The seaside addresses of Le Lavandou and La Croix-Valmer

Idyllic sandy beaches, well-preserved nature and controlled urban planning, such are the assets of these charming seaside resorts on the Var coast, facing the Iles du Levant on the shores of the Mediterranean.

An authentic fishing village, Le Lavandou stretches out along 12 km of the coast with 12 magnificent sandy beaches. Nestling at the foot of the Massif des Maures, Le Lavandou is well-known for its luxuriant and protected Mediterranean vegetation. A charming seaside resort, it offers a good choice of cultural and sports activities, numerous proximity shops and good restaurants. Split into five neighbourhoods, Saint-Clair, La Fossette, Aiguebelle, Cavalière and Pramousquier, the commune is home to just over 6,000 residents. Its property market mainly consists of second residences.

“The season is just beginning, and we are already seeing interest on the part of French, north European, British and Swiss clients,” says Olivier Pruvost of the Vue Mer Immobilier agency, based in Le Lavandou for the past six years. “Even though the market has seen a general decline of 10 to 15 % over the past three years, the low stock of available properties keeps prices stable, especially in the most popular areas such as the beaches of La Fossette, Aiguebelle and La Cavalière, and also the private gated estate of Le Gaou Bénat, a select and highly-prized address.” Mainly comprised of villas used as holiday homes, Le Lavandou’s property market is ageing somewhat, with the majority of its houses built in the 1970’s and 1980’s. The lack of building land explains the absence of new and contemporary properties. “Most budgets range from 500,000 € to 1 million euros. For 500,000 €, buyers can set their sights on a small house of 100 m2 to renovate, with a garden of about 800 m2, not far from the centre. Those ready to invest 1 million euros will benefit from a lovely location with views of the sea, at least 3 or 4 bedrooms, and more extensive grounds with a pool. A few apartments are also up for sale. On the front row, they are priced from 6,000 to 7,000 € per sq. metre.”

Already inhabited in Roman times, the little hamlet of La Croix-Valmer on the territory of Gassin really took off in the 19th century, when families of silk manufacturers from Lyon fell for its charm and simultaneously developed its vineyards and its hotels for tourists. In the 20th century, houses in “Belle Epoque” style marked the first phase of the commune’s urban development, before Provençal and neo-Provençal villas rose from the ground to complete its picture-postcard scenery. “Neo-Provençal houses are the most sought-after, especially by our international clientele. Drawn by their prices – naturally lower than in Saint-Tropez –, but also the commune’s wonderful natural environment, these buyers are looking for holiday villas offering lovely views, 3 or 4 bedrooms and a swimming pool. The most highly-prized neighbourhoods are the Gigaro beach and the Barbigoua estate,” explains Filippo Speranza-Patrignani, manager of the new Barnes agency in La Croix-Valmer, inaugurated in March. “The most lively segment consists of houses estimated from 1.5 to 2 million euros, with a clientele evenly balanced out between French and foreign buyers, mainly from Belgium, the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.” By way of example, he mentions the recent sale of a neo-Provençal villa of 200 m2 in grounds of 2,600 m2 with an infinity pool. Offering a panoramic view of the sea and island of Le Levant, this 4-bedroomed property was acquired for 1,350,000 € by a French family as its holiday home.