Bouches du Rhône Property Insight

The Bouches du Rhône department was created during the French Revolution in 1970. It was composed of a part of Provence and some principalities (Orange, Martigues, Lanbesc). It is one of the most populated departments of France (1,759,371 inhabitants), situated in the Provence Alpes Cote d’Azur region. The department is adjacent to Gard, Vaucluse and Var.

Overview

With mountainous areas (the Alpilles, Sainte Beaume and Sainte Victoire), wild zones (the famous Camargue area and its natural park), urban sites, wooded spaces and diversified coasts, Bouches du Rhone offers a large choice of landscapes and Provence traditions. The Calanques de Cassis are charming coves not to be missed. White rocks, cliffs, view over the sea are just some of the scenery you will see there.

Bouches du Rhone is a thriving department thanks to tourism and fishing, but the area is more sought-after for its climate (Mediterranean i.e. hot and dry summers and mild and humid winters). People are said to be welcoming and tourists appreciate in general their time spent there. A lovely department to be discovered either for holidays or for permanent life.

Bouches du Rhone Immobilier & Property Market Trends

The average property price of Bouches du Rhone is €3,202/ square metre. It is slightly above the national average of €3,197/ square metre. Some areas in the department may be much more expensive, especially if located in touristy sites such as La Ciotat and Cassis. If your budget is low, you can look for a property in remote villages where prices are lower. You will thus benefit from the quietness of the zone and closeness to the towns. If your budget is high and you want to settle in the area, many villas may be the best kind of property for you. Anyone should find the property that fit one’s expectations there.

To get updated info about the house prices in Bouches du Rhone, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Bouches du Rhone

• Gastronomy: Bouches du Rhone is a department where you will have so many specialities to taste that you will not know which one to try first. Olive tree is a sacred tree in Provence and became the main ingredient of tapenade (made of anchovy, capers and olives) and olive oil. Typical dishes are cooked with fresh food and local vegetables (courgette, tomato, aubergine, herbs). Sausage, gardiane beef, eel catigot, tome cheese, soupe au pistou, calissons, daube provencale, bouillabaisse…so many things to taste!

• Cosmopolitan life: living in Bouches du Rhone will be very pleasant if you are looking for dynamism. The area is a thriving one, especially in summer when tourists are numerous. You will not be bored: activities, economy, trips… everything is possible.

• Lifestyle: you will discover there the real southern French way of living. Lifestyle in Bouches du Rhone is relaxed, this is a great department if you are looking for a sunny retirement or a second home. If you want to settle in the area, you will feel on holiday all year long. Many activities could fill your free time: water sports, hiking, climbing or potholing! Everyone should enjoy living in this wonderful department.

• Location – transport links: Bouches du Rhone is easily accessible by any means of transport. Marseille airport offers international destinations (UK, Italy, Germany…). The high-speed train travels regularly to French cities such as Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux. The road network is also developed as many motorways will lead you to the east, west and north of France.

• Wines and alcoholic drinks: in Bouches du Rhone, you can discover a multitude of wine varieties throughout the several appellations and Provence varietals (Syrah, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Clairette amongst others). The famous Pastis is a local alcoholic drink to be tasted during the aperitif. It is flavoured with aniseed and is the pride of the locals!

Local Property Market: 5 Popular Towns

• Aix en Provence property: also called Aix, this city is at a strategic location. It is close both to the slopes and the Mediterranean Sea, which allows any kind of activity all year long. It benefits from the southern weather and lifestyle. Numerous historical monuments are worth visiting in the new town and old town. Property prices are high in the city but it is a good place if you are looking for a buy-to-let investment.
• Arles property: this wonderful town is renowned for its numerous Roman and Romanesque vestiges which can be seen throughout the area. Famous also for its bullfighting, there the bull is king. This atmosphere will probably seduce anyone. In terms of property is concerned, Arles is cheaper than other touristy locations like La Ciotat and Aix en Provence. This is also a good place for lets.
• Cassis property: a town famous for its calanques, Cassis is an idyll for nature lovers. Creeks, coves, beaches are the local scenery. The property market is dedicated to well-off people as properties in the area are very expensive (about €5,800/sq m). But if you can afford to buy a house in the commune, then you will have the impression to be on holiday all year long!
• La Ciotat property: this is the birthplace of cinema and petanque. This touristy location offers great scenery and a rich cultural heritage. Property prices are high but the town has so much to offer: harbour, beaches, French relaxed lifestyle, tourism…
• Marseille property: it is the second city of France in terms of population. Nature, sea, culture and sun are some of its features. Amazing scenery and beautiful harbour make the charm of this city. As far as property is concerned, prices in some zones are high but if your budget is low, you could look for a property in remote arrondissements of Marseille, where prices are much lower.

Property Styles and Architecture in Bouches du Rhone

• Villas: they are very modern and luxury properties located all over the French Riviera. They have a swimming-pool, huge land planted with trees, terrace, garage and courtyard. They hold numerous windows and picture windows which give them much luminosity. The latter is emphasized by the white-painted walls inside the house.
• Apartments: they represent a good kind of property if you are looking for a buy-to-let investment. Some apartments are part of residences and have thus facilities like a large park, parking and sometimes a swimming-pool. They are located close to all amenities: shops, buses, schools…
• Provence houses: they are one-storey properties coming with a piece of land and a garage. These detached properties have painted front facades (in pale colours like beige, ochre, pink or yellow). Some picture windows give luminosity to the inside of the house and lead on the outside land.

Click here for more info about Architecture in PACA.

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