Flea-ing the Bargains
By Adrian Leeds

Furnishing your "pied-à-terre" can be one-stop-shopping at the Marché aux Puces. There is no other antique market more expansive -- not actually IN Paris, but just outside the Périphérique (outer ring road) in the suburb of Saint-Ouen. When you take the number 4 Métro to the end of the line, Porte de Clignancourt, do not be fooled into thinking that the open air market stalls between the Métro station and the ring road is the Marché aux Puces. Just keep walking north until you run into rue des Rosiers (yes, another rue des Rosiers) where it all really begins.

From rue des Rosiers, all the "allées" branch off. The market is only open three days a week: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday is the best day to shop there -- the day the professionals choose to not be commingled with the tourists.

The story goes that "between 1880 and 1900, the visitor who left Paris via the Porte de Clignancourt would travel past the glacis of the fortress, the hovels of the rag-and-bone men and the makeshift market stalls and inns set up in the middle of the fields and market gardens. It was against this colorful background, along the 'passageway' which separated the capital from the town of Saint-Ouen, that the Flea Market set up home." To read more about the "biffins," "chiftires," "crocheteurs" and "pêcheurs de lune"...these "rag-and-bone" men who travel led through the city by night, searching for old objects that had been thrown out with the rubbish, visit the official site (in English) at www.parispuces.com/en/historique/Default.htm.

Today it is the world's largest antiques market with as many as 150,000 visitors every weekend from all over the world who come in the hope of finding rare and treasured objects. Saturday I was one of them, along with Martine di Matteo, our Interior Architect working with us to renovate and decorate "Le Palace des Vosges" (our Fractional Ownership property -- www.palacedesvosges.com) and some of our other clients' apartments.

There are 15 different markets, each of which has a particular flavor and style:

* Antica Market
* Biron Market
* Cambo Market
* Dauphine Market
* L’Entrepôt
* Malassis Market
* Malik Market
* Le Passage
* Paul Bert Market
* Rosiers Market
* Serpette Market
* L’Usine
* Jules Vallès Market
* Vernaison Market
* Streets Market

It doesn't take long to recognize which would be the wrong style of furnishings or wrong price range with a brief tour. We started at the Vernaison Market, the first you come to off rue des Rosiers and within a few moments, found a few things that might fit our decor concepts well. The Paul Bert Market we knew to have more French provincial style furnishings, although there is quite a bit of contemporary furnishings in the mix.

Chez Louisette is the market's most well-known cabaret restaurant (136, avenue Michelet, 01 40 12 10 14), famous for its lunchtime "chanteuse" singing and hearty fare. Make a special trip to it, hidden in the back of the Marché Vernaison.

There is nothing the market doesn't offer...from the finest to someone's old cast-offs. At the end of the day, after having walked the "allées" of several of the markets, we walked away with nothing in hand, but lots of ideas, and a confirmation that other purchases we had made were worthwhile and priced correctly. If that's all you go for -- ideas -- then you'll find it fascinating and fun, if not fruitful.

---

Where Did the Term "Flea Market" Come From?
By Maggie Florida

www.ask.yahoo.com

After several unprofitable starts, a search on "flea market term" turned up the goods, sort of. It proved to be one of those tricky etymology questions that's almost impossible to answer with certainty. Nevertheless, we did uncover three plausible suggestions for the origin of "flea market."

The first theory, and the one most popular on the Internet, proposes that the term is a direct translation of the French Marché aux Puces, a large, outdoor bazaar in Paris. This original market earned its name from the critter-infested goods it was rumored to sell.

The second theory alleges that the term was coined at a time when the slums and alleys of Paris were demolished and replaced by new construction. The dealers in second-hand goods who lived and worked in these old neighborhoods were forced to flee. The merchants' new gathering place was referred to as the "flee market," which later became "flea market."

The final theory associates the term with New York City's 18th century Fly Market. Apparently, the Dutch name for the market was vlie, which means valley but is pronounced "flea."

So there you have it, three flea markets for the price of one. Our money's on the first explanation, but don't hold us to it.

---

Living and Investing in France Real Estate Conference Coming Up!

If you've always dreamed of spending more time in France, enjoying a pied-à-terre of your own in Paris that you can profitably rent when you like, or just make a smart investment in the strong Euro by owning property in France...then this power-packed one-day conference is a MUST. There is no doubt, from the hundreds of others who have attended conferences of this kind and fulfilled their dreams...this Sunday in Paris will point you in the right direction to really make it happen!

As a special offer to FPI subscribers, we invite you to bring a spouse, partner or friend to the upcoming Living and Investing in France Real Estate Conference here in Paris...ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Reserve your seats now!!

 

Paris Sunday, May 31, 2009 Chez Jenny 3, Boulevard du Temple 75003 Paris. For more information go to www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/conference/liveinfrance/LIF_Paris_May_2009, but to register contact Schuyler Hoffman at info@adrianleeds.com.

