Estate agent interview: Drôme

Thinking about buying a house in Drôme? We spoke to local estate agent Anne Mizrachi, of Latitudes French Property Agents, for the inside track on this enchanting area of France

What’s the cheapest property you have on your books right now?

The cheapest property we currently have is a lovely village house with a walled garden of 120m² including two terraces priced at €195,000. Renovated, the house offers 100m² of living space and three bedrooms spread over three floors.

What’s the most unusual property you have now?

Currently we have on our books an architect-designed property with a heated pool, set in over 1.25 acres of land. It is a work of art as well as a warm and lovely four-bedroom house.

Is there a typical architecture or style in Drôme?

Drôme properties are usually built with local materials such as wood or earth. The Provençal-style architecture is typical of this area as are old mas (farmhouses) in Drôme Provençale as well as ‘earth walled’ houses.

Why do British people buy houses in Drôme?

Drôme is a peaceful, authentic and very French department with a rich cultural heritage, lovely architecture as well as stunning countryside, good food, fine wines and, of course, a nice climate. It is also easily accessible from the UK with airports in Nîmes, Marseille and Avignon, TGV stations and the A7 motorway.

What advice would you give to somebody who is thinking of buying in your area?

Research the area well, find the right location, visit in summer and winter and if you still like what you see then look at properties.

What tips would you give to help people settle into life in the area?

Before settling in make sure you know and like the area and the lifestyle it can provide you. Do you really like peaceful and slow pace living? Do you enjoy nature and village life? After the move learn French, join sport or cultural clubs so you can meet local people, get to know your neighbours and enjoy life in Drôme.

What are your predictions for the property market in Drôme?

We hope that the British buyers will come back to Drôme. Since 2008, this lovely department has not been one of the top regions with the British buyers but it is an area worth visiting.

What are the regional specialities?

To name a few: truffles, lavender, wine, lamb, apricots and nougat.

Describe Drôme in five words?

Authenticity, welcoming, sun, accessibility and peacefulness.

What’s your favourite corner of the department?

The Drôme Provençale – the gateway to Provence with its beautiful villages, Mediterranean climate and lavender fields.

www.latitudes.co.ukFact file: Drôme

Average property price: €184,100 (compared to the Rhône-Alpes regional average of €211,000)

Getting there: the nearest major airport is Lyon which has regular flights from the UK operated by Flybe, easyJet, British Ariways and Air France; there are TGV services to Valence and Montélimar from Paris

Weather: in the northern mountainous region expect hot summers and cold winters while further south there is a Mediterranean climate with much hotter summers and milder winters

Find out more about DrômeNot quite right for you? Try neighbouring Ardèche for a more rural life with cheaper property prices. Explore Ardèche and read our interview with a local Ardèche estate agent