The scorching sun has long since gone, and the crowds have slowly disappeared. But those looking for Valbonne real estate will still find there is an enormous amount of things to do out of season on the French Riviera.

One of the most popular festivals at this time of year is the Chestnut Festival where towns and villages across the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments give over whole weekends to the much-revered chataigne.

The chataigne is a sweet chestnut and is not to be confused as the humble horse chestnut or conker. Sweet chestnuts are hugely popular in France, and used in a great many recipes, as those looking for real estate South of France will soon realize.

Sweet chestnut trees were introduced to the south of France in the 10^th century by the Carthusians who realised that the easily-grown nut would provide a food which would allow a large population to survive in poverty stricken areas.

Valbonne and many of the towns and villages in the South of France have some of the most beautiful property for sale. Town committees often organise a festival to celebrate the gathering of the fruit every year, an equivalent of our Harvest Festival. These festivals are usually held late October, early November and attract numerous stall-holders who display chestnuts in almost every shape, form and taste.

Amongst the best products to taste are warm chestnuts roasted on an open fire, crepes filled with sweet chestnut paste and traditional chestnut cake.

For a guide to a Fete de la Chataigne near some of Euro France’s real estate South of France please see the guide below:

Fontan : 29 October 2011
Sospel : 29 October 2011
Roquebillière : 30 October 2011
Guillaumes : 1 November 2011
Vallauris : 4 November 2011
Biot : 5 November 2011
Isola : 5, 6 November 2011
Cagnes-sur-Mer : 12 November 2011
Vence : 19 November 2011
Roquebrune Cap Martin : 20 November 2011

For further information on real estate South of France and our full portfolio of Valbonne real estate please visit our main website here.