As neighbouring Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur sees prices in the popular resorts escalate beyond the reach of most people, Languedoc-Roussillon is seen as an attractive and more affordable alternative. Montpellier is the capital of the Hérault department as well as the Languedoc-Rousillon region. It is not yet a very large city, but it is the fastest growing in France. The city has seen much investment in the last few decades, with a smart new tram system, the Corum concert and exhibition complex and the establishment of the postmodern Antigone quarter. The atmosphere also remains vibrant thanks, in part, to its large student population.

Elsewhere in this region, Nîmes has a rich Roman history. Situated conveniently on the road from Italy to Spain, it was chosen for much development in Roman times, with an amphitheatre and temple that remain well-preserved today, as well as the famous Pont du Gard aqueduct. Other highlights of this area include Narbonne, Beziers and Carcassonne. Narbonne has Roman origins and was once a thriving port. Today it is the capital of the prolific wine-producing region of Corbières, is a centre for industry and home to – arguably – southern France's most impressive cathedral. The medieval fortified town of Carcassonne, however, is the place for architecture as it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts as many as three million visitors yearly. A million people also visit Beziers every August as the town hosts a five-day bullfighting contest.

Well served by low-cost airlines into Carcassonne, Nîmes and Perpignan, in addition to the international airport at Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon has skiing in winter and long, hot summers, as well as 200 miles of sandy coastline. A survey carried out by magazine l'Express, published at the end of last year, identified the best departments in France for quality of life to be in this region. All departments were judged on criteria that included proximity to the sea and mountains, cost of housing, average temperatures and the number of rainy days. In the number one spot was the region's Aude department, earning a score of 15.75 out of 20 – owing largely to its relatively low housing costs and good weather; while Hérault was ranked fifth – thanks in part to its average yearly temperature of 14.7oC.

In recent years, the Aude has also become home to more retired people in France – due to its proximity to the sea and mountains. Expected increases in visitor numbers to the region may also increase rental return potential in 2008 and beyond. Veolia Transport – the company managing Nîmes airport – and tour operator Eurociel are offering several new European and Mediterranean routes to and from the airport from this spring. The routes should help Nîmes airport reach its target of getting 400,000 passengers through the terminal by 2010. Additionally, the newly laid train track from Perpignan to Figueres in Spain is to carry new high-speed TGV trains and connect the French and Spanish rail systems by 2009. Another line under construction from Barcelona to Figueres will then form a new high-speed train axis. Journey times will be 50 minutes from Perpignan to Barcelona – opposed to 2.45 hours today – and between Paris and Barcelona is estimated to be 5.35 hours. This will mean an opening of the area to French and Spanish tourists and shoppers. Another rail project in early planning stage is the Montpellier to Perpignan line. This improved access is likely to drive up prices and offer investors a good return when it comes to selling, plus potentially better occupancy rates. "Languedoc has its fair share of foreign holiday home owners and permanent residents," says Alex Charles of area specialists Crème de Languedoc. "They are all attracted by the sunny climate, sandy beaches and relatively slow pace of life. "If you're looking for property in Languedoc-Roussillon, it's essential to decide which areas of this huge and varied region are most likely to meet your needs. If you thought all of Languedoc was Mediterranean – hot, sunny and beautiful – think again. The terrain of the region's five départements – Lozère, Gard, Hérault, Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales – forged five diverse cultures and economies." Property agent Catriona Waterhouse of Styles Immobillier recommends Montpellier, though. "We are encouraging people to buy-to-let," says Waterhouse. "Apartments can be easily rented due to a large student population and the city's growing popularity with French holidaymakers escaping overblown areas."

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Article published July 2008