Buying a house in La Vigne, Cap Ferret: the harbour village

La Vigne, a village built around its harbour

When people talk about La Vigne, they talk first about its marina. It was dug in the 1960s, on the site of old fish ponds created in the 19th century by Léon Lesca, an industrialist from La Teste.

The name has almost nothing to do with wine. It is said to come from one of the first residents, a man called Lavigne, who gave his name to a dune. There were real vines here, though: Léon Lesca planted them on the land dug out of the ponds, and grapes were still being harvested in 1938.

Today, La Vigne lies between Claouey and Cap Ferret, on the narrowest part of the peninsula. On the Bay side, there is the harbour and a long, sheltered beach lined with pines. On the ocean side, forest and dunes.

It is a place I love, for its forest feel. You live among the pines, in peace and quiet, and yet the harbour and the Bay are only a few minutes’ walk away.

Living in La Vigne, all year round or on holiday

What sets La Vigne apart is that there is always life here. The harbour is open all year, slipway and pontoons. In summer, the harbour bars and restaurants stay lively until late.

For families, it is very convenient. Children cycle to the beach, you can head out by boat without taking the car, and you get a real village spirit without feeling isolated.

Houses are usually hidden among the pines, on large plots. You will find family villas from the 1970s and 80s, often renovated, and a few contemporary homes. Many are designed for entertaining: a pool, a guest house for friends, an outdoor kitchen.

Buying in La Vigne: my advice

In La Vigne, location makes all the difference. For the same floor area, a house a few minutes’ walk from the harbour or the beach does not sell at the same price as one further back, towards the forest.

With my buyers, I always look at three things. First, the orientation of the plot: afternoon sun matters enormously here. Then the condition of the house and its equipment, because salt air wears things quickly. Finally, the rental potential, if the house is also to be let in summer: large houses with a pool and a guest house rent very well.

For those with a boat, the question of a mooring comes up straight away. It is arranged with the harbour, not as part of the house sale. It is best to deal with it very early.