Five Dream Homes Recently Sold in the South of France
From a Provençal hideaway for a music industry icon to a waterfront retreat for a former international athlete, these recent purchases reflect a new era of lifestyle-led buying in the South of France. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how these unique homes were found—and why they stood out.
Unlike in some markets where sold prices are public, French property sales—particularly at the high end—are handled with a high level of discretion. Still, the homes featured here offer a glimpse into the kinds of properties recently acquired by international buyers—with expert guidance at every step of the journey.
The Provençal Hideaway
Category: Unique / Design-Led
Set at the foot of the Massif des Maures in the heart of the Var—a department known for its forests, hilltop villages, and proximity to the Mediterranean—this Moorish-style villa is a rarity in the French countryside. Designed in 1894 as a pleasure pavilion by Swiss architect Paul Page, Aziyade is a 19th-century folly transformed into a serene and evocative home by the late interior architect Frédéric Méchiche.
Featuring a distinctive domed roof and a labyrinth of black-and-white tiled rooms that flow into lush outdoor terraces, the home offers 1,615 ft² (150 m²) of living space, with two salons, a winter garden, and a rooftop terrace, plus a dependence with two ensuite bedrooms.
Recently on the market for €1,630,000, it was quickly snapped up by a buyer in the music industry who was drawn to its singular architecture, bold design, and quiet sense of place. With a coastal property already in hand, they were looking for something more tucked away: a private retreat that felt truly unlike anything else.
"They only viewed one property with us," notes the agent, "but they came three times and truly fell for it." A total jewel, this villa is a one-of-a-kind retreat immersed in 1.7 acres of emerald gardens.
The Dream Farmhouse
Category: Country / Turnkey
Located in the prized village of Eygalières—one of the most sought-after addresses in the Alpilles region of Provence, known for its natural beauty and understated glamour—this 18th-century Provençal farmhouse has been impeccably restored with authenticity and elegance. Set within more than 3 hectares of private parkland with a splendid fountain and a large heated pool, the home offers around 4,520 ft² (420 m²) of bright and beautifully appointed living space, including a guest studio.
The buyers—a Chinese couple based in California with properties in London and Lisbon—were seeking an authentic French escape. With limited time, their search was efficiently narrowed down. "We viewed six properties in two days," their advisor explains. "This one stood out immediately."
Listed between €3.5 and €4 million, the home combines rustic character with polished finishes. Its emotional appeal and turn-key ease made the decision clear.
The Château, Sight Unseen
Category: Classic / Historic
An hour outside Paris, in the historic countryside of the Île-de-France region, this early 18th-century château sits on 7.5 hectares of parkland along the Marne River. Entirely renovated, the property features vaulted cellars, grand reception rooms with original fireplaces, a paneled dining room, more than eight bedrooms, and a staff studio—plus a chapel, orangerie, caretaker’s cottage, and pool.
The American buyer, already a long-standing client, purchased sight unseen. "I had worked with my advisors for nearly three years," he said. "They helped me buy and renovate my Paris apartment, and when I couldn’t travel to view this château, they visited multiple times, sent videos, and even brought in the same renovation team I had used in Paris."
Listed just under €5 million, the home exceeded expectations. "It might seem risky, but I had total faith," he adds. "When I finally collected the keys, it was even better than I imagined."
The Waterfront Escape
Category: Modern / Contemporary
Overlooking the dramatic red rocks of the Esterel coastline in the Côte d’Azur, this newly built Californian-style villa sits on over 4,300 m² (approx. 46,300 ft²) of waterfront land with private sea access. The main home includes four bedroom suites, double reception rooms, a high-tech kitchen, hammam, cinema, gym, wine cellar, and garage for five cars. A separate 753 ft² (70 m²) guest house offers two additional bedrooms.
The buyer—a retired international athlete living in Monaco—was looking for a sleek, modern retreat with seamless indoor-outdoor living. Listed in excess of €10 million, the property impressed from the start.
"It was one of the first we showed them," their agent says. "They viewed others for comparison, but kept coming back to this one. The light, layout, and privacy were everything they wanted."
A New Life in France
Category: Full-Time Relocation
Set in the gently rolling countryside north of the Cèze river valley, just outside the historic town of Uzès in the Gard region—a lesser-known gem known for its Roman roots, peaceful atmosphere, and strong market value when compared to prices for similar properties in Provence—this 19th-century mas offered the ideal setting for a couple relocating from the Cotswolds.
With over 12 acres of land, including prairies, fruit trees, and a 15x5m heated pool, the home is a peaceful sanctuary tucked in a protected natural zone.
With 3,770 ft² (350 m²) of living space, the property includes a vast salon with fireplace, a clean-lined kitchen, multiple reception rooms, and two large master suites, along with a dormitory space for children. Outbuildings include a summer lounge, pool house, and a garage with an original bread oven.
Priced under €2 million, the mas offered not only timeless beauty but also excellent value. The buyers spent nearly a year searching across Provence and the Riviera before landing in the Gard, one of France’s most underrated regions that offers an authentic lifestyle removed from the tourist-beaten-path.
“They were looking not just for a home, but for a way of life,” their advisor shares. “And here, they found it."
These stories aren’t just about properties that were sold—they’re about helping buyers find the right home, in the right place, at the right time. Whether it’s a second home or a full-time move, each journey begins with a vision—and is shaped by trusted guidance at every stage of the process (and beyond).
If you're considering your own search in France, we can connect you with experienced local experts who specialise in helping international buyers make confident, informed decisions—every step of the way.
