ARMAGNAC

With a nuanced taste of quinces or prunes, this sophisticated digestif hails from Gascony, a part of “La France profonde” in the south west, south of Bordeaux and west of Toulouse. Aged for years in oak barrels, this is an ancient type of brandy, first made in the 14th century. There is a museum dedicated to the eau-devie at Condom-enArmagnac.

The area is a connoisseur’s choice for home-hunters too, says Ian Purslow of Knight Frank. “The chateaux and producers do tastings and help draw people to the area, but they also appreciate the wonderful wines and cuisine

[mainly foie gras and duck], and the jazz festival at Marciac is the event of each summer.”

The top end of the market is liveliest, where homes are €1million (£900,000) to €2million. Former chancellor Nigel Lawson’s six-bedroom manoir is for sale here for €995,000.

You can get a 10-bedroom chateau with a hobby vineyard for just over €2million, or a nicely renovated fivebedroom farmhouse with a pool for €545,000 through Knight Frank.

RUSTIC CHARMA house in Armagnac country near Condom, France, main, €1.789m with Home Hunts