Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur - Hunting and production forests
The forests of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur cover nearly half of the region’s surface area. The PACA region (as it is known) is the second largest forest region in France after Corsica, yet it is little exploited for its wood. There are, however, some production forests in the areas abandoned by agriculture.
The region’s forests are young and growing but they are also vulnerable. Protection forests in natural environments are therefore important. This is something to take into account when buying a forest in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
HUNTING AND PRODUCTION
Opportunities to buy a forest in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur are proportional to the growth of the forest area, in place of agriculture, as this ‘new forest’ is largely privately owned.
The forests are quite different from one département to another. Var is the French département with this highest afforestation rate, while Bouches-du-Rhône falls below the national average.
The production forests are located in the most accessible départements, while in the more mountainous areas – Alpes-Maritimes, Alpes de Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes and Var – protection forests dominate.
The Scots pine is the dominant standing timber species. It is found in the mountainous départements, while Aleppo pine is common in the more Mediterranean areas. In the PACA region, the forests also contain some deciduous species such as the downy oak and holm oak.
Who buys forests in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur?
The forests of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur will interest buyers looking for production forests, notably to supply pulpwood sector to the paper industry (Tarascon).
Hunting enthusiasts may also find what they are looking for here. ‘Open’ hunting is indeed something of an institution here. In other words, people frequently open up their hunting ground to others.
The forests of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur are therefore able to meet a range of aspirations.
How much do forests in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur cost?
The difference in stands, volume and the quality of trees explains the wide range of sale prices. Only an accurate valuation of the forest plot can give you a real idea of the price of your forest in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
Forêt Investissement provides this appraisal as part of a FNAIM exclusive sales mandate.
Economic view
Forests are highly prized by nature lovers and hunters and have many facets. Even more than in the other regions, here they harbor outstanding ecological diversity.
The forest market in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is one of the most dynamic in France. Prices are very reasonable. Allow for between €1,000 and €4,000€/hectare for a good forest.
Of course, at this price, the volume of wood per plot will be low but the pleasure of owning a magnificent forest will be more than enough to reward the lucky owner. The hunting aspect will mainly interest the local population.