Three bus-lines serve the town, which also has a train station. Home to Louis Cane, Beaulieu is wedged between the mountains and the sea. Palm-trees are dotted along the seafront, also admired for its lush vegetation. La Rotonde, Le Bristol, Le Palais des Anglais, the bandstand designed by Joseph Bo(...)

Located 12 km from Sainte-Maxime, the old village of Grimaud clings to the hillside and spreads out from the castle and Romanesque church. Its history dates back to the Gallo-Roman era. In the Middle Ages, this little spur drew the attention of military strategists wanting to protect the coast from (...)

“The sea is lovelier than cathedrals ; a devoted nurse, soothing for pain (...), it offers all kinds of gifts, both terrible and sweet,” wrote Paul Verlaine. “(...) I know no more delicate pleasure than my feet tramping along the shore in the more tormented nooks and crannies of this wild coast,” ad(...)

In 2006, 10.2 million visitors came to the Côte d’Azur. Depending on the period, from 50,000 to 750,000 tourists set foot on the Riviera, with the lowest number registered in mid-December, the peak period on the weekend of August 15th. 52 % were foreigners of whom 22 % came from Italy, 20 % from Gre(...)

Every year ten million tourists flock to Nice. This is because the international airport, France’s second busiest after Paris with 17 low-cost airlines, has endowed itself with the necessary means. Vacationers love the coastline 10 km long, Nice’s little squares with a Sardinian atmosphere, the many(...)

Some places need no introduction. France’s second city after Paris for congress activities enjoys an idyllic environment and a mild climate, just 30 minutes from Nice Cote d’Azur International Airport. Barely a year ago, wealthy clients from around the world were scrambling to get on the Croisette, (...)

Previously attached to Villefranche-sur-Mer, the cape acquired its independence in 1904 to become Saint-Jean-sur-Mer, then Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat three years later. As prestigious as Cannes, this beautiful peninsula already played host to crowned heads and intellectuals from all over the world. The f(...)

“Valbonne is definitely the flagship-village in this sector,” says Richard Wolf of Riviera Realty, an agency belonging to the Knight Frank network. “Its image on the international scene is now on a par with that of Mougins, which once had a length ahead.” Here more than elsewhere, the grape-vine fun(...)

The world’s second smallest state after the Vatican also ranks second after London in real-estate ratings drawn up by Knight Frank and Citi Private bank. The casinos, 4-star hotels, luxury boutiques and major names in gastronomy contribute to Monaco’s international reputation. The local economy is b(...)

The communes of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Cap d'Ail, Beausoleil and Menton are not only neighbours with Monaco, but also with the Italian border. Two of them are very select peninsulas. The others benefit from attractive seafronts. The popularity of their markets can thus hardly be explained solely by (...)

A new phenomenon or a return to square one ? In Moscow, it’s considered very trendy to own a holiday home on Cap d’Antibes or Cap Ferrat, in Monaco or Saint-Tropez, even in Cannes or Nice. When its price is calculated in tens of millions of euros and a view of the Mediterranean is part of the deal, (...)

After the capes, the most sought-after feature among wealthy, international buyers is a view of the sea. They travel thousands of miles to catch a glimpse of the Med and it tops their selection criteria for a holiday home. “Russians and other East Europeans literally melt for the region around Canne(...)

The scenery in the Var is both diversified and colourful. Its hill-top villages compete for popularity with its untamed islands. Seaside resorts share the limelight with medieval sites. All facets that justify a heterogeneous tourist market. Of the 10 million visitors recorded last year, 84.2 % were(...)

Mougins has always been very closely linked to the world of art. Jean Cocteau, Winston Churchill, Paul Eluard, Fernand Léger, Christian Dior, Catherine Deneuve, Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Picabia and Man Ray were under its spell and Picasso spent his last days here. Some 6 km in from the coast, the r(...)

The main appeal of the second most wooded “département” in France and its shoreline lies in their diversity. Family-oriented Sainte-Maxime rubs shoulders with cosmopolitan Saint-Tropez, itself just a stone’s throw from the very wild Rayol Canadel… No introductions are needed in the case of the fi(...)

Every year we hear on TV that “The tourist industry is experiencing a slowdown”. Somewhat far-fetched, if you talk to professionals at the top end of the seasonal rentals sector. In summer, prestigious properties in Cannes, on Cap Ferrat and Cap d’Antibes are full... According to a study underta(...)

The first, as picturesque as could be, plunges into the Mediterranean. The second, an undisputed temple to the “Belle Epoque”, lies at a junction between the foothills of the Alps and the sea. 15 minutes from Nice, the international airport and Monaco, they are both guarantors of sound long-term inv(...)

