Loving the Languedoc- IPS Homeowners Share Their Story

International Property Shares

Newsletter April 2025

Embracing the Fractional Ownership Lifestyle

Loving Life in the Languedoc

IPS Homeowners Share Their Story

♡

Dear readers,

For years, we knew the southern Mediterranean region of France as Languedoc-Roussillon and frankly, it’s hard to break the habit! So why is it now called Occitanie? With five

IPS fractional ownership homes located in this region, it’s worth taking a closer look at what makes this area so unique and why new fractional property owners Mark and Cicely, are delighted to have a home there- Maison Bleue.

At International Property Shares, we understand the dreams of mostly retired or soon-to-be-retired travelers who long for the charm of European living. Our affordable and irresistible fractional ownership model makes it easier than ever to embrace this lifestyle without the burdens of traditional property ownership.

So why is this region now called Occitanie?

In 2016, France merged the regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées, later renaming the new region Occitanie to reflect its shared historical and cultural roots in the Occitan-speaking areas of southern France. The name, aimed to unify the region, though some, particularly in Catalan-influenced Roussillon, felt it overlooked local identity. Catalonia on the Sea is, of course, in the heart of this unique area.

Meanwhile, my partner Traci has been on a exploratory journey through France, zigzagging from Nice to Provence with a stop at Bello Visto , before heading to the charming town of Uzès—home to our historic fractional ownership property, Le Muguet.

From Uzès and nearby Nîmes, Traci continued her adventure with visits to four of the beautiful IPS Languedoc properties, before setting out on a grand tour of the Occitanie region—a treasure trove of southern French charm. Her itinerary includes guided visits (and 4-star stays!) in Toulouse, Carcassonne, Montpellier, Nîmes, Perpignan, and Lourdes. Quelle chance! This incredible experience was her prize from a Boston conference with ATOUT France—how lucky is that?

As you plan your 2025 travels, why not chat with Tracie or me about booking your next stay at your favorite fractional home in Italy or France? We’d be thrilled to help! Be sure check out the new French Detours website as well as our Best Languedoc Day Trips and Restaurants before you go.

Ginny & Traci

Your Fractional Ownership Queens

Email: info@internationalpropertyshares.com

Cell: 206 32-3547 PST

What We’ve Learned About Fractional Ownership at our Village House in the South of France

"We’ve long wanted to have our own French family holiday home, but the cost of ownership & maintenance was prohibitive, especially as we only wanted to use the house for a few months each year.

The IPS Fractional Ownership option therefore matched our needs perfectly. Twenty months ago we bought a share (in our case 1/10^th) of a beautiful traditional village property in South-West France – aptly named after the colour of its wooden shutters; Maison Bleue.

While we are there, it feels like our very own property, but only paying a ‘fraction’ (10%) of the annual maintenance and operating alongside the other nine owners, works well for everyone. The three-bedroom French style village house is generous of space both for us and family/friends too."

Book a Consultation

Nearby, the Orb and Hérault rivers are great for kayaking.

Town of Quarante (near Beziers)

Wine Tasting near Maison Bleue

" We decided to take on the House Management role and through this, have come to know all the other owners well with a level of trust and shared responsibility across the group. We’ve also made friends with French and expats in Quarante, so there are always people around to share time with and frequently seek advice on a range of topics.

While it would always be nice to have more than our official two, 3 weeks slots, this is sufficient to enjoy different seasons in the surrounding area. We are near the city of Beziers (good flight options from the UK) and within 1.5 hours drive of a huge range of wonderful culinary, cultural, sporting and National Park (hiking, wildlife, panoramas) experiences. The area caters to every possible interest and if you want a quiet few days just relaxing, there are local walks, restaurants and cultural events very nearby.

During our first 20 months as Fractional Owners, we have packed a lot in but we have still only scratched the surface of what is on offer. Did I mention potential trips to the French Pyrenees and on into Spain? Or perhaps visiting many beautiful Southern French towns and cities strung out along the edge of the Mediterranean coast to the East and onward into Italy?

Our French is improving together with our knowledge of the local vineyards and open-air markets. The list goes on. We feel very fortunate to have such a rich and varied holiday destination that always feels like a ‘home away from home’ and we still feel that the adventure has only just begun. For anyone considering becoming a Fractional Owner, we could not recommend it enough!"

Mark & Cicely

What makes Occitanie so unique?

Nimes

Montpellier

Market day in Uzes

Lourdes

Occitanie is unique for its rich blend of history, culture, and landscapes. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pyrenees mountains and includes everything from sunny beaches and vineyards to medieval towns and mountain villages. The region is deeply rooted in Occitan culture, with its own traditional language, cuisine, and architecture.

