MAJOR ASSETS A full range of attributes in a single town…

Yann Andres of the agency of the same name emphasizes the distinctive nature of Aix-en-Provence. Due to its unique strategic location, the capital of Provence has no competition. Sheltered from the Mistral wind, the town, situated between Toulon, Marseille, Salon and Avignon, has no equivalent in Provence.

At the heart of a strong network made up of the TGV hispeed train station (Paris is only 2 hr 30 away), motorways and airport, Aix benefits from the business activities of La Durance and its top-notch legal and scientific centres (ITER project).

The architectural treasures offered by local country houses and châteaux are only equalled by the quality of the natural environment. As exemplified by the Sainte-Victoire mountain to the east and the Luberon to the north.

A city of art and culture, Aix is also a tourist and student centre. The universities, “grandes écoles” and International High School of Luynes all attract foreigners.

Of budgets in excess of 1 million € , foreigners account for 20 %. In this sector, they are joined by expatriates, Parisians and professionally active locals. Amongst the international clientele, there are a lot of English whom this estate agent describes as “investors in their souls”.

And while Le Tarn and Le Gers cast the Aixois market for cheaper accommodation into the shade, the city of fountains wins hands down for prestige properties. Very close, the Alpilles and the Luberon serve as complementary regions.

In fact, some people abandon their large and expensive properties to get closer to Aix, a bustling town but on a human scale.

The top end of the market is doing very well : fairly assessed, a property priced between 1 and 1.5 million € sells almost at once. In this category, demand is constant.