Property Investment in Aix-en-Provence

Why Invest in Aix-en-Provence?

In the mild Mediterranean climate, with 300 days of sunshine a year, and just 3 hours from Paris by TGV, Aix-en-Provence is one of the most attractive cities in France. Ranking among the top 10 most expensive property markets in the country, it is a prime area to invest. The success of Aix-en-Provence and its surrounding area continues to grow among buyers of primary residences, semi-primary homes (remote work and living) and second homes, as well as among investors. Rental yields here are exceptional, whether for long-term rentals or furnished seasonal lets.

Aix-en-Provence is a refined, human-scale city that is a pleasure to live in, combining the charm of its historic centre's architecture with its tourist appeal, cultural richness, economic dynamism and the conviviality of its colourful markets and café terraces. This dynamism is also reflected in education, with a wealth of local and international schools and prestigious universities. It is also worth noting that a business hub was created at La Duranne, which has become a major employment centre surrounded by protected natural spaces.

Beyond its accessibility, Aix-en-Provence enjoys an ideal geographical location, just 30 minutes from the Mediterranean beaches and 2 hours from the ski slopes.

The Pays d'Aix, which includes the city of Aix-en-Provence and 35 other communes, is a draw for its mansions, its typically Provençal houses such as characterful bastides and mas with landscaped grounds, swimming pools and views over the Sainte-Victoire mountain, its architect-designed villas and its new-build developments.

Where to Invest in Aix-en-Provence?

The Pays d'Aix offers a wide range of properties, depending on the type of property and quality of life sought in certain towns and districts. Here are 6 of the best districts to invest in property in Aix-en-Provence.

The City Centre: the Most In-Demand Area

The city of Aix-en-Provence, rich in history, is nicknamed "the city of water, arts and crafts". It draws people in with its authentic charm, beautiful honey-coloured stone architecture, market squares, every amenity within easy reach and its many schools.

It is a little like the Marais district for Parisians, all in one city. Around Cours Mirabeau lie a number of squares and districts: Les Thermes, the Opera House, Place des Prêcheurs, Place Albertas, Place de la Rotonde, place des Cardeurs, the Cathedral, and the Mazarin quarter, particularly sought after for its mansions and home to the Musée Granet and the Hôtel de Caumont. It was at the bottom of Cours Mirabeau that the city modernised around fifteen years ago, with the creation of a new car park beneath Place de la Rotonde, the opening of a new shopping district called Les Allées Provençales, and the construction of contemporary residences with terraces, lifts and garages.

Pigonnet District

To the south of the city, Pigonnet is a residential area made up of houses from the 1930s and 1940s, ideal for residents working near the Les Milles and La Duranne business hubs and Marseille, with easy access to the TGV station for Parisians. This micro-market has a very low turnover, so properties for sale here are rare.

La Torse

To the east of the city, a 10-minute walk away, this leafy district boasts the large Parc de la Torse and secure residential estates of small bourgeois apartment buildings on the edge of wooded hills, just minutes from the Sainte-Victoire mountain range. It is popular with families for its nearby schools, such as the Sacré-Cœur school group and the Val Saint-André bilingual school. There is good turnover here, though mostly off-market, largely driven by word of mouth among families relocating for professional reasons.

Saint-Mître

5 minutes west of central Aix, around its large park and planetarium, the Saint-Mître district is popular for its leafy setting and is very well served by roads and public transport. Residents can reach the TGV station in 15 minutes, the city centre with ease, and the motorway to Avignon, Paris and Spain. Numerous new-build developments are underway here, on the edge of farmland and vineyards.

Célony

Located on the north-western heights of Aix-en-Provence, 5 minutes from the centre and the Sisteron-Marseille motorway, Célony is a residential district on the border of the villages of Puyricard and Éguilles, offering "the countryside in the city" with family homes close to schools.

Pinchinats District

Located to the north-east on the heights of the city, 5 minutes from the centre, Les Pinchinats is a favourite residential area for its leafy, hilly, airy and cool setting, with its spring and stream, home to châteaux, luxurious old bastides and hunting lodges. A very well-protected rural district.

Where to Invest Around Aix-en-Provence?

Discover 5 ideal communes for investing in property near Aix-en-Provence!

Puyricard

Located to the north of the city, 7 minutes from the centre, this is Aix's agricultural and wine-growing hub. Across this large rural plateau, vast stretches of farmland extend as far as the eye can see. The area is quiet and ideal for buyers seeking a rural setting close to the city, bordered by grand bastides and wine-producing châteaux.

Éguilles

Among the most sought-after destinations in the Pays d'Aix, Éguilles is a highly regarded area for the quality of its properties, most of which are recently built. It is more attractive for capital gains on resale than for rental yields. Prices here are steadily rising thanks to the commune's favourable location, just a few minutes north-west of Aix-en-Provence on the road to Salon-de-Provence.

Le Tholonet

Among the most sought-after towns in the Pays d'Aix, Le Tholonet enjoys a particularly desirable location to the east of Aix-en-Provence. The A8 motorway, which borders its territory to the south, allows access to Marseille in under 30 minutes. Prestigious properties here enjoy breathtaking views of the legendary Sainte-Victoire mountain.

Luynes

South of Aix-en-Provence, accessible via the A51 as well as the D8N, Luynes is a fast-growing area attracting entrepreneurs, with a steadily rising population. Investing in Luynes offers some of the best rental yields available. Its location on the road to Marseille, just 20 minutes from the Vieux-Port, is a major asset.

Venelles

Located to the north-east of Aix-en-Provence, between wooded hills and fields, Venelles is the largest commune after Aix itself, with its own business and retail hub. Extending from the Puyricard plain and the Pinchinats heights, it is a sought-after spot among those in the know. It offers "the countryside in the city", just 15 minutes from central Aix.