From my perspective, as fractional home developer, it checks many of my boxes by offering a more authentic less touristic experience- the road less traveled if you will. When I settle in for a month-long stay one of my home bases in Occitanie, it’s time to decompress, feel connected to the things I value most; long slow meals with friends, beautiful daily walks through the vineyards, colorful markets, and savoring fresh pastries in a quaint café.

And yet, you can explore nearby famous attractions like Lourdes, Montpelier, and parts of the historic Nimes and vibrant Uzes. This mix of natural beauty, heritage, and urban lifestyle makes Occitanie a truly special part of southern France.

Introducing THE FRANCE CHANNEL

My friend Nancy and I just planned a French-themed dinner date for later this month. Bien sur, we’ll converse en français enjoy a menu à 3 plats, and then settle into an evening movie from the France Channel.

Ça vous intéresse? Doesn’t that sound like fun?

Ginny

Want to dive into French Culture and language? We are delighted to introduce our partner France Channel and their special offer to our community!

France Channel is a streaming platform which provides the best of French movies, TV shows, documentaries, cartoons and live news in the US.

You can find a large library of French comedies, dramas, romance and thriller films, starring famous actors such as Catherine Deneuve, Alain Delon, Academy Award winner Jean Dujardin, James Bond girl Léa Seydoux, as well as rising stars of French cinema like Camille Cottin (Killing Eve, House of Gucci), Pio Marmaï and François Civil (The three Musketeers), Laure Calamy (Call my agent) and many more. France Channel also provides a selection of addictive French TV series!

HOW TO START STREAMING?

• visit www.francechannel.tv

• press START FREE TRIAL

• enter your name, email and password

• choose Yearly O er and enter IPS30 promo code

• provide your ZIP code

• provide your method of payment

• accept Terms and Conditions

• enjoy FRANCE CHANNEL

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

Plans: $8.99/m or $79.99/y

And don’t worry, everything is subtitled in English! You can also find a selection of titles subtitled in French, which are gathered in the ‘Learn French’ section of the platform.

Discover THE FRANCE CHANNEL

Up for Love is a 2016 romantic comedy film directed by Laurent Tirard and starring Jean Dujardin and Virginie Efira. Diane is a brilliant and attractive lawyer with a good sense of humor and a strong personality. She is newly single after an unhappy marriage and ready to the man of her dreams...

Upbeat! (Pardon the pun)

Culinary Road Trip is a food and travel TV show where the host explores different regions, discovering local cuisines and cooking traditions. Each episode highlights the unique dishes, ingredients, and stories behind the food, offering viewers an immersive culinary journey.

A Trip to the Loire Valley (Le Voyage en Vallée de la Loire)

This film takes viewers on a journey through the beautiful Loire Valley, famous for its stunning châteaux and vineyards. It highlights the picturesque countryside, historical landmarks, and rich cultural heritage of this region.

Le Petit Prince

Le Petit Prince is such a beloved tale, for young and old alike! The Little Prince, who lives on a tiny asteroid with his beloved rose, travels with his only friend, the fox, through the galaxy.

What makes working with International Property Shares so satisfying ?

Crazy for Cruzy Owners (2008) – Decided to resell their share and then had a change of heart...

January 2025- "Greetings Ginny!

After 18 years, we have decided to sell our share in Crazy for Cruzy and were wondering if you could help us. We still love it there, the house, and our wonderful group of owners who get along well, but the steps have become challenging for us. We're in our late 70s now, and unfortunately, it’s time to move on."

February 2025- "Now I think we'd like to pause the sale of our share. I'm having second thoughts and didn't realize how emotionally invested I am in the house. We've already planned to be there this summer and have our kids visit next year. Plus, since my knee replacement, climbing the stairs won't be such a chore!"

New Fractional Owners (2025)- Casa Leone, Umbria

"We were impressed with Ginny’s honesty, openness, and relaxed, no-pressure approach. From our first introduction to our fractional home in Umbria to finding the perfect home, the entire process felt easy and straightforward.

Her careful planning and preparation made the closing smooth and stress-free. Since then, we’ve connected with our co-owners and have received such a warm welcome. We’re truly excited to begin this new chapter in our lives!"

Clients Shopping for a place to call home (2025)- Catalonia on the Sea

"We are still in between travels, but we had a great visit. Lovely unit, beautiful town/area, all in all most enjoyable. Tracie was terrific in organizing the coordination, and Francine (one of your wonderful neighbors) was hugely gracious.

Once we're back home and have some time to digest (and get over jet lag), get past a procedure on my knee, we'll get back to you with questions, follow-ups, etc. Thanks again for all the efforts on your end."