The Golden Triangle, the nec-plus-ultra in the Luberon
Classified as a Regional Park in 1977, the famous mountain range lies between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the plain of the Vaucluse. Fields of lavender, oakwoods, ochre rock and limestone outcrops… the scenery is ever-changing.
Medieval castles and hill-top villages, most bearing the “Loveliest Villages in France” label, succeed one another in the triangle formed by Gordes, Bonnieux and Ménerbes. The popularity of the region, wild and authentic, dates back to the late 1970’s. Since then, each summer, the calendar of events has continued to expand. Cobblestone streets and houses built into the rock are the hallmark of Gordes. Clinging to the northern slope, Bonnieux enjoys magnificent views over the “Petit Luberon”, the mountains of the Monts de Vaucluse, the 618 acres of cedar forests and vines, responsible for the production of AOC Ventoux and Côtes-du-Luberon wines. From its rocky spur, between Lacoste and Oppède, Ménerbes reigns supreme over the ancient stone quarries. Together with agriculture and tourism, real estate is one of the region’s main sources of income.
“Gordes owes its international reputation to its stone houses, the fact that it faces south, its sublime scenery and active cultural life. But most importantly, to the drastic regulations which control urban planning, the systematic use of stone and tiles, guaranteeing the finest example of architectural harmony in the Luberon,” says Jean-Christophe Rosier of the Agence Rosier. Here, the buyer has a choice between “mas” priced from 1.5 to 2.5 million euros, and “bergeries”, or sheep-farms, from 500,000 to 750,000 €, now a rare commodity. Ranging from 750,000 to 1.5 million euros, villas also have their fans. If Gordes is highly sought-after, its reputation is not necessarily reflected in its prices, comparable to those applied throughout the triangle. The difference lies more in the type of properties available, traditionally less generous in terms of living space in agricultural villages. After many quiet months resulting from the crisis, prices are now stable and activity is getting back into its stride, though bargaining may reach 15 %. The price brackets below 800,000 € and beyond 2 million euros attract a lot of interest. Properties in perfect condition and correctly valued find takers within a reasonable period of around three to eight months. Retirees and telecommuters now account for one-third of the buyers.
“ Built around a church in the 12th century, Bonnieux is also one of the most popular villages in the area. Located right at the exit of La Combe, it is a necessary halt when crossing the Luberon to reach Lourmarin, Aix-en-Provence or Marseille. The village is lively year-round, unlike the others, more affected by seasonal factors”, says Rudi Janssens of Janssens Immobilier. Some criticize its austerity, others applaud its authenticity. A quality it in fact shares with Ménerbes. Local countryfolk share their passion for the blessed soil every Friday on their market stalls. Our estate-agent notes strong demand for properties ranging from 1 to 2.5 million euros on the part of French buyers looking for holiday homes, clients from Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and even the British, now staging a noticeable comeback. They are looking for homes in excellent condition, large, bright living-rooms and the latest amenities. A house of 400 m2 in need of a lick of paint with almost 5 acres of land, no swimming pool but close to the village, is offered at 1.5 million euros, to which one can add a further 400,000-500,000 € in renovation work. A budget of 1.2 million euros is required for a semi-detached farm building of 300 m2 on almost 5 acres of land, while a recently renovated “mas” of 300 m2 with almost 7.5 acres of land with a swimming pool, tennis court, vines and landscaped areas, will set you back 2.5 million euros. The holiday pied-à-terre under 600,000 € is always in high demand. Conversely, village houses without terraces or gardens are not very appealing.
“In Ménerbes, beautiful scenery is synonymous with the good life,” says Emmanuel Garcin of the Agence Emile Garcin, refusing to delve deeper into possible distinctions. “The Golden Triangle is relatively homogeneous and can clearly claim to be the most popular address in the Luberon. Its wild scenery is matched only by its deep-rooted personality.” The only classification he accepts concerns location : “The plain is appealing, but cannot offer the views obtained from the hills, a factor that justifies 30 % of the price”. Despite an elite clientele and limited choice, the top end of the market shows a lot of promise. British and American buyers, driven by a weaker euro, are again setting their sights on the region. An English client has just acquired a “mas” of 250 m2 to restore, with about 5 acres of land near Goult, for 800,000 €. He will most likely spend the same amount again to create a property worth 1.5 to 2 million euros over the long term. One of his compatriots paid approximately 3 million euros for a château in a village, consisting of the main residence, a guest cottage and guardians’ accommodation, totalling 600 m2 with about 3.75 acres of grounds. Finally, a Belgian client invested 1.2 million euros in a stone house of 180 m2, tastefully revamped. “The crisis seems to be behind us, though we should probably expect some turbulence in the
fall,” adds Emmanuel Garcin. “Sustained demand in such a context suffices to confirm the sound nature of the investment. An observation that can also be made in the Alpilles, a comparable market in terms of buyer profile. However, for equivalent properties, the Golden Triangle in the Luberon is 10 % cheaper.”
By Laetitia Rossi
