A large area of the south of France is to jointly hold the title of European Capital of Culture in 2013, it has been announced.

The European Union has decided that Marseille-Provence will share the status with the Slovakian city of Kosice, something that may interest those seeking French property.

Such a focus could help the Mediterranean port and the surrounding area gain more tourism, investment and a higher profile, all of which could help increase property values.

Evidence that such status can boost prices was shown when Liverpool saw a 76 per cent rise in prices in the five years after it was confirmed it would be the 2008 Capital of Culture.

This figure outstripped the rises seen in the five unsuccessful UK candidate cities over the same period.

A similar pattern in Marseille-Provence could ensure that French property buyers in the region are able to make larger capital gains than elsewhere, as well as enjoying year-round tourist rental demand in 2013 if they let their homes out.

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