 

---

Very Viager
By Adrian Leeds

When I got the news yesterday, I let out a scream! The nephew of the man who has held the rights of usage to my "viager" apartment called to say that he had agreed to my offer to purchase the rights of usage and today I would be receiving a letter from his Notaire acknowledging it. And today I got the letter. Just at that moment, Monsieur de L., my building's "Syndic" entered the main door and with a big grin, waved the letter in his face!

It's been a four-year project to purchase the apartment and acquire the rights of usage, so to say I am delighted is a gross understatement! Monsieur de L. exclaimed, "Bravo, bravo!" and I thanked him profusely for all his help in making it happen.

For those who wish to read more about it, there are five chapters currently online at the following links:

Part I: www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/issues/pparis10-9-07.html
Part II: www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/issues/pparis17-9-07.html
Part III: www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/issues/pparis19-9-07.html
Part IV: www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/issues/pparis2-7-08.html
Part V: www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/issues/pparis22-4-09.html

Chapter VI will soon be out, as soon as the deed is done, I have the keys and can start the renovation, with hopes of having it ready for rental by this Fall. Watch for "Le Saint-Tropez" to start to show its lovely face on Parler Paris Apartments (www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments)...a 17th-century "pied-à-terre" with a mezzanine, fireplace, exposed beams and a grand terrace with a beautiful view of Le Marais!

---

May Day, May Day, May Day! May Day is Labor Day

All of France is taking a break from the usual work day, enjoying the beautiful spring weather and bright color of fresh blossoming flowers. "Mayday" is also a form of the French word "m'aider" (help me), the emergency code word used worldwide.

So, in honor of May Day, we're going to lighten your work load and help you make the most of the entire month of May plus all the rest of the year following.

How? Glad you asked.

Every Thursday, hundreds of hard-working folks receive an electronic magazine ("E-Zine") called "French Property Insider." For those who are even remotely interested in having their own "pied-à-terre" in Paris or stone cottage in the countryside of France, it's a big help.

Every week, "FPI" effortlessly comes directly into their email in-box with oodles of information about finding, buying, owning, renting, renovating, managing and you-name-it-ing property in France.

As a subscriber member, not only do you get each power-packed issue to file away in your reserves for future reference, but you have access to all the past issues (years worth!), lots of reports, up-to-date property prices and market information and more importantly, access to our team of professionals and our 'database' of knowledge and experience. This takes the workload off you to research all the information and knowledge you need to make a smart property investment in France. It's the help you will need to make important decisions that could change your future for the better.

For a yearly subscription rate of $57.50, it's a huge bargain for 50 issues. But we're going to be help you make it even easier to subscribe.

Subscribe now and receive the next 50 issues at only $1 per day in the Month of May...$31...yet the subscription will last all year long! That's almost a half-price deal for a whole lot of help....more good advice on how to make the most of your investment dollar (or euro) than you ever bargained for. This little $31 investment is going to make you happy and a whole lot richer...in every way.

Just imagine how amazing it would be to own your own apartment in Paris or summer home in Provence!? How many people actually do that in their lifetime? They just dream about it. Now's your chance to really do it.

And it all starts with French Property Insider...at $31 for 50 issues of everything you need to know to make your dream to live and invest in France come true. Every issue is packed with information...

* How to find great properties in Paris and France...
* How to structure the ownership of your real estate purchase...
* What pitfalls to look out for and how to avoid them...
* How to choose a "Notaire" (property attorney) and what you can expect from them...
* How to minimize or eliminate your capital gains and property tax obligations...
* How to earn appreciation and create a profit from renting your French properties...
* How to get a French mortgage...
* How to reduce your currency exchange risk...
* How to renovate and renovate your new French home or rental apartment...
* Plus, how to build a rich and fulfilling life in France.

And when you subscribe to French Property Insider, you will be entitled to participate FREE in our periodic Conference Calls.

French Property Insider also contains listings of apartments and homes for sale as of each writing -- that provide a sampling of what's on the market at the time. Property prices are reported regularly -- as often as the Chambre de Notaires updates them. New laws and changes to existing laws are brought to light. The ins and outs of purchasing a "viager" apartment or ones still adhering to the 1948 rent control laws is regularly on the roster.

You'll also find articles on culture and lifestyle to help you learn those important things necessary to "fitting in," wherever you choose to rent or buy.

It's all at your fingertips...every single week! Plus...with your subscription, you receive FREE reports to help you make your dreams of living or retiring in France a reality...

"The Paris Property Report": Designed to answer all your questions about buying in Paris...

And..."The French Leaseback Program: Are Leasebacks for You?" This report gives you the background and history of the program, the ins and outs, ups and downs, pros and cons -- the truth about the French Leaseback "scheme.

But, best of all, you have instant access to the FPI team. We offer a whole range of consultation services to help make your move to France much easier. We can be your guide through all the entire maze of bureaucracy.

For the lover of France...the would-be French property owner... the dreamer of a new life in this glorious country...it doesn't get much better than this. This is all the help you need with no work or effort to speak of.

Right now, this month only, May Day is Pay Day. It pays to subscribe for a mere $1 per day during the month of May to have FPI in your in-box 50 weeks out of the entire year. Don't delay. Say "May Day, May Day, May Day" and let May Day pay for you!

