With the advent of Ryanair (and other budget airlines) arriving in this region, there was a massive explosion in property prices during the first few years of 2000. Property prices have stabilised, and generally are rather static currently.
There are many cheap flights from the UK to Gerona (just down the motorway to Spain), Perpignan, Carcassonne, Montpellier, Nimes. Property prices close to these destinations have increased dramatically.
This region is bigger than Wales so there is plenty to see. Prices generally decrease as you go inland from the Mediterranean coast - rural property is still available at realistic prices. Apartments and studios are still available in the "holiday" towns along the coast. There are many marina developments along the coast aimed at the holiday maker. Studios / apartments are available below ?100K. Villas are more expensive but villas with swimming pools offer good rental yields during July / August.
Aude Property
Generally the Aude is one of the cheaper areas in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. On the coast there are plent of studios and apartments in the holiday marinas from Barcares to Gruissan and beyond. Small studios from 50K to apartments around 100K euros are readily available.
Herault Property Our recommendation - the delightful rural villages to the North of Beziers - such as properties in the Orb Valley, Saint Chinian, St. Genies. Surrounded by vineyards and gently undulating landscapes. Marvellous weather, and no Mistral blowing.
Our recommendation is the Pyrenees-Orientales which is well served by transport links: air, autoroutes and TGV. In the summer you have access to the beaches and marinas all along the coast plus marvellous walks in the Pyrenees. During the winter you have the ski slopes (sssh - this is a well kept secret!). There are also many health spa resorts in the area - good location to buy property for rental income!
Our favourite spot - Collioure near the Spanish border. Best described as a typical Cornish village - old walled town centre with port complete with artist colony! Plenty of restaurants and interesting shops. As well as the beaches, the fort and quaint streets - the town has the magnificent backdrop of the Pyrenees. Did we mention the 300 days of sunshine too? Naturally, prices are high in Collioure but this is location, location, location!