In a beautiful area, right on the Canal du Midi, this scheme is just 30 minutes drive from Carcassone airport, while Narbonne beach and the Mediterranean coastline is 35 minutes away. The area is also famous for its vineyards, castles and abbeys.

Tony Forte of selling agent Douglas Newman Good says he expects very good interest from Irish investors.

"It's a truly beautiful location with lakes and stunning scenery, and because it's so near to Carcassone airport where Ryanair fly into, rentals are strong here, " says Forte, adding that 40 units have sold already even before the official launch.

The original chateau is being retained and will be used as a wine school and restaurant, while the apartments will be built in two buildings on the grounds.

Other on-site facilities will include an outdoor pool and children's pool, tennis court, cinema and games area.

In total there will be 104 apartments, with 52 units in each building.

A low-rise scheme, both buildings are just two storeys high, and apartments will range in size from 35 to 65sq m (376 to 700sq ft).

"These are amazing French homes in one of the most lovely areas of France.

It's not your typical leaseback scheme, and while it's not on the beach it is beside a freshwater lake, where you can swim, sail or watersurf.

And the attraction for investors is that they get two weeks' private use each year, " says Forte.

Currently selling from plans, building work is set to start in October, with completions due in mid 2008.

Apartments come with a guaranteed rental of 4% per year.

Plans for Chateau de Jouarres will be unveiled next Saturday at 30 Leeson Park, Dublin, from 11am to 5pm.

Price: one-beds from 109,000, two-beds from 140,000, threebeds from 175,000 and four-beds from 212,000 Agent: Douglas Newman Good, 01-4912621