To read a sample edition go to www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/FPI_Sample_Edition.html?utm_source=Parler+Paris&utm_campaign=10044bc76f-pparis1_5_02fpi_promo5_1_2009&utm_medium=email

Or to subscribe or renew today go to www.parlerparis.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e588759ef97a7a6e7756358cf&id=ce200f1180&e=760a89cf6e

No work, all play...on May Day. Become a subscriber or renew your current subscription today!

---

Buying Vineyard Properties in France
Compiled and edited by Schuyler Hoffman

How does one go about buying a vineyard and how difficult is it to make a success of the venture? Adam Dakin, who's been in the business both as a winemaker and an estate agent for more than 15 years, says there are plenty of vineyards on the market but finding one that's interesting is tricky.

"If you simply want a winery with a block of land then there's plenty - but land, buildings, and a winery on an unpolluted site is more difficult - unpolluted visually, that is, with no TGV lines, wind turbines and the like."

On the business side of things, Adam notes that making good wine isn't difficult but making a really good wine is a different matter. There is, he says, too much wine being produced so if you do fancy the lifestyle you had better be prepared to work at it.

Making a success of it is certainly a challenge but that hasn't stopped an influx of foreigners establishing a presence in France. What attracts them is nicely summed up by James Kinglake: "I work harder here than I did in the City, but I'm my own boss and every day is different. Also, the people in this business are all really decent - you just don't come across the aggression and arrogance that you find in the City. The quality of life is wonderful."

Tips on Buying a Vineyard in France

To purchase a full on vineyard is not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to spend one to two million euro in parts of the South and probably double that in an area like Provence. Properties with farmhouses or chateaux will be even more expensive.

Land of around 20 hectares will produce approximately 130,000 bottles of wine a year. There are two levels of land - Vin de Table and AOC (Appelation d'origine Controlee). With Vin de Table land you can declare Vin de Table or Vin de Pays wine, depending on the grape varieties planted. Some believe the categories are really only important in the French market.

When you buy, remember the deal can take quite a while to go through but the vines don't stop growing. It is important to have an arrangement in place with the vendor to farm the estate before you're the official owner.

It can be an expensive business to run - most people underestimate the costs, especially the cost of employing people in France. It is probably worth paying a premium for an estate with good vines and an established reputation and distributor.

Vineyards hold their value well. Even if the wine making isn't a success, the land and property will increase in value. In Languedoc-Roussillon Prices are currently rising 25-30% per year.

Editor's note: Buying a full on vineyard is not for everyone. There are alternatives for buying vineyard property without the huge investment or work. Scroll down for an article discussing these options.

---

House Hunters International "Vacation Home in Paris"
By Adrian Leeds

www.hgtv.com/house-hunters-international/vacation-home-in-paris/index.html

Vacation Home in Paris

Episode HHINT-1A05

Tune In:
June 15, 2009 10:00 P.M. e/p
June 15, 2009 2:00 A.M. e/p

New Yorkers Jeff Ballinger and Mary Schiller recently began the first steps toward making their dream together a reality. After honeymooning in Paris, they knew they wanted their own vacation property in France. Now, they've moved out of their house and into a smaller condo in the Bronx, NY, and have begun their search for a pied-a-terre in Paris.

Guests:
Adrian Leeds, Property Consultant, Adrian Leeds Group

---

Financing Your Vineyard Purchase

A WINE GROWING PROPERTY IS NOT A FINANCIAL PRODUCT

Any investor should know that becoming a wine grower is not an immediate source of profit. The "revenue/invested capital ratio" cannot be the reason for making a purchase since this is reduced by the existence of non-productive assets in the investment, constituted mainly by the housing or by life style features such as: swimming pool, park, annexed accommodation...

Short-term profitability, on the other hand, is compensated by parallel elements:

Capitalization of the estate, considering that it is rare that a capital gain is not generated upon sale if, "as a good father should", the property has been well managed. Over 30 years, wine property has never fallen in France, irrespective of the region.

Detaxation options within the scope of transfer of property.

ISF exemption based on the chosen legal package.

THERE ARE NO DEBT "RATIO TYPES"

Certain dossiers are financed with a loan representing 90% of the investment and others, in contrast, require an 80% personal contribution for the purchase.

The more the purchase is centered on a production tool, with the possibility of rapidly marketing the bottled production, the greater the borrowing capacity will be.

This is notably the case for investors who are already wine growers or those with an already existing commercial or relational network: investors involved in large-scale distribution, importers, brewers...

THE FINANCIAL PACKAGE MUST GLOBALIZE THE TRANSACTION

The financial package should incorporate the following 3 aspects:

Purchase amount, including transaction costs
Investment costs, planning and renovation required to ensure that the property "performs"
Required operating capital (18 to 24 months of operation)
The financial resources should be determined for each aspect.

THE BANKING APPROACH:

Submit a CV and a statement of assets justifying own-fund contributions.

Prepare a provisional plan over 3 to 5 years.

Together with your wine property agency, draw up a complete business dossier as well as the legal package of the purchase (foundation of the company, GFA, SCEA...).

