Tarascon, the South of France at modest prices

Situated to the far west of Les Bouches-du-Rhône, on the left bank of the river, near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the TGV station in Avignon, Tarascon posts very appealing prices for this privileged area between the Camargue and the Luberon.

Quiet and discreet, Tarascon is a small commune in Provence with just over 13,000 residents. Close to the National Park of the Alpilles, easy access is just one of its many assets. Until now relatively preserved from tourists, Tarascon, at the initiative of of its new municipal team, is preparing several new projects aimed at boosting its cultural appeal, especially as the commune last year became a port-of-call allowing tourists sailing up and down the Rhône to discover the charm of its narrow streets, its heritage (numerous old cloisters and convents), craftsmen and laid-back life-style. With accommodation evenly shared out between houses and apartments, and very attractive prices for the Bouches-du-Rhône region, Tarascon draws many members of the working population from Tarascon, Beaucaire and Avignon, a few retirees and a growing number of French and north European clients looking for holiday homes in the sun at reasonable prices.

Based in Tarascon for 50 years, the Bouet Immo agency says that the market has been stable over the past two years with, however, a slight decline in prices. “Some investors show an interest in 1- or 2-bedroomed apartments, though most frequently demand is for villas on estates, priced at around 240,000 €,” explains Jean-Marc Bouet. The clientele for this type of property ? People working in Tarascon, Beaucaire, and a few from Avignon who, attracted by the prices, are more than ready to drive 20 minutes to and from their workplaces. “In fact, often on the right side of 240,000 €, you can aspire to a house with 3 or 4 bedrooms and a garden of 500-600 m2.” Value for money which is rare in the South. “The surrounding areas also offer low prices ,” adds our specialist. “A 1- or 2-bedroomed apartment in the old centre of Beaucaire, just opposite Tarascon, can be had from 50,000 to 60,000 €.” More up-market, in a residence with sought-after appointments in Tarascon, a 3-bedroomed apartment costs from 130,000 to 140,000 €.

“Here in Tarascon, old apartments are pegged at around 1,300 € per sq. metre,” explains Régis Perrier, manager of the Agence Perrier he opened in 1996. “Which doesn’t mean that transactions are straightforward. There are lots of properties for sale and bargaining often exceeds 15 %.” He even mentions one example of a property priced at 119,000 € which finally sold for 78,000 € ! “We steer our clients towards our own network of brokers for, even if interest rates advertised by banks are low, mortgages are only rarely obtained. This has an impact on prices and the balancing act between transactions.” Even so, more and more investors with comfortable budgets from Belgium, the UK and regions in northern France are taking an interest in Tarascon, especially on the market for authentic “mas” and homes of character. “Just 15 minutes from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, they can find a real Provençal “mas” here for 400,000 €, whereas an identical property in the capital of the Alpilles would cost close on 1 million euros.”

Sophie Martinez and Philippe Bardi founded Immo Sud Transactions 6 years ago. Specializing in properties of charm and prestige, the agency proposes a good number of private mansions in the historic centre and charming “mas” on the outskirts of town. “Compared with neighbouring communes, Tarascon is brimming with exceptional properties at reasonable prices,” says Sophie Martinez. Whether they are main or second homes, bourgeois houses are popular among clients with a certain taste who, from 400,000 €, can acquire outstanding residences, remarkably well restored, in the historic centre between the Château and Collégiale Sainte-Marthe. One such property with a landscaped courtyard of 60 m2, solarium terrace and vaulted lounge is up for sale at 420,000 €. Then there is a sublime 17th-centry mansion of 400 m2 offering large rooms with classic painted ceilings, a flower-filled garden of 200 m2 and a garage for less than 800,000 €. As for “mas”, they have very sound assets to win over an international clientele in search of a pleasant life-style in the sun. As exemplified by one such country house, carefully renovated to retain its lovely old features, with three bedrooms, as many bathrooms, and an English-style garden at the foot of La Montagnette, priced at 530,000 € ! Our experts are unanimous : the time is ripe to invest in Tarascon !