At the crossroads of the three departments of Gironde, Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne, the Pays Foyen offers an exceptional position alongside the River Dordogne.

One of the distinguishing features of the architecture of the South-West of France is the numerous bastide towns and villages that are to be found in the region.

The frequently rich history of these attractive locations is one that is today accompanied by an equally bounteous culture, offering a range of activities and festivities throughout much of the year.

One such town is the bastide of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, which strides the River Dordogne, equidistant between Bergerac and Bordeaux and capital of the 'Pays Foyen' administrative area. The fortuitous geographic position of the town has meant that it is regarded as the gateway to both the Bordelais and the Perigord.

Pascale Santenero is an estate agent with Bourse Immobilier in the town, and says that one of the added attractions of buying property there is that house prices compare favourably to the neighbouring urban centres of Bordeaux and Bergerac, yet both are easily accessible.

“Like most areas of France prices in and around the town have fallen since 2007, in some cases by as much as 30%, in no small measure due to the fewer number of international buyers”, says Pascalle.

“Whilst today the area continues to attract buyers from abroad, their profile has changed, with a far larger number of younger couples with children", she says.

Pascalle says that in the main these buyers seek older property to restore, with budgets up to around €250,000. So what sort of property does she have available that meets that general criteria? Here is a selection. Click on the image to obtain further information about each property.

Typical of such properties is this lovely two-bedroom chartreuse of 99m² current living, but with a first floor of 60m² suitable for creating additional space. Grounds of 3000m². On sale for €199,000.

Between Ste Foy and Duras, the agency have for sale a large stone house comprising a living-room, a kitchen, a cellar, 5 bedrooms, shower-room, garage and workshop. Convertible attic. A lovely garden of about 1000sqm. On sale for €162,000.

On about 17,000 sqm of land with a wood, a pleasant 'girondine' consisiting of kitchen/lounge, 3 bedrooms, shower room. Outbuildings. Approx 21 sqm photovoltaic panels. On sale for €236,000.

Alternatively, this renovated house, close to the shops with, on the ground floor, kitchen, big living, bedroom, toilet and, upstairs, three bedrooms, shower room, bathroom and toilet. Land of nearly 7000sqm, with outbuilding, garage and swimming pool, all for €275,000.

Finally, for those who want a major project, here is a property built partly in stone, to rebuild completely, with three rooms, situated in the countryside, on land about 1000 sqm. On sale for €34,500.