Choose 2 to 3 professional banking entities providing wine financing and in a position to offer specific loans: subsidies, funds, PAM (equipment improvement plans), plantation PPVS loans, seasonal credit, warrant on harvest.

POINTS OF NEGOTIATION FOR SETTING UP A LOAN:

Duration of loan : 12 to 20 years for the land and buildings and 5 to 8 years for the cellar materials and equipment.

Rate: Fixed by preference.

Conditions of payment : Monthly, quarterly or annually.

Related costs: Dossier charges, share subscriptions, mortgage costs.

Guarantee: Mortgage, undertaking to mortgage or guarantee deposit.

Insurance: The rate should be negotiated and reasoned on the capital remaining due or on the initial capital.

Period of deferment: Capital repayment period of deferment for a maximum of the first 2 years.

Advance repayment: Option to negotiate a premature closure of the loan with or without repayment penalties

Conditions of accounts management: Account holding costs, costs of overdraft facility

(Information provided by Vinea Transaction)

---

French Property Exhibition in Harrogate 15-17 May 2009

French Property News magazine celebrates its 20th anniversary with another market-leading French Property Exhibition.

Archant Life France, the market leading publisher within the Francophile market in the UK, is organizing its annual French property exhibition in Harrogate. The three-day event will be held in the Yorkshire Event Centre. Doors will open at 10am every day and entrance is free. Free tickets can be obtained from www.fpeharrogate.com

Show visitors will be able to meet the market professionals such as estate agents, tax advisors, mortgage lenders, and removal and currency exchange companies. Free seminars led by experts will run throughout the show, offering househunters a unique opportunity to have their questions answered face to face.

---

The French Sleep More, But Do They Kiss More?
By Adrian Leeds

Excerpt from Parler Paris Nouvellettre®
Wednesday, May 6, 2009

It's all over the news and everyone is getting a good laugh! According to a report published Monday by the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), the French spend more time eating and sleeping than any other "habitants of any other highly developed country."

In light of the photo I published in Monday's newsletter, of a man sleeping on a park bench, I thought it particularly worth a chuckle and a comment -- "not surprised!"

In brief, the report surveying 18 countries, concludes that the French sleep an average of nine hours every night, about 30 minutes longer than the average American and over an hour longer than the Japanese and Koreans. (Guess I haven't yet 'crossed the cultural divide' -- I sleep only about six hours a night.)

The report also noted that the French spend more than two hours a day eating, twice the time spent by people in Mexico, Canada and the United States. (Actually, I thought that seemed LOW! It takes two hours just to have lunch, much less breakfast and dinner!) In spite of the time it takes them to down their meals, obesity is tops in the U.S. of A. and the Turkish are busy socializing -- spending 35% of their time compared to the average of 11%). The Mexicans and Japanese have the least amount of leisure time among the 30 OECD members. Surprised?

One article joked that the report proves that the French "excel at more than kissing" -- so, does that mean it's generally thought the French are the best lovers? Not a bad reputation to have, right?

And guess what? The French live the second longest, to the age of 84.4 for women and 77.3 for men, compared to Japan who outlives us all to the ages of 85.8 and 79 respectively. It must be all that sleeping, eating and kissing keeping them living longer! Sadly, Americans manage to shave more years off their lives with an age of 80.4 for women and 75.2 for men.

So, what does all this mean? Well, I suppose from a business standpoint, one might open a restaurant or start selling mattresses. I've noticed there is a shortage of availability of alarm clocks (I recently went on a hunt for an alarm clock and virtually came up empty except for overpriced complicated versions) -- and now I know why...

To read the entire newsletter go to www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis.

---

Fractional Property Offerings from French Property Fractional

www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/fractional

If you are interested in traditional fractional ownership properties currently offered by our Fractional Ownership partners, see below:

Paris: LE PALACE DES VOSGES	Paris: CHEZ LA TOUR
Paris: La Résidence Luxembourg	Paris: LE PETIT TRESOR
Languedoc-Roussillon: MAISON BLEUE

---

Nose Out a Wine Property in Sophisticated Burgundy

www.prlog.org

It’s difficult to buy a home in the very sophisticated wine villages of Burgundy. This French region’s fertile land is worth much more to the locals cloaked in neat rows of vineyards than it is developed into modern housing, so there is a real shortage of supply. But there is a solution and that’s to breathe a new lease of life into the derelict and the disused - enter specialists Arena Park France.

Headed up by experienced husband and wife team Su and David Bishop, Arena Park France has been at the forefront of high-quality conversions since 2003 and they know the area and its foibles better than most.

Su comments, “Like its celebrated wine production, Burgundy’s property market focuses on quality rather than quantity and there really is very little available.Arena Park France is therefore not a volume business, but instead selects well-located ancient stone buildings and transforms them into light modern spaces in direct liaison with the client so they get exactly what they want.French styling tends to be a world-apart from that expected of an international clientele so Arena Park France homes stand-out in terms of both quality and design.Our buyers get the best of both worlds – contemporary living in petite characterful villages.”

