Charming Country House with Pool in Le Luc en Provence

Why Provence, Var, France

The Var department, nestled between the glitz of the French Riviera and the rugged peaks of the Alps, offers the quintessential Provencal dream. For many buyers, the Var is the "real" Provence—less crowded than the Luberon but more sophisticated than the remote interior.

Investors are drawn here by the region’s enduring prestige and the high demand for seasonal rentals. A country house (locally known as a mas or bastide) in the Var serves as a blue-chip asset. Whether you are looking for a vineyard estate near Lorgues or a hilltop sanctuary in the Pays de Fayence, the draw is a combination of privacy, prestigious "rosé culture," and proximity to the Mediterranean coast.

Climate & Lifestyle

Lifestyle in the Var is dictated by the sun and the seasons. You can expect over 300 days of sunshine a year.

• Summer: Hot and dry, defined by long lunches under plane trees and evening games of pétanque.
• Winter: Mostly mild and crisp, though the "Mistral" wind can bring a bitter chill that requires a well-insulated home.
• Lifestyle: The rhythm revolves around the weekly morning markets. It is a slow, epicurean life focused on local produce: truffles in winter, strawberries in spring, and the world’s finest rosé in summer.

Getting There & Around

The Var is exceptionally well-connected for international owners:

• Airports: Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) serves the eastern Var, while Marseille Provence (MRS) is better for the western side. Toulon-Hyères offers domestic and some European flights.
• Roads: The A8 autoroute (La Provençale) is the main artery. While well-maintained, it gets heavily congested in July and August.
• Public Transit: Within the countryside, a car is non-negotiable. Small villages have limited bus services, and while the TGV (high-speed train) stops at Les Arcs-Draguignan and Toulon, reaching the quintessential country house requires your own wheels.

Practical Living

Daily life is remarkably convenient for a rural setting.

• Healthcare: France has one of the world’s best healthcare systems. Towns like Brignoles and Draguignan have modern hospitals, and English-speaking doctors are common.
• Education: While most international schools are near Nice or Sophia Antipolis, there are several private bilingual options within a 45-minute drive of major Var towns.
• Connectivity: The rollout of fiber-optic internet (la fibre) has transformed the Var; most rural areas now have excellent high-speed connections, making it an ideal hub for remote workers.

Property Considerations

When buying a country house, look beyond the charm of the shutters.

• Styles: You will encounter the Mas (farmhouse style, often expanded over centuries) and the Bastide (stately, symmetrical, and square).
• Structural Issues: Old stone houses often lack foundations, leading to rising damp (humidity). Check for "Termites" and "Asbestos"—mandatory diagnostic reports (DDT) will provide this data.
• Natural Risks: The Var is prone to forest fires. Strict Old (clearing of undergrowth) regulations apply. Some areas are in flood zones (Plan de Prévention des Risques d'Inondation).
• Renovations: The "Bâtiments de France" (architectural heritage body) may restrict your choice of window colors or roof tiles if you are near a historic church or monument. Skilled artisans (artisans) are excellent but in high demand; expect to wait months for quality work.

Buying as a Foreigner

The French buying process is highly regulated and generally safe.

1. The Compromis de Vente: Once an offer is accepted, you sign this initial contract and pay a 10% deposit. You have a 10-day "cooling off" period to withdraw without penalty.
2. The Notaire: The Notaire is a government-appointed official who handles the conveyance. They represent the state, not the individual, so many foreigners hire their own English-speaking Notaire (the fee is split between the two officials at no extra cost to you).
3. Costs: Budget an additional 7-8% of the purchase price for "Notaire fees," which are primarily government transfer taxes.
4. Financing: French banks are currently cautious but do lend to non-residents, typically requiring a 20-30% down payment.

Community & Expat Life

The Var has a robust international community, particularly British, Dutch, Scandinavian, and American. However, it is not an "expat bubble."

• Social Integration: To truly settle, you must embrace the local culture. A simple "Bonjour" when entering a shop is a mandatory social requirement.
• Language: While many locals in the tourism and real estate sectors speak English, your experience will be 100% better with basic French.
• Attitudes: Local residents are generally welcoming to foreign buyers, provided you respect the tranquility and traditions of the village. Joining local associations or attending communal village feasts is the fastest way to turn "the foreigner's house" into "your home."