I have a home in the north of France, known for its lush and gorgeous countryside. There’s a reason its so green though, it rains a fair bit. I don’t mind, I’m from the UK, we Brits are used to that sort of weather.
Every now and again though, I hanker after a bit of southern French sunshine and start to look at properties on the internet. I dream of a pied-a-terre in the sun, close to the summer lavender fields and hill top towns that look like they fell out of a fairy tale story.
I keep to strict rules when I’m searching, it has to be a bargain, it has to be not too much work to make it habitable and it must be in a lovely part of Provence.
My spring review of budget properties in Provence has revealed a number of gems. I’m dreaming of a glass of chilled rose in a square under the shade of a plane tree, and of fresh lavender in my kitchen…
I’m not selfish though! So here, for your temptation too, are my 3 favourite bargain properties in Provence!
Marvellous Manosque
Just 50km from sought after (AKA expensive) Aix-en-Provence, Manosque is an old city that’s preserved its charm. Pretty little squares lined with old houses, stone archways and cobbled streets make this a real looker. I’m amazed to find a 2-bedroom apartment here in the heart of the town with a small balcony and walking distance from the town’s amenities – at just €86,000. What’s more it’s ready to move your belongings into and start enjoying the Provencal lifestyle. Details of Manosque Provence bargain property.
Very nice in Nice
Who’d have thought it would be possible to find an apartment in Nice for €115,000? I love Nice, the sunshine, the beaches, the wonderful restaurants, fabulous food and the markets. I love the fact that it’s so close Monaco and lovely Menton, to Eze and Grasse the perfume capital and to all the other wonderful French Riviera towns. But, all these things don’t come cheap – usually. However, in my search online I came across a 1-bedroom apartment in prestigious Cimiez (where Queen Victoria and Matisse used to live near the Roman ruins), with a terrace at that great price. It’s a new build so it will be immaculate. Am I tempted? Absolutely! Details of Nice bargain property
Fabulous in Forcalquier
Forcalquier is seriously charming and has long lured artists and writers, drawn by its beauty. The village is built on the slopes of a hill the village in an area also known as Forcalquier in the Hautes de Provence area. With its Renaissance fountain, narrow streets and old buildings this town looks like something out of a film set. The Monday morning market is lovely and the perfect place to wander, basket on arm and simply soak up the ambiance before enjoying lunch in one of the lovely restaurants.
This 1-bedroomed apartment is within walking distance of the centre of town. It’s fully renovated, spacious and comes with a small garden with a terrace, perfect for sitting outside and living the good life with a glass of something chilled. At €119,400 – it’s so enticing… Details of Forcalquier bargain property
