Yet Roquebrune-surArgens, a small Provencal village on the Cote D'Azur . . .nestling between the Maures and Esterel Mountains . . .has retained that sort of character, only this time of an old-world variety that's unmistakably French.

For Francophiles who also like their sport and pampering, the five-star Le Roc Golf & Spa Resort will be of interest, as this development includes apartments and villas with attractive purchase options for investors.

Swiss company the Amman Group are developing the project and have over 25 years' experience in the Cote D'Azur market, offering these special options called KG investments. Basically, buyers have the option of purchasing a property at full price as is norm, or availing of this special scheme which allows paying 50% now, and the remainder 50% in 2011 but at the current price.

There is also the option to sell on their 50% stake at the end of the five-year period.

Those putting a 50% investment in now will have the full usage of the property, or can opt to rent it out.

According to the selling agents, capital appreciation for the Provencal region is currently running at 9%.

Properties range from twoand three-bed apartments to three- and four-bed villas (houses), with prices start at 525k for a fully furnished, two-bed apartment. The resort comprises a five-star hotel with gourmet restaurant, tennis courts, PGA golf course, private pools with a number of properties, plus all of the glamour and chic of St Tropez nearby. Le Roc will be launched over next weekend, 26-28 May, by at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Dublin, by selling agents Springvale Overseas Properties.