Côte Vermeille or Côte d’Azur: where to invest?

The Mediterranean coast attracts many buyers looking for a second home, a rental investment or quite simply a “favorite” property. But where to invest today? Côte d'Azur or Côte Vermeille, it's time to choose.

Côte Vermeille and Côte d'Azur: two corners of the Mediterranean ...

From the luxurious avenues of Cannes to the Old Port of Marseille and the artistic atmosphere of Collioure to the wild coves of Argelès-sur-Mer, the observation is immediately obvious to any traveler: the Mediterranean coast is very varied ! Two sectors in particular compete for the favors of all those wishing to make a real estate acquisition for their vacations or to enjoy a happy retirement in the sun.

• The Côte d'Azur, a vast portion of the coast that stretches from Cassis in the west to Menton and the Italian border in the east. It therefore covers not only the Alpes-Maritimes but also the Var and even part of the Bouches-du-Rhône.
• The Côte Vermeille extends over a small part of the Pyrénées-Orientales coastline in Catalan country. It starts in Argelès-sur-Mer and goes to the Spanish border, including in particular Collioure, Port-Vendres, Banyuls-sur-Mer and finally Cerbère and Port-Bou.

... and two different atmospheres to discover

The French Riviera is known to be a popular destination for summer vacationers. The coast contains many seaside resorts which fill up as soon as the sunny days approach. The region readily attracts wealthy holidaymakers from France and abroad: the marina of Saint-Tropez stocked with its luxury yachts, the very exclusive atmosphere of Cannes or Menton and the plush city center of Nice gives the Côte d'Azur an atmosphere of prestige and exclusivity. By moving away from the big cities of the Riviera, you can walk in the Nice hinterland with picturesque villages or the sublime landscapes of the Gorges and the creeks. Dominated by the superb Albères massif and filled with numerous rocky crevices, the discreet Côte Vermeille offers a striking contrast with the vast and crowded expanses of the Riviera beaches. Tourists and holidaymakers will find on site seaside resorts with a more family and peaceful atmosphere, typical villages sleeping under the hot afternoon sun and small bars with improvised orchestras. Collioure is nicknamed the jewel of the Côte Vermeille. You can admire a surprising steeple-lighthouse. Its alleys and multicolored houses will certainly give you a crush on this city. Argelès-sur-Mer is not to be outdone. She will know how to charm you in particular by the beauty of the fauna and the flora.

What are the specificities of each real estate market?

The real estate market on the Côte Vermeille is slightly less tense than on the Côte d'Azur, which means that it is possible to buy a square meter at a slightly lower price. Be careful, however: whether you want to invest in Antibes or Argelès-sur-Mer, the pleasant setting by the Mediterranean Sea naturally remains a privilege that comes at a high price. As of July 1, 2019, the purchase of a house required spending more than € 4,000 / m² in Saint-Raphaël, € 4,100 / m² in Nice, € 4,500 / m² in Antibes and up to € 5,000. / m² in Cannes. On the same date, the observed average was only 2,500 € / m² in Port-Vendres, 2,700 € / m² in Argelès-sur-Mer and 2,800 € / m² in Banyuls-sur-Mer.

Collioure, a rarity that drives up real estate prices Because of its prestigious setting and the scarcity of land, the real estate market in Collioure is an exception on the Côte Vermeille. A house is trading for more than € 3,600 per square meter, while an apartment can exceed the € 4,000 mark.

The verdict: where should you invest, Côte Vermeille or Côte d'Azur?

Whether you're considering a vacation rental or buying your dream vacation home, the entry fee for the French Riviera is likely to be beyond your budget. The seaside resorts of the Alpes-Maritimes, Var and Bouches-du-Rhône may appeal more to buyers who wish to enjoy the sun while benefiting from the effervescence of the Riviera. The Côte Vermeille benefits both from its beautifully preserved natural environments, from a strong cultural and artistic capital and from the proximity of the Spanish border. Its development potential has not yet been fully reflected in property prices, which makes it a more attractive investment than that of the Côte d'Azur. In all cases, it is recommended to use the services of a local and competent real estate agency, which can offer you a property suited to your research. The Côte d'Azur and the Côte Vermeille have two very different personalities and do not attract the same population during the summer season. It's up to you to make the right choice according to your affinities!