This region is in the south of the country. The southern border extends from Marseilles, along the coast to the Spanish frontier. The northern boundary is marked by the mountains of the Cévennes and the Massif Central. To the east is the River Rhone.
There are three predominant regions - the coastal plain, the wide interior belt of rolling hills, and the upland areas comprising part of the National Park of the Cévennes. All areas enjoy the enviable Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers and mild, wet winters.
The coastal plain is largely flat but has a natural beauty with its rich natural vegetation of tropical plants and flowers, and palm trees of all varieties. The delta of the River Rhone, the Camargue, is home to a multitude of fauna, the most famous being the wild horses, the bulls and the visiting flamingos. Towards the Spanish border, there are long stretches of sandy beaches and coastal lagoons and a number of small resorts and fishing ports. Colourful local markets and excellent seafood add to the charm of the area.
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Properties here are mostly recent, with smaller plots. Some have pools; some also have a caretaker's cottage. Prices range from 150,000 euros for smaller properties to 250,000 euros and more for larger houses and grounds. Truly magnificent properties with expansive grounds close to the beaches or larger towns (Montpellier, for example) can be found from around 650,000 euros. These properties, individual and often architect designed, with all modern appliances and fittings and fully landscaped gardens, will normally stand in grounds of up to 1 hectare or more. They are however increasingly rare and much sought after. Very occasionally, an old farm with expanses of land will come onto the market for renovation and restoration. These properties have huge potential once the old stonework is returned to its original honey-colour and the beamed ceilings, fireplaces and old-tiled floors are restored to life. Neither the purchase price nor the restoration however comes cheap. |
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The broad interior belt of rolling hills are prized agricultural lands. The vine thrives and many excellent vintages come from here. Olive groves, lavender, sunflowers, fruit orchards and vegetable plantations abound.
This is also Roman France, with stunning architectural masterpieces such as the arenas in Nimes and Arles, and the famous Pont du Gard. Towns such as Uzès, typical of the charm of the region, remain popular with British and foreign buyers. These old towns and villages are often medieval in character, with cool narrow streets and wonderful market places.
In the countryside, old stone built manor-farms can be found for around 750,000 euros; smaller farms with outbuildings at about 450,000 euros. Some properties are suitable for conversions into "gîtes" or small hotels. Larger estates, sometimes with working orchards or vineyards and with extensive woodlands and prairies (ideal for horses and other animals) come onto the market occasionally and will attract prices of over 1 million euros. Usually, the main house will have been fully renovated to a high quality, and there will be numerous outbuildings. More modern, typically Provençal homes are very popular, and available from about 250,000 to 300,000 euros. These properties usually stand on large plots, with ample room for a swimming pool, tennis court and barbecue areas. Simple, but charming, stone village houses with shaded terraces but often with no garden can be found from about 125,000 euros. |
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There are still some real bargains to be found in the popular gateway towns to the Cévennes of Ales, Lodeve or Ganges. These elegant towns offer lovely homes, Maisons de Maître, at around 350,000 euros, and other smaller but much sought after homes from 250,000 euros. It is still possible to find larger estates standing in mature and grand parklands. These are often 18th and 19th century properties of great character with elegant and cool interiors and detailed fixtures and fittings. Such properties are eagerly sought after and can range in price from 800,000 to 1.5 million euros and more.
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The foothills of the Cévennes are a much favoured retreat from the sometimes sweltering coastal areas, with unspoilt wooded landscapes and dramatic river valleys leading into the interior. Mountain walking is popular in summer and in winter the upper slopes even provide some skiing. Geographically the area has the advantages of the hills and the interior, yet the coast is only two hours away.
The increasing popularity of Languedoc-Roussillon is confirmed by its accessibility - the autoroutes, the new high-speed TGV train, which puts Avignon and Nimes within 3 hours of Paris and 5 hours of Waterloo, and by the budget airlines who fly regularly to Marseilles, Nimes, Montpellier and Carcassonne. The newfound ease of access, the natural beauty of the region and the wonderful climate is currently reflected in the rising prices and the demand for quality properties in the area. |
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