A very diverse shoreline in the Pyrénées-Orientales

Like Corsica, the Alpes-Maritimes and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, “département 66” combines the pleasures of the sea and the joys of the mountains. To the east, the Mediterranean forms its natural boundary, and 300 days a year, the sun shines on the Catalan coast.

The development of the tourist industry in the Languedoc-Roussillon began in the 1960’s. Blocks of flats were built on the “Côte Vermeille” and the rocky coastline stretching from Argelès-sur-Mer to Cerbère and passing through Collioure, Port-Vendres, Banyuls and Paulilles. The contrasting scenery is much-appreciated by their 14,700 residents. In parallel, the sandy beaches of Le Barcarès, Canet-en-Roussillon and Saint-Cyprien attract many visitors. And the climate accounts for a steady influx of retirees. Le Barcarès lies 22 km north of Perpignan, between the sea and the lake of Salses. Saint-Cyprien, one of seven seaside resorts developed as part of an inter-ministerial mission, is now the third largest yacht marina in Europe. The population swells from about 10,000 residents in winter to 100,000 in July and August. Also constantly rising in Argelès, a locality which keeps a tight control on the quality of its tourist facilities, it spreads out towards the plain and between the town and the sea. Here, Le Racou, a site within the preserved shoreline zone, offers spectacular panoramic views of the cliffs, charming underbrush and an area devoted to scrubland. 20 km south of the Prefecture, the commune boasts a total of seven km of sandy beaches, two km of rocks : 82 % of the area is devoted to agriculture with no less than two nature reserves, Le Mas Larrieu on the coast and the forest of La Massane in Les Albères.

“Le Barcarès is probably more affordable than Canet, Saint-Cyprien and Argelès, towns with over 10,000 year-round residents,” concedes Valérie Altman of the Agence du Soleil, a real-estate group composed of 18 agencies. Holiday homes, forming the large majority, enjoy free parking facilities and 10 km of cycling paths. If it appeals to holiday-makers, the fishing village seems entirely appropriate for primary use since it hosts shops, schools and other amenities. Apartments revolve around 3,000 €/m2, villas range from 300,000 to 350,000 € and 2-bedroom holiday cottages cost about 130,000 €. The beaches of La Coudalère at the edge of a lake are 2 km away. With the exception of a sailing centre, this area has no other facilities. Individual units of 35 m2 are priced around 100,000 €. Le Lydia, ie. the beach, is very lively in summer, a trend that continues to be confirmed. The residence mostly consists of apartments enjoying lovely views of the sea. A 1-bedroom apartment on the front row costs from 80,000 to 110,000 €. Prices seem to be stabil-izing and activity getting back into its stride.

“Just a 20-minute drive from Perpignan, Saint-Cyprien is a resort with holiday “pavillons” dedicated to both families and sport, very popular among fans of water-sports activities, golf and tennis,” explains Eliane Martin of the agency Le Lagon. Not available in any large quantities, a 1-bedroom apartment costs from 90,000 to 120,000 €, while 2 bedrooms attain 180,000 €, provided they face the sea. More widespread but deprived of a sea view, the holiday home of 45 m2 with a terrace of 80 m2 changes hands in the 130,000-150,000 € bracket. As for villas, they cost from 280,000 €, the price required for a basic construction of 100 m2, to 850,000 € for living space of 300 m2 in grounds of 1,800 m2 near the greens. In this category, year-round and holiday homes are now on an equal footing. Demand is just as strong for a small pied-à-terre as for a property of real quality. It is difficult to compare the site to the “Côte Vermeille”, characterized by standard buildings and a wild but varied setting. Furthermore, both housing typologies and prices differ. “The Catalan village of Collioure boasts international renown and undeniable charm. Available properties are scarce and prices therefore remain steady,” adds Christophe Roux.

“Benefitting from good road and rail connections, Argelès combines stretches of sand, creeks and mountains. The chain of the Albères in fact meets up with the Mediterranean at Le Racou. Like Canet and Saint-Cyprien, this address is lively twelve months a year. The crisis, which began in 2007, has resulted in a higher percentage of purchases of main residences and marked enthusiasm for the top end of the market. In the first quarter of 2010, we have seen a lot of interest in the 350,000-500,000 € range,” comments the manager of Argelès Immobilier. Among his most recent sales, he points to a lovely villa of 180 m2 in grounds of 2,000 m2 with swimming pool, 10 km from the sea, pegged at 800,000 € in 2008 and now acquired for 675,000 €, another comfortable house of 175 m2 with grounds of 1,000 m2, 15 km from the shore, sold at 405,000 €, and a home of 141 m2 in grounds of 1,100 m2 but without a pool at 400,000 €. Seafront properties are scarce and only represent a handful of transactions per year. One seller is currently asking 770,000 € for a villa of 240 m2 with a garden of 570 m2 but no particular view, separated from the beach by a single street. The sharp decline in interest rates, the popularity of bricks and mortar, and a more realistic approach on the part of most sellers all call for optimism. After an excellent start to the year, Christophe Roux expects to see the end of the tunnel in 2010.

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