Five Buy-to-let Picks by the Beach

Earlier this year, Pavillon Bleu unveiled France’s best beaches of 2019 – so we’ve combed the sands that made the list and picked out our top five hotspots for properties with rental potential.

Antibes

A bunch of beaches in Antibes are basking in the limelight this year, including Fort Carré and its pebbly neighbour Plage de la Fontonne. And it’s no wonder. Sandwiched between Cannes and Nice, Antibes is a real magnet for sun-worshippers. Summer here is guaranteed to bring the crowds, making it ideal for short-term holiday lets, although the perennial appeal of the Côte d’Azur also makes it perfect for securing long-term tenants. Just be prepared to shell out six figures! Currently on the market is a gorgeous villa for over €2m, complete with a second house to rent out and a renovated studio; a building generating income from 12 rented lots; and an entire hotel for sale for a little over €1m.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux’s lake beach, with its white sand and clear waters, is an attractive alternative for locals who can’t make it to the coast. Consider it a slice of summer fun in one of France’s most dynamic cities! Thanks to its booming wine industry, popularity among travellers and strong connectivity with other major cities, Bordeaux is a sought-after place for short- and long-term rentals. For a solid investment opportunity, look no further than the city centre and Quartier Saint-Michel, a lively square packed with markets, cafés and shops – right in the thick of the action.

Nice

We return to the French Riviera to shine the spotlight on Nice, whose beaches Carras, Coco, Magnan and Sainte-Hélène earned their place on Pavillon Bleu’s glowing list. As the second-most-popular tourism spot in France after Paris, Nice by nature is a costly area ripe with investment potential. Try the old town for rental apartments; the city’s historic heart sucks in travellers looking for quintessential French charm. The Riviera is an investor’s paradise as, over a period of just 10 weeks at the height of summer, holidaylet owners can easily earn as much as long-term rentals over 12 months.

Roscoff

A postcard-perfect fishing village in Brittany, Roscoff was a shoo-in for Pavillon Bleu’s list of top-notch coastal gems. Historically, it’s most famous as the birthplace of Onion Johnnies and their namesake pink vegetable, but the reasons to invest here go far beyond l’oignon rosé. Roscoff boasts some of the most exciting coastline in France, the freshest seafood and striking 16th century granite architecture – which you’ll see crop up frequently on the market, along with traditional Breton maisons de pêcheurs. The area’s proximity to the ocean and the UK will always be a draw for holidaymakers, especially in the peak holiday season, so keep an eye open for short-term buy-to-let possibilities.

Narbonne

Narbonne-Plage is a vast, sandy expanse – one that stretches for 5km and is a hive of activity in summer. Think volleyball, vélos and vibrant outdoor performances. Of course, it’s not only the beach that pulls in visitors; Narbonne is a charming town with a rich history dating back to the Roman era, colourful markets and museums aplenty. Plus it boasts excellent transport links to favourites Carcassonne and Toulouse, making it a popular year-round option and a strong contender for long-term lets. Properties in these parts typically range from stone houses to contemporary villas. Check out our online web portal for more.