On this week’s podcast we chat with Susie Hollands, Founder and CEO of VINGT Paris.

Susie shares her insight around the Paris property market and how different it is to the London market in terms of available stock, rental investment options and how Capital Gains Tax can positively affect long term ownership. We talk about how Paris has limited availability of stock and what a challenge renovations can be with the current lack of contractors and raw materials.

We discuss famous football players and how the Paris market, while much more resilient than a market like Manhattan or London for example, is seeing an increase in American buyers due to the strong exchange rate at the moment.

Join us for Susie’s global overview of the overall French market and the local London market and the impact of events such as Brexit and the pandemic.

“ People have probably got a strong emotional attachment with the city for one reason or another, a lot of romantic people interested in food, literature or art, especially. Maybe they visited Paris when they were a lot younger and didn’t get it out of their system. A lot of people are repeat visitors. ”
Susie Hollands

As always, we would love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, or you would like to work with Susie who is one of our trusted Experts. Email us at [email protected].

BARCLAYS REAL ESTATE REALITIES: London and Paris
Would you rather buy in London or Paris? Having spent more time in our homes than most people would have ever expected over the last year, many are itching to get back to city life. Also on the podcast are Jo Eccles, Managing Director of Eccord, Sophie Chick, Head of Department for World Research at Savills and Stephen Moroukian, Product and Proposition Director at Barclays Private Bank.

Click here for the original Barclays podcast link for more info and a transcript
Topics:

• Has the appeal of cities remained? – 2.12
• Paris prime property prices – 8.37
• Macroeconomic market drivers – 11.12
• Refurbishments – 15.28
• The future of cities – 16.59
• Primary or secondary homes? – 19.15
• Market sentiment – 22.37
• International buyers – 24.12

The region is renowned for its rolling vineyards (Photo: © Pexels)

Often known as the ‘other’ South of France, the historic region of Gascony is located to the north of the Pyrénées and reaches as far as Bordeaux and Toulouse at either end.

Best known for its idyllic countryside, celebrated vineyards and sunny climate, the area is also renowned for its relaxed pace of life. At its heart is the département of Gers – country of d’Artagnan and the musketeers – and notable for its magnificent markets, thriving cultural events and fortified towns.

In terms of transport, Gers is far more accessible than many people realise. Toulouse is just 1.5 hours away and Bordeaux is 2 hours – both of which have major airports. In addition, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and San Sebastián are all nearby – as are the stunning surf beaches for which the south-west is also famed – and Barcelona is an easy drive away.

The region of Gascony as a whole features attractive architecture in a lovely yellow stone. Similar to Tuscany the buildings have their own distinctive style – and gardens filled with sunflowers. Also popular for its pleasant climate, the temperature here tends to hover around 20 degrees, there are only six weeks of the year when rain tends to occur and from April onwards it is warm enough to swim.

The vibe here generally is low-key and very discreet – definitely not boring but not a circus either. While the population density is low, there is nevertheless a vibrant local life. So, unlike some places in the south of France, the region is not “dead” in the winter months. Very friendly and cosmopolitan, the area is also popular with Parisians , Swiss and South Africans – and there is a growing LGBTQ community too. Wherever you go, everyone is very warm and welcoming.

There is also a strong sense of local identity and tradition in Gascony – and the region even has its own language. Many of the older people here still speak that language.

Perhaps the most desirable area of all is the part to the north of Gers. Known as the ‘Golden Triangle’, it takes in the district between Condom (with its impressive cathedral), Nérac (home to a castle that once belonged to Henri IV and an amazing Saturday market) and Agen (the largest local town with good transport links including a private airfield). Here, you will need a minimum of budget of €500k to €2-3m. Other towns of note are Lectour and Auch.

Despite all the many attractions of this gorgeous region, property is also surprisingly affordable. A budget of €1.5m is a very respectable amount – and with €2m you will be able to redo the bathroom, kitchen and pool. With €4m, it is possible to get something very special indeed.

In summary, with its spectacular natural landscapes, the wonderful weather and the delicious regional produce, it’s perhaps no wonder that the people of Gascony reputedly live longer than anywhere else in France!