According to a survey carried out by Knight Frank and Citi Private Bank, Cannes ranks sixth amongst the world’s most expensive cities. In the top five, one finds four mega-cities, London (1), New York (3), Tokyo (4) and Hong-Kong (5), plus the Principality of Monaco (2) on account of its tax benefit(...)

This sport of Scottish origin does not content itself with demanding high concentration, undeniable qualities of endurance and precision from its fans. It also requires vast and impeccably maintained expanses of green grass, dotted with woods, a lake or stream. In addition to the possibility of wiel(...)

A lively market at Ste-Maxime “It’s one of the rare seaside resorts where people live year-round,” remark Sonia and Cyril Baudic of Sainte- Maxime Immobilier, “whereas Saint-Tropez is still very seasonal”… Right on the coast, Sainte-Maxime is home to about 12,000 residents in winter and three t(...)

“Beaulieu, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Mont-Boron are the most highly sought-after neighbourhoods east of Nice. The Irish, English, Scandinavians and, to a lesser extent, the Russians, are very keen on “Belle Epoque” mansions that have been converted into flats. They also appreciate a village-like atmo(...)

A little enclave in the French “département” of the Alpes Maritimes, Monaco stretches out along a coastal strip 4 km long, limited by the mountain spurs of the “Tête de Chien” and Mount Agel. With 32,543 inhabitants of 125 different nationalities, The Principality is also the most densely populated (...)

The one and only Saint-Paul A 15-minute drive from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, this historic village is centrally located between Nice, Cannes and Monaco. Claudine Muller and Sébastien Verdoucq of the Burns Agency fill in the details... Ultra-residential, Saint-Paul stretches over lush green hil(...)

Focus on Les Parcs Since their inauguration in 1954, the popularity of Les Parcs de Saint-Tropez has never waned. Françoise Albertone and Michel Wegelin tell us about this exclusive address… “Les Parcs occupy a peninsula of about 500 acres bordered by creeks and planted with palms and parasol p(...)

Beyond its picture-postcard image, Provence has many other facets. It in fact covers several “départements” : Le Var, Les Bouches-du-Rhône, Le Vaucluse, and even Les Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Its villages share a concept of life based on serenity and authenticity. With a holiday-home market as sizeab(...)

Just like the city of Aix, thes surrounding region offers the appreciable privilege of choice. A choice of life-style, architecture and even prices. Members of the real-estate industry take us on a tour of one of the most sought-after areas in France. At the gateway to Aix-en-Provence... Vauvena(...)

The first issue of Résidences Immobilier was published 13 years ago, a magazine entirely dedicated to the sale of exclusive properties. The 100th issue takes an unusual form, that of a collector’s piece… Over the years, real-estate offerings have been accompanied by articles and photo features on(...)

Undoubtedly the most heterogeneous town in the Alpes-Maritimes, Nice caters for a varied clientele and a wide range of budgets. Members of the real-estate industry contribute to our survey, revealing the town's many different facets… A little Eden Close to the centre, Mont-Boron slopes d(...)

The renown of the Alpilles has crossed the borders of France, yet this mountainous area only consists of about 42,750 acres. Its villages, Saint-Rémy, Les Baux, Maussane and Eygalières, distill all the charm of Provence. Situated north-west of the Rhône delta, Les Alpilles extend over 25 km from(...)

The world’s smallest state after the Vatican set a world record in 2004 in terms of density. The town continues to grow – upwards ! Pursuing a policy of extensive construction, the authorities are also winning land back from the sea. Each square metre counts and arouses the interest of a cosmopolita(...)

This famous cape starts at the bay of La Garoupe and ends in Juan-les-Pins. Only slightly behind that of Cap Ferrat, its property market undergoes the occasional change, but never slows down. It’s hard to imagine that in place and stead of this Garden of Eden, rock once reigned supreme. Aurélien(...)

Rich and varied, this nature park is the perfect example of a return to basics and a search for a quality life-style - two themes that are currently very popular. Professionals in the field give their opinions. Top end of the market In the Luberon, this means private homes at Lourmarin, Gorde(...)

A coastline not overly built-up, a quality world for golfers and good road and rail services – all persuasive arguments in favour of Les Issambres, Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël, Agay and Anthéor. The population is rising due to pressure from “grand-daddies” in search of retirement in the sun. Constantl(...)

