Argeles sur mer Property Insight

Located along the Côte Vermeille between Canet-en-Roussillon and Collioure, Argelès-sur-Mer is a beautiful and famous seaside resort of the Pyrenees Orientales department. At the edge of Spain (about 45 minutes away) and the Catalonia region, some people claim that we can find the best beaches of the Mediterranean coast in this village. As in Perpignan, there are many facilities for disabled people (especially on the beaches). The city has recently earned the title of “Handiplage” for this reason. Argeles is situated at the foot of the Albères mountains and is pretty wide as it covers 5,867 hectares. Enjoy the sunny weather, the rocky landscapes, the Mediterranean sea and the Catalan gastronomy. In other words, just savour the southern French Art de vivre in Argeles!

Overview

Argeles boasts long sandy beaches (7km) where you can swim safely. A 2-kilometre long rocky coast also makes it possible to practice scuba diving. Due to sea winds and tramontana, you can also practice windsurfing. The Mediterranean climate conveys a great atmosphere/weather all year round, especially during summer. This added to the beautiful landscapes and the Catalan traditions justify the popularity of this coastal village. We advice you besides to spend time there during the low season if you want to enjoy relaxing holidays far away from the overcrowded towns of the French Riviera for example. In comparison to these towns where modern buildings were built on every single plot of land, Argeles has really been preserved as 82% of its territory is still composed of farming area.

Argelès-sur-Mer Immobilier & Property Market Trends

Property prices in Argelès-sur-Mer are quite expensive as the average price for a property to buy is €3,215 / square metre. Argelès is ranked 417th out of the 1,000 most expensive French cities and towns in terms of housing prices.

Since 2003-2004, prices have been soaring a lot, but we can notice a lower rise since 2008, which is a consequence of the financial crisis. You should allow between €2,650 and €3,750 / square metre for an ancient apartment to buy in Argeles.

As exposed before, Argeles-sur-Mer is a great sea resort which is becoming more and more popular. More than 72% of the quarters are second homes. 65% of the properties are detached houses. Find your dream home there: invest in an apartment near the beach or in a huge property at the foot of the mountain!

To get updated info about the property prices in the Pyrenees Orientales departement, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Argeles sur Mer

With hardly 9,000 inhabitants, we could easily think that Argeles-sur-Mer is a small village that is not worth a visit. But you can not judge a book on its covers, Argeles has more than one trick up his sleeve!

• Nature: Argeles is the only French commune where we can find 2 natural parks: the Mas Larrieu (on the Mediterranean coast) and the Massane forest (at the heart of the Albères mountains).

• Historical heritage: during the Middle Ages, Argeles was located at the crossing of important commercial roads leading to Spain through the Albère mountain range. During Majorca’s Kingdom, towers were built at the crests of the mountain is order to protect the village from invasions. The tour de la Massane is a great example of these towers which used to dominate Argeles at this time. Imposing ramparts and a fortified church with a massive bell tower also date from this period and can be found in the ancient town centre.

• Tourism: Argeles has successfully made the most of its assets and attracts nowadays many French and foreign holidaymakers. On the coastal track, numerous information boards in French but also in Catalan, English and German emphasize Argeles’ historical and natural heritage.

• Gastronomy: French cuisine, international food, traditional restaurants and fast food venues, you can find everything in Argeles. But you should definitely taste the Mediterranean gastronomy. Little known yet tasty wines, dishes with olive oil, tomatoes and garlic as well as figs, peaches, apples and apricots – Catalan food is pretty simple but delicious!

• Strolls and hiking paths: you will find many different strolls to explore around the village. Signs will help you the find your ways on these tracks and local guides will give you historical information about the region. Enjoy hiking in the green mountain, admiring the clear water of the Mediterranean sea or just relaxing at the terrace of a pub in the port.

Property Styles and Architecture in Argeles sur mer

• Villas: providing breathtaking views over the mountains or the Mediterranean sea, a small yet welcoming terrace or a large swimming-pool in the backyard, colourful walls, doors and shutters - southern villas are perfect properties to invest in, especially for summer holidays.

• Holiday complex properties: you will find many long and narrow houses located in holiday complexes in the south of France, particularly in the Pyrenees Orientales department. These properties do not provide huge spaces but they are well-designed: small front and back terraces, a living-room, one or two bedrooms (often with a mezzanine and a room provided with bunk beds), a kitchenette, toilets and bathroom with a shower. In such holiday complexes you can generally enjoy a private swimming-pool all year round.

• Cévennes traditional houses: these houses can be found in Argeles as well as in the whole Languedoc region. Their main features are the following ones: made of limestone, schist or granite, small dimensions windows placed on the side of the property facing the sun, many floors (sometimes 5 or 6!), a cellar in the basement and several chimneys.

Click here for more info about the Languedoc Roussillon Architecture.