It’s all good news when it comes to outdoor space in France. Land is cheaper here than in the UK and you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding on whether to have a flower garden, vegetable plot or simply a terrace or deck. This time of the year sees abundant growth everywhere, particularly in our corner of the Languedoc, where the vines are now becoming bright green and bushy: a wonderful sight!
This time of the year sees abundant growth everywhere, particularly in our corner of the Languedoc, where the vines are now becoming bright green and bushy: a wonderful sight!
Find homes in France via our property portal.
Green fingers?
Garden centres are becoming more popular here and the larger DIY stores have a good choice of paving and decking. You should be able to find a green fingered store assistant to advise you on which plants and fruit trees thrive in your area. We have recently bought a lemon tree. It will not surprise you to learn that all they really need is plenty of sunshine!
Gardening and owning an allotment is now very popular in France. Our own village has at least two landscape gardeners, who always seem to be busy. Growing your own? This is easy to do in so many parts of France. The soil is rich and fertile and once established, your garden will give you the most delicious vegetables for many years.
Even Eddie and Alfie the dogs make the most of the deck and the pool!
Make sure your pool meets legal requirements
Pools are very popular in many parts of France. It is now a legal requirement to have some form of security for below the ground pools (raised ones do not come under the same jurisdiction). They must have either a fence, or some sort of enclosure, a reinforced cover, an alarm, or a pool shelter. Cleaning products abound in most general stores from spring onwards and some sort of pool vacuum or robot is essential to keep it in good condition. Our advice is to go for just a small pool, which will not only be cheaper, but easier to look after, while still fulfilling most people’s needs for holiday times.
There is nothing lovelier than sitting beside your own pool, listening to the water trickling in the balmy, sunny evenings in the south of France, sipping a glass of local wine. You don’t even have to like swimming to do that!
Whatever your budget, compromising on your own private outside space is not a good idea when buying a property in France. Many regions boast hot dry summers and you will find you will almost be living outside in the summer months, perhaps even with a summer kitchen. Whether it is a small terrace, a deck, a courtyard, rooftop terrace, or a garden, that space is key to a relaxing holiday in France, and spending relaxing time there if you are planning to move permanently. Our summers are spent mostly in our courtyard until late in the evening: there is nothing lovelier than soaking up the evening sun at twilight. Even Eddie and Alfie seem to agree!
