Ramatuelle and Gassin, at the gateway to Saint-Tropez
If the whole world knows about the most festive of all fishing ports, on the front covers of celebrity magazines every summer, the initiated appreciate Ramatuelle and Gassin, the charm of medieval villages and the beautiful countryside of the Var. Mediterranean landscapes succeed one another in a serene and bucolic atmosphere.
Ramatuelle, home to 2,500 residents, boasts an immense white sandy bay between the capes of Camarat and Saint-Tropez. Tahiti Plage and Club 55 contribute to the international reputation of Pampelonne. Far from being limited to its coastline, the region offers, in a surface area of about 9,000 acres, hills planted with oaks and pines, and an alluvial plain with vineyards. Built in “snail” fashion, the medieval town offers narrow streets and shops with tempting local fare. On Thursdays and Sundays, the Provençal market is held on the Place de l’Ormeau. Gassin, with 2,860 inhabitants, stands on a rocky promontory at the heart of the peninsula, less than 4 km from the sea. 200 metres above sea level, this picturesque village surveys the Iles d’Or, the Alps and the Massif des Maures. Characterized by its Romanesque church built in the 16th century, it is one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Ramatuelle is composed of three main areas. Posting the same price-grids as Saint-Tropez, Pampelonne attracts fans of tranquillity as well as the trendy clientele of the famous Club 55. All go about their business without needing to resort systematically to a car. Over the past decade, a lot of renovation has been undertaken in the Escalet neighbourhood. Less expensive and more rugged than Pampelonne, it looks set to be a rising value. Set back from the coast, the countryside offers a quiet setting dotted with some enviable estates. The main asset of this neighbourhood lies precisely in controlled urban planning and harmonious integration of housing into the natural environment. Residents access the town so dear to Paul Signac and Brigitte Bardot from the rear, a road far less congested than the one running along the shore. A villa of 260 m2 in grounds of 2,600 m2, with no particular view, currently costs 4.9 million euros. A house of 490 m2, renovated throughout, in grounds of 1,600 m2 facing the sea has a price-tag of 14.5 million euros.
“This address benefits from an excellent orientation and generous grounds, qualities which are endangered species in the neighbouring town,” says Stéphanie Richard of the Interfirst Agency. During the crisis, the lower range, ie. under 5 million euros, has been bogged down. Above that level, agencies have completed some transactions, albeit fewer than in the past. Despite the contraction in activity, prices are holding steady : sound investments do not lose their value. The majority of buyers are Russian, Scandinavian, Belgian and Italian. “In 2009, the English, seriously affected by the decline of the pound sterling, deserted the market,” says Kris Kristoffersen of Engel & Völkers. This specialist draws a distinction between classic and outstanding properties. The prices of those with a panoramic sea view, a location at the water’s edge or an estate near the Mediterranean have hardly dropped at all. Recently, a house of 120 m2 to restore found a buyer at 1.7 million euros, despite its small size. Living space of 650 m2 in 8.7 acres of land, just 1.5 km from the sea, is worth 11 million euros.
Over in Gassin, prices vary widely from one locality to another. Bordering Saint-Tropez, Sinopolis offers good value for money. Costing from 1 to 4 million euros, homes here enjoy a view of the bay of Saint-Tropez. An advantage sometimes set off by dense traffic and noise. Finally, those in search of space and nature head for the vines. Here, beautiful properties range from 3.5 to 4 million euros. Several buildings totalling 600 m2 in about 10 acres of land cost close on 12 million euros. Conversely, housing on the road to La Croix-Valmer in the 600,000 to 1 million euro bracket is suffering from the strained economic climate.
The market for seasonal rentals looks more promising for the summer of 2010 than it was last year. Prices start at 20,000 €/month, the budget required for a basic house with four bedrooms opening out to a pool. Really beautiful properties go up to 150,000 €, though the average rental is around 70,000 € per month. “Faced with customers who are increasingly demanding, a concierge service makes all the difference,” remarks Stéphanie Richard. It is also the best way to fight competition from today’s fashionable destinations. The Russians and Italians are still the best clients for holiday rentals. Below 40,000 €, there is a certain inconsistency between the amounts charged and the amenities proposed. Generally speaking, tenants stay for two weeks, though beyond that, rental periods can range from one to two months.
By Laetitia Rossi
