Lorgues : lots of choice on the agenda

Family villas, charming “bastides”, building land, prestigious proprerties and even vineyard estates, the dream of Provence could well bear the name of Lorgues.

Occupying an area of 64.4 sqm. in an ideal spot between sea and mountains, Lorgues is a commune with a history in the Upper Var. Renowned for its rich religious heritage, it can lay claim to dolmens, Moorish spas, many chapels, old wash-houses and fountains, as well as the neighbourhood of Le Riou built by the Knights Templar. Surrounded by 14 well-known vineyard estates including the Châteaux de Berne, Roubine and Mentone, Lorgues exports its wine production well beyond the frontiers of France, together with other excellent products such as olive-oil, honey and truffles. As exemplified by Le Chrissandier, Chez Bruno and L’Orangerie, Lorgues also boasts several renowned restaurants, either star-rated or recommended in the Michelin Guide.

“Today, the supply of offerings in Lorgues clearly exceeds demand,” says Rémy Vare, manager of the Pierre Azur agency based in the village for over 20 years. “Since 2013, the price of villas has dropped by 10 to 15 % on average, giving a price per sq. metre that has slipped from 3,000 to 2,800 €.” Today, with a budget ranging from 300,000 to 400,000 €, buyers can envisage acquiring a pretty villa in neo-Provençal style with three bedrooms, a vast living-room and a garden benefiting from a pool. The most sought-after neighbourhoods are La Martinette and the road leading to the Château de Berne, enjoying the loveliest panoramic views of the area. Here, one can find a few stone “bastides” on 5 to 7.5 acres of land, priced at around 900,000 €. Clients are mainly French from a variety of regions and a few northern Europeans, including a good number from Belgium and the Netherlands. The locals tend more to build their own homes, as land is now available at attractive prices. A plot of 1,200 m2 can be had for 130,000-140,000 €.

“Since they have a choice, buyers mostly focus on properties in impeccable condition, even totally equipped and freshly decorated,” says Rob Brink, who opened the New Home agency in Lorgues in 2008. “Clients are very demanding and take their time more than in the past. As the majority of our sales concern holiday homes, they are not in any hurry and prefer to wait until they find their ideal home,” explains our specialist, used to dealing in high-end properties, many priced from 1 to 2 million euros. “With this kind of budget, you can expect excellent appointments in Lorgues : a guest cottage, tennis court, swimming pool and, above all, panoramic views. You nevertheless need to demonstrate real expertise to sell this type of property.” In fact, confronted by a changing and competitive market, the estimated price must be as close to current realities as possible in order to ensure a transaction in this little corner of paradise in Provence, even with all its unden­iable attractions.