Gay Open House: A taste of Southern France

August 16, 2022 Queer Forty Staff 6 min read

From the sublime to the ridiculous. This month we take you on a whirlwind tour of southern France, from a bargain money-making business calling out for new LGBTQ+ owners to a couple of dream properties you will want to call your own if you’ve already made it big.

We will travel from the depths of the traditional French countryside to one of the chicest parts of the French Riviera in our perpetual search for something for everyone.

Our monthly real estate feature sees us team up again with Welshman Rhodri Ellis Owen and Canadian Jameson Farn at LGBTQ Real Estate to bring you some of the finest vacation rentals and real estate on the planet. Based in the south of France, but covering properties all over Europe, the guys at LGBTQ Real Estate pride themselves on their VIP level of personal service which is always delivered without prejudice. The business is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ sellers, buyers and their friends find their perfect property match.

Gard, South-west France

Looking for a change of lifestyle in the South of France? Looking for a restaurant with rooms business? Prefer to buy an established profitable concern?

Then this historic 8-bedroom auberge with dining space for 80, located in Lussan in the Gard (30), could be just the one for you.

Currently for sale by its LGBTQ+ owners, this small and manageable business would ideally suit a couple already in the industry or one starting their journey in hotel ownership, with additional staff required during the summer season.

Housed in a charming 16th century building that crowns the main square, Place des Marronniers, the auberge is surrounded by ramparts and the magnificent village of Lussan has an exceptional architectural and historic heritage that ranks it among the ‘most beautiful villages in France’.

Located very near Uzès and less than an hour from the TGV stations of Nîmes and Avignon, as well as Nîmes Garon airport, this small & charming bed and breakfast is popular with regular customers and tourists who love culture, gastronomy, nature walks and river swimming.

Rated two stars, the hotel offers eight comfortable, spacious and renovated rooms each with their own bathroom and unique character reflected in the hand-picked antique furniture.

The restaurant is fully fitted with modern equipment and offers traditional and refined cuisine with 40 seats inside (atmospheric with vaults and stone walls) and 40 seats outside on a beautiful shaded terrace overlooking the main village square.

There is also a beautiful apartment for the owners with a charming private terrace, ideal for a couple.

This business is profitable and works smoothly thanks to a regular clientele who greatly appreciate its warm atmosphere and fresh cuisine.

The entire establishment was brought up to the latest standards of the Safety Commission in 2018.

Sale price for the business (excluding the real-estate) 170,000 Euro and a monthly rent of 1700 Euro excluding tax.

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat – Peninsula

This single-storey 4-bedroom apartment, located in one of the most prestigious postcodes in the world, boasts fantastic scenic views to make your friends turn green with envy.

Situated in an upmarket condominium with a full-time concierge, it can be found at the entry of the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It offers an easy commute between Nice and Monaco by car, or with the nearby train station in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and in a few minutes, you can walk to beaches in Villefranche-sur-Mer or Beaulieu-sur-Mer.

This apartment has been tastefully renovated with high-end materials throughout, smart-home features and a well-planned layout. Perfect to use either as a holiday or main residence.

Comprising of 4 well-sized bedrooms, 4 luxury bathrooms with marble fittings, an open-plan kitchen connected to the dining and living area connecting to the 2 spacious terraces with sliding Schuco windows.

The main west-facing terrace captures the sun from mid-day to sunset and provides a scenic panoramic view over the sea towards the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Easy lock-and-go features from the smart-home system controlling lights, heating, air-conditioning, and security shutters. The condominium also provides ample security with a gated entrance, security cameras, and a secured indoor garage with direct connection to the apartments by stairs or elevator.

The apartment comes with the added benefit of one separate studio with connecting shower room, 3 well-sized garages, and 2 storage cellars.

Yours for 3,795,000 Euro

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat – Bay

Modern masterpiece villa with grand sea views for those with grand tastes

Spacious, modern designed property with a grand view over Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat bay, Saint-Hospice and the green hills of the Cote d’Azur.

The property is divided over three levels. Each level has a terrace. The top floor leads out to the spacious rooftop terrace. From the rooftop terrace and the floor below you have access to the well-sized swimming pool, the well-maintained garden and a grand stone and wooden-deck area.

For the moments when you want the sea, the Maurice Rouvier trail that leads to the beaches in Beaulieu Sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a short walking distance away. In addition, the villa is equipped with a garage that fits two big cars, plus two more cars in the courtyard.

Yours for 6,950,000 Euro