Fréjus and Saint-Aygulf

With a land area of which less than 40 % has been urbanized, Fréjus benefits from living conditions which are exceptional for the Côte d’Azur. Lying between the Massif des Maures and Estérel hills, at the mouths of the Argens and Reyran rivers, the 4th largest town in Le Var has lots of assets including an address of real charm next to the small, well-preserved harbour of Saint-Aygulf.

A “Town of Art and History” founded by the Romans in the year 49 B.C., Fréjus boasts France’s largest collection of ruins dating back to the Age of Antiquity after that of Arles. Linked by the beach to Saint-Raphaël and Saint-Aygulf, the commune appeals to many Frenchmen aiming to spend their days in the Var’s sunshine as soon as they retire. The efficient motorway network and the closeness of the train station to the centre and beaches play an important part in the popularity of this commune offering an excellent compromise between well-being and security.

“The property market in Fréjus is split in two : firstly, the beach area, and secondly the more residential neighbourhoods,” explains Olivier Diez, manager of the WF King agency. The seafront is mainly comprised of apartments in residences built from the 1960’s to the years 2000. “These properties are mostly of interest to retirees who, after selling their homes in large cities, decide to live here year-round. Depending on the property’s quality, surface area, floor, appointments and view, prices range from 3,500 € per sq. metre - for apartments to renovate on lower floors - to 10,000 € per sqm. for impeccable recent properties with terraces offering a front-row view of the sea.” In the prolongation of the Valescure neighbourhood of Saint-Raphaël (the golf-course area), the residential area of La Tour de Mare provides contrasting accommodation. Here, one mainly finds villas in neo-Provençal style set along quiet leafy roads. Detached houses of sound construction are priced from 400,000 to 600,000 €, while small semi-detached “bastidons” of 70 or 80 m2 start from 250,000 € . “The market has seen an overall decline, a fact hard to swallow for a good number of owners wanting to sell. With a considerable stock of properties on offer, buyers have lots of choice and can really benefit from excellent transactions. This is definitely a period full of opportunities !”...

The neighbouring Saint-Aygulf is a micro-market on the local property scene. A small seaside resort drawing tourists and sports enthusiasts, it is particularly popular among fans of kite-surfing, especially for the 8-km beach of Les Esclamandes. Another gem in Saint-Aygulf, the lakes of Villepey form one of the rare Mediterranean lagoons providing shelter for 268 species of birds ! Finally, the little harbour has succeeded in preserving its nautical heritage with its picturesque “pointu” fishing boats cherished by the association of Les Voiles Latines. The harbour is lined with several bars and restaurants opening out to the sandy beach of La Galiote. “For their year-round homes or holiday pied-à-terre, a good number of our clients set their sights on the peace and quiet offered by neighbourhoods in Saint-Aygulf,” says Philippe Lombard, manager of the Agence Angeli. For all properties combined, prices have fallen by 10 to 15 % since 2014. “The most frequently seen budgets range from 350,000 to 550,000 €. Budgets allowing buyers to show an interest in houses near the town centre offering open views, or an apartment near the main amenities, with a beautiful sea view. On the other hand, a villa enjoying a view of the Mediterranean will cost around 700,000 €.” What about new properties ? A few rare developments in the area propose apartments or semi-detached villas at about 5,200 € per sqm.