Where to Buy a House in the South of France (For a Luxury Lifestyle)?

The South of France seems to bask in a perpetual summertime, with balmy weather even during the winter months. When it’s a bit too chilly to swim or take the boat out, though, there’s plenty to fill your day — sightseeing, festivals, markets, entertainment, and more. Consider these towns and cities in the South of France if you’re seeking a luxurious lifestyle and want to buy a house in the South of France.

What Are the Most Coveted Locations in the French Riviera for Luxury Homes?

These French Riviera towns offer the best opportunities for investing in luxury property, whether you want to live by the sea or in a secluded hilltop estate.

• Cannes: In addition to the renowned film festival, Cannes is also well-known for having prestigious waterfront homes and offering glamorous living along the Boulevard de la Croisette.
• Cap d’Antibes: Considered a premier yachting destination, Cap d’Antibes remains remarkably laid-back, with private villas, luxury penthouses, and modern, recently-renovated homes on the market.
• Saint-Tropez: This global symbol of luxury is famous for its energetic nightlife, exclusive beach clubs and high-end villas.

Also, consider locations like Èze, Grasse, Mougins, and Valbonne if you’re interested in more serene options. These destinations have picturesque medieval villages and offer incredible views of the Mediterranean while being removed from the hustle and bustle.

How Does Monaco Offer an Unmatched Lifestyle for the Ultra-Wealthy?

Monaco has unique appeal for those seeking an exclusive home on the French Riviera. Attributes that make the Principality of Monaco attractive to wealthy buyers include:

• Location: Monaco is situated between the French and Italian Rivieras, with the French Alps behind it. Its position on the sea means it has a practically perfect climate and sun year-round.
• Residency: You can be considered a Monaco resident if you live there for at least 6 months plus 1 day each year, which means that having a second home here makes it possible to claim residency.
• Taxes: Monaco does not levy personal income tax on residents, and there are not usually property or wealth taxes, either.

Additionally, adding to Monaco’s prestigious reputation is its unmatched level of luxury, reflected in the areas superyachts and yachting services, designer shops, the Casino de Monte-Carlo, gourmet dining, and high-net-worth residents.

Current Real Estate Availability and Prices in Monaco

Monaco has apartments and penthouses for sale, but with space as limited as it is, you won’t find houses or villas here. Furthermore, most luxury apartments in Monaco have 1 or 2 bedrooms, but you may be able to find larger homes with 3 or 4 bedrooms.

A one-bedroom apartment in Monaco can cost over €45,000 per square metre, and a 2-bedroom may cost a bit less at closer to €36,000 per square metre.

Alternatives to Buying Property in Monaco

If you’re interested in the Monaco lifestyle but need a larger home or a property that better fits your budget, Menton and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin are excellent alternatives.

Menton is scenic and tranquil, boasting suburban property like impressive, light-drenched mansions and duplex apartments with terraces that look out over the sea. The fantastic weather is good news for gardeners, who can grow their lemon and orange trees all year long.

The coastal town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin has three main sections: The medieval village is set on Mont Angel, the town centre is right on the coast, and the Cap Martin peninsula is home to high-end, luxury villas.

Why Is Provence Perfect for Those Seeking a More Tranquil Luxury Lifestyle?

Provence prides itself on homes that most people only dream of, like vineyard properties and 18th-century villas set on land that stretches for acres. Every type of landscape is represented here, including coastline, mountains and valleys.

You’ll also be amongst traditions and history, notable in the many fountains, monuments and ruins of the area. Make sure to set aside plenty of time for Provence’s annual festivals, too.

Where To Buy Property in Provence

Provence is ideal for buyers who value nature and privacy while still wanting to be close to cities like Avignon and Marseille. Consider these areas when looking for property in Provence:

• Aix-en-Provence: This university city is rich in culture and history, with elegant estates, private vineyards, and large properties with scenic views.
• Luberon: Known for its beautiful landscape of lavender fields, olive groves, and luxury country estates, the Luberon is ideal for those wanting large, secluded properties with stunning natural surroundings.
• Gordes and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: These charming villages offer authentic Provençal living, luxurious villas and a strong sense of community.

