Vaucluse Property For Sale

The Vaucluse is the rugged, authentic ‘arrière-pays’ or hinterland of Provence.

Named by the Romans from the Latin for ‘closed valley’ the Vaucluse is protected by the Rhone to the west, the Alps to the east, Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail to the north and the Luberon Mountains to the south.

Hewn from this ancient mountainous landscape are numerous ‘perched’ hilltop villages, the warm limestone cliffs and drystone walls of the Luberon and the ochre cliffs of Roussillon. No wonder that Vaucluse property feels as old as time itself.

The most expensive Vaucluse property is found in the unspoilt villages of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, an area made famous by Peter Mayle’s book ‘A Year in Provence’. Luberon property prices reach their zenith in the so called ‘Golden Triangle’ formed between the perched hilltop villages of Gordes, Menerbes and Bonnieux. Property in lovely L’Isle sur la Sorgue is also sought after thanks to its renowned antique markets.

Buy in the north of the department if you’re looking for the great outdoors on a dramatic scale; this is home to Mont Ventoux (the Tour de France’s toughest climb) and the excellent hiking country afforded by its foothills the Dentelles de Montmiral. Property in Seguret (one of the ‘most beautiful villages of France’) would be perfectly placed to offer walking holidays. Wine lovers take note: this is also home to some of the Rhone Valley’s most robust reds such as Gigondas, Vacquéras and Châteauneuf du Pape as well as the white Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise dessert wine. Wine tasting holidays anyone?

Most of Vaucluse’s historical and cultural riches are found in the west; property in Avignon (the departmental capital) gives you access to the medieval Palais des Papes (Popes’ Palace), its famous bridge (“Sur le Pont d’Avignon”) and July’s Festival d’Avignon (the equivalent of the UKs Edinburgh Festival).

Property in Orange would interest visiting culture vultures with its spectacular ancient Roman amphitheatre The Théâtre Antique d’Orange (now an alfresco opera, drama, ballet and rock venue) and the wonderfully intact 2,000 year old Arc de Triomphe marking Rome’s victory over the Gauls in 102 BC.

Vaucluse property is easily reached by Avignon airport (which has direct flights to the UK) and by nearby Nimes and Marseille airports. Paris is a mere 2 hours 39 minutes away by TGV.

Vaucluse property prices (based on property sales during 2021).

In the Luberon, the perched villages command a premium price, especially the most sought-after villages of Gordes, Menerbes and Bonnieux.

Gordes property prices in 2021: from €3300/m² for renovation projects to €7700/m² for luxury properties.

Menerbes property prices in 2021: from €2700/m² for simpler properties with some work to €7600/m² for luxury houses with land.

Bonnieux property prices in 2021: from €2700/m² for simpler properties with some work to €5700/m² for luxury houses with land.

Roussillon property prices in 2021: from €2100/m² to €4900/m² depending on location and condition.

L’Isle sur la Sorgue property prices in 2021: from €1700 to €4100/m² depending on location, amount of land and condition.

The Côte du Rhône wine country villages are small with a limited number of properties available which keep prices high.

Seguret property prices in 2021: from €1800/m² to €5100/m² for property

Gigondas property prices in 2021: from €2800/m² for simpler properties with some work to €5500/m² for luxury houses with land.

Vacquéras property prices in 2021: from €1400/m² depending on location and condition.

Châteauneuf du Pape property prices in 2021: from €1500/m² for simpler properties to €4300/m² for more land and less renovation work.

Beaumes-de-Venise property prices in 2021: from €1500/m² for simpler properties with some work to €3600/m² for luxury houses with land.

Property in the Vaucluse large towns is obviously very varied. Prices for period houses in the exclusive ‘intra-murs’ (or within the old walls) of Avignon can command very high prices for example, while it is possible to find a modern apartment close to the Popes Palace in the heart of the historic centre for a fairly reasonable price per square metre. Outlying suburbs are generally a lot cheaper in French towns and cities.

Avignon property prices in 2021: from €1400/m² for a modest apartment to €3200/m² for the more upmarket neighbourhoods.

Orange property prices in 2021: from €1000/m² for a modest apartment to €3000/m² a well-located property with outside space.