France is planning a big new theme park south-east of Paris to commemorate Napoleon – much to the bemusement of the UK press. It’s reckoned the attraction will cost £180 million, help create 3,000 jobs and even vie with Disneyland.
For the British, the French emperor has always been a bit of caricature – the pint- sized tyrant who rejected Josephine’s advances and was trounced at Waterloo. As in so much else, the French take a different view. They point to Napoleon’s influential legal code, and the military genius which brought great victories against overwhelming odds. Historians even say the emperor’s height has been underestimated.
Napoleon famously hailed from Corsica, and the Mediterranean island, with its mix of cultures, dramatic scenery and intimate, sandy beaches, sums up the diversity of France. Said to be fast becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations, the capital Ajaccio is readily accessible from the mainland via Corsica ferries – or frequent services from London and Paris to Napoleon Bonaparte International Airport.
Meanwhile, analysis by The MoveChannel.com also points to the popularity of France’s Mediterranean coast, with a map measuring the number of inquiries about each of the country’s regions. Among those looking at houses for sale in France, Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur takes the number one spot. Aquitaine, with its Atlantic coastline, and Languedoc Roussillon also score heavily.
Paris is reckoned to retain the strongest investment potential of any city overall, though it must be said that less well-publicized regions to the North can have a distinct appeal – and offer excellent value – to UK purchasers.
Whichever region is your final choice, it’s good to know that your removals to France are in safe and experienced hands. That’s why so many of those moving to France – or back to the UK – opt for Cranburys, the international removals specialists.
