The French Property Exhibition Olympia 2, London on 12-14 September
he France Show 2008 was a resounding success, with record numbers of visitors – some even travelled over from France to show their support.
They were rewarded with a spectacular event, flocking to prime attractions such as cookery demonstrations from celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, a rather racy troupe of can-can dancers, a display boat from Crown Blue line, French cinema, and a grafitti wall where they could express their love of France. The wine stands offering tastings were strangely busy too!
Free seminars on French property, language, travel and wine proved immensely popular, while in the ‘Montmartre’ area, alongside the champagne bar, top French restaurants Mon Plaisir and Café des Amis served a special show menu, accompanied by live music and artists.
Many of you also stopped by the French Property News stand to say hello or renew your subscriptions. The property zone was no doubt the main attraction for FPN readers and judging by how busy the exhibitors were kept, it seems more of you than ever are planning to take the plunge this year and buy in France.
As Charles Smallwood of Agence l’Union enthused: “The France Show is a key indicator to what is going to happen to the market this year. It has demonstrated quite clearly that people want to move to France. There was a confidence there that both surprised and delighted us. It was an incredible show, with hordes of serious buyers.”
It seems after a year of rain in the UK, buyers are looking south in search of a warmer climate for both holiday and permanent homes. Accessibility remains key, says Smallwood, so properties within an hour of major airports are selling like hotcakes. A total of 29,877 people attended the show to meet the 300 exhibitors.
If you couldn’t make it to The France Show 2008, don’t worry – The French Property Exhibition is touring the UK again this year, visiting the NEC in Birmingham for the first time on 22-24 February, Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate on 16-18 May 2008 and Olympia 2, London on 12-14 September And of course there is always The France Show 2009, which looks set to be bigger and better than ever. Next year it will take place at Earl’s Court on 9-11 January.We’ll see you there.
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