The Gers
For the second year running France has been voted the best country in the world to live.  The “quality of life “ index has gleaned information from the World health organisation as well as the Economist and there are nine catergories in which the results are judged – Cost of living, Culture and leisure, Economy, Environment, Freedom, Health, Infrastructure, Climate and Safety.

The variety of landscape together with the quality of food and wine, transport systems the strength of the economy and very importantly the high standards of the health system were all taken into consideration as well as the price of housing, and although prices in Paris are still high properties in the rest of the country are considered to be value for money.

The Gers is the most rural part of France and until recently remained one of the last undiscovered jewels and now is often fondly referred to as the French “Tuscany”. Situated in the South West of France the area enjoys lushly green rolling countryside, blazing fields of sunflowers, and ancient hilltop Bastide villages.Roman architecture and fine churches dominates the landscape. The Pyrenees stand to the south and on a good day will break through the distant clouds to create a dramatic and majestic backdrop.

Here Foie gras is the much sort after delicacy and Armagnac the locally produced drink together with the aperitif floc. For those who love traditional food, good wine, beautiful countryside and a great all year round climate as well as a warm welcome from the locals, the Gers will not disappoint.

The location of the Gers makes it a great place to live, with the white sandy beaches of the Atlantic an hour away and the golden sun-baked Mediterranean only a couple of hours drive, Spain on your doorstep and skiing in the Pyrenees, this has started to make wit the Gers a very popular location especially with second home buyers. And with the further improvement to the roads this area is becoming more and more accessible.

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