To the east of central France, spilling into neighboring Switzerland, Burgundy is the epitome of romantic peaceful countryside.Running through the heart of the region is the Côte d’Or, a narrow escarpment snaking from Dijon to Beaune and home to tight clusters of irresistible stone villages.This is Arena Park France territory and Burgundy at its most pure.Vineyards roll as far as the eye can see, guarded and respected by the wealthy landowners to be passed from generation to generation.A sense of quality percolates through every aspect of Côte d’Or life and foreign property buyers find its finesse and authenticity highly alluring - wishing to assimilate rather than alienate.

Su continues, “Business is good for us at Arena Park France and if anything we have expanded our team as Europe’s economic predicament deepens. We have little or no competition in the area for our level of finished product and our clients are impressed with our ability to handle the build process from inception through to conclusion. Working with local contractors we can manage timescales and qualities with the added reassurance of French ‘decennale’ insurance. Our completed projects serve as show homes and people are happy to put their faith in us to create their home in idyllic world-away Burgundy.”

While it would be impossible to tire of the Cotswolds-esque villages picnicking amongst the vineyards, step outside of the Côte D’Or and you will find the Burgundy of the travel books. Defined by its imposing architecture - great Abbeys and majestic chateaux encircled by reflective moats, Romanesque churches and nostalgic arched bridges – Burgundy life revolves around outdoor living. The region has over 1,200km of navigable waterways (including France’s oldest working canal) lined with poplars and lilacs alongside fields of poppies and sunflowers. Landlubbers can cycle or stroll along the picturesque canal paths meanwhile golfers can swing their clubs in the region’s 20 or so golf courses, some in the grounds of grand chateaux.

Yet of course it is Burgundy’s renowned elixir that has shaped its landscape and economy more than any. There is evidence of vine-growing in the area from Roman times but certainly ever since the 17th century, when Louis XIV’s doctor prescribed wine to alleviate the symptoms of royal indigestion, the region’s south facing slopes have been shrouded in healthy vines and its grand residences inhabited by well-to-do vignerons. From Chablis to Côte de Beaune, every Bourgogne menu has dishes swirling in the nectar from poussins to escargots and of course the signature boeuf bourguignon...

...On the market in Burgundy:

Apartments in Pommard
Attractive 18th century vigneron house converted into just three luxury two bedroom apartments. At the heart of renowned Burgundy wine village, Pommard, the building retains a wealth of original features from the oak frame to exposed stone walls. Each apartment is spacious, flooded with natural light and has modern bathrooms, an individual wine cellar and a private courtyard or roof terrace. Clients can participate in selecting final finishings including flooring, tiling and the kitchen. Prices from 290,000 euros for a two bedroom duplex apartment.

Cottage in Cissey
Original stone cottage dating back to 1820 sitting on the outskirts of the picturesque Burgundy farming village of Cissey. Being 5km south of Beaune, this property represents excellent value for money. Uninhabited for 50 years, this complete refurbishment will create a two bedroom home with an abundance of original character. With tranquil views over the surrounding fields the property has an open-plan living/dining area with authentic fireplace opening onto a south-facing walled garden complete with well. Both bedrooms have lofty oak-beamed ceilings and are en-suite, the master with a sunny roof terrace, while off-street parking for two cars completes the property. Price 360,000 euros...

To read the entire article go to www.prlog.org

---

       

TODAY'S CURRENCY UPDATE

www.Moneycorp.com

Visit the FPI Web site and click on the link on the left panel or click here for Currency Currency Convertor by Moneycorp Global Money Services by Moneycorp: Moneycorp Currency Conversion To for up to the minute conversions of all major currencies.

Compare currency values easily and quickly by visiting: Moneycorp Convertor

Charts: www.Moneycorp.co.uk/members/charts.asp The charts are updated every ten seconds.

The prices shown are "inter bank" exchange rates and are not the rates that you will be offered by Moneycorp. Your rate will be determined by the amount of currency that you are buying. Please speak with an Moneycorp dealer or your consultant for a live quotation.

---

PARLER PARIS APARTMENTS

Parler Paris Apartments Welcome to your home in Paris. Home is how you will feel in a private apartment in Paris that has the "seal of approval" from Parler Paris Apartments and me, Adrian Leeds.

Parler Paris Apartments offers high quality accommodations to make your stay in the City of Light as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

We at Parler Paris know each and every apartment owner or manager personally, and stand behind the quality of those we represent. We understand your needs and desires, all the small details that make a rental apartment a warm and welcoming home ­ and a much better alternative to an impersonal hotel!Parler Paris Apartments is administered and serviced by the same great team as Parler Paris, French Property Insider and French Property Consultation. You can trust that Parler Paris Apartments and all those with whom it is associated will do their best for your 100% guaranteed satisfaction.

SPOTLIGHT APARTMENT(S): Le Trésor du Marais

Rue Vieille du Temple, 4th Arrondissement
One-bedroom, Sleeps Up to 4

Le Trésor du Marais is a charming one-bedroom apartment with a mezzanine (sleeping loft) located in the heart of the Marais district (4th arrondisement) of Paris just opposite the beautiful pedestrian street, rue Trésor, teeming with restaurants and boutiques. Its location on a charming courtyard provides solace in the midst of the exciting, high energy Marais district just outside your door.

