EXPERT BEACH HOTSPOTS
Some 95% of French beaches that were on last year’s list kept their place, with the majority located in Occitanie (108), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (86) and Nouvelle-Aquitaine (60).
OCCITANIE Occitanie is the second-largest region in mainland France and has 200km of unspoilt beaches and clean sea along the Languedoc and Catalonian coastline. Some of the region’s beach hotspots include:
destinations but property prices here are lower with one- bedroom apartments available for under £300,000.
THE RIVIERA It would be wrong not to include the French Riviera on this list. Famous for glitz and glamour, the Côte d’Azur features stunning beaches and marinas but due to being a luxury destination, property prices are on the higher end of the spectrum.
The marina at Le Grau-du-Roi
Le Grau-du-Roi: A mere 40- minute drive from Montpellier, this family seaside resort prides itself on also being the leading marina in Europe in terms of capacity. The area has seen a lot of new-build homes entering the market, with property prices ranging from £250,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, to £600,000 and up for a three- bedroom (or larger) property.
Cannes: Home to yachts, events, eateries and an abundance of high-end shops, Cannes has a reputation for being less affordable. For a two- bedroom apartment overlooking the Croissette, buyers need deep pockets with a minimum £2.5m to spend but, further inland, you can find one-bedroom apartments for less than £300,000!
in the south, to the Loire Valley 500km north, and from the Atlantic coastal beaches in the west to the Massif Central in the east. Home to both, mountainous and seaside landscapes, the area has the best of both worlds. Some of the region’s most popular coastal destinations include:
Catch the waves at Anglet Celeb-watch on the beach at Cannes On the Med: Palavas-les-Flots
Palavas-les-Flots: Backed by several lakes and bisected by the Lez River, Palavas-les-Flots is an attractive beach resort. Properties by the beach are rare and, if available, can cost in excess of £900,000. The majority of places are, however, available in Lattes, which is only a 10-minute drive away, with buyers being able to find a one-bedroom apartment from around £300,000 upwards with many new-builds available. Towards the Spanish border,
buyers can discover Canet- en-Roussillon and Argelès- sur-Mer, both popular family
Fréjus: This port town on the Côte d’Azur has a very unique atmosphere and attracts buyers and travellers who love history as much as the sea, as Fréjus boasts a number of Roman ruins. It has an amphitheatre, theatre and aqueduct, and Roman artefacts on display in its museum. South of the centre is sandy Fréjus beach. The area is home to large stunning properties costing over £1m, but your agent should be able to source one/two-bedroom apartments for under £400,000.
Anglet: Renowned for its 11 Atlantic surfing beaches, including Les Cavaliers and Marinella, Anglet is the perfect spot for sports enthusiasts. The seafront promenade features surfing schools, but there are also tennis courts, swimming pools and a golf course. Home to numerous Blue Flag beaches, househunters can find one- bedroom apartments from £300,000, with family homes costing in excess of £500,000.
La Rochelle has three sandy beaches
La Rochelle: This coastal city is the capital of the Charente- Maritime department and centre of fishing and trade since the 12th century, which means that, even nowadays, visitors can enjoy great seafood and beautiful scenery. The property market provides a wider choice of apartments and houses with the average price for a one-bedroom flat at £250,000. Houses are on the market from £400,000 plus.
Fréjus is perfect for history lovers
WEST COAST The largest of France’s 13 metropolitan regions, Nouvelle- Aquitaine stretches from the Spanish border and Pyrénées
Insider tip: If you wish to take seaside living one step further and buy a property on an island, don’t overlook the Île d’Oléron, home to three Blue Flag beaches and one Blue Flag marina.
4 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: January/February 2024 59
© SHUTTERSTOCK
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