The southern part of Hyères, La Capte and Carqueiranne, charming properties

A protected area, the shoreline south of Hyères stretching from the harbour to Giens via La Capte and Carqueiranne offers idyllic maritime scenery from its discreet

Recognized for its environmental quality, the Port Saint-Pierre in Hyères has been awarded the “Pavillon Bleu des Ports d’Europe”. From houses on the front row, it offers breathtaking views of the Iles d’Or. Situated on the north-west corner of the bay of Hyères, a real paradise for fans of sailing, sheltered by the Hyères peninsula and the islands of Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant, the Saint-Pierre harbour accommodates over 1,300 boats. “Buyers on visits are often amazed when they discover these spectacular views,” says Dominique Ditto, an expert on this micro-market since 1998. He opened the Cabinet Ditto here in 2010, specializing in sales and holiday rentals. “Sales mainly concern charming apartments facing the sea in residences built in the 1960’s, a large number of more recent properties (late 1970’s to early 1990’s), and a few in select new residences. We just sold two 2 bedroomed apartments of about 80 m2 on the upper floors of resid­ences with lifts. The first needed a revamp and sold for 420,000 €, the second for 450,000 €.” Dominique Ditto’s clientele ? Mainly French, from Paris and Lyon. They like the casual life-style in this lively neighbourhood, while being just a stone’s throw from very lovely beaches sheltered from the bustle of neighbouring communes. “We have in fact noticed that a rising number of 2- and 3-bedroomed apartments are now acquired as year-round homes.”

Not far away, on the seafront, one comes across the neighbourhood of La Capte, a small resort of about 252 acres with 600 residents. This old fishing village began its development in the 1930’s when the municipality - wanting to raise population figures in La Capte - decided to offer the use of land to people agreeing to build homes within a 2-year period. The result was cheerful anarchy in terms of architecture, a mixed bag of Provençal houses with tiled roofs and villas with roof-terraces, largely contributing to the charm of La Capte. Still protected even today, the area, without a pathway and edged by pinewoods, continues to offer the rare feature of proposing leasehold properties, enabling owners to enjoy their land for periods of up to 99 years. An expert in this legal speciality, Christelle Legat-Gonzales runs the Vue Mer agency here, which she opened in 1999 to handle sales and seasonal rentals. She often acts as an advisor for the municipality. “Though destined to disappear, leaseholds offer several tax benefits,” she explains. Buyers here can acquire their properties in two phases. “They first buy a house, inevitably cheaper than on neighbouring communes as they are sold without the land -, then once it is paid for, they can make an application to acquire the land, which will be sold after being estimated by France Domaine - a body answering to the Ministry of the Budget and responsible for evaluating land owned by the State.” To date, 40 % of the plots available have been acquired. “Today, charming houses are on offer here from 300,000 to 450,000 €. In the case of freehold properties, prices start from 500,000 €,” explains Christelle Legat-Gonzales. “It’s the perfect time to buy ! Prices are highly competitive and assistance is available for negotiations.” Mostly French, the buyers like the friendly family atmosphere that reigns here, especially thanks to the village’s lively centre with its numerous shops and amenities all within easy reach.

Eight km away, Carqueiranne is a traditional seaside resort on the gulf of Giens, framed by the Mont des Oiseaux and the hill of La Colle Noire with its restored Napoleonic fortress : La Bayarde. With its sublime parks and gardens, its beaches and wild creeks, Carqueiranne is popular among many North Europeans (Belgian, German, British), as well as numerous Parisians, looking for holiday homes. A micro-market with its own special features, the local property sector posts stable prices and consists of both villas and apartments. A native of the town, Nicolas Lacourtoisie opened the Artey Côté Port agency here in 2007, specializing in sales and rental management. He works exclusively in this area that he knows by heart. “Our clients appreciate its immediate proximity to the beaches and all the charms offered by the commune, especially its harbour which, since its renovation, has become very appealing with its quality shops and new wooden esplanade.” Properties here range from 250,000 € for a delightful 1-bedroom apartment on the harbour to 1.3 million euros for a Provençal “mas” in grounds with a pool. Carqueiranne is also home to some exceptional properties worth over 2 million euros, though the majority of homes sold by Artey Côté Port are priced between 800,000 and 900,000 €.