In this issue, one British couple who have relocated within France three times tell the story of their latest renovation – something they learnt from their various moves was that they wanted to be close to a town that was ‘open’ all year round... food for thought if you’re just embarking on your own French property journey. As we advance into winter, you might think that the French property market quietens down, but in fact it’s the perfect time for viewing trips. No tourist crowds, no busy roads and no peak-season accommodation prices– and if you love a property in winter, you’re bound to love it in summer! It’s a good idea to visit the area you’re interested in at different times of the year – if you’ve only ever seen it in the height of summer, you might be surprised how different it is in winter. Find out more in this issue's 'Guide to winter in France', and also, what tasks you should be doing at your holiday home. Perhaps the best area of France for year-round life is the Alps - as beautiful in summer as in winter, and with two distinct holiday seasons - our buying guide tells you where and what to buy. The mountains not for you? Don't worry, other locations covered in this issue include beautiful chateau towns in Charente; three charming 'Plus Beaux Détour' towns in Hérault, Côte-d’Or and Puy-de-Dôme; the ever-popular area around Bergerac in southwest France; and northern powerhouse Lille. Plus, the issue is packed with the best properties on the market, legal and financial advice, and inspirational real life stories. Finally, if you've been sitting on the fence, don't miss our article highlighting all the reasons why you should take the plunge and finally buy a place in France!