Buying a house in the Alpilles: what you need to know

Introduction

The Alpilles are a real gem of Provence, offering an idyllic setting between unspoilt nature, charming villages and historical heritage. Located between Avignon and Arles, the Alpilles are home to iconic historical sites (Saint-Rémy-de-Provence notably inspired Van Gogh), offer magnificent landscapes and feature numerous Provençal markets and gourmet restaurants. The region attracts both permanent residents and second home buyers, but you need to understand it well if you want to maximise your chances of finding your dream home and transforming your life project.

Factors to consider before buying

Before you even begin your search, it is essential to know your life goals in the region. Depending on whether you want to come here only in the summer or live here year-round, you will not be looking at the same locations. This goal will help you choose the ideal location for your home in the Alpilles and set the appropriate budget. Each location has its own characteristics, advantages, disadvantages and therefore budgets. A brief overview of the region:

Discover the charms of the Alpilles

The Alpilles are particularly known for their natural beauty, with vineyards, olive groves and scrubland. However, there are three sub-regions with different characteristics:

The Golden Triangle

This is the most sought-after location, even considered the showcase of the entire region. It is bordered by the villages of Eygalières, Maussane-les-Alpilles and the town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Places of interest

Between the ‘Most Beautiful Village in France’ of Les Baux-de-Provence, where you can visit the castle and enjoy the panoramic view, the dynamic town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the landscapes of Eygalières, there are many reasons to visit this region.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers a rich cultural life and an extensive and sophisticated gastronomic menu, while Eygalières and Maussane are popular destinations for enjoying the natural surroundings.

Annual activity

Saint-Rémy is lively all year round and even has its own secondary school. Maussane, although smaller, is also dynamic throughout the year. The locals are concentrated more on this side of the mountain range. Shops are therefore open all year round in these two towns, with a few closures nonetheless.

The rest of the Triangle is mainly tourist-oriented. It is therefore much more difficult to find activity there in winter.

Transport access

From the two main access points, Avignon TGV station and Marignane (Marseille) airport, it takes 25 minutes and 1 hour respectively to reach Saint-Rémy-de-Provence by car.

Property prices

Its accessibility and dynamism make this sub-region a priority for many French people, but also for foreigners from all over the world. Some celebrities are known to have settled here (Hugh Grant and Jean Reno, to name but a few). This is reflected in the prices: on average, you can expect to pay between €1.5 million and €2 million for a three-bedroom stone farmhouse in the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence area, and at least €2 million to get closer to Eygalières.

As this region has been popular for over 20 years, the beautiful stone farmhouses have been magnificently restored using high-quality materials. Those still in need of renovation, on the other hand, are no longer officially on the market.

The north of the Alpilles

Located on the northern edge of the Alpilles, the area between Avignon and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a strategic transitional territory, combining urban dynamism, Provençal charm and direct access to nature. It is characterised by strong traditions and significant agriculture, which can be seen in the numerous commercial greenhouses.

Places of interest

Châteaurenard, the symbol of this region, is located in the heart of the agricultural plain and combines Provençal tradition, medieval castles and lively markets.

The villages of Graveson, Rognonas and Maillane offer an authentic way of life, set among orchards, scrubland and small shaded squares.

Annual activity

Although increasingly targeted by tourists thanks to its proximity to transport links and more affordable prices, this part of the Alpilles is lively all year round. Local traditions are very much alive here, and second homes are still in the minority. With its 16,000 inhabitants and two secondary schools, Châteaurenard is clearly an important town where shops are open all year round.

In the villages of Maillane and Graveson, the situation is more mixed.

Transport links

This is one of the main advantages of this part of the Alpilles: it takes 15 minutes to reach Châteaurenard from Avignon TGV station and 50 minutes from Marseille airport.

Property prices

This region offers an attractive compromise between the high prices of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the affordability of Avignon. On average, prices are half as much again, whether in Châteaurenard or in the villages of Maillane or Eyragues.

The eastern Alpilles

Less touristy than the heart of the Alpilles, the eastern part of the region, around Mouriès, Aureille, Orgon and up to the outskirts of the Luberon, charms visitors with its authenticity, wild landscapes and more affordable prices.

Places of interest

This part of the Alpilles offers a rural and unspoilt way of life, with many places of interest. In Mouriès, the olive capital, life follows the rhythm of Provençal traditions with its festivals, oil mills and authentic village atmosphere. Near Aureille, nestled at the foot of the limestone ridges, visitors come for nature and hiking, with direct access to the trails of the Regional Nature Park.

Year-round activity

Unlike some towns in the Luberon or Les Baux, where second homes dominate, the proportion of permanent residents is higher here.

The eastern Alpilles offer a lively and authentic local life all year round, ideal for people wishing to settle there permanently or acquire a second home without ending up in an overly seasonal area.

Mouriès, Aureille, Orgon, and the hamlets of Eygalières Est are not just villages of second homes: they have a stable local population, schools, local shops, weekly markets, and sports and cultural associations.

The proximity of Cavaillon, Salon-de-Provence, and Saint-Martin-de-Crau also provides quick access to more urban areas for more specific needs (large shops, hospitals, public services).

Distance from transport

It takes 22 minutes to reach Miramas TGV (45 minutes for Avignon). Marseille airport is only a 45-minute drive away. The A7 motorway is also nearby.

Property prices

This part of the Alpilles is an excellent alternative for buying a house in a Provençal setting, while avoiding the high prices of Saint-Rémy or Eygalières. Moving away from the Golden Triangle, you gain purchasing power until you reach Orgon and the motorway, where prices are lowest. The villages of Mouriès and Aureille are now highly sought-after, and you will have to pay up to £4,500/m² to find a beautiful house there.

Expert property advice

As property prices are closely linked to tourism, it is essential to know the region well in order to find the right home for your needs.

Explore the key villages

Explore the villages of the Alpilles for yourself. From Châteaurenard to Orgon, via Eygalières and Le Maussane-les-Alpilles, find the atmosphere that best suits your lifestyle. Depending on your daily routine and professional life, consider access and travel times. Depending on your plans, it would be wise to visit these villages during the off-season (ideally at the end of November).

Meet with real estate professionals

Take advantage of the advice of local real estate experts who know the Alpilles market well. They will share their knowledge, trends and upcoming projects. A property hunter works for their buyer clients and helps them settle in, so they know the local area inside out and can put you in touch with their local network.

Conclusion

The Alpilles offer the perfect setting for those seeking authentic Provençal living close to transport links (air and rail). This agricultural land attracts lovers of nature and traditional festivals. The area is vibrant all year round, but you need the means to find your happiness in the Golden Triangle.

Taking the time to explore, discover and fully experience each season will be essential to ensuring a successful purchase. If you are in a hurry, using a trusted property expert can save you time and help you understand the secrets of the region.