“We created Cities in Paris and Courcheval twenty years ago. There, we have a large British, Russian and Belgian clientele who treat themselves to the rare and magnificent chalets we have the good fortune tosell. In all confidentiality, of course.”

“We are wherever it’s fashionable for our clients to be. Ile de Ré, Basque country, Saint-Tropez or Cap d’Antibes.

And, why not, a beautiful château or a vineyard from time to time. We are lucky enough to be able to go the places we like."

“You can't exactly talk about a drop in prices, but rather an easing off of rising prices Having said that, the market is a little tense between sellers who are tempted to overestimate their property and buyers who are more likely to negotiate or hesitate than before.

Paris isn't Luxembourg or London yet. Here, we look at the price per square metre and see what we can get out of it, while in London, buying for pleasure is far more obvious and up front.”

“In the 5th and 6th arrondissements, as well as the right part of the 14th, prices range from 8,000 to 15,000 euros a square metre. We have a clientele of families who want to live in these neighbourhoods because of the quality life style.

Exceptional property in these areas sells for much higher prices. But, in that case, no one is buying square metres.

It is obviously difficult to give an average price when each property we sell is unique, with very specific qualities.

The only thing we can say is that the turn-over in the topof- the-range market has slowed down considerably – which means that there are relatively few properties available.