Lourmarin, Provençal elegance
Radia Amar - 03 August 2018
Awarded the label “One of France’s most beautiful villages”, Lourmarin nestles between Avignon and Forcalquier, surrounded by vines, olive and almond trees. Lively in all four seasons, especially in summer, Lourmarin is one of the Luberon’s most highly acclaimed addresses.
Narrow streets, lovely old residences, little shaded squares, charming shops, markets… The centre of the village represents the Provençal lifestyle in an enchanting setting. Lourmarin is also a village of artists. Residents like to recall that Henri Bosco and Albert Camus, lived here for many years.
Based in Provence for over 50 years and in the Luberon for 35 years, the Emile Garcin group specializes in properties of charm and character offered for sale or as seasonal rentals. “Our clients are 40% French, 20% French ex-pats, and 40% foreigners, especially English, Belgian, Dutch and Swiss,” says Vincent Boutière. “While the majority of the transactions we handle consist of second residences, we have noticed a rising number of families acquiring year-round or semi-main homes, often with the father making frequent business trips. Lourmarin offers all the amenities required for a pleasant family life, including schools up to intermediary level in the neighbouring village.” Here, wealthy clients appreciate the laid-back lifestyle and the commune’s well-preserved authenticity. “The most sought-after properties are “mas”, “bastides” and little hamlets. Sheltered from the Mistral wind and enjoying breathtaking elevated views, the Piémont area is one of the addresses most highly prized by our clientele, with budgets ranging from 1.5 to 3 million euros. Agricultural properties are also increasingly sought-after by buyers wanting to produce their own olive-oil or wine. People are clearly keen to get back to the earth,” says Vincent Boutière, mentioning, as an example, the agency’s recent sale of an old residence of 230 m2 for around 1.7 M €, on almost 7.5 acres of land with a bucolic garden, swimming pool, vines and and olive trees.
Based in Lourmarin since 2010, Janssens Immobilier, a partner of Knight Frank, is comprised of a team speaking four languages : French, English, Flemish and Dutch. Focusing on properties of charm and prestige, the agency offers a good choice of “mas”, “bastides” and stone villas, many enjoying peaceful views of Provençal scenery. “The highest demand is for properties between 600,000 and 800,000 €, though clients are confronted by scarce offerings if they want a house with 4 or 5 bedrooms in a pleasant, peaceful location. Properties meeting all these criteria tend to be proposed above 800,000 €,” explains manageress Christine Petrosino. “The market is very buoyant and 2017 was exceptional. Today, it is vital to act immediately if a property in Lourmarin meets your requirements, as those of quality presented at the right price sell very quickly.” Christine Petrosino has just handled the sale of a small building ideally located opposite the château. Comprised of shop premises of 90 m2 with an apartment of 150 m2 above, this property in need of renovation and benefiting from a charming inner courtyard of 50 m2 sold with some bargaining between 800,000 and 900,000 €. Posting slightly lower prices, nearby villages such as Vaugines, Cucuron and Ansouis (forming the “Golden Triangle” of the southern Luberon) are also increasingly sought-after by a Parisian and international clientele, often prepared to pay 2 million euros to treat themselves to a corner of paradise in Provence.