to leave.- OK.
0:40:32 > 0:40:33Come on, let's do it.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43With the house-hunting put to bed for the night,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47Sarah and Bill squeeze in one final candlelit dinner.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51"..legumes oublies au Tofu?"
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- What are they called? - I can't remember.- No, nor can I.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57I'm sure we can get over this language thing.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59I'm sure we'll do very well.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01Est-ce que vous avez fait votre choix?
0:41:01 > 0:41:03Ah, oui. Erm, Sarah?
0:41:03 > 0:41:08- Erm, omelette. - Omelette au fromage, merci.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10We understand more than we think we do.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14- You'll be much quicker at picking it up than me.- But, erm...
0:41:14 > 0:41:17But you're more inclined to actually attempt.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22If we move here and don't make the effort...to integrate...then,
0:41:22 > 0:41:25however much we like to be on our own,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28it would be a very, very lonely life out here.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32- It's got to be good fun as well. - Yes.- It's an adventure.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34- There are lots of things to think about.- At the moment, I can't...
0:41:34 > 0:41:36It's not just falling in love with a house,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38but it's thinking about all the things
0:41:38 > 0:41:41that we'd leave behind and making it reality.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45- Alors omelette avec champignons. - Merci.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Et avec fromage...
0:41:49 > 0:41:50- Merci.- ..pour Monsieur.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- Je vous souhaite un tres bon appetit.- Oh, merci.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59- Really lovely.- I'm sure we'd be able to do more than omelettes.
0:41:59 > 0:42:00Oh, I'm sure we will.
0:42:00 > 0:42:04I'm looking forward to you having more time to prepare food for me.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- SARAH GIGGLES - It's spot on.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21Morning has broken and here, in France's Poitou-Charentes region,
0:42:21 > 0:42:25we're helping Sarah and Bill from Gloucestershire,
0:42:25 > 0:42:29as they look to invest £200,000 in a new home.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33We've had them stay in a quiet cottage, in the village of Poursac,
0:42:33 > 0:42:36as they seek to get away from the burdens of life back in the UK.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42Now Bill and Sarah, they said they wanted old French charm,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45they said they wanted something modern and, as it transpires,
0:42:45 > 0:42:48the modern is dominating the old French bit.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50Now, today is mystery property day.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53Let's just say we're leaving the 19th century behind,
0:42:53 > 0:42:55we're moving into the 20th century
0:42:55 > 0:43:00and, in my opinion, this is the creme de la creme.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05We continue our journey east across the region for our mystery house,
0:43:05 > 0:43:09located on the outskirts of Moussac-sur-Vienne.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11Perched above the Vienne river,
0:43:11 > 0:43:14this is one of Charente's most sparsely populated areas.
0:43:15 > 0:43:19That translates into uncompromised views of the fortified chateaux
0:43:19 > 0:43:23and walks along the river that are seldom disturbed.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26The shops and the markets of L'Isle-Jourdain
0:43:26 > 0:43:30are a short drive away and the area is popular with campers
0:43:30 > 0:43:34and canoeists alike, a steady source of income for the town,
0:43:34 > 0:43:36but we're here for more than business potential.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39Our mystery property, a ten-minute walk from the town centre,
0:43:39 > 0:43:41is one of contrast,
0:43:41 > 0:43:45where a busy industrial past has given way to a serene home
0:43:45 > 0:43:47within an irregular conversion
0:43:47 > 0:43:49that I just can't wait to show off to our buyers.
0:43:49 > 0:43:51SHE SIGHS
0:43:51 > 0:43:53Welcome to this dairy.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56- Well, it looks very interesting. - Yeah, it does.
0:43:56 > 0:43:58- Interesting is the right word. - Certainly very different.
0:43:58 > 0:44:03- Lovely setting.- I know that you like nature.- Yep, yes, yes.- Yep.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05And without giving too much away,
0:44:05 > 0:44:07I think you'll be quite pleased in this setting.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- OK.- First impressions are really good. It's very relaxing.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14- Yeah.- A lovely spot.- Yes. - Can we see more?- So far so good.
