Investing in France in a main residence or second home by the sea is the choice of many foreigners and French people, whether on the West Coast or the French Riviera. A survey by Meilleurs Agents, published in July 2020, lists property prices in French seaside resorts. Carte Financement lists the characteristics of the West Coast and the French Riviera below to help you make your choice when looking for a property on the French coast.
In addition to enjoying a pleasant living environment, owners also have the opportunity to generate a comfortable additional income through seasonal rentals. Whether on the West Coast or on the French Riviera, the most popular properties are those that are remote, with no main road nearby. This type of property is particularly in demand by foreign buyers.
Investing in property on the French Riviera
The Côte d’Azur and Provence are extremely popular areas for holidaymakers and potential buyers who want to settle down in the sun. It is also a region with high prices on the real estate market where the wealthiest are competing against each other. The Languedoc coastline is also gaining in attractiveness this year with a 4.8% increase in prices compared to last year.
Prices: The Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region is the most expensive coastline in France at 4,770 euros/m2 per year. The most expensive places are ranked as follows:
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: 13,264 euros/m2 (equivalent to the 1st arrondissement of Paris)
- Ramatuelle 12,744 euros/m2
- Saint-Tropez: 10,916 euros/m2
The cheapest towns in the PACA region are Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Hyères (around 3,000 euros/m2).
In Languedoc, the disparity of prices along the coast is significant, ranging from 4,144 euros/m2 in Palavas-les-Flots to 2,000 euros/m2 in Port-la-Nouvelle or Torreilles.
Climate: The Côte-d’Azur is one of the sunniest regions in France. With an average of 122 days of sunshine in 2019, the Mediterranean climate is renowned for having hot summers and relatively mild winters.
Investing in real estate on the West Coast
The Atlantic coast is also very attractive due to its infrastructure and dynamism. The coast has seen a 4.2% rise in prices in one year.
Prices: The Breton coast is the most accessible in France with a price of 2,577/m2. According to Meilleurs Agents, the cheapest seaside resort in France is Goulien in Finistère on the West Coast at 1,193 euros/m2. Conversely, the most expensive Breton resorts are as follows:
- La Trinité-sur-Mer (4,343 euros/m2)
- Carnac (3,973 euros/m2)
- Larmor-Baden (3,946 euros/m2)
The Atlantic coast, for its part, has higher prices than the Breton coast. The top three are:
- Lège-Cap-Ferret (€8,167/m2)
- Portes-en-Ré (€7,582/m2)
- Arcachon (€6,252/m2)
Climate: The West Coast has a temperate climate influenced by sea breezes. Winters are relatively cold and summers are cool. With frequent winds throughout the year, summer temperatures are rather mild all along the West Coast.
To conclude, the choice to invest in property on the West Coast or on the Côte d’Azur requires a great deal of thought on the expectations and objectives of the acquisition of a main residence or second home. While the West Coast appeals for its charm and relatively low prices, the Côte d’Azur attracts the wealthiest buyers for its sunshine and Mediterranean beaches.
