Published in Irish Property Buyer in February 2005

Following Matisse

The département of Pyrénées-Orientales (PO to the locals) is the most southern in France. This is Catalan country and colourful, lively Perpignan is the capital. PO is a perfect blend of all things Mediterranean – blue sea, sunshine, palm trees, vineyards, olive groves, ancient castles, and fortresses. Snow-capped Pyrenean peaks add an exciting dimension. In March and April it is possible to swim and ski on the same day. Some of the great artists of the twentieth century lived here, attracted by the scintillating colours of the Vermillion coast. And Irish house buyers can now follow in Matisse’s footsteps. Direct flights from Dublin to Girona, just over the Spanish border, bring all this seductive Mediterranean beauty and diversity to Ireland’s doorstep.

One of the areas with the lowest house prices is north west of Perpignan, a dry, vine-filled place at the foot of the Corbières mountains, particularly known for the production of sweet, desert wines such as AOC Maury. Villages here are sleepy and slow-paced, especially under the summer heat. Ancient Cathar castles, standing sentinel on the Corbières peaks, are dramatic neighbours. One of Couleurs de France’s partner estate agents has an old, 3 bedroom, village house with 110m2 living space and a 55m2 garage (which could be transformed into a garden) for 147 900€.

Another reasonably priced area is between Perpignan and the region’s 8 ski resorts. Font Romeu and its neighbour Pyrénées 2000 form one of the sunniest and biggest resorts in France, with 38 pistes and 460 snow canons. The town of Prades is popular with those looking for easy access to both the sea and ski slopes. Near by is the medieval abbey of Saint Michel-de-Cuxa, surrounded by densely wooded slopes and high peaks. Couleurs de France have a beautiful, 7 bedroom, maison de maître (master’s house) on their website with 300m2 living space, a cellar, double garage and 1200m2 garden with fruit trees for 462 000€. There is a view onto the 2784m high Canigou mountain, a symbol of the Catalan nation and surrounded in legends and myth.

Further south is the exquisite, rocky Vermillon coast. The drive along the cornice from Collioure to Banyuls is spectacular. There are intermittent views of the blue sea glistening in the bright sun and vineyards on terraces climb parched slopes. Collioure is very popular but remains unspoilt. Tall buildings in blue, yellow and pink line narrow streets, fishing boats bob in the harbour and you can enjoy a cappuccino at a smart café. The seafront is dominated by the thirteenth century royal castle and the church of Notre Dame des Anges, which has an old stone lighthouse for its bell tower. Banyuls, further south, has wine domaines tucked away in the residential streets behind the harbour, selling the aromatic, fortified wine of AOC Banyuls. North of Collioure the rocky coast turns to wide stretches of sand. The resort of Argelès has a great family beach.

Property prices on the coast here are of course relatively high, but an alternative is to buy in one of the charming villages, full of narrow winding streets, at the foot of the Albères hills. You could then also avoid the summer crowds. One of the estate agents Couleurs de France works with has a 130m2 village house with 5 bedrooms and a garden of 350m2 in good condition for 230 000€.

Further into the mountains the attractive, Catalan town of Céret is the cherry capital of France. It was once home to Picasso and there is an impressive modern art museum along the tree-lined boulevard. Couleurs de France works with an agent selling a 170m2 village house with 2 terraces and a small garden, beside the river Tech and next to the fourteenth century Pont du Diable. It has been completely renovated as new and comprises 3 bedrooms (1 en-suite) and the possibility to create 2 more in the attic. A roof terrace is also possible. The price is 200 000€. Original features include exposed stone walls and beams. There is excellent rental potential in this very touristy and popular town.

If you are thinking of escaping the rain and heading to warmer climes it would be hard to beat the extraordinary department of Pyrénées-Orientales for sheer diversity and beauty. If you are flexible about where you buy prices are still relatively reasonable.

Linda Rano, Couleurs de France
Property agents Couleurs de France offer property search in the SW, support for buyers and courses on how to buy property in France.
Tel. +33 5 61 09 54 39
info@couleurs-de-france.com
www.couleurs-de-france.com