0:44:14 > 0:44:18Yes, of course you can see more. Let's go in. This way.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21Whilst the last two properties managed to establish
0:44:21 > 0:44:23what Sarah and Bill don't want,
0:44:23 > 0:44:26this mystery house is a whole new kettle of fish.
0:44:26 > 0:44:301.5 acres of land wraps itself around this old dairy co-op,
0:44:30 > 0:44:33complete with veg patches, woodland
0:44:33 > 0:44:38and even a freshwater lake with a stream flowing through the property.
0:44:38 > 0:44:40But for all that external pizzazz, we're taking a real punt
0:44:40 > 0:44:44showing them an early 20th-century, former industrial property
0:44:44 > 0:44:48and I'm almost convinced that it'll be worth it.
0:44:49 > 0:44:53- I like it. It's open and... - Spacious.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56It has character, I'm not quite sure what the character is,
0:44:56 > 0:44:59but it has something about it which has got a good feel to it.
0:44:59 > 0:45:00I love the window seat over there.
0:45:00 > 0:45:02You can you see yourself lounging around here?
0:45:02 > 0:45:04- I can't not see myself in here. - Yeah, yeah.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08There's nothing immediately that's coming out that I'm thinking...
0:45:08 > 0:45:10Deciphering the double negatives,
0:45:10 > 0:45:13I think Bill's quietly taken with the house so far.
0:45:13 > 0:45:17Time to ramp it up a notch with a descent into the kitchen
0:45:17 > 0:45:20Wow, this is incredible!
0:45:20 > 0:45:23- What a space. - Yeah, quite.- It is huge.
0:45:23 > 0:45:25Well, there's certainly room in here. I mean, this makes a
0:45:25 > 0:45:28- family room, doesn't it? I mean... - It does, it does.
0:45:28 > 0:45:31- It would make a lovely family room, yes.- And the dogs.- And the dogs.
0:45:31 > 0:45:32- The dogs would love it in here.- Hmm.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35They would park themselves by the range over there.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37It's quirky, it's bizarre.
0:45:37 > 0:45:39The whole place is a tad industrial.
0:45:39 > 0:45:41Is this working for you, Sarah?
0:45:41 > 0:45:44Yes. Really nice units, gas cooker.
0:45:44 > 0:45:48- I'm a bit, sort of, amazed I suppose, but... Yeah.- Overwhelmed.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52- I'm considering my responses. - Yeah, no.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55- Shall we try a bedroom? - Yes, lovely.- Yep.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58The uniqueness of what was the creamery,
0:45:58 > 0:46:01with its four-metre high ceilings, almost tongue-tied Sarah,
0:46:01 > 0:46:04but it has undoubtedly impressed.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07Time to carry on through the property's maze-like lower level.
0:46:07 > 0:46:10Come on through.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12Big master bathroom there.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14You've got a huge store-room on that side...
0:46:14 > 0:46:17bedroom here and a big study.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19But we're going upstairs.
0:46:19 > 0:46:22There is plenty of room for Sarah and Bill on the top floor,
0:46:22 > 0:46:24with three more double bedrooms,
0:46:24 > 0:46:29all with amble storage, unmissable original windows and 1930s style.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32And we're heading into the master bedroom.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35- So what do you think of this room? - I love the wallpaper.
0:46:35 > 0:46:37- That's really nice. - It's cool, isn't it?
0:46:37 > 0:46:39It is lovely and the fireplace as well.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42It's one of the few rooms I've been into that's actually taller
0:46:42 > 0:46:44than it's wide.
0:46:44 > 0:46:47There is another bedroom over the way, which is bigger than this,
0:46:47 > 0:46:50- but this is the one with - the en-suite. OK.
0:46:50 > 0:46:53- Do you want to have a look?- Can we have a look?
