Palavas-les-Flots Property Insight

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Palavas les Flots is a seaside village situated in Hérault, part of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, south of France. It is a member of the Communauté de communes du Pays de l’Or and accounts for some 5,975 inhabitants called the Palavasien(ne)s. It is an appreciated tourist destination with many assets.

Overview

Located in one of the favourite French regions, all in the area seems to have been thought to please. It benefits from the Mediterranean climate, which means quite rainy autumns, mild winters and warm summers. The Mistral and Tramontane winds are however here to cool the atmosphere. Between lagoons and the Mediterranean, seven kilometres of fine sand beaches are awaiting you. Palavas les Flots not only offers all the facilities and activities of a seaside resort, but the town in itself boasts an attractive lifestyle.

Former fishermen village, it has kept lots of its traditions and craft industry has pride of place. It is renowned for its top notch services, tourism being the main input for the economy. It has many small shops, restaurants and cafés to pop in before going back to your stroll within lovely narrow streets, all this under a sunny sky. Rather small commune, it is however very lively and offers miscellaneous activities. Palavas les Flots successfully mixes the seaside life with both traditions and modern way of life. Furthermore, each season offers a different but always full of charm atmosphere.

Palavas les Flots Immobilier & Property Market Trends

Apart from a slight increase in spring, the real estate market in Palavas les Flots in 2009 has remained quite stable. With on average €4,523 /sq m, buying prices there are admittedly higher than the department average (€3,054 /sq m) but keep in mind that the town is located on the shoreline, where property prices tend to soar. The investment can besides be really worth, either to allow you to enjoy the many assets of the area or in terms of buy-to-let, as houses on the Mediterranean Sea are very sought-after.

The housing stock is made up of 62% apartments and 61% second homes, which is six times more than the national average. Palavas les Flots is indeed much appreciated as holiday town and several properties offer unobstructed views on the sea. Prices get higher while approaching beaches and vary along with the type of property. For a flat you can account €4,628 /sq m, €4,379 /sq m for a villa, €3,680 /sq m for a standard house and €2,733 /sq m for an estate.

Buying prices are surprisingly much higher for apartments whilst currently affordable when it comes to vast properties. The town offers good rental opportunities as it accounts for 45% tenants and attracts lots of tourists. As far as plots of land are concerned, they are nowadays hardly to be found on the seashore but some are still available further inland. Whether to invest or to experience the life on the Mediterranean coast yourself, Palavas les Flots is a blue chip.

To get updated info about the property prices in Hérault, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Palavas les Flots

• A land of shorelines: surrounded with the Mediterranean Sea on one side and natural lagoons on the other, Palavas les Flots has an irresistible and unique charm. Very popular amongst both locals and visitors, the Mediterranean coast promises relaxing and happy time; the canals for their part are a key element in the local life and strolling on their banks alone, through the narrow streets of the village, give you an insight of the pleasant and traditional atmosphere ruling there.

• Tourism: without being crowded like neighbouring bigger towns, Palavas les Flots is much appreciated by tourists. Good news for you if you plan to invest as you will not have problems to find tenants. Besides, it also means numerous facilities and organizations of events to match the tourists’ demand. New development projects are constantly under way; there are so many assets for you to enjoy if you decide on a second home there.

• Location – transport links: Palavas les Flots is located at 50km from Nimes and some 15min drive from Montpellier. This latter has a European airport with regular flights to UK allowing you to reach London in only 2 hours. Within the department, to get about is easy for regular coach lines take place. By train, you can link Paris in The French capital being a hub in terms of transport; from there you will be able to travel to wherever you want.

• Cultural events: the village organizes numerous events all year round. In summer all child at heart people will be delighted by the funfair and the night market is a must to dig out all sorts of items in a merry atmosphere. The gorgeous traditional bullrings are the scene of bullfighting, horse shows as well as diverse concerts. Férias in May and June are really worth to experience. Other cultural events are also on offer, such as plays, art exhibitions and shows. If you have a sweet tooth, do not miss the chocolate fair in October...

• Water activities: of course going for a paddle and swimming are still much appreciated pastime, but the sea offers many other activities. If you want to relax, you can go sailing or snorkelling; and why not rent a boat and discover the area by yourself? Do not worry as several schools are here to provide lessons on various water activities. More uncommon sports are not left behind as canoeing, water skiing, longboard surfing, banana boating... and so on are also on offer; the local traditional sport being sea jousting.

Property Styles and Architecture in Palavas les Flots

More than half of the housing are apartments, they however do not have any particular feature ; except that several are part of residences with swimming pool.

• Villas: most of them were recently built and have a both neat and modern architecture. They are usually very luminous with numerous big picture windows and often come with a private swimming pool. To be found mostly at the seaside, they are located in very pleasant surroundings and as bonus offer beautiful views on the sea.

• Town houses: traditionally built in stone, they usually have a stylish interior with some warm colour painted walls like the ‘French South spirit’. They generally come with a coutyard brightened up with green vegetation. Located in the town centre, they are close from all amenities.

Click here for more info about the Architecture in Languedoc.

Take a closer look at the Herault property market:
Agde Property Information	Beziers Property Information
Montpellier Property Information	Sete Property Information
Pézenas Property Information