The very essence of this region is the sun. Provence and the Côte d'Azur are blessed with mild weather throughout most of the year. Images come to mind of lavender fields, olive groves, sloping vineyards, bountiful harvests, turquoise sea and the French Riviera. Nice, Antibes, Cannes and Saint Tropez are glamorous names with a worldwide reputation. Here the notion of colour takes on a whole new meaning.
Artists like Cezanne, Matisse and Van Gogh have immortalised its landscapes in some of their most illustrious paintings. The region combines charm and stunning beauty, the serenity of Provence and lively Mediterranean energy. With the sun and a touch of magic for everyone, this area of France is unparalleled in popularity. International buyers prefer it to all other French locations.
How to reach this land of sunshine
With an international airport in Nice and local airports in Toulon, Marseilles and Avignon, Provence and the Côte d'Azur are but a simple flight away. The TGV also serves Marseille from Paris, nearly 800 kilometres in three hours. As for motorways, the "Autoroute du Soleil" crosses the whole of France from north to south, heads east at Aix-en-Provence and skirts up the coast to Nice and Monaco.
Moderately expensive and in high demand
Surrounded by vines or olive trees and covered with bougainvillea, warm coloured mas are the symbol of Provence and the Côte d'Azur. Either several storeys high, or long and low, they are usually adorned with sea-blue or olive-green shutters and rounded, red tile roofs. The traditional "mas" are refreshing and inviting and the southern European influence is prevalent. Properties often have inner courtyards, mosaic fountains and terraces of oaks, olive trees, palms, eucalyptus and citrus fruits. From very reasonable to moderately higher prices and in high demand, property in this region of France is whatdreams are made of.
| Region |
Old |
New |
| Reported average price for homes |
€ 3457 per m2 |
€ 296,500 |
| Reported average price for flats |
€ 3913 per m2 |
€ 3735 per m2 |
Average price for Provence and the Côte d'Azur
Source: - FNAIM / 2007
- Ministère de l'Écologie, du Développement et de l'Aménagement durables / 2006