Apartments for sale in Villefranche de Conflent
Villefranche de Conflent commercial property
Property for sale in Languedoc-Roussillon
Caracter 3 storey house with 2 appartments and shop
EUR €273,000
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For buying and selling property in Villefranche de Conflent
The little walled town of Villefranche de Conflent lies in the deep south of France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of Languedoc-Roussillon. It may well be small with a population of only just over 200 people, but it is a tiny gem, a perfect example of a fortified town, founded in the 11th century and fortified in the 17th century. It is bordered on one side by the road, but on the other its defences are strengthened by the border of the River Tet that runs along its length, repelling the efforts of intruders even further. The town was fortified by Vauban, and bears the hallmarks of this great French military architect.
You can still take a walk along the ramparts of Villefranche de Conflent today, although you may have to pay for the privilege. The town is a popular stopping point for tourists these days, as it is historic and very picturesque, and it is also accessible from the famous little yellow train that carries visitors around this stretch of the Roussillon countryside and seaside.
The Church of St Jacques is also worth a visit, as is Fort Libéria which overlooks the town. This is accessed by climbing up a thousand steps, but if this isn't for you, you can also take a free minibus which leaves from near the town's main gate.
Popularity with the holiday trade means that this little town has facilities that belie its size. There are many craft and gift shops, cafés, bars and restaurants, so there is plenty to enjoy as long as you can avoid the busiest of the tourist times. For larger town facilities, designer shopping and big supermarkets you could head for Perpignan, whose excellent modern amenities will offer anything you might need. Villefranche certainly has enough of interest to hold your attention for a good while though, so don't be in a hurry to get to a big city! Historically fascinating and aesthetically beautiful, you will find Villefranche the perfect place to relax and soak up that southern French atmosphere.
Not only can you easily access many of the best places in the south of France from here, you can also easily get to Spain and Andorra, so the location tales some beating! Villefranche also lies only one hour from some of the best ski resorts in the Pyrenean Mountains, so it makes a great base for those wanting to enjoy the skiing but also to live below the snow line. Other sports available locally include water sports at the seaside (with scuba diving being especially popular here), walking, mountain biking and horse-riding.
Perpignan is the nearest airport, and has flights from the UK with Ryanair, bmibaby and flybe. Girona and Carcassonne are also close at hand if the departure airports suit you better, with flights with Ryanair. The TGV runs to Perpignan from Paris. It is also possible to take the ferry to Santander or Bilbao, and drive across the south of France along the Pyrénées, which is a fascinating drive.
A property within the walls of this lovely town is a rare find, so if one comes your way take the chance immediately! The countryside near the town also has a few remaining good possibilities to purchase interesting renovation projects, the like of which are becoming less and less easily available in the south, so once more, don't rest on your laurels if you fancy making a life or a holiday bolt hole in Villefranche de Conflent.
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Villefranche de Conflent is situated in the south of France, not far from Catalan Spain. It lies in the east of the Pyrénées-Orientales department, close to the ski resorts of the Pyrénées.
Villefranche de Conflent Property Map
Languedoc-Roussillon Property Map
Population: 225
Access: By air: Fly to Perpignan, Carcassonne or Girona. By rail: The TGV runs from Paris to Perpignan, and also from Perpignan to Barcelona.
Economy: The economy is varied with agriculture, wood crafts and pottery all featuring alongside tourism.
Interesting fact: The town links to the fort by a subterranean staircase of a staggering 1,000 steps.
Sextant France
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