Light pours through the five large double-paned windows making the apartment bright and cheerful, as well as quiet. The incomparable views of the rooftops of the Marais from this fourth floor 'nest' provide the utmost in charm.

The high ceilings are set off by the beautiful, original 18th-century wooden beams that add character to the apartment. Make sure you look for the carvings in the beams and the original wooden nails. Oak parquet floors compliment the combined living/dining
area, master bedroom and mezzanine.

A well equipped kitchen features Portuguese tile floors and countertops, a four-burner electric stove top, coffee maker, a small refrigerator with freezer section, and a microwave oven for cooking and reheating.

The bedroom comfortably sleeps two in a queen-sized bed, the sofabed accommodates a third person and the sleeping loft in the mezzanine will accommodate a fourth guest. There is plenty of closet space so that you may unpack and may yourself fully at home.

A modern bathroom in blue and white tile contains an especially spacious shower and a bright, sunny window.

www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/deco.html.

Reserve now! Visit www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments or email: Apartments@AdrianLeeds.com

---

A Vintage Investment: You Don't Need to be a Millionaire to Buy a Vineyard
By Liz Rowlinson

www.dailymail.co.uk

Try to imagine the satisfaction of strolling down row upon row of sun-drenched vines every day, watching your crop ripen beneath a cobalt-blue sky. And then, later on, sipping the results of your labors.

That will be the treat in store for Sting, who has just announced he is launching a red wine produced on his Tuscan estate.

But you don't need 182 acres to experience such a pleasure - and you don't need to be rich to make your own wine either.

An increasing number of developments around the world are tuning into the popularity of wine tourism and providing private individuals with the opportunity to buy a second home in a wine-producing location.

Such properties offer the best of both worlds: the experience of getting involved with wine making without the responsibility of running a vineyard.

Many British people like the idea of making their own wine. So they come to France and go to classes and join wine clubs near their holiday homes.

According to the travel website TripAdvisor.com, wine tourism is on the increase, and the most popular destination is Bordeaux in the south of France.

For those who want a full-time hobby, it is possible to buy a renovated 16th-century, four-bedroom townhouse with 160 vines near Chinon in the Loire Valley for £312,900 (€ 353,120).

Alternatively, if the idea of 100,000 bottles a year appeals, they've got a large farmhouse with a full working winery - or chai - and 25 hectares of vine in Bordeaux for £710,700 (€ 802,053). Although you can get EU grants for making wine, buying a property on a working wine estate is a cost-effective alternative for budding vignerons.

At the Chateau Les Carrasses in the Languedoc, you can buy a property from £185,050 (€ 208,836). As well as participating in the wine making process, you receive 50 cases of wine a year (www.domainedemeure.com).

Karl O'Hanlon, of the project's developer Domaine & Demeure, says that the wine tourism element increases the rental potential of the 28 properties, 20 minutes from Beziers.

"Wine tourism is on the up and net yields of between 4 and 4.5 per cent are possible if owners rent out their homes in high season," he says. "Plus there's the added authenticity of owning - or staying in - an historic building on a domaine that has produced wine since 1886."

The opportunities for integrating with the local community that wine production provides appealed to a British buyer on another Languedoc wine estate, Le Jardins de St Benoit, in the village of St Laurent.

Owners at this 17-acre vineyard estate and spa - managed by Garrigae Resorts - can buy their own vines, join the local cooperative or just enjoy drinking, the rich-red Corbieres wine. "I wanted to live at the heart of a French community," says Pam Gregory, a 56-year-old management consultant from the New Forest. "I've already booked two weeks in September to coincide with the grape harvest."

Prices start from £183,250 (€ 206,805) for a one-bedroom townhouse. Properties can be bought on a freehold or leaseback basis, both offering income from the resort's managed rental scheme...

To read the entire article go to www.dailymail.co.uk/property/article-1175896/.

---

HOT PROPERTY PICKS: Vast Varied Vineyards

Each week French Property Insider features a range of properties which we believe are on the market at the time of writing. These properties are featured in order to give readers a sample of what is currently available and a working example of prices being asked in various regions of France and districts of Paris.

As we are not a real estate agency. These properties do not constitute a sales listing. For those readers seriously interested in finding property in Paris or France, you can retain our services to do the whole thing for you. For more information, visit http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/consultation

This week our focus is on vineyards throughout France as well as one vineyard resort with individual properties for sale.

the area with the highest property price increase.

