_The best places to buy a holiday let in France
Below, we explore properties for sale in 3 in-demand areas when it comes to buying an investment opportunity; in Var, Cote d’Azur and Provence. For the latest insights on the prime France market, read Knight Frank's 2022 Prime France report.
The Var
Encompassing the iconic port towns of St Tropez, St Raphaël and St Maxime along its 460km of coastline, The Var has long been favoured by those seeking a second home, as well as tourists, who flock to the area to soak up its year-round Mediterranean climate.
Beyond the sandy beaches of St Tropez, Jack Harris, Partner at Knight Frank, says: “The Var region encompasses a vast range of topography and villages to include the forested villages of la Garde Freinet, the seaside town of Ste Maxime, the vineyards of the Fayence region, and more.
“High demand on the St Tropez peninsula has resulted in a limited stock of available homes, and prices in St Tropez for prime prices reaching approximately €28,300 per sqm.”
7 bedroom house for sale in La Garde-Freinet, Var
Asking price: €2,750,000
30 minutes inland from Grimaud lies this enchanting stone country house. The property’s position, standing on 2.7 hectares of grounds, would make for an ideal holiday let. The main house comprises 4 bedrooms, while a large, fully equipped guest cottage offers 3 more.
Adding to its holiday let potential, the property has several outdoor terraces for guests to relax in private or enjoy al fresco dining. It’s beautiful, but the real wow factor is in the garden: a large, 14x6m swimming pool with a sun terrace that juts out over the hillside to maximise the uninterrupted countryside views.
5 bedroom villa for sale in Ramatuelle, Var
Asking price: €7,950,000
This charming villa cuts a striking figure in the chic village of Ramatuelle, which is less than 10km from St Tropez. The property has recently undergone a complete renovation, from its Burgundy limestone floors to the creation of seamless indoor/outdoor living.
Its generous living spaces make it an ideal option for a holiday let. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. The open plan layout means guests can easily meander from the living room to the covered outdoor dining area, which overlooks the 16m heated pool and mountainous landscape beyond.
Côte d’Azur
Home to the iconic French Riviera coastline, the Côte d’Azur is famously popular with the uber-rich, who moor their super yachts in Cannes’ world-famous harbour. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most sought-after areas to buy a property in France, but those in the market for a holiday let will be rewarded with high-quality, year-round tourism.
“The stretch of the French Riviera between Theoule sur Mer and Menton is ever-popular principally due to its ease of access via Nice International Airport,” Harris explains. “With offerings of waterfront homes, serviced apartments, and generous estates, the region caters for those looking for holiday homes, full-time residences, or rental investments. Market liquidity is strongest in the €1-2.5m price bracket in the sought-after villages of Mougins and Valbonne.”
3 bedroom apartment for sale in Cannes, Côte d`Azur
Asking price: €1,390,000
Located in the heart of Cannes’ glitz and glamour, it’s easy to see the holiday let potential of this apartment. The beach is just a few steps (150m) from the front door. In the property itself, the large living room with a double sea view balcony makes for a beautiful entertainment space, while its 3 double bedrooms are served by 2 bathrooms.
6 bedroom villa for sale in Mougins, Côte d`Azur
Asking price: €5,500,000
This modern villa is 15 minutes from the centre of Cannes in the sought-after village of Mougins. The property is set on a beautifully landscaped 2800 m² plot that includes a swimming pool, summer kitchen and pétanque court. The house has been thoughtfully designed with high-quality finishes throughout, from its modern kitchen, a cinema room, and a fitness suite with a sauna.
Provence
Whether strolling through the olive groves of the Alpilles or the perched hilltop villages of the Luberon, there’s a laidback magic to Provence that attracts both tourists and holiday home buyers alike.
Harris says: “As travel becomes easier, and with ever-improving accessibility via Marseille Airport and the TGV line, French buyers have been joined by Belgian, British, Swiss and US purchasers with sales in the area up 28% in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period last year.”
7 bedroom house for sale in Gordes, Provence
Asking price: €2,350,000
In the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle’ (Gordes, Ménerbes and Bonnieux) is this beautiful stone property. The house sits on a 0.62 acre plot, comprising 2 buildings linked by a stunning glass roof and internal courtyard.
The main house offers wide open living spaces, including a large principal suite with a bathroom, dressing room and study. The second building has a further 4 bedrooms and a wellness and Jacuzzi area, leading to a large outdoor swimming pool and pool house.
13 bedroom house for sale in Puyricard, Provence
Asking price: €4,470,000
In the medieval village of Puyircard, an area famous for its namesake chocolate, lies this handsome bastide. Its beautiful façade evokes French opulence, dating back to the 1620s, during the time of Louis XIII and the Aix Parliament.
Buyers looking for a unique holiday let are spoiled here. The property sits in a quiet woodland for privacy, and within its 1 hectare of gardens are 2 swimming pools, one of which is heated. The main house comprises a large living room, kitchen, office, and 7 bedrooms, while the second house serves as 3 independent apartments.
For inquiries on any of these properties, or to explore more homes in these regions, Jack Harris, Partner at Knight Frank within the International Residential Department, would love to hear from you.