Saint-Rémy and the Alpilles, must-sees in Provence

Well-preserved nature and an authentic way of life are assets that make this little corner of France a highly sought-after address. Long appreciated by artists, it unfolds between hills, the “garrigue” (scrubland) and typical villages.

Its light and landscapes inspired Van Gogh. It was also here that Frédéric Mistral and Alphonse Daudet produced their work. Easily accessible from Avignon’s TGV station, the Alpilles and their real attractions - the citadel of Les Baux de Provence and the Carrière des Lumières, the sites of Glanum and Les Antiques in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Fontvieille and the famous Daudet mill – are some of the most striking in Provence.

Stéphanie Raybaud of the Atrium Luxury Saint-Rémy agency also mentions the region’s fondness for discretion. The “Golden Triangle” - Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Eygalières, Maussane -, plays host to very enviable properties shielded by their owners from prying eyes. Buyers, 70% French and mainly from Paris and Lyon, are looking for houses with at least 4-5 bedrooms and annexes. “Many clients plan to rent their property for part of the year, as they themselves only occupy it for short holidays,” says Stéphanie Raybaud. In perfect condition and benefiting from high quality appointments, these properties of at least 180 m2 in grounds of 1,000 m2 or more are priced from 1 million euros and can attain much higher levels. “I currently have a property of 300 m2 for sale in Eygalières, in 20,000 m2 of grounds with views of the Alpilles, a professional kitchen, a movie lounge and top-notch appointments, for 3,450,000 €.” 40 and young 50 year-olds who invest here in holiday properties often sell them when they retire. They then acquire a smaller house with a smaller garden, closer to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. For the town is prized not only for its charm, but also for its cultural and social life, as well as amenities such as doctors, a cinema, restaurants etc., all year round.

”Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is definitely the most popular address. It combines the charm of a typical Provençal village with the amenities of a small town,” confirm Aurélie Freychet and Sandy Marquis of the Agence de Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. French and foreign clients are still investing in houses, “mas” or lofts for both main and holiday residences. Recently, fans of the countryside paid around 750,000 € for a “mas” of 600 m2 to renovate, in 8,000 m2 of grounds. And a couple looking for a second family home fell in love with a renovated town house of 200 m2 with a garden, swimming pool and garage, for which they paid 5,300 € per sq.m. In addition to traditional properties of character, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers an old industrial building, now transformed into lofts. Depending on their surface areas and amenities (patios, terraces, parking places...), they have found takers at prices ranging from 500,000 to 750,000 €. Since the beginning of this year, many sales have been completed on the town’s buoyant property market.