The Luberon, a sound investment
The Regional Nature Park is dotted with villages of genuine charm : Bonnieux, Roussillon, Gordes, Lourmarin. From one day to the next, the Luberon cultivates its own special character, and a reputation that has travelled well beyond the borders of France. An excursion to the land of Provence…
Perched on the hills or down in the plain, the Luberon’s villages give precedence to rural architecture, authentic old stone, and the sacrosanct “mas” or country house, bearing aloft the colours of Provence. Laid out around a fortified château, Gordes is known for its typical narrow streets, steep and cobbled, with mysterious vaults, ancient doors, refreshing fountains and panoramic views of the Luberon mountain and its luxuriant valley. Overlooking the vale of Lourmarin, the fortified village of Bonnieux, inhabited since the Neolithic era, plays host to a highly characteristic church, part Romanesque, part Gothic. Between vines and countryside, Ménerbes plays the ace of serenity, languishing at the top of a hill. From its rocky spur, Goult has kept the ruins of its ancient ramparts. Everyone enjoys strolls or relaxing on shady village squares. It’s hard to compile an exhaustive list of all these villages of character… 60 km east to west, 5 km north to south, the Luberon cannot be explored in just one trip. It has become a kind of label, a real way of life.
“2015 and 2016 can clearly be seen as the years the British made their comeback, thanks to the pound’s advantageous exchange rate,” say Céline Pourrot and Christine Conrad of Valancogne & Partners Luberon. They have seen a revival of interest in properties of 400 m2 or more on at least 2.5 acres of land, with budgets starting from 2.5 M €. Most buyers set their sights on properties in good condition, not wanting to take on major renovation work. Others are looking for houses within walking distance of a village, with living space of 150 m2, gardens of 600-1,000 m2 and pools, priced from 400,000 to 1.2 M €. French clients appreciate the immediate proximity of Avignon’s TGV station, a 2 hr 40 minute ride to/from Paris. Traditionally very fond of the Luberon, Swiss and Belgian clients are now joined by buyers from more distant lands, starting with Australians. Initially motivated by the desire for a holiday home, more and more people see the Luberon as ideal for a semi-main, or even main, residence, thanks to its excellent transport services (TGV, airport and motorway) and today’s prospects for working from home. Of international renown, Gordes, the historic site of stone “bories”, really sets people dreaming. Some clients will only consider addresses in Gordes, while others prefer the more discreet charm of Ménerbes, Oppède, Bonnieux or Goult, their buildings of character and excellent restaurants surrounded by vineyard estates. Joucas also draws fans of charm and old stone, though it is less lively. Substantial efforts have been made for Robion, the old village in the plain, sought-after for its local life, food shops and more affordable prices. Lagnes is also riding on the region’s wave of success, despite its rare offerings. Roussillon draws more interest for its hamlets than its main village, undoubtedly visited by the highest number of tourists in the summer season. “Europe’s economic scene worries Americans, together with the issue of security, even though the Luberon has always been synonymous with peace and quiet. In 2015, the number of investments exceeding 3 to 4 M € only amounted to about ten,” says Marie-Madeleine Nelson of the agency Un Mas en Provence. On the other hand, the 800,000 to 1 M € bracket is doing very well, with interest reinforced by a slight decline in prices. With such a budget, one can now envisage a restored old property of 200 m2 in grounds of 5,000 m2 with a pool, within the “Golden Triangle”. A view of the valley or Luberon mountain tops buyers’ lists of criteria. They also want to be sheltered from the Mistral wind, in a home facing south. The Luberon is a favourite destination for family reunions in summer, and also an anchorage point for many ex-pats. It attracts artists and intellectuals, fans of privacy, discretion and spectacular natural scenery, whereas the more festive Alpilles are more popular among showbiz personalities.
“The creation of the Regional Nature Park in 1977 is a fundamental long-term guarantee for both the surroundings and property investments, especially in the highly-prized Golden Triangle,” says Stéphane Abeil of the Emile Garcin agency. Buyers from the Parisian region and northern Europe, fond of nature and lovely old stone, are willing to pay from 800,000 to 1.5 M € for a cosy nest in Provence. American buyers recently acquired a village house of 200 m2 with a garden of 1,000 m2 and a pool in Gordes for 800,000 €. French clients then parted with 1,850,000 € to treat themselves to a property of 500 m2 at the foot of Ménerbes. As soon as prices reflect market realities, properties readily find takers. And the reality of the Luberon meets their expectations, like a picture-postcard conveying a delightful life of priceless peace and quiet.