0:46:53 > 0:46:55Go on, off you go. Pop your head in there.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58- Oh, this is lovely.- It's sweet, isn't it?- This is really nice.- Yeah.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01- And I like this.- Yeah. - Yeah, it's lovely.
0:47:01 > 0:47:05- It's really been designed well, hasn't it?- Yes.- Yeah, spot on.
0:47:05 > 0:47:07And the compliments flow on.
0:47:07 > 0:47:12Might Sarah and Bill be taking this mix of homely and quirky to heart?
0:47:12 > 0:47:13That remains to be seen.
0:47:13 > 0:47:15Welcome to the back garden.
0:47:15 > 0:47:17Oh, look at this!
0:47:17 > 0:47:21For now, it's time to introduce them to the space outside.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23Love the water.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26And the stream actually runs around the entire property,
0:47:26 > 0:47:30and you can swim in this. And I know you like bird watching.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33- Well, you get kingfisher, heron... - Really?- Oh, yes.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35Oh, that would be gorgeous.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38Not only that, but sometimes the odd deer
0:47:38 > 0:47:41- wanders down into the back garden.- OK.- OK.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44- Do you like it?- Personally, I love it. It's a real one-off.
0:47:44 > 0:47:46It's certainly gives us something to think about.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49So let's guess the price. I'm going to start with you, Sarah.
0:47:49 > 0:47:54I really have no idea. A complete wild guess, I'd say 190,000.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57- Bill, what do you think? - Well, I think it's over budget.
0:47:57 > 0:48:00I would think it would be nearer £220,000.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03It's actually on for
0:48:03 > 0:48:06£193,000.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09Goodness. Sacre bleu.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11- It's an overwhelming property.- Yeah.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14Look, I want you to go back in there...
0:48:14 > 0:48:16- Yep, get lost...- Get lost in there.
0:48:16 > 0:48:20- Yeah, basically, get lost in there and I'll try and find you.- Thanks.
0:48:20 > 0:48:22So it was definitely worth the gamble.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25The old dairy may not be what they claim they needed,
0:48:25 > 0:48:28but coming in £7,000 under budget,
0:48:28 > 0:48:31this property has clearly bamboozled our buyers.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33Renovated just four years ago,
0:48:33 > 0:48:36there's an elegance born of its 1930s styling,
0:48:36 > 0:48:41plus a unique kitchen, five bedrooms offering business potential and,
0:48:41 > 0:48:43of course, it all comes with a lake.
0:48:43 > 0:48:45The lake is fantastic.
0:48:45 > 0:48:48It's out of this world. Really, really lovely.
0:48:48 > 0:48:50It is larger than we were thinking of,
0:48:50 > 0:48:52but that wouldn't write out this property.
0:48:52 > 0:48:54SHE LAUGHS
0:48:54 > 0:48:55- Gosh!- Mon Dieu!
0:48:55 > 0:48:58- What a huge space.- It's enormous.
0:48:58 > 0:49:01- I don't know what we'd put in it. - No, I don't know, but we don't
0:49:01 > 0:49:04- have to decide now, do we?- No. - The possibilities are endless.
0:49:04 > 0:49:07Having said that we didn't want to do any work at all on a property,
0:49:07 > 0:49:11I think what needs doing here would be allowable.
0:49:11 > 0:49:15The fact that we're thinking of practicalities in this detail
0:49:15 > 0:49:19shows that we may well be showing an interest in it.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22- Have you seen enough?- I think so.- Yeah, I think so.- Thank you.
0:49:22 > 0:49:24- In that case, we are done, done. - Right.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27- So we should go and find somewhere where we can chat.- OK.
0:49:27 > 0:49:29Yeah, let's do that.