Combining the best of both worlds, Provence offers a countryside setting and lifestyle without being removed from plenty of culture and entertainment.

What Types of Properties Are Most Sought After in the French Riviera and Provence?

There are various types of luxury properties available in the French Riviera and Provence:

• Countryside Estates and Châteaux: These types of homes are most common in Provence. Many countryside properties offer large plots of land where you’ll find vast outdoor areas and vineyards. Additionally, these homes tend to have a lot of historic charm even after they’ve been updated with modern conveniences.
• Luxury Apartments: Predominantly found in Monaco and Cannes, luxury apartments and penthouses offer the convenience of city living, plus premium amenities like concierge services and private access. They’re especially desirable by second-home buyers or investment buyers who want to rent out the home during high-tourist times of the year.
• Waterfront Villas: You’ll find a lot of these properties in Cannes and Saint-Tropez, and many waterfront homes come with private beaches and infinity pools. These are also the areas to look for a home if you want a contemporary design.

As you can see, certain areas of the South of France will have a broad range of property types, while other destinations will have one or two main property types.

What Should Buyers Know About Accessibility and Travel in the South of France?

Knowing how to get to and from your property in France is important for frequent travellers or second-home buyers. Additionally, you’ll also want an easy way to access surrounding areas, like Italy, Switzerland and the French Alps.

Your options include the following:

• Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport: This is the main airport that services the French Riviera, and it has numerous connections to major global hubs.
• Private Airports and Helipads: Ultra-wealthy buyers who prefer discrete travel can take advantage of the French Riviera’s many private airports and heliports.
• Proximity to Ski Resorts: No matter where you settle in the South of France, you’ll have access to snow, which is great news for skiers. Retreat to the mountains for a long weekend to partake in adventure sports or indulge in the apres-ski scene.

Since the south of France is such a popular destination for holidaymakers, tourists, and those attending events, there’s no lack of ways to travel to and around the region.

What Should Be the Next Steps for Investors Looking to Buy in the South of France?

Are you considering purchasing a property in the South of France? Here are your next steps:

• Hire a Buyer’s Agent: It’s best to work with specialists in the French luxury real estate market who are highly familiar with the area. Agencies like HomeHunts offer tailored services for high-end buyers, and we always work on the buyer’s behalf.
• Decide on Your Budget and Priorities: Get a clear view of your budget and priorities, including what you need from your location, how much privacy you want, and the amenities that are most important to you.
• Understand Legal and Tax Implications: Since buying a home in France comes with a unique set of legal requirements regarding inheritance laws, property taxes, and more, you’ll want to work with financial and legal advisors to understand how the purchase will impact your finances.
• Visit Properties in Person: While initial searches can be conducted online, it’s essential to visit properties in person to understand the nuances of the home and neighbourhood. Additionally, many luxury properties may not be listed publicly due to their exclusivity, so seeing them in person is the only option.

Here’s another consideration: If you’re buying a second home or rental property, you’ll need to explore property management services to handle maintenance, security, and rentals on your behalf.

Final Thoughts

One visit to the Côte d’Azur makes it clear why this is such a sought-after area for luxury living. The mix of history, glamour and stunning landscapes draws wealthy buyers from all over the globe.

Moreover, the Mediterranean climate and year-round sunshine make it easy to take advantage of everything the French Riviera offers, and no matter where you are, you’ll be close to the cultural hubs of Cannes, Monaco and Nice.

The luxury property market in the South of France is highly competitive, with buyers from all over looking for a primary residence, second home, or rental opportunity to invest in.

To speak with a buyer’s agent who can help you navigate this process, contact HomeHunts today by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.