New British second homeowners in the French countryside: The Cathar country's case

Résumé du document

The study examined the motivations of the British buying a second home in France and more particularly in the “Cathar Country”. The research then focused on their economic impacts on the region, and their integration in the local community. Antagonism of the British second homeowners and the locals has been described in the previous research. Considering the traditional character of the region studied, it was expected that the relationships between temporary and secondary residents would be conflicting. In-depth interviews were conducted with British second homeowners as well as with permanent British residents. The research was completed by empirical research. The motivations to choose the French countryside are linked to stereotypes but also with deeper aspirations. Contrary to the hypothesis that was formulated the second homeowners have integrate with the local community without conflict, but only to some extent. Goujard (2000) notices that the second home phenomenon originated in the eighteenth century with British aristocrats. The first resorts were the French Riviera (Nice) and the Atlantic Coast (Biarritz) and the French Alps (Chamonix Mont Blanc). During the 20th century, the phenomenon spread to the middle classes, and over new French regions from Périgord to Luberon. Tourism was becoming a mass phenomenon so the appeal to the French countryside was spreading (Goujard, 2000).

Extraits

[...] The Daily telegraph (2007), for instance: “Bonjour Msieur Dame: I love the polite, everyday formality, the greetings, the handshakes, and the lot.” Peter Mayle, once more, extols the “farniente”[5] as life rule, and everyday happiness as supreme ambition” (interview Le Nouvel Observateur : 88). And last but not least, the economic assets: lower prices than in Great Britain thanks to a favourable exchange rate (Vayssiere, 2003). The British wages increased of 38% between 1998 and 2002, whereas in the Euro zone, the rise was only (Eurostat in Funès, 2005). The French property prices are almost twice inferiors to the ones in the United-Kingdom (Funès, 2005). Torrente et al. [...]

[...] Moreover, the immersion work was focused on defining the characteristics of the local culture. Further research to explore the locals' opinion and perceptions would be necessary to ensure that there is no feeling of frustration. Furthermore, the phenomenon is relatively recent in the department, so investigation to monitor the evolution of the phenomenon would be valuable, as the local community's point of view might change through time References Texts BAROU, J. and PRADO, P. (1995) Les Anglais dans nos campagnes. [...]

[...] (2000) agree with him: second homeowners have difficulties to integrate the local life. Their relationship with the natives is limited, even inexistent. Brame (2004) wrote a book giving tips to British people settling in France. Her advice was to go to the French because they do not come spontaneously, learn some French, ask the neighbours for a drink or a coffee, etc. However, some disagree, arguing that rural French society is rarely open to new residents: get the feeling that some Brits want to be seen as our friends” said Laurent, a garage owner in Bergerac. [...]

[...] Even if their proportion has lost 5 points since 1968 and not all their ancestors are born in the department, they strongly contribute to the maintenance of the “audoise” cultural identity (INSEE, 2006). With a population density of 50 inhabitants per square kilometre, the department is far below the national average of 98 (INSEE, 2006). The agricultural sector represents of employment contrary, which is far above the national average: (INSEE, 2006). The Aude has the characteristics of rural space: strong regional identity, importance of the agricultural sector and low-density population (Torrente et al., 2004). [...]

[...] (2004) state, they saw the myth of triumphing modernity lose its credibility, and the new myth of sustainability emerge. For them, the countryside is a quiet place where there are plenty of historical landmarks and human contacts. It is also valuable to note that the respondents perceived that there were few social problems and insecurity in rural areas. As Arnaud et al.'s report (2004) notes, after the terrorist attacks of 11th September 2001, French rural gîtes[24] had more demands than they could accommodate. [...]