0:49:35 > 0:49:38To the south of the Poitou-Charentes region
0:49:38 > 0:49:41lies the cathedral city of Angouleme,
0:49:41 > 0:49:44once the 16th-century power house of paper manufacturing in France.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48But as that industry waned, another emerged in its place,
0:49:48 > 0:49:53as paper and printing gave way to illustrations, animation and comics.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57Now home to Europe's most important comic festival,
0:49:57 > 0:50:00artists are invited to replicate their works throughout this
0:50:00 > 0:50:03historical-artistic hybrid of a city.
0:50:03 > 0:50:05Today, I've come to the town's museum of comics
0:50:05 > 0:50:08to talk to Jean-Pierre Mercier,
0:50:08 > 0:50:11a comic strip veteran of 35 years.
0:50:11 > 0:50:12- So, this is it.- Yes.
0:50:12 > 0:50:16Why is this the destination if you're a mad comic fan?
0:50:16 > 0:50:18Because of the festival, to begin with,
0:50:18 > 0:50:21it's the most important comic festival in Europe.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23And when the people come in Angouleme,
0:50:23 > 0:50:24they are in the comics capital.
0:50:24 > 0:50:28I mean, the city all decided that we would put comic
0:50:28 > 0:50:31images on the walls and some of them are Lucky Luke,
0:50:31 > 0:50:34but sometimes we would commission comic artists
0:50:34 > 0:50:35to do specific painted walls.
0:50:35 > 0:50:38If you're a fan of comics, you have to come.
0:50:38 > 0:50:42- How important is comic culture in France?- It's called a ninth art.
0:50:42 > 0:50:47It's studied in university, it's used in school in French lessons
0:50:47 > 0:50:49and all kind of things like that.
0:50:49 > 0:50:51Why are they given so much respect?
0:50:51 > 0:50:55It's part of your culture. It's still something really popular.
0:50:55 > 0:51:00Every time an Asterix goes out, a new album goes out,
0:51:00 > 0:51:04people go crazy and buy, you know, millions of copies of it.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07With upwards of 40 million comic albums being sold
0:51:07 > 0:51:09in France every year,
0:51:09 > 0:51:12it's little wonder that the art form has spilled out beyond the page
0:51:12 > 0:51:14and into the national psyche.
0:51:14 > 0:51:17The city's museum holds over 12,000 comics
0:51:17 > 0:51:19and hundreds of thousands of prints.
0:51:19 > 0:51:22It's the first point of reference for the Louvre
0:51:22 > 0:51:25and the national museums for all comic strip queries.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28Comic inspiration can be found throughout the city in public
0:51:28 > 0:51:32art installations that cover anything from hotels to phone boxes.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35And Jean-Pierre's agreed to give me a tour
0:51:35 > 0:51:38of some of these modern emblems of the city.
0:51:38 > 0:51:39Oh, wow, Jean-Pierre!
0:51:39 > 0:51:41- Hey.- That's fantastic.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44That's one of the best painted walls in Angouleme.
0:51:44 > 0:51:46It's by Max Cabanes.
0:51:46 > 0:51:50For him, it's a memory of when he was a teenager during the '50s
0:51:50 > 0:51:53and he was longing for the romantic girl.
0:51:53 > 0:51:54HE LAUGHS
0:51:54 > 0:51:56- And there she is.- And there she is.
0:51:56 > 0:51:58I love that the council commissioned it.
0:51:58 > 0:52:02That was the idea. You're trying to get the people coming to Angouleme
0:52:02 > 0:52:05to get the flavour of... You know you are in the comic city.
0:52:05 > 0:52:09The artworks define the city and love defines its art,
0:52:09 > 0:52:11and the perennial theme seems to permeate
0:52:11 > 0:52:13much of the iconic artworks.
0:52:13 > 0:52:15Oh, wow!
0:52:15 > 0:52:18It's a big, romantic, dramatic love story, you know.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20And this passionate scene that's going on down here,
0:52:20 > 0:52:23- although he looks terrified.- He is.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26He is fascinated and he's obviously seduced,
0:52:26 > 0:52:28but there's, sort of, danger
0:52:28 > 0:52:31and it goes back to the literature of the 19th century,
0:52:31 > 0:52:33with these impossible love stories
0:52:33 > 0:52:36between the rich guy and the poor girl.
