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France’s Property watch: Languedoc
September 2018
DEPARTMENTS: Gard, Hérault, Aude, Lozère, Pyrénées-Orientales
MAIN CITIES: Montpellier, Béziers, Nîmes, Alès, Le Vigan, Carcassonne, Narbonne, Limoux, Perpignan, Céret, Prades, Mende, Florac
Historic Languedoc is a former province of France. Its departments have been paired with those of neighbouring Midi-Pyrénées to form the modern-day region of Occitanie in the southwest of the country.
It is a popular property-hunting zone for second-home buyers – and no wonder. Its ever-changing combination of Mediterranean sea, white sandy beaches, mountains, wall-to-wall blue sky, stunning landscapes, and abundant wine-making regions means it has something for everyone – with everything connected by impressive transport links.
And there are plenty of well-priced properties to be found for those looking to enjoy a Riviera-style climate and scenery, without the accompanying Riviera price-tag.
The bad news is the secret is out – and prices are starting to rise as house hunters whose Côte d’Azur dream has not blinded them to a property bargain head west along the south coast of France.
Prices are even cheaper away from the glittering seascapes. If you are willing to head inland, you can find a three-bedroom chalet with mountain views and ski resorts nearby in the Pyrénées-Orientales for around €200,000.
Despite the rising demand, property in the hugely popular and vibrant Montpellier – where prices have been rising fast for several years – remains relatively affordable for those looking for a little property bang for their buck. Prices average about €1,790/m² in the Hérault city, compared to €3,660/m² in Nice, figures from the Notaires de France show.