Luxury Property For Sale in Occitanie​

In 2016, the former Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées regions in France were combined to create Occitanie in the southern part of the country. The area includes both Mediterranean coastline and the Pyrénées, making it an ideal location for property-buyers who want to be close to the sea and the mountains. There are a number of wonderful towns in the region to choose from if you’re looking to buy property, including Montpellier, Narbonne and Toulouse.

There’s no end to the reasons why people love to visit and live in Occitanie. For starters, the beaches here are quieter than those on the French Riviera, making them particularly popular with families. The beautiful scenery and natural wonders of the region include the Aubrac plateau, with sprawling pastures and deep forests, Cévennes National Park, and the Gorges du Tarn canyon. There are lots of cycle paths in the area, too, whether you want an easy ride or a challenge — the Tour de France route even passes through.

The area is also home to several of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (the most beautiful villages in France). The clifftop village of Rocamadour is part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, while the colours of Collioure will make it clear why the area has attracted so many painters through the years. There’s also the medieval Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, which is calm, charming and full of ancient architecture to appreciate.

Occitanie is so large and diverse that there are a number of property types and styles here to choose from. The Pyrénées has mountain chalets and farmhouses, and along the coast, there are villas with pools, plus colourful townhouses with courtyards and rooftop terraces. There are also large Mas farmhouses, stone Bastide village houses and more unique properties like converted windmills.

Traditional meets modern with homes that boast details like beams in the ceiling and Provencal touches as well as fully fitted out game rooms and inviting swimming pools. Open-plan living spaces open onto large outdoor terraces for dining in the fresh air, and sleek, sophisticated kitchens with modern amenities look out over lush greenery and the sea beyond. Even homes dating back to the 18th century have been lovingly and thoughtfully restored. You can find more modest properties with four bedrooms or enormous homes with nine bedrooms and multiple swimming pools, suiting your family size and any guests you plan to have visit often.

The coastal properties in Occitanie are the most sought-after, as are those in big towns and popular tourist areas. This is important to know if you’re purchasing a home you may rent out for part of the year. If you’re looking for a more low-key setting just for you and your family, there are less popular, yet still beautiful, towns in Occitanie to consider.

To make the process of finding and buying property for sale in Occitanie easier, consider working with a property agent. On top of having access to unlisted homes, property agents also have expert-level knowledge of the region and the buying process.

When you’ve found a home you love, it’s time to make an offer in writing. This will be presented to the owner. If the offer is accepted, both parties will sign the Compromis de Vente, which is the initial (not finalised) contract with details about the property and the sale.

Once the contract is signed, there’s a 10-day cooling-off period, which is mandatory. During this time, the buyer can change their mind about the purchase without suffering any penalties. Should you decide to continue with the purchase, that cooling-off period is followed by a conveyancing process, which usually takes around 12 weeks and involves various home assessments.

When you and the owner have worked out the specifics of the sale and come to an agreement, the deed, called an Acte de Vente, will be drawn up. After both parties sign the deed and you’ve made the final payment, you can call the home yours.

For more information about this process, visit our complete guide to buying property in France.