FRENCH RIVIERA - A brief guide.

Speak to 10 people and you will probably have 10 different opinions on where the French Riviera begins and ends! Most will agree it begins at the Italian border, some will say it ends at Nice, others at Cannes, others still at St Tropez. I have even heard Marseille described as being on the French Riviera. We tend to offer properties in the Var and Alpes Maritimes, between the Golfe de St Tropez and Menton. We will be delighted to answer any questions about the area, or about the property market on the French Riviera.

The Inland Var
This is a rural area where excellent value properties can be found. Generally, the closer to the coast the more expensive property becomes. Popular areas are the Gorges du Verdon, villages and towns close to the A8 autoroute such as Brignoles and Le Luc, or villages close to Draguignan such as Lorgues and Flayosc from where day trips to the beaches of St Raphael or Cannes are easy.

Golfe de Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez itself needs no introduction, famous for its yachting and jet set lifestyles. Property here is amongst the most expensive on the Riviera, and we have had rock star and Hollywood clients searching for property here. Less expensive options close to Saint Tropez are Cavalaire sur Mer, Sainte Maxime and Les Issambres.

Frejus and St Raphael
Just 30 minutes drive from Cannes, this is a superb beach resort which is quieter in the winter than the Alpes Maritimes towns such as Cannes, Antibes or Nice. Nearby resorts such as Agay and Saint Aygulf are also popular. Villas here tend to be less expensive than in the Alpes Maritimes.

Cannes and Nice Hinterland
This is possibly the most popular area for our clients. Better value and less crowded than the coast itself, yet within minutes drive of the towns of Cannes and Antibes or Nice city. Many areas offer spectacular views over the Baie de Cannes, Cap d' Antibes and Cap Ferrat. There are smaller villages and towns such as Montauroux and Callian; bigger towns like Grasse, Saint Paul and Vence. Valbonne and Mougins are particularly popular with British buyers looking for pretty, Provencal style villas.

Cannes
The Croisette, the Film Festival - Cannes is the town many people first think of when the Riviera is mentioned. If you are looking for an investment, or second home to rent out when you are not there, then central Cannes is probably where you will get the best return due to its year round conference market. Close by, the resorts of Mandelieu and La Napoule are also in demand.

Antibes
Antibes has a beautiful old town, and with its own beaches and those of neighbouring Juan les Pins it is an ideal location. We have an apartment here ourselves at the top of the Cap d'Antibes, where the centre of both Antibes and Juan are just a few minutes walk away. Villas on the Cap itself are amongst the most desirable on the coast. Nearby Golfe Juan, famous for being where Napolean landed after exile, is also popular as it is just a short drive to Antibes or Cannes.

Nice
One of the largest cities in France, and like all large cities it has its good areas and bad. Apartments on the seafront along the Promenade des Anglais are highly sought after, and the new tramway system is increasing property values in other previously overlooked areas.

Cap Ferrat
For many this is where the true Riviera begins. The stunning Belle Epoque villas are highly sought after, some with remarkable historic connections. The "Golden Triangle" of Cap Ferrat, Villefranche sur Mer and Beaulieu sur Mer is home to some of the most expensive real estate anywhere in the world. Russian buyers love this area, and villas on the Cap can cost in excess of 100 million euros. Further to the east, Eze and Cap d'Ail are also highly prized locations.

Monaco
Of Grand Prix and tax haven fame, Monaco is a very particular property market. Luxury apartments, even small ones carry a hefty price tag!

Cap Martin and Menton
On the Italian border, these locations are predictably popular with Italian buyers from Milan and Turin. Menton is a particularly attractive town, with an Old Town, marina and lovely seafront.