	***Saint-Emilion: ?-Bedroom, approx. 200m² This beautiful property is located 5 minutes from the village of Saint-Emilion. It benefits from 2 prestigious Bordeaux appellations. Opportunity to acquire a small vineyard in a prestigious Bordeaux appellation! Vineyard: The vineyard is composed of a little more than 2 hectares classed as Saint-Emilion and 1.37 hectare classed as AOC Bordeaux. Housing: A Girondine style stone house offers 200 m² of living space. Winery and outbuildings: A winery, a storage cellar, a shed to house the farm machinery, a dovecot. Equipment: Fully equipped. Personnel: A part-time employee. Sales: 95 % in bulk sales to wholesalers. Asking Price: € 500 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	***Bordeaux: ?-Bedrooms, approx. 400m² Found only 25 minutes from Bordeaux, this beautiful and spacious property lies on 55 ha of which 11 ha are vineyards and 30 ha are woods. It benefits from a privileged environment. Historic charm of a vineyard and forest property in a preserved environment at the gates of Bordeaux. Vineyard: The vineyard lies on a deep Graves terroir. It is composed of 9.5 ha of red varieties (including 60 ha farmed through a tenancy agreement) and 1.50 ha of white varieties. Housing: An old hunting lodge dating from the 13th century, rebuilt during the 18th century, offers 400 m² of pleasant living space. Winery and outbuildings: The property disposes of a winery including a tank and a barrel cellar. It also offers a shed to house the farm machinery, stables, a garage and a housing to be renovated. A caretaker's house completes the real estate. Equipment: The farm machinery is complete and recent. Personnel: A full-time employee looks after the vineyard and the winery work. Asking Price: € 1 500 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	***Languedoc-Roussillon: ?-Bedrooms, approx. 1000m² Located only 20 min. from Carcassonne and its international airport, this beautiful charming property is nestled in a private woody valley. The motorway exits are only 20 min. away. A charming lake adds beauty to this green environment. Vineyard: The 3.6 ha vineyard offers quality grape varieties (1.3 ha in Syrah and 2.3 ha in Cabernet Sauvignon) and benefits from 5.4 ha of planting rights bringing the vineyard potential to roughly 9 ha. Housing: Composed of several buildings made of local stone, the farm represents a harmonious setting in the heart of the property. The buildings have been tastefully renovated and represent an exceptional environment with true opportunities of high level agro-tourism. The buildings offer a total living surface of nearly 1000m². Other crops: 7 ha of arable fields bring the farm surface to nearly 12 ha. The remainder of the property is made up of woods and garrigues for roughly 18 ha. A private lake of roughly 5000m² heightens the charm of this lovely property. Winery and outbuildings: No vinification cellar. The wine is vinified through contractual agreement in a cooperative cellar close to the estate. Asking Price: € 1 800 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	***Languedoc-Roussillon: 2 to 4-Bedroom, approx. 70-146m² Les Jardins De Saint Benoît: Superbly situated on a 17-acre riverside site beside the picturesque village of St. Laurent, Languedoc, Les Jardins de Saint Benoît is a magnificent Vineyard and Spa Estate of unique style and distinction, laid out in traditional Mediterranean style with an abundance of leafy green spaces. Each residence is constructed from the best of local materials by guild craftsmen who share our fervor for quality, design and lasting excellence. Each residence comes with a 10-year construction bond which guarantees peace of mind. Asking Price: starting at € 235 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	***Bourgueil: 2-Bedroom, approx. 150m² Located In the heart of the Loire Valley, on the right bank, this domain is situated in a charming Touraine village near Tours. This is a turnkey and operational production property. Development potential to take advantage of and a good reputation. Vineyard: 6.4 ha of vineyard classed as AOC Bourgueil (red and rosé), of which more than 5 ha in property and the remaining farmed through a tenancy agreement. Most of the vineyard is located on hillsides and stretches over two types of soils: gravel and argilo-siliceous. The vineyard is farmed using an integrated viticulture approach. Housing: A house dating from the 30's, entirely renovated, offers 150m² of living space and 2000m² of grounds. Winery and outbuildings: An octagonal, isolated winery, built in 1993, is composed of stainless steel tanks with a capacity of approximately 1000 hl. Equipment: The property is fully equipped. The equipment is in very good condition. Personnel: Besides the owner, the domain employs one full-time person. Sales: The production is entirely packaged in bottles and in BIB. 15 % are sold to the CHR (restaurants), 28 % to wholesalers, 38 % direct to a private clientele, 7 % to GMS (Metro) and 12 % to exports. Asking Price: € 750 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee
	***Cognac- Grande Champagne: 11-Bedroom, approx. 800m² A very rare example of an authentic 17th century property located at the heart of the Cognac vineyard. This typical "Charentes" style property is also used as a 3* hotel and offers many opportunities to develop further. The house is sold entirely decorated, furnished and ready to run. VINEYARD: 8 ha vineyard in "Cru Grande Champagne." HOUSING: This authentic 17th century chateau, a traditional family house, offers 800m² of living space with the comfort of an elegant hotel. It includes two living rooms, one kitchen, 11 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, entrance hall, seven fire places, orangerie, laundry room, boiler room, terrace, swimming pool with pool house, an enclosed courtyard, 1 ha of gardens with one-hundred years old trees surrounded by a stone wall and a parking lot. WINERY AND OUTBUILDINGS: 1,500m² winery in good condition. Two towers dating from the 14th century and a caretaker's house. EQUIPMENT: Complete farm machinery to run the vineyard. Asking Price: € 4 950 000 + 2.5% Finder's Fee

---

Lineup for the Next Three Notaires' Property Auctions

Notaires de Paris
Place du Châtelet
12 avenue Victoria
Paris 1st

 

Additional information on Les Ventes aux Enchères des Notaires can be found on the Web site at www.encheres-Paris.com. Though the site has a button for an English version, it isn't necessarily reliable.

