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Take a walk on the wild side... of France
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When a 3 week trip catapults into a 5 1/2 week one, sometimes ya gotta take a walk on the wild side which is what we did on Sunday, June 18th, Mother's Day in France. After inviting home share owners Hugh & Maureen Spoor or Victoria, Canada, and Melanie O'Suihleabhain ( an owner in Catalonia LLC) we headed toward the roman road/pathway which leads West from Montouliers. In this beautiful Languedoc region, our 6 km hike wound its way through forest, glen and valley back toward the Roman fountain where we began. Can you imagine the sound of oxen carts, goats, chickens and religious pilgrims in 200AD? When la douce France flaunts her stuff, including a 76 degree sunny day, a rainbow of wildflowers, great global hikers, and the much needed respite from everyday travail, here was a Mother's Day treat to savor and remember.
· Are you familiar with Brocantes and Depot-Ventes in France? This is the French version of a flea market/garage sale/ antique shop, all rolled into one. Each time we put the finishing touches one of our property shares, like Maison Bleue or La Tulipe, I head for several of my favorite haunts to finish off the decor. What am I searching for? Mirrors, chairs, knick knacks, picture frames, and even coins...
·  Speaking of Maison Bleue, what a lovely house to relax in and enjoy entertaining friends and guests. Part of the fun of owning part of a house in the Minervois region is getting to know and enjoy the fellow property share members. We often have picnics, share details of upcoming festivals or music in our corner of the Languedoc, or in this case, a wonderful walk together. I've been project manager for 4 lovely property shares, all within 6 km of each other! Does that say anything about our delight in this region? One night I joined our Danish owners, Jesper & Judith and their adorably sweet one year old, Liva, for pizza. We ate along the Canal du Midi at le Somail. With the elegantly dressed diners a côté, a special St. Chinian red, and my favorite pizza with a soft-boiled egg on top, c'etait "le top"!
· Who hasn't thought of importing something unique from Europe? I certainly have. This time my thoughts turned to something simple, ordinary, useful, green, and fun: sustainable shopping bags a la francaise. Let me know if you would like to own one and I will try to work out the shipping and importation. They make a wonderful hostess gift! Suggested price: $19.95 plus $4.94
shipping. How many would you like? fpshares@gmail.com
- What's going on in Quarante, France?
 Well, for a small sleepy village of 2000 inhabitants, we're rocking to a new beat. First of all, a new B&B, la Sorga de Vida has taken root, just steps from Rue de la Font Vieille where Maison Bleue is located. Not only is it gorgeous but they also offer Table d'Hote meals (an evening meal with the host and hostess of the B&B- requiring advance reservations) as well as musculation workouts. Okay you non-french speakers, I'm sure you can figure this one out! Their email address is lasorgadevida@orange.fr
- Secondly, a very charming gift shop has taken root on the Rue du Marché aux Anes in Quarante. Run by a charming local Quarante woman, Marie offers a wonderful assortment of items from clothing to kitchen décor to stichery.
 The name of the shop is Charme d'antan or Charm of Yesteryear. Truly, you will find it enchanting.
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Lastly, our village called "Forty" has a new take out food place; Les 40 Saveurs. If you weren't already in love with France, you will be now. Imagine a daily take out menu like this: Dotte ( a mild fish) a l'Americaine, Canard Confit et Carottes Sautes (Duck break with sautéed carrots), Paupiette de Pecheur ( a wildly wonderful fish dish encrusted with a fine butter pastry shell). I like it!
  
Don't miss your chance visit Maison Bleue next month. and join our group of owners who call Quarante their second home. Remember, we are offering a $2500 travel rebate for a limited time only~ Hopefully your personal questions about sharing a home in France have been answered but, if not, here is how to reach me: fpshares@gmail.com or 585 905-0849.
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Texas Francophiles join fractional ownership trend
by Shelley Emling
Many people fantasize about owning a little place in France with its culture, history and seductively unhurried lifestyle. But who can afford it? Properties can be prohibitively expensive, especially with the weakened value of the dollar again the euro. Some Americans have found a new way to live out their dream through fractional ownership...
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French Property Shares
36 Howell St
Canandaigua, New York 14424
(001) 585 905-0849
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