Active Living Communities for the Young at Heart

By Alex Girda, Associate Editor

Bordeaux, France—A French developer is set to enter the European market for homebuyers aged 50 and over, with a brand new concept that aims at creating a more dynamic living experience. The Villages Group, creator of the prototype communities, is spearheading the project in three different locations across France: Bordeaux/Perigord, Canal du Midi and Provence. Other continents have already embraced this type of initiative, with a number of locations proving its appeal in the United States and Australia.

The three villages currently in development in France are Lac du Farganaud Village, a 107-villa community near Bordeaux, set around a Championship fishing lake. The second development is Canal du Midi Village. Offering 116 homes, the community sits on the banks of the Canal du Midi near Narbonne and offers the full range of amenities. Lastly, Les Rives du Rhone Village offers 140 villas in Beaucaire, Provence, and is placed on the banks of the Rhone.

The new communities will offer an alternative to people over 50 who do not want to give up on an active lifestyle and reject traditional retirement communities. The all-English speaking communities will feature luxurious one-level villas with surfaces ranging from 700 to 800 square feet. The homes are built using green materials and are therefore eco-friendly and low-energy. “The Villages” will feature a range of amenities including tennis courts and indoor/outdoor swimming pools. However, there are no medical/nursing facilities are absent from the premises, because these communities are advertised to those who want to live actively.