Our current listings in the area

• Chateau – Manor House Agen Barn

General information:

• https://about-france.com/regions/gascony.htm
• https://www.tourisme-gers.mobi/Recherche-Prestataires-Details.aspx
• https://www.tourisme-condom.co.uk/discover/the-must-sees-in-the-tenareze/most-beautiful-villages-of-france
• https://ca.france.fr/en/news/article/armagnac-0

Composing more than 550 songs which, in a very modern sense, blended wordplay with subversive overtones, Serge Gainsbourg is regarded as the most important figure in French pop music. During his life, he resided in the 6th Arrondissement – specifically, on Rue de Verneuil. A short walk south of the Seine, the street is surprisingly quiet, but it makes for an excellent pit stop because the exterior of Gainsbourg’s apartment is overloaded with art, photographs and personal messages from fans. Add yours to the wall, and make sure to keep this place on your radar, because it is opening as a museum for the music maestro later this year.

Maison Gainsbourg

Address: 5 bis Rue de Verneuil
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (4)

Words: Faye Fearon
Image: via @maisongainsbourg

Jazz music is always a good idea – especially in Paris. In the heart of the 6th sits Chez Papa: an authentic, cellar-like space, the walls of which are adored with countless posters and handwritten anecdotes about the improvisational genre. As you would expect from a jazz club, it is dimly lit and oozes pure charm from every corner: whether you’re sat directly in front of the featured band or observing them from the above balcony. In short, the ultimate setting for a romantic date.

Chez Papa Jazz Club

Address: 3 Rue Saint-Benoît
Telephone: 01 42 86 99 63
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 7:30PM-12:00AM
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (4)

Words: Faye Fearon
Image: via @kaewvirin

Someone says the Left Bank, it’s likely that Café de Flore springs to mind. Sure, this place is a hotspot for tourists today, but that’s not to rule it out as an ongoing local hub – because regardless of the decade, Café de Flore thrives from its reputation of hosting some of the greatest artists of all time. From members of the Lost Generation and Existentialist groups to expatriate jazz musicians, no café in the city has greeted such an array of intellectual thinkers over the years – and that cultural credibility is still felt when you sit down for a coffee. It may cost more than your average spot, but the artistic side of your brain is rewarded high – and that’s pretty priceless experience in our eyes.

Café de Flore

Address: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain
Telephone: 01 45 48 55 26
Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:30AM-1:30AM
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (4)

Words: Faye Fearon
Image: via @lecafedeflore

Café de Flore is Saint Germain’s most famed social hub, but its neighbouring spot – Les Deux Magots – carries just as much history (and charm, for that matter). Sat on the corner of Place Saint-Germain des Près, this spot is equally bustling but less likely to attract tourists, so if you’re in the mood for a quintessential Left Bank dining environment, there’s really no better option. Time wise, we suggest a trip during lunch. And order wise, we suggest a croque monsieur alongside a soothing café crème. You can’t go wrong with the classics, right?

Les Deux Magots

Address: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés
Telephone: 01 45 48 55 25
Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:30AM-1:30AM
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (4)

Words: Faye Fearon
Image: via @lesdeuxmagots

Regardless of it being the capital city of France, Paris doesn’t actually have many green spaces. The few that do exist, however, are dripped in pure decadence, and the most beautiful one of all is the Jardin du Luxembourg. Situated on the border between Saint Germain des Près and the Latin Quarter, it dates back to 1612 and was created for Marie de’ Medici (widow of King Henry IV) as a compliment to her Luxembourg Palace residency. Today, it’s still occupied by this palace, as well as tree-lined promenades, tennis courts and the central Medici Fountain. This is the perfect spot to sit, embrace the Parisian air and observe the older generation of Left Bankers on their daily strolls.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Address: 75006
Telephone: 01 42 34 20 00
Metro: Luxembourg (RER-B)

Words: Faye Fearon
Image: via @jardin_du_luxembourg

If you really want to experience the localities of Le Marais, it’s best to stick to its Northern side. Specifically: Café de la Poste. Sat towards the top of Rue de Turenne, this place plays host to Paris’ young and hip crowd – many of whom use the setting to sit alone, with a book or laptop in hand. The prices are reasonable, the food is very good (order a classic croque monsieur for proof) and the outdoor terrace catches some of the best sun-rays in the city.

Café de la Poste

Address: 124 Rue de Turenne
Telephone: 01 44 78 92 49
Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00AM-2:00AM
Metro: Saint-Sébastien-Froissart (8)

Words: Faye Fearon
Image: via @le_cafe_de_la_poste