September is the Best Time to go House Hunting in France
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The claustrophobic crowds have long departed, the air is lighter, the colours yet more vibrant than the height of summer – clever travellers have always acknowledged September as perfect time of year to undertake a house hunting expedition in France.
And with months of empty property ahead of them, French vendors are more likely to respond favourably to offers as they look to offload unwanted property ahead of an income free winter.
In September France has returned to something akin to normality, the long public summer holidays are a distant memory, the previously choking roads flowing as free as ever and the landscape, which has always captured the hearts of painters and photographers, begins to take on a magical, autumnal hue.
Warm settled days, cooler nights, pleasant sea temperatures, fewer crowds a greater choice of accommodation at cheaper prices coupled with more airlines offering last-minute flight bargains - who could possibly resist a September French break?
The temperature in Paris varies between 55-70 degrees Fahrenheit with approximately a dozen days of rain, Bordeaux remains slightly warmer although suffers from more rain while Nice offers an average September temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit with a manageable average of seven days rain.
Perhaps it is worth bearing in mind the south of the country is susceptible to the occasional heat wave while the north remains somewhat unpredictable offering a higher percentage of unsettled weather.
Without neglecting the reason behind your September visit – house-hunting – it would foolish not to sample one or more of the many festivals and events taking place during your visit.
If your travels take you to Lille then the Braderie de Lille in the first wekend of the month is a must, the largest flea market France has to offer has something for everyone and is worth the trip only if only to sample the uniquely French atmosphere and mouthwatering selection of edible goods available at every corner.
Over on the Atlantic coast Biarritz hosts the Basque Country Music Festival and in keeping with the musical theme Toulouse hosts a wonderful festival of piano music, the Piano aux Jacobins.
Despite being frowned upon by many, bullfighting plays a major part in the lives of many in Southern France and the Feria du Riz in Arles offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of the pastime.
September is also the start of the grape harvest France’s wine producing areas and the medieval town of Saint-Emilion near Bordeaux marks this with a festival which include an evening torchlight tour of the town.
Between the 10-12 of September, Aube hosts a vintage car parade featuring 400 vehicles while the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is a spectacular regatta which gets underway at the end of the month
Wherever you’re heading, pack wisely and include clothes for hot, sunny days along with slightly warmer attire for the evenings which, once the sun has disappeared, can be chilly and damp.
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