To read Schuyler Hoffman's article about the property auctions in Paris, click on:
www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/members/content/articles/auctions1.html

On May 12, 2009 the following property will be auctioned off (this is the only apartment up for auction on this date. All other properties were store fronts, offices, garages, or caves):

	2009-08-10 2 Rooms 20m² 35/37 rue Bonaparte 75006 - PARIS 6eme Starting Bid: 140 000,00 € Deposit: 28 000,00 €
	On May 26, 2009 the following properties will be auctioned off:
	2009-09-03 2 Rooms 37m² 79 rue Philippe de Girard 75018 - PARIS 18eme Starting Bid: 120 000,00 € Deposit: 24 000,00 €
	2009-09-04 4 Rooms 64m² 115 rue de Reuilly 75012 - PARIS 12eme Starting Bid: 215 000,00 € Deposit: 43 000,00 €
	On June 02, 2009 the following properties will be auctioned off:
	2009-10-01 4 Rooms 78m² 27 rue Taine 75012 - PARIS 12eme Starting Bid: 305 000,00 € Deposit: 61 000,00 €
	2009-10-02 2 Rooms 36m² 7 rue Gauthey 75017 - PARIS 17eme Starting Bid: 100 500,00 € Deposit: 20 000,00 €
	2009-10-03 Studio 44m² 27 rue Villiers de l'Isle Adam 75020 - PARIS 20eme Starting Bid: 175 000,00 € Deposit: 35 000,00 €
	2009-10-04 2 Rooms 38m² 15 rue du Louvre 75001 - PARIS 1er Starting Bid: 175 000,00 € Deposit: 35 00,00 €

Editor's Note: If you look at the properties on the Notaire's site (www.encheres-paris.com), when you click on the information for a particular property there is also a link to Google Maps to show you exactly where the property is located.

---

SEEKING A MORTGAGE IN FRANCE?

When you make a purchase as important as a piece of real estate in a foreign country, you ant to know that you can trust the people you are dealing with. Adrian Leeds has developed a network of professionals that meet only the highest of standards. With the expertise and experience of Adrian and her team, you can depend on getting the best advice and support to feel completely confident that you are making an informed investment decision.

Let us help you secure a mortgage in France at a competitive interest rate. Visit www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan for more information or contact Loan@AdrianLeeds.com

HELPFUL CONVERSIONS FOR REAL ESTATE

1 square meter = 10.7639104 square feet

1 hectare = 2.4710538 acres

For more conversions, refer to: www.onlineconversion.com/

---

Parler Paris Après Midi

 

www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apresmidi.html

Come for a drink and to meet and chat with other readers in Paris...

The next gathering is May 12, 2009 and every second Tuesday of the month (except August).

 

 

---

Managing Your French Property Insider Subscription is Easy!

We receive many emails from French Property Insider Subscribers who want to change their email address, or update personal information. But did you know that you can make these changes yourself?

It's easy...

1. Go to adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider

2. Click on "Manage Subscription." You'll find it under the "Subscribers Only" section in the sidebar.

3. Enter your username and password.

4. On the Welcome Page, go to "Manage Your Account" and click on "Change Password/Edit Profile"

5. Once you've made the changes, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Save Profile."

Simple!

Of course, we're always happy to help, so if you do need assistance, send an email to members@fpinsider.com

---

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

To access password protected pages: click on any of the links on the left panel of the home page of FrenchPropertyInsider.com under "Subscriber's Only," then type in your personal username and password.

Past issues of FPI are available on the Web site. You will find the
"Past Issues" link on the left under "Subscribers Only" or by going to
www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/members

To receive your free French Leaseback Report or the Paris Property
Report, click on
www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/members

---

We wanted better guides, So we wrote them!

Insider Paris Guides are written for people who love the City of Light. You'll get a Paris insider perspective on Restaurants... Making a Life... Black Culture... Expat Writers...and the newest guide, Practical Paris!

French Property Insider subscribers receive a discount of 10% off any guide and up to 25% off the entire purchase (if two or more guides are purchased at the same time). Here's how it works:

1. Click on special Web link we give you just for FPI subscribers.

2. Then order one or more guide(s) and use the promotion
code "ED762." This promotion code gives you 10% off your total
order.

3. If you order two or more guides, then an additional 15% will be
taken off automatically. There is no promotion code needed.

Here is the special "coupon" Web link just for you:
www.insiderparisguides.com/offer

---

SUBSCRIBE TO PARLER PARIS

If you're not a regular reader of the Parler Paris daily e-letter, and would like to be, simply enter your e-mail address here (it's free!): www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis

---

Copyright 2011, Adrian Leeds®
Adrian Leeds Group, LLC, www.adrianleeds.com