This could be a case of Chinese Whispers; and if that is the case, I apologise in advance. BUT, has anyone heard about

a proposed route for a new TGV line, which would pass through Chabanais? A friend of a friend who is househunting in this

area was (alledgedly) told by an agent that "people in the know" where selling up, but it was not common knowledge yet?

Huh?

Definitely chinese whispers.

TGV or LGV ?

Actually there is a proposed route for the TGV, which goes from Poitiers to Limogues. You need to ask your estate agent if it is likely that the railway will be going anywhere near your proposed property. If they say 'No' then you want to insist that they say this in writing because if you do not and the railway is indeed going through your property you cannot sue them. There are three proposed routes planned for its route between the two cities but only Vienne do not want to put up any money as they will not be benefitting from the rail route. However the TGV will not make any final decisions as to whether they will go ahead with the route until 2014.
So be warned if you do not have it in writing from the estate agent or Marie, there is nothing you can do to fight or sue them for not telling you. The same goes for any other proposed or planned development in the offing in the next 5-10-15yrs etc. If you do not ask they will not tell you.
Best of luck

i totally agree with redhen but to get the facts from the source the only planned ,maybe routes, not decided completely, can be found on the web under lgvpoitierslimoges.com here you'll find the detailed itinerary.

So far it's going through these communes:
http://www.lgvsudeuropeatlantique.org/cartes-et-projet-technique/cartes-charente

That is the Poitiers/Bordeaux route which is already well underway and is passing quite close to my place, there is no panic by locals but Brits seem to fear massive devaluation.

Poitiers/Limoges is probably some way off yet.