“Last evening,” writes France Correspondent Lucy Culpepper, “we sat in the spring sunshine on the main square in Cessenon-sur-Orb watching the swallows dipping and diving over the roof tiles.

“As the family relaxed, I took a look in the window of the local real estate agent’s office. He has some interesting small ‘vacation’ homes on the market. If you are contemplating France as a second or even third home, these could be of interest.

“For example, I saw a listing for an 80-square-meter village* stone house with a wonderful view toward the river and the mountains of the Haut Languedoc, equipped kitchen, three bedrooms, sitting room, and bathroom. Asking price was 150,000 euro (about US$190,000 at the exchange rate as of this writing).

“*’Village,’ by the way, means that it has other properties on two or three sides.

“Also, a 120-square-meter house with three faces (meaning it has only one other property joined to it), including a large garage. In need of complete renovation but listed for only 45,000 euro (US$58,000).

“And a 65-square-meter renovated village house, opposite the river, in a bright situation. Pretty living room, two bedrooms, bathroom, equipped kitchen, big garage (an old ‘cave’ where the original wine grower brought his grapes). Asking 96,000 euro (US$122,000).

“And, finally, a 50-square-meter renovated village home with two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a living room/kitchen, listed for 80,000 euro (US$102,000).

Kathleen Peddicord www.liveandinvestoverseas.com