If you’re looking for a luxury home in France in an exclusive and quiet area, while still being close to a vibrant city location, then look no further than the villages that surround Cannes on the French Riviera.
In our experience, affluent buyers love this area of the Riviera for its unique charm and its prime location. The area is far removed from bustling city life but near enough to allow you to enjoy the nightlife, entertainment and A-list events that are on offer.
From country estates to quaint houses with breathtaking views, the variety of properties near Cannes all offer a French Riviera lifestyle and distinctions that set each one apart. If you are looking for some of the most exclusive places to live in Cannes and the surrounding area, then here are our recommendations for some of the best villages near Cannes where property buyers should begin your property search.
Table of Contents
Recommended Villages to Buy Property Near Cannes
Biot
Biot has a strong artistic heritage, and the area is well-known for glassmaking. It also has an outstanding setting amongst the sea and the mountains, and La Brague Park, which covers approximately 480 hectares, has hiking trails for exploring the countryside.
Those in the tech industry will be well-suited to the area, as the Sophia-Antipolis Technology Park, a center of global innovation, is located here. Exclusive properties set amidst rolling hills offer a serene environment that still has convenient access to Cannes.
Cap d’Antibes
Exclusive Cap d’Antibes is known for Billionaires’