Always Dreamed of Buying a Secret Beach House in the South of France?
The south of France is a cosmopolitan region of France famous for its fabulous weather, glamorous coastal resorts and quaint villages. It’s as popular as ever amongst the French and other Europeans who flock to the region for their holidays -especially in the summer months.
So which beaches can visitors go to – to get away from the crowds and enjoy a quiet swim in crystal clear water? And for those that want to spend longer in this beautiful location, where can they buy a home close to these coastal gems? CEO Today asked the Home Hunts team for their insider tips on where they and their families go to enjoy the beauty of the region. Here are their recommendations…. but don’t tell anyone else.
Cote d’Azur and Provence
On the Cote d’Azur and verdant Provence you’ll discover an idyllic region, relaxing ambience and carefree lifestyle. Beauty is more than just skin deep, and the region is blessed with a glorious coastline and a countryside enriched by the culture, – and of course – the cuisine.
Plage du Grand Jardin, near l’Estagnol in Bormes-les –Mimosas
Plage du Grand Jardin is close to Bormes-les-Mimosas, one of the most charming villages in Provence – with picture perfect views at every turn. The most popular beach in the area is Plage de l’Estagnol, which is often compared to Caribbean beaches, but can get quite busy. Lesser known, but equally as beautiful is Plage du Grand Jardin – just 500m away.
It is well worth the walk as the beach is calm and uncrowded, with clear white sands and azure waters.
This stunning property is located at the heart of the Domaine du Cap Bénat and is surrounded by exceptional wooded environment. Within a 20-minute drive you can reach Plage du Grand Jardin, and Hyeres airport is 25 km away.
More information here.
La Bastide Blanche beach near Cap Taillant
Plage de Bastide Blanche sits on a nature reserve, but it is also just over 30 minutes’ drive away from the buzzing town of Saint-Tropez. With no access by car, this beautiful beach is reached by sea or by walking 30 minutes from Escalet Beach. This means that even throughout the busy month of August this place is still tranquil.
Revealing Mediterranean colours in all their beauty, this beach allows for its visitors to see the quieter, more peaceful side to the South of France.
This prestigious property is located at the heart of the domain of ‘Les Parcs de Saint-Tropez’ and features an immaculate landscape and an inviting pool. Plage de la Bastide Blanche can be reached within a 20-minute drive.
More information here.
Languedoc
The Languedoc’s beaches are a complete contrast to the glitzy Riviera and the pretty coves of Provence. The long sandy beaches are vast, slightly wild and characterised by backdrops of wild grasses and sand dunes.
Argelès Sur Mer
This 7km Blue Flag beach south east of Perpignan is a glorious stretch of fine golden sand. It has a more manicured appearance, with beautiful neatly landscaped gardens and promenades behind it. This property has a great front line location on a quieter part of the beach.
This 1898 property is definitely looking good for its age! It consists of a total living surface of 607 m2 of sheer luxury with a 26 minute drive to Argeles Sur Mer -which allows for a bit of an escape from the busy town of Perpignan.
More information here.
Vendres Beach
Situated south of Beziers, this beach is large and remote enough for you to feel you’ve really escaped. The 4 km long beach has now introduced a few activities to keep families occupied -including diving and boating. Nearby Chichoulet harbour is also the perfect place to enjoy seafood.
There are some beautiful walks and cycle paths just inland from the beach through the dunes as you make your way to the busier beaches in Valras.
This historic property chateau is built on roman vestiges and features over 1000 m2 of living space as well as beautifully maintained gardens. The estate is ideally located between Narbonne and Beziers and you can reach Vendres Plage in about 10-15 mins.
More information here.
Portiragnes Beach
This beach situated east of Beziers has a lovely stretch of sand, and with its clear calm sea, it is perfect for younger children and for swimming. The presence of a lifeguard is also welcome. Nearby are many excellent restaurants and a superb ice-cream parlour just off the beach. This all year round seaside town has a very friendly ambiance around the beach.
This remarkable 19th century in Pezenas is sheltered by its own mature park and manicured grounds. It offers over 600m2 of elegant living space, and Portiragnes Beach is only 15 minutes away.
More information here.
Espiguette Beach
This beach is wild and long with flamingos and lagoons on one side and the clear water of the Mediterranean on the other. Don’t expect too many facilities, locals go there to enjoy the tranquillity, the nature and magnificent stretch of beach -which due to its size never gets crowded.
With only a 22 minute drive to Espiguette, this beautiful property is a golfer’s paradise with your own swimming pool facing a golf course.
More information here.