0:52:36 > 0:52:38You know, it's a mixing of all this.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40Angouleme's artistic revolution continues at pace
0:52:40 > 0:52:44and the artwork that punctuates the city has now inspired a new
0:52:44 > 0:52:47generation of artists to pick up the baton.
0:52:47 > 0:52:51I've arranged to meet an artist who decorates buildings all over
0:52:51 > 0:52:54France in his own unique style using no paint.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57More than 3,000 of Fred Le Chevalier's artworks
0:52:57 > 0:53:00can be found over the stone walls of
0:53:00 > 0:53:04Montmartre and Belleville in Paris, as well as here in his home town.
0:53:04 > 0:53:07Fred draws his pieces on paper and simply pastes them
0:53:07 > 0:53:10onto buildings for all to see.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12So, tell me what we're doing.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16- We're going to do a little story with this boy escaping from a scene.- Yep.
0:53:16 > 0:53:20- Maybe, can we, put a barrier together?- Absolutely, let's do it.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24- So...- So give me... Wallpapering is not easy.
0:53:24 > 0:53:28- So it's a barrier and he's going to jump off of the barrier.- OK.
0:53:28 > 0:53:31- I put the glue first and then you can help me.- All right.
0:53:31 > 0:53:35And as I harness my wallpapering skills, it's a good opportunity to
0:53:35 > 0:53:38find out more about Fred's mode of expression.
0:53:39 > 0:53:43Is being an artist in your blood, growing up in Angouleme?
0:53:43 > 0:53:46When you grow up in Angouleme, you had to see the festival.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49It was like a big party in the city.
0:53:49 > 0:53:53- So that must be amazing when you're a small child.- Yes, yes.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56I think it's looking good already. What's next? Let's do some more.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59We're going to put some other characters all around.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04SHE LAUGHS
0:54:04 > 0:54:06They've got bowler hats on!
0:54:06 > 0:54:11- Those characters represent society or a kind of nightmare.- Yes.
0:54:11 > 0:54:15My little boy, little character, is escaping from that.
0:54:15 > 0:54:16He wants to fly away.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18Well, you don't need a language to communicate this.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20You just need a wall, don't you?
0:54:20 > 0:54:22Yes, this is what I like and people can relate.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25- How long will this stay on the wall? - I really don't know.
0:54:25 > 0:54:30Sometimes it stays just five minutes, sometimes it can stay two years,
0:54:30 > 0:54:33- so there is no rule. - OK, let's get another one up.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36At the beginning, I was working during the night
0:54:36 > 0:54:38because I thought I had to hide me.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41But then I met a police man, who knew what I did,
0:54:41 > 0:54:44and just asked me not to put it on the public buildings.
0:54:44 > 0:54:46Perfect.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49Angouleme is fated throughout France as the giant canvas
0:54:49 > 0:54:52upon which history and modern art co-exist.
0:54:52 > 0:54:56Its bold artistic heritage first inspired Fred to showcase
0:54:56 > 0:55:00his artwork online and he's come home to fully develop his style.
0:55:00 > 0:55:04And as the wall fills with images from Fred's imagination,
0:55:04 > 0:55:09his work enlivens the shell of this disused building.
0:55:09 > 0:55:12- Is it all done?- Yes, that's OK now.
0:55:12 > 0:55:14It looks great and really dramatic.
0:55:14 > 0:55:16It really makes you stop and think.
0:55:16 > 0:55:20It's dramatic and positive at the same time because he goes away
0:55:20 > 0:55:22- and that's OK. - A little Fred, running away.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25- Yes, it's a little Fred, of course. - Of course it's a little Fred.
0:55:25 > 0:55:27You're always talking about yourself.
0:55:27 > 0:55:29Well, Fred, it's been a pleasure. Until the next time.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32- Thanks very much.- Au revoir, goodbye. - Bonne journee!
0:55:36 > 0:55:39I have to admit, Bill and Sarah have got me baffled.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43I still have no idea what it is they're actually looking for.
0:55:43 > 0:55:45Time to pin 'em down and find out.
0:55:52 > 0:55:55- Right, we've come to the end of our time together.- Hmm.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58So let's talk about this property that you are looking for.
0:55:58 > 0:56:02Do you think that what you're looking for is even here?
0:56:02 > 0:56:07Nothing has met all our criteria, but we couldn't expect it to.
0:56:07 > 0:56:09I think each property had its points.
0:56:09 > 0:56:13Whether the ultimate property that we're looking for
0:56:13 > 0:56:16is attainable within our budget, then I think that's a lesson that
0:56:16 > 0:56:18I've learned that it isn't.
0:56:18 > 0:56:20Has it been disappointing?
0:56:20 > 0:56:23You know, we got very excited about the mystery house
0:56:23 > 0:56:25because it's a fabulous building, and I'm so glad that we saw it.
0:56:25 > 0:56:29But in the cool light of day, it would be too much work for us.
0:56:29 > 0:56:32Has there been one property that's stood out for you this week?
0:56:32 > 0:56:34Yes, the first one.
0:56:34 > 0:56:36It was immaculate inside. It was beautifully done.
0:56:36 > 0:56:40We liked the colour schemes. We wouldn't have to do anything at all.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43It doesn't have the beautiful outside space that we've
0:56:43 > 0:56:45seen on the other properties.
0:56:45 > 0:56:48And the fact that it was adjoined to the steel barn,
0:56:48 > 0:56:50that would be a compromise.
0:56:50 > 0:56:52We have, since we've seen it, thought,
0:56:52 > 0:56:53"What can we do to cover it?"
0:56:53 > 0:56:56So that actually suggests that, if we could overcome what was
0:56:56 > 0:56:59- next door to it, then that is quite a serious contender.- Yes.
0:56:59 > 0:57:01So what's the next step for you?
0:57:01 > 0:57:03I think we'll come back.
0:57:03 > 0:57:06We'll probably have another look at the first house
0:57:06 > 0:57:08and explore that little area a little bit more,
0:57:08 > 0:57:12so that we've familiarised ourselves with what is around the property.
0:57:12 > 0:57:14- Well, that's very positive.- Yeah.
0:57:14 > 0:57:16So if I were to contact you in six months?
0:57:16 > 0:57:19We'll be packing our bags if we're not already here.
0:57:19 > 0:57:22- You'll be doing one last removal and it'll be your own.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:57:22 > 0:57:26- Let's just drink to that.- Let's just drink to that, yeah.- Cheers.
0:57:30 > 0:57:34Well, I was a little confused as to what Bill and Sarah
0:57:34 > 0:57:37were looking for and, as it transpires, so were they.
0:57:37 > 0:57:39But their hunt for their dream property is just beginning
0:57:39 > 0:57:41and I am sure, with a bit of searching,
0:57:41 > 0:57:45they will find their perfect balance between old French charm
0:57:45 > 0:57:46and British modernity.
0:57:46 > 0:57:49And then, they'll be making their one-way trip to France
0:57:49 > 0:57:51with their own furniture in the back of a van.
0:57:51 > 0:57:54Join me next time for another Escape To The Continent.
0:57:55 > 0:57:59And I'm delighted to report that they will be making that
0:57:59 > 0:58:03one-way journey as they've, in fact, decided to purchase the gite
0:58:03 > 0:58:05we arranged for them to stay in.
0:58:05 > 0:58:07Their Gloucestershire home is now on the market
0:58:07 > 0:58:10and they hope to be enjoying a new life in the in Poitou-Charentes
0:58:10 > 0:58:11within the next six months.
0:58:11 > 0:58:14We wish them both all the very best.