Puyricard

The Origins of Puyricard

A district on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, Puyricard belonged from the Middle Ages to the Archbishop of Aix and to the Lords of Baux, who owned a château there. Between the 15th and 16th centuries, although its land continued to be farmed, the village lost its inhabitants to the centre of Aix. It is probably this economically driven exodus that explains why the area never established a distinct village identity of its own and has retained the soul of an Aix-en-Provence district.

Several hamlets nevertheless grew up around the parish of Puyricard, notably Pontès and Couteron. In the 17th century, the Puyricard plateau was home to most of the bastides in the Aix-en-Provence area, originally agricultural estates that were transformed into grand Provençal residences and small châteaux over the course of the 18th and 19th centuries. More recently, the village-district of Puyricard was painfully marked by the deadly earthquake of 1909, which caused considerable damage to its buildings.

The Highlights of Puyricard

The name Puyricard is notably made famous by the prestigious chocolate maker of the same name, founded in 1968, whose headquarters lie on the road to Aix-en-Provence. Renowned well beyond the South of France, the thriving Puyricard chocolate house has several boutiques across Provence, as well as in Toulouse and Paris. Not to be missed if you are passing through.

But it is above all Puyricard's architecture that deserves attention. The village is built around a charming Romanesque church named Notre-Dame de l'Assomption. This religious building houses a remarkable altar that came from the Château de Puyricard, a former stronghold of the Baux family. Several other notable buildings also bear witness to the past, including the châteaux and bastides of La Calade, La Rostolane, La Brillanne and La Rabiotte. The Domaine du Grand Saint-Jean also includes a château dating back to the 11th century, along with a chapel and a sheepfold.

Living in Puyricard

North of Aix-en-Provence, the Puyricard plateau is a dream destination for year-round living or as a second home. It combines the charm of a village with all the benefits of being close to central Aix. It has a family-friendly atmosphere, with the practicality and comfort of a functional transport network, local shops and numerous services.

In terms of education, the Puyricard district is home to two primary schools, a well-regarded private secondary school, as well as the prestigious Institut d'Administration des Entreprises, affiliated with Aix-Marseille University.

The village allows for a fully walkable lifestyle, with several restaurants, food shops, the annexe town hall, the socio-cultural centre, the school, the post office and medical services all clustered around the church.

Located on the heights above Aix-en-Provence, Puyricard even enjoys an even more favourable climate than the town centre, with less fog in winter.

Property Prices in Puyricard

The Puyricard district offers a varied range of properties for buyers of every profile, from working families wishing to settle in Aix-en-Provence, to retirees seeking a sunny second home, to investors in search of a good rental yield.

The area has several new-build developments, offering attractive apartments with terraces. Puyricard is also home to beautifully renovated bastides very close to the village and its shops.

The Aix village-district of Puyricard is one of the most sought-after and highly regarded areas in the region. Property prices in Puyricard reflect this trend, with traditional properties averaging around 6,000 euros per square metre and luxury properties whose prices can far exceed 8,000 euros per square metre, depending on the features on offer. It is worth noting that the plateau still offers building plots with open views for new-build projects.

In Puyricard, BARNES can find you an exceptional villa set in landscaped grounds with a swimming pool, and much more besides. Do not hesitate to contact your BARNES estate agency in Aix-en-Provence today to find out more about Puyricard and property in Aix-en-Provence in general!