THE IRRESISTIBLE CALL OF PROVENCE

Basking in sunshine, lulled by the chanting of cicadas and the scent of lavender, Provence offers enchantment not found elsewhere. Its picturesque villages and countryside offer the luxury of stunning scenery, real corners of paradise where peacefulness and nature unfurl as far as the eye can see…

The appeal of Provence is becoming significantly stronger despite well-sustained prices, as explained by Emmanuel Garcin, Co-Manager of the Emile Garcin group : “The Alpilles, the Luberon and the region around Aix form the Golden Triangle of Provence, where prices are high : from 700,000 to 800,000 € for a village house, 1 to 2 million euros for a country “mas”, and from 5 to 10 million euros for a “bastide” or large property. Less in the spotlight, Uzès and the region of Le Ventoux are more affordable fall-back markets offering an equally pleasant lifestyle”.

Provence’s Golden Triangle is a benchmark value, especially for the international clientele : “Clients wanting to acquire a property in Provence are looking, first and foremost, for an address. Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de- Provence, Eygalières and Gordes are the most highly-prized spots. Many buyers identify places in Provence in connection with luxury hotels and star-rated restaurants synonymous with luxury,” confides Pierre-André Scandolera, Associate Manager of Sotheby’s International Realty agencies in Aix-en-Provence, Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

In Maussane-les-Alpilles, this renovated former oil mill of 900 m2 with 7 en-suite bedrooms benefits from an idyllic location offering superb views of the Alpilles, on 19.75 acres of land with a pond and swimming pool. Vendu à 5.6M€. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Sotheby’s International Realty, 1 boulevard Mirabeau, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (04 32 60 15 77). www.saintremydeprovence-sothebysrealty.com

In a charming, peaceful village 15 minutes from Uzès, this ravishing late 18th-C. property enjoys delightful views. Its living space of 400 m2 is comprised of spacious living rooms, 6 bedrooms, with very pleasant outdoor areas, a pool and pool-house. Cellars, annexes and outbuildings complete the property. 1.750.000 €. Emile Garcin, 8 boulevard Mirabeau, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (04 90 92 01 58). www.emilegarcin.com

In Le Pays des Sorgues, at the gateway to the Luberon, near the villages of L’Isle-sur-Sorgue and Gordes, this medieval castle was carved out of the rock in the 11th century. Renovated throughout with original materials, it has retained its silhouette as an impregnable citadel with ramparts and stone facades. 3.9 M €. Barnes Provence, Haut du Cours Mirabeau Hôtel du Poët, Aix-en-Provence (04 42 53 54 55). www.barnes-provence-littoral.com

Just 20 minutes from Aix-en-Provence, in the Provence once home to Giono, this beautiful 17th-C. residence in its luxuriant setting of approx. 1,200 m2 with a pool is comprised of the main building with 6 bedrooms, a house for guests with an artist’s studio, and a caretakers’ apartment. It benefits from a terraced garden running down to a river with a waterfall. Lovely vaulted cellars and a double garage. 2.990.000 €. Marie Miramant, Immobilier d’Exception, 4 rue du Puits de la Reille, Avignon (04 32 70 26 81) www.mariemiramant.fr

Near L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, this magnificent 18th-C. “bastide” and its outbuildings are surrounded by 14.82 acres of natural greenery with a pool. The property of 2,000 m2 offering 25 rooms and 15 bedrooms is laid out around the main building, an orangery, an annex, an independent “mas” and a former wine cellar, luxuriously converted, of 300 m2. Garage for 8 vehicles. 7.5 M €. Daniel Féau Luberon & Alpilles, 4 rue du Grand Pré, Lourmarin (04 88 60 39 48). www.danielfeau.com

Provençal “mas”, “bastides”, contemporary villas…, the region has a rich array of residences of character including sublime castles, as mentioned by François Le Troquer, Associate Manager of Barnes Provence : “Thanks to our international network, we are in touch with a clientele looking for rare, insider properties. Backed by long experience in this area, Barnes positions itself as a first-rate partner for future buyers by proposing reliable expertise and advice for acquisitions”. So who is buying in Provence ? “The property market in Provence draws a diverse clientele comprised of French residents and ex-pats, and foreign buyers.

The region’s architectural heritage and lifestyle attract many investor profiles, all wanting to make their dreams come true by coming to live in Provence,” says Marie Miramant, Manager of the agency bearing her name, specializing in exceptional properties of character. A market of second residences which is still very buoyant, notes Magali Boulogne, Manager of the Daniel Féau Luberon & Alpilles agency : “In our agency in Lourmarin, we mainly handle a portfolio of second residences for a clientele 60% French and 40% international, from northern Europe, Great Britain and the USA. The top end of the market in Provence is characterized by scarce offerings and steady demand”.