Vaucluse Property Insight

The Vaucluse department (84) is located in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region. It has borders with Drôme (north), Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (east), Gard (west), Var and Bouches-du-Rhône (south). The department is named after a village located in the area. The village ‘Vaucluse’ has been called Fontaine-de-Vaucluse since 1946. This name originates from the Latin language and means vallée close (enclosed valley).

Avignon is the administrative centre of the department (prefecture), Apt and Carpentras are the subprefectures. Vaucluse accounted in 2008 for about 537,500 inhabitants called the Vauclusiens. The five major urban centres of the area are the administrative centres (Avignon, Carpentras and Apt), Orange and Cavaillon.

Overview

The Vaucluse department is composed of three different areas: the Haut Vaucluse in the north, the Luberon in the south and the Comtat Venaissin in the middle of both parts. The department has a varied relief composed of an alternation of mountains, plateaus and plains. Culminating at 1,912m, the Mont Ventou or ‘Giant of Provence’ is the most popular peak of the department and dominates the landscape. The area is bordered with two rivers: the Rhône River and the Durance River nearby. Due to the location of the department, three different climates can be found in Vaucluse: the north eastern part of the area is influenced by a mountain climate, the north western part by a semi-continental climate and the south by a Mediterranean climate, that dominates the department.

Agriculture has an essential role in the income of the department. The soil is indeed very fertile and allows the production of fruits and vegetables, as well as wine.

Vaucluse has a very ancient history with many relics from the prehistory and Middle Ages. The territory was occupied by many Celtic tribes, as well as by the Romans. Many French and foreign holidaymakers are interested in this area which has a rich history, great culture and wonderful landscapes. The department welcomes about 3,500,000 tourists every year.

Vaucluse Immobilier & Property Market Trends

Property prices in the Vaucluse department are pretty reasonable with an average price of €2,409 /square metre for a property to buy there. The national average being €3,197 /sq m, Vaucluse is a good place to invest in. As regards renting, the area is also below the national average (€12.22 /sq m /month) with an average price of €10.73 /sq m /month.

The majority of properties are detached houses (68%) and the proportion of large dwellings is also important with 34% of the properties being 4-room houses and 32% being 5-room ones.

By the end of 2008, an apartment cost about €1,850 /sq m. This price can vary of course, depending on its location and size. As far as apartments are concerned, both ancient and new ones, prices are higher in Avignon and its surroundings than in Apt or Carpentras. The median price for a house to buy in the Vaucluse department was in December 2008 of €250,200. Why not invest in the Vaucluse department? This area benefits from a good climate and boasts outstanding landscapes as well as tranquillity that delight holidaymakers.

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

5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Vaucluse

Located in the heart of Provence, the Vaucluse department is much appreciated by holidaymakers for its cultural and architectural heritage, Provencal traditions, colourful markets, as well as for its charming and picturesque villages.

• Nature: Vaucluse’s inhabitants boast an unspoilt and diversified nature. There are thus plenty of massifs and mountains: the Massif des Baronnies and the dentelles de Montmirail, Massif du Luberon, Monts de Vaucluse, etc. As regards plains, the Plaine du Comtat is the most important one. Do not miss the Mont Ventoux when spending time in the Vaucluse department. Due to its particular flora and biodiversity, this mountain has been listed as a reserve of biosphere (conservation of nature reserves) by the UNESCO since 1990. The regional natural park of Luberon is also worth visiting. Water also has an important place in the area with numerous rivers - amongst which the Rhône and the Durance - springs (Fontaine de Vaucluse), canals, ponds, etc.

• Fruits growing: the soil of the area is very fertile. The numerous vast plains of the department, which are dedicated to agriculture, top the national production of fruit and vegetables. The Vaucluse department is the first French producer of cherries, Golden Delicious apples and grapes and the second one of melons and tomatoes. A real delight, especially in summer!

• Varied activities: given the wide range of outdoor activities available in Vaucluse, everybody can find its own pleasure in this area. People can tour the department, going hiking in the Nesques Gorges, horseback riding or cycling in the Mont Ventoux, rock climbing on the Dentelles de Montmirail or bathing at the natural beaches of the Gorges of Le Toulourenc, but also snowshoeing and cross-country or downhill skiing at the Mont Serein.

• Lifestyle: you will definitely appreciate the French art de vivre and the quality of life in this area. Strolling in typical Provencal streets, going to the street market and buying local produce that recall southern France (olive oil, fresh fruits, herbs, local cheese and wines, etc.), having a drink at the terrace of a pub, speaking with the locals, etc - Vaucluse has all the assets to seduce you!

• Wine: wine making is a tradition in Vaucluse as the area is fertile. Several regional wines received the AOC quality label. The Côtes du Rhône, Côtes de Ventoux and Côtes de Luberon as well Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas and Vacqueyras are prestigious wines that can be found in the area.

Local Property Market: 5 Popular Towns

• Avignon property: Vaucluse’s biggest town and administrative centre is famous for its annual theatre festival held since 1947. Nicknamed the ‘city of Popes’, Avignon is known as a papal town. Indeed, the town was home to Popes from 1309 to 1423. Many churches, palaces and convents make up a spectacular medieval decor.
• Apt property: it has been producing candied fruits since the 14th century (apricots, pears, plums, figs, etc.). Apart form being an important administrative centre, this town is also renowned for its faience of quality. It houses many monuments from the Middle Ages and numerous cultural events are held there.
• Carpentras property: this lovely town has a very active cultural life with many events and festivals held all year round. Carpentras’ specialities are ‘berlingot’ (triangular boiled sweets), strawberries and truffles. But the town is also a great fruits (peach, melon, grapes, etc.) and wine producer (AOC côtes du Ventoux).
• Cavaillon property: located in the regional natural park of Luberon, Cavaillon is set in a wonderful setting. Due to the rich heritage of the villages and towns around Cavaillon, historical and cultural tourism is pretty important in the area.
• Orange property: nicknamed the ‘city of Lords’, Orange is a town of architecture and art. This former Roman town boasts beautiful monuments such as an ancient theatre and a triumphal arch that are listed by UNESCO. Surrounded with vineyards of Côtes du Rhône such as Beaumes-de-Venise, Châteauneuf du Pape or Gigondas, wine-growing represents an important part of the local economy.
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Property Styles and Architecture in Vaucluse

• Provencal houses: these properties are perfect for large families. Often located in the hills, these Provencal houses have impressive dimensions and wonderful views on offer. The walls are painted or whitewashed in warm colours such as orange or ochre. The shutters are also painted in blue or green for instance. The roof of Provencal houses is always constructed of tiles and almost flat. Several outbuildings often come with the property, as well as a private swimming-pool and a huge piece of land.

• Luberon mas: they are typical Provence houses. These medium-to-large rural properties were originally farmhouses producing fruits, vegetables, milk, etc. In the region of Lubéron, they are called ‘Magnanerie’ and refer to properties where silkworms were raised. Mas are of a rectangular or L shape, they were built to have their rear facing the north (Mistral wind direction). There are a few windows on the rear of the house in order to allow insulating the property against the summer heat and the winter cold. Once renovated, these properties gain in value. Lubéron Mas are really full of character and steeped in local history.

Click here for more info about the Architecture of Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur.