France’s Property watch: Languedoc

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.