Price tags for properties in Provence have escalated sharply over the last two decades as demand has steadily grown for authentic stone villas set in idyllic countryside.

Lyrical books about the region, and better transport links, led to an influx of foreign buyers, which naturally pushed prices up.

But today's fragile housing market is forcing vendors to look more objectively at the value of their homes, resulting in more reasonable asking prices.

Real estate expert Elayne Murphy, who works for Riviera Home Finders International, says:

"Now is a great time to buy in Provence because, while this part of France hasn't really seen the bad effects of the credit crunch, vendors are beginning to realize the knock-on effect that it may have, and are beginning to be more realistic about pricing their houses.

They may not be open to 'silly' offers, but they are certainly considering offers below their asking price.

Ninety percent of my vendors are saying that they won't drop the asking price but are definitely open to offers.

That wouldn't have happened a year ago. So there has been a change. People aren't out to make a killing."

Read the full article @ France Today