If you are looking to buy property on the Mediterranean coast, don’t limit your search to the French Riviera. Languedoc’s many coastal locations offer beautiful stretches of beach and properties at more affordable prices.
Not yet taken over by mass tourism, Languedoc – which has now joined with the Midi-Pyrénées to form Occitanie – offers visitors a quieter Mediterranean experience than the French Riviera.
From its wild mountain plateaus to endless vineyards, Languedoc is known for its diversity and for its spectacular beaches, which are rewarded with sunshine for more than 300 days each year.
With house prices at more affordable levels in Languedoc than in Provence or the French Riviera, those looking to buy properties near the Mediterranean can still find good deals here before prices and interest rates start to rise.
If you are looking to buy a property in France which is on the Mediterranean coast, Home Hunts recommends checking out these four locations, which are positioned by some of the most highly-rated beaches in the Languedoc region.
All the fun of the fair at Argelès-sur-Mer
Set at the foot of Pyrénées and the Albères, the unspoilt golden sands of Argelès Plage are a treat for any beach-loving holiday maker – and the Blue Flag award means it has been recognised for its cleanliness and facilities.
Backed by pines and scrubland, and many campsites, this holiday hotspot is a coveted location for property owners and is particularly suited to families. The Luna Park funfair and sea-based activities – from kayaking to jet-skiing and scuba diving – provide plenty of entertainment, and for 2017 the new Drop-in water park has opened.
Argelès itself is a typical French town with bustling markets selling local produce, an old quarter and plenty of sightseeing opportunities. For an unusual gastronomic soiree off the beaten track, head to La Trencadis, a popular gastropub with a sunny terrace.
No place like Narbonne
Narbonne is on the up and considered to be a savvy spot for investment, especially as the TGV is coming through here en-route to Spain.
In the centre, Narbonne’s cathedral is a must-go for visitors – even if it is just to listen to the breath-taking acoustics inside – but it is the Canal de Robine that draws the community together, for walking, cycling and even wining and dining.
With huge expanses of beach that are far less crowded than the French Riviera, the area’s popularity with tourists means that it presents good rental opportunities for holiday home owners. For those looking to move permanently to the area, tourism-related business ventures are popular and properties that can work as B&Bs or gite complexes are not often on the market for long.
Discover the white sandy shores of Saint-Cyprien
Somehow, Saint-Cyprien Plage in the Pyrénées-Orientales is still something of a well-kept secret. With white sands stretching as far as the eye can see, waves lapping peacefully onto the shore and glorious views of the Pyrénées, it is a favourite with the French, yet not so well known with overseas tourists.
While the beach can get busy during the high season, it is often far less crowded than some of the other beaches in the area and usually far quieter than the Mediterranean resorts on the Côte d’Azur.
For those with families, this resort is a spectacular place to spend a holiday. There is a generous range of water activities and boat trips on offer, as well as an Aqualand in town, so there is always something to amuse and entertain.
There are plenty of restaurants and shops in the commercial heart of Saint-Cyprien, as well as all the amenities you need, which is why the resort has become such a popular choice for holiday home investment over the years.
With Collioure, Perpignan and Argelès-sur-Mer just twenty minutes away, it is also an excellent base from which to explore the area.
Explore the dynamic metropolis of Montpellier
The fastest-growing city in France, Montpellier is the capital of the Hérault department where around half of the city’s inhabitants are under 34 years old. This makes for a young, vibrant atmosphere that has partly contributed to this dynamic city becoming a hotbed for culture and design – even the trams have been designed by Christian Lacroix.
During the summer, the vibrant Place de la Comédie, at the heart of Montpellier’s centre, is filled with street performers, musicians and bustling markets, but the city also offers all kinds of cultural and historical attractions, as well as decent shopping and fine dining options.
Recommended local beaches near Montpellier are Espiguette (considered by locals to be the best), Palavas les Flots and La Grande Motte.
If you are looking to buy a property on the Mediterranean coast, you can search for more properties at www.home-hunts.com, but to speak to a consultant directly about your specific real estate requirements, call +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
