According to French property agency French Connections,  five southern departments have proved particularly popular with tourists this year. Top of the popularity stakes are Var and Aude, both established for property rental, but more dramatic increases have been seen for Gard, Vacluse and Herault.

The popular areas among French property buyers and renters - both coastal and inland - take in miles of vineyards, quaint towns and the historic centres of Nimes, Avignon and Caracassonne, with their cosmopolitan outdoor lifestyle. They are close to scenic national parks like Luberon, the Camargue and the breathtaking Cevennes mountains, and are well served by motorways, TGV trains and low-cost airline destinations.

According to French Connections MD Glynis Shaw, properties within easy reach of leisure activities are in particular demand. This means that French property owners can access a larger and more lucrative rental market.

"Properties popular with the self-catering market are typically in a quiet setting with access to restaurants, places of interest and activities such as swimming, cycling, canoeing and walking," explains Shaw. "In these departments there's a wide variety, from farmhouses and vineyard domaines to rooftop apartments - and even houseboats."

The Languedoc-Roussillion region is also set to benefit from a new air service from Beziers to Bristol, starting on 31st March. This will bring the number of airports in Languedoc-Roussillion with flights to the UK up to five, the others being Carassonne, Perpignane, Nimes and Montpellier.

Garrigae Investissements is currently marketing properties in Les Jardins de St Benoit, a luxurious 17-acre vineyard and spa estate 30 minutes from the beach and 90 minutes from the ski slopes of the Pyrenees. Prices start at 205,000 euros for a one bedroom house with a garden, and there is the option of guaranteed rental returns of up to 5.59 per cent per annum.

French property prices in the sought-after region of Provence tend to be higher than in the Languedoc. The French Property Shop now have a range of period Provence properties ranging from 150,000 euros for a rennovation project to over 1 million euros for your very own chateau. 

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For more information visit:
www.frenchconnections.co.uk
www.garrigae.com
www.frenchpropertyshop.com

Article first published 12 March 2008