Investing in furnished tourist accommodation is a particularly interesting strategy in certain provincial cities that benefit from a strong tourist and economic attraction. However, like any real estate investment, the success of such a project is based on specific criteria: the exact location of the property in the city (neighborhoods and even streets can make all the difference) and the typology of the property (apartments with common areas in excellent condition, detached houses, etc.).
Today, our experts in the real estate and tourism markets have prepared for you a selection of five cities where a thoughtful and well-targeted investment could generate an excellent return on investment in the medium and long term.
Tarbes, at the foot of the Pyrenees, attracts a diverse clientele. Tourists come to discover natural sites such as the Pic du Midi and the Cirque de Gavarnie, while professionals travel for local industries, in particular aeronautics and the food industry.
- Type of clientele : Couples with children, retirees, and professionals on the go.
- Average price per night : 56€
- Occupancy rate : 49%
- Average real estate price : 1 498 €/m²
- Net profitability*: 7.1%
Our advice for investing : The Barrère and Arsenal districts are to be preferred. Barrère offers security, shops and services while Arsenal, a former industrial hub, is in full transformation with new shops and restaurants. Investing in apartments to be renovated or homes with a modern touch will make it possible to attract tourist and professional customers.
Colmar attracts an international clientele thanks to its exceptional heritage, its picturesque canals and its gastronomy. The city, very popular with cultural tourists, sees its hotels have high occupancy rates. Its Christmas market, one of the most popular in France, attracts around 2 million visitors each year.
- Type of clientele : International tourists with high purchasing power, lovers of culture and gastronomy.
- Average price per night : 133€
- Occupancy rate : 62%
- Average real estate price : 2 525 €/m²
- Net profitability*: 8.8%
Our advice for investing : Betting on a property to be renovated in the historic center will allow you to maximize your added value thanks to tax advantages. Colmar is a highly sought-after destination, where character properties with character and character attract demanding customers looking for authentic experiences. Pay attention to common areas if you are buying an apartment, as they are the first impression of travelers and can influence how they feel about the accommodation.
Lourdes is a must-see city for pilgrims from all over the world. Each year, it attracts millions of visitors, with a downtown renovation project that opens up new opportunities for investors.
- Type of clientele : Pilgrims, religious tourists, families and groups.
- Average price per night : 76€
- Occupancy rate : 52%
- Average real estate price : €1,399.50/m²
- Net profitability*: 12.4%
Our advice for investing : The neighborhoods of Rue de la Grotte and the banks of the Gave are strategic. Diversifying accommodation offers towards more comfortable and modern properties, even adapted to people with reduced mobility, would make it possible to stand out in a market currently saturated by a standard offer. Small houses or apartments with superior comfort will have a real advantage here.
Thanks to its airport (with numerous flights to the United Kingdom) and its exceptional heritage, Bergerac attracts an international clientele. At the same time, the arrival of the Eurenco factory promises economic dynamism that reinforces the attractiveness of the city, especially for extended stays.
- Type of clientele : International tourists (English, Belgian, Dutch), professionals.
- Average price per night : 103.70€
- Occupancy rate : 53%
- Average real estate price : 2 229 €/m²
- Net profitability*: 12.4%
Our advice for investing : The historic city center and the banks of the Dordogne are the most popular areas. Investing in an apartment or a house to be renovated in these sectors, while targeting an international and professional clientele, is a winning strategy. Here too, it will be necessary to favor properties with neat common areas to seduce travelers as soon as they arrive.
Le Mans, famous for its 24 hours, is a city with potential for investors, even outside of competition periods. Economic dynamism with companies such as Renault or MMA reinforces the demand for accommodation.
- Type of clientele : Motorsport enthusiasts, professionals on the go, families.
- Average price per night : 137,90€
- Occupancy rate : 42% (100% during the 24 Hours of Le Mans)
- Average real estate price : 2 092 €/m²
- Net profitability*: 8.1%
Our advice for investing : Bet on properties close to the historic center or the technology parks. Investing in apartments with little renovation will allow you to target both professionals and families, while maximizing resale in the medium term thanks to the valuation of the turnover generated by tourist rentals. The typology of the property is essential, choose beautiful surfaces to stand out from the existing offer.
These five cities have remarkable potential for investments in furnished tourist accommodation, but each project must be carefully studied. It is not only a question of choosing a dynamic city, but also of ensuring that the property is located in an attractive neighborhood, close to points of interest, in a quiet but well-connected street and, above all, that it lends itself to the furnished tourist rental market. The type of property (apartment or house), as well as the quality of the common areas, if you opt for an apartment, will play a key role in the satisfaction of travelers and, as a result, in the profitability of your investment. By focusing on properties to be renovated, strategic locations and rigorous management, you will optimize your return on investment in the medium and long term.
To support you in your project and help you make the right choices, our experts are at your disposal to advise you and optimize the management of your real estate assets.
* Net profitability is indicative and depends on the location and type of property. Taking all this data into account, our experts will be able to give you an estimate.
To find out more about the latest news in tourism and short-term rentals,
subscribe to our newsletter.
