Les Alpilles, the charm of Provence

Listed since 1965 in the inventory of remarkable sites, the Alpilles encompass 16 communes including the famous “Golden Triangle” comprised of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Maussane and Eygalières. An art of living reigns here to be found nowhere else.

Much appreciated in France but also internationally, the Alpilles are seen as the prime example of Provençal charm. 2 hrs 40 to Paris from the TGV station in Avignon, this cluster of villages forms a crown brimming with authenticity at the heart of a magnificent natural site. Extending over an area some 10 km long and 15 km wide, their properties make for a diverse market.

“Old-world charm is still highly sought-after by both a Parisian and international clientele,” says Eric Didner of the Agence des Alpilles, based for about 20 years in Maussane, Fontvieille, Saint-Rémy and Arles. “Saint-Rémy is still the flagship town in the Alpilles. Though over the past few years, we have noticed constantly rising demand for Maussane. Benefiting from a delightful central square lined with plane trees sheltering the terraces of restaurants and cafés, this commune with under 2,500 residents offers a pleasant life-style all year round, especially as several quality shops have opened their doors, further boosting the village’s appeal. This year, things have been quiet, as in every year during this period. The few transactions we have handled so far involved properties priced from 400,000 to 600,000 €.” The market in the Alpilles livens up in April, when clients with budgets exceeding 1 million euros begin actively searching during the Easter holidays. Even though the market is currently more favourable to buyers rather than sellers, the prices posted are not necessarily easily negotiable. “The Alpilles are seen as a sound investement. People treating themselves to a holiday home here put their plans into practice much more readily if they know they will be able to sell the property at a good price, should the need arise.” By way of example, Eric Didner mentions the recent sale of a property priced at 1.8 million euros. As an initial offer, a buyer proposed 1.4 million, finally becoming its owner after parting with 1.7 million euros.

“In fact, when a property is put up for sale at the going market price, it has a good chance of selling within six to ten months,” add Olivier Valancogne and Corinne Joutel of the Valancogne Immobilier agency, founded in 1984 in Eygalières, now with a branch in Bonnieux. 60% of the transactions it handles involve a French clientele, with the remaining 40% made up of foreigners mostly from northern Europe, but also Canada and Australia. “Our market is mainly comprised of properties ranging from 1 to 3.5 million euros. And our clients benefit from a generous choice of offerings all over the Alpilles,” say our experts, mentioning as a typical example a “mas” of 280 m2 in need of a revamp, enthroned in a 3.7-acre park with a pool and a majestic 200 year-old plane tree. Located in Eygalières, it is currently up for sale at 1.7 million euros. Again in Eygalières, a stone village house, recently renovated with lots of care, offers a surface area of 472 m2 including living space of 355 m2. Only 200 metres from shops, it is set in 2,900 m2 of grounds with a pool and a sumptuous garden area. Enjoying a sweeping view of the Alpilles, it is priced at 2,995,000 €. “Our clients are totally focused on the authenticity of Provence. Villas, stone “mas” and “bastides” which have preserved their charm and original noble materials are thus the most sought-after properties.”