One of the largest in France, the commune of Mougins is often considered as a countrified off-shoot of Cannes… Four estate agents invite us to widen this view. Mougins and its various neighbourhoods Beautiful properties in luxuriant settings, plus a village as authentic as they get ! A tour o(...)

Two attributes with which the Saint-Paul/La Colle-sur-Loup area are generously endowed. Not forgetting beautiful scenery, a sublime view of the sea from certain points, exclusive properties and the proximity of Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport. The Saint-Paul/La Colle-sur-Loup area is not (...)

Properties here attract both foreigners and people who work locally. Both top-notch and more affordable homes are on offer, outstanding properties stand next to old farms, a drystone “mas” contrasts with typical village houses. All aboard for the tour… The press often publish articles on these r(...)

Everyone thought that prices on the favourite peninsula of the stars had reached their peak with the arrival of the euro… Wrong ! The past few years have seen new records and a fundamental change in the market’s structure… “The property market is going through a real upheaval,” reveals Michel Ge(...)

When referring to the bouyancy of the property market in the South of France, people usually focus on the very prominent Côte d'Azur. Yet, there is a micro-market that deserves an in-depth analysis : Aix-en-Provence. Apartments, a buoyant sector Pierre-André Scandolera of the Comeri agen(...)

One hundred and fifty villas, a few apartments at the entrance to the cape or in the village, and international renown... The idea that rarity makes for an exclusive market is certainly borne out on the most highly-prized peninsula in France. Independent since 1904, the commune of Saint-Jean-Cap(...)

We often hear of more exotic and less expensive rivals but, on the basis of the results attained last year, the Côte d’Azur still has some plain sailing in store !… “The tragic events of September 11th 2001 had a real impact on the prestige home rental market,” says Angélique Le Guelvout of Euro(...)

People envy us for our beaches, but also for our snow-capped peaks. Focus on two ski resorts, Courchevel and Megève, different in style but comparable in terms of excellence. One is “showbiz”, trendy and party-loving, the other is elegant, up-market and discreet. While Courchevel is probably Fra(...)

The penthouse is revered as the “nec plus ultra” on the property market. A closer look at the particularities of a very special micro-market… An island of greenery up in the air, rather like a modern-day resurgence of the Gardens of Babylon, the penthouse is in high demand on the Côte d’Azur. Wi(...)

Renowned for its tax advantages, the Principality is witnessing real changes on its property market. In terms of clientele, prices and future prospects… Members of the real-estate industry are all for it ! Interviews by Laetitia Rossi. A new clientele for Monaco The past two decades ha(...)

Close to Cannes and Grasse, this highly-prized village plays the ace of individual properties in a residential neighbourhood… People often describe Mougins as “one of France’s largest communes”. The idea this gives is very different from reality. Above all a market for villas, Mougins has seen 18(...)

On the Mediterranean, two high temples of local architectural heritage…This seaside resort much loved by Jean Cocteau and the little “BelleEpoque" town draw a wealthy international clientele. Property experts tell us more…Interviews by Laetitia Rossi Unique character Christian Bovis of (...)

Nowadays, the “département” of the Var has nothing to envy of the vineyards and wineries of Bordeaux and Burgundy. Its nectar has improved in quality, its estates are attracting investors. The reputation of Bandol down on the coast has spread well beyond the borders of France. And as for the oth(...)

In Le Var From a fishing village in its early days to most glamorous resort of the last 50 years, the peninsula has retained all its authenticity. Focus on a sector with the wind in its sails… Professionals have their say … Interviews by Laetitia Rossi A promising market Buoyant and prestig(...)

This French tradition goes back to feudal times when the lord of the manor laid down the law. It also evokes a fondness for the soil, a sound investment since the dawn of time… In an age when everything is virtual thanks to Internet and on-line buying, some people still dream of real possessions(...)

“Beautiful isle with green myrtles, full of blooming flowers, venerated forever by all nations”… The words used by Ch. Baudelaire to describe Cap Ferrat also suit the region’s three other peninsulas. Exclusive and magnificently landscaped, Cap Ferrat, Cap d’Antibes, Cap Martin and Cap d’Ail appe(...)

The Festival City is one of the region’s most go-ahead sectors for the top end of the market. No need to dwell on the arguments, they’re all too obvious ! An exceptional location, an enchanting climate and access facilitated by the proximity of France’s second busiest airport and a good highway (...)

Less well-known than that of its prestigious neighbours, the top end of the market in Nice is nevertheless highly sought-after. At the heart of an efficient motorway network and benefitting from France’s second busiest airport, Nice’s property market is double-facetted. While there’s something fo(...)