Agde Property Insight
Overview
Agde is often called ‘the black pearl’ of the south because of its basalt monuments (amongst which the 12th century cathedral). This town is very ancient, founded during the 6th century BC. This fishing harbour became a coastal resort only recently. The harbour had always been a competitor of Sete’s one, and Agde had to find new activities as Sete’s harbour was getting more powerful. This led to the building of a great beach resort in the famous Cap d’Agde.
Since the 1980s Agde is a very trendy and renowned coastal town being indeed the first resort in France in terms of number of hotel rooms/ accommodation capacity. The beaches are internationally renowned, campsites too. 14km of seashore are to enjoy, either with amenities or unspoilt. Besides, it boast an interesting art and architectural heritage to be discovered throughout the town. There are tourism attractions galore to please everyone.
Agde Immobilier & Property Market Trends
Between March and July 2009, real estate prices in Agde fell from more than €100 /sq m before stabilizing to reach the average price of about €3,250 /sq m. It could therefore be the right time to buy before a new surge in prices.
The housing stock is varied and prices vary according to the type of property. Thus, the most expensive are not surprisingly villas and chalets while the most affordable are apartments. The average area is 111sq m with very few studio flats and 80% of the dwellings having more than 3 bedrooms.
The area accounts for 72% of second homes – seven times more than the national average - , a little wonder when you know the holiday/ buy-to-let potential of this area between April and October. The best moment to buy a property in this area is during winter months as the main asset of the town is its climate during summer. You will then be able to negotiate prices more easily.
To get updated info about the property prices in the Herault departement, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.
Click here to have an overview of Languedoc-Roussillon Property Prices.
4 Reasons to Buy a Property in Agde
Agde is renowned for its beaches but fortunately, there’s more to see in Agde than only long sandy plages. The town offers many cultural events as well as sport facilities, a marine life museum/ aquarium, cruises on theCanal du Midi, tours of stunning monuments, Brescou citadel (a fortress at sea), etc.
Camping holidays: Agde is simply great if you love camping. It has many nice places to set up his tent but it also boats several luxury camping sites with all the modern facilities. Just try this town when you plan your next camping holidays in France, you won’t regret it.
Lots of style: Agde’s town centre is honeycombed with ancient buildings and houses made up of basalt. These original monuments were built with this rock produced by volcanoes. This was introduced by Greek people who created the town in 600 BC. Basalt rocks or boulders can also be seen on some beaches.
Wine production: the modest wine production of the town is really worth a tasting. Around 17 % of the town’s territory are planted with vines. This vineyard is part of the famous Languedoc vineyards characterised by their intense taste and their warmth recalling you that you are in the south of France, if need be. The local cooperative produces 10 500 000 litres of wine per year. Varietals used are the carignan, grenache and cinsault ones.
Naturist heaven: Agde is very famous for its – private – naturist resorts. Everything is planned to welcome those of you who are fond of naturist holidays in France: 2 km of sandy beaches, volleyball contests, beach racket game/tennis, table tennis, children’s/kids’ activities, etc. with all the mod cons. There is also a private fishing harbour. The town also offers a naturist ‘winter bath’ (cold water bath in the sea) every year in December, for those of you ready to challenge the coolness of the sea. This is unique in France.
Agde Architecture and Property Styles
Agde skilfully mixes modern apartments and millenary houses, with style!
Holiday apartments: the town has many holiday accommodation solutions on offer. They are generally located in Le Cap d’Agde. Some are new-build properties, you can even buy off-plan. These properties are ideal as holiday homes or can be ideal buy-to-let investments (see above).
Fishermen houses: these houses are really cute. Generally they have a simple design, with painted walls outside and exposed stones around doors and windows. Inside, dimensions are pretty modest. Walls are generally white with, once again, exposed stones on some walls and exposed wood beams. Doors, shutters and windows are made of wood recalling ancient boats – indeed. These houses ideally combine modern conveniences with traditional style.
Basalt houses: these houses generally were refurbished with much care. Inside stairs are thus still made of stone, as are the exposed beams. At the heart of the medieval quarters and accessible through narrow streets, they often offer a panoramic view from the first storey and recall the very ancient origins of the town. Careful if you have a car, these properties are not always accessible directly from the street so you may have to park farther.
Click here for more info about the Architecture of Languedoc-Roussillon.