Gruissan Introduction

Victoria Molyneaux-Beale writes for us from the South of France about Gruissan: Our region, the sunniest in France (with approximately 300 days of sun per year) is in the Languedoc area of South West France on the Mediterranean coastline.  The ease of access, with several local and international airports and extensive motorway network, means that this area is one of the most popular in which to buy property in France.

We are based in Gruissan, which is located on the coast between Perpignan and Beziers. Famous for it’s long sandy beaches and traditional chalets on stilts; there are lots of animations all year round and Narbonne is only ten minutes away with more shops, markets and the famous Canal de Robine that passes through the centre of this bustling Mediterranean town.

Gruissan itself now boasts a brand new swimming pool, balneo spa complex and hypermarket, but also continues to offer the charm of a traditional French fishing town, with it’s port, commerces, restaurants and old village with a market three times a week and over 2000 years of history!

People come to see the Barberousse tower (built in 1246) and the Rennes le Chateau church, perched high above the town in the beautiful pine filled forests that line the hills beyond. This area is also well known for it’s water-sports; jet skiing, wind-surfing, kite-surfing and there are many other activities available to try such as go-karting, horse riding, buggy and bicycle hire, tennis and fishing.

Further inland, you will be able to explore the medieval town of Carcassone; with it’s walled city, carnivals, restaurants and unique culture.

All this making it a great area to live all year round or simply to come to for holidays. We are also only one and a half hours away from the nearest ski resort, making simultaneous sea and mountain living a possibility!

The Languedoc Roussillon region is waiting for you to come and take advantage of the low cost of living, endless sunshine, wonderful gastronomy and it’s captivating way of life!

Captivated by the Gruissan area? Take a look at Victoria’s properties in Gruissan. Victoria has a great portfolio of properties across the Languedoc-Roussillon.

Gruissan Video

Short Gruissan video with French titles / commentary but showing some lovely panoramic views of Gruissan from the Meditierranean sea.

We are pleased to work with our currency partner: Worldwide Currencies. They continue to go from strength to strength. Worldwide Currencies (WWC) is pleased to announce that, having worked successfully under the rules and regulations of the FSA for the past year, they are now fully authorised under the Payment Services Regulations 2009 as an Authorised Payment Institution (525361) for the provision of payment services.

David Tucker, CEO of WWC, stated that “Authorisation with the FSA is a significant step for our business, as it is imperative that companies such as ours are properly regulated and that our working practices are controlled and monitored”. Commenting on the sector as a whole, David went onto say “There have been examples of poor working practices in our industry that hopefully this
requirement by the FSA to be authorised by the end of April, at the very latest, will address. It is important to protect not only the client’s interests but also the more professional companies operating in this sector, like WWC”.

WWC has had a very profitable 2010 as it continues to build upon its success in foreign exchange and continues to grow the company. The annual turnover of the company has almost trebled over the past two years, as has the gross profit. With
costs tightly under control now, they have employed an additional 10 people over the past two months and are planning further growth in the second half of the year, once they have moved into their new and larger office in the City next month. “It is
essential that you continually review your services and listen to your clients needs.

We have found that the major banks are charging more for foreign exchange and not providing a service to clients, which is great for a company like ours” David Tucker added “to this end we continue to improve our processes and intend to launch a number of innovative products later in the year”. WWC believe that having the right team of people providing the best possible level of service is key to achieving their objective of becoming the pre eminent company in this sector.

For more information on Worldwide Currencies please contact either Tonya or Arran Duke on 020 3326 4444.

Cap d’Antibes, on the French Riviera, is a promontory lying in the break between the Bay of Cannes on the southwest and the Baie des Anges on the northeast. The beaches along this part of the coast offer fine, white sand that transition to lush Mediterranean vegetation. The bay is one of the most beautiful in the region, filled with picturesque sailboats (especially in the summer when French families flock to the area.)

Image via Wikipedia

This is one of the Riviera’s most exclusive destinations with many wealthy businessmen looking to holiday or invest in luxury property in the Cap d’Antibes area. Those who are not enjoying the glorious light and mild temperatures behind the walls of a private estate are camped out at Hotel Eden Roc. (During the Cannes Film Festival the place is crawling with movie stars.)

At the northern tip of Cap d’Antibes look for Plage de la Salis, an especially pretty stretch of sandy beach. The most famous beach, La Garoupe, offers views of both the walled city of Antibes and the Mercantour mountains. Be advised that part of La Garoupe is under the management of Keller restaurant so there will be a fee to rent a lounge chair, but the remainder is open to the public.

From La Garoupe, walkers will want to follow the Chemin de Tirepoil around the tip to take in the spectacular view of the sea. The walkway also extends to the 19th century Villa Eilenroc. Although the interior is closed to the public the gardens are open every Wednesday afternoon. Keep walking and you’ll reach the Napoleon Museum situated in the remains of the old battery. (Don’t miss the Thuret Gardens, which were designed by Gustave Thuret, a famed botanist, in 1857.)

There is no train station in Cap d’Antibes, but both Antibes and Juan les Pins are on the main Nice-Cannes line. Although the drive down on the coastal road can be really beautiful, summer is not the time to do it if it can possibly be avoided. If it can’t, be patient and expect traffic jams. (Bus service runs regularly between Cannes, Antibes, and Nice, with Nice offering the nearest airport. The distance to Paris is approximately 900kms from Paris).

While Cap d’Antibes is one of the most exclusive destinations on the French Riviera, it is not out of reach of families on holiday. Life here proceeds at a somewhat slower pace than in neighbouring Cannes, with an emphasis on being outside in the sun, enjoying coastal walks, or venturing into nearby Antibes for a day of exploring — altogether a wonderful spot to just relax and let the pace of life slow to a delightful crawl.

References:
Antibes Property

The strikes and blockages, that have been dominating the news in France, is reaching crisis point.

If you plan to visit France next week, our partners in France are warning about petrol supplies. Petrol stations are running out of petrol so if you are travelling by car and need to re-fuel in France, then you may NOT find petrol! It will be half-term next week and traditionally a busy time for viewings.

Some agents are already short of petrol and unable to take clients to properties.

If you have booked viewings, please check with your agent that they will be open and will be able to take you to properties.

Related articles

• Petrol Pumps Run Dry Amid French Strikes (news.sky.com)
• French strikes and protests: live updates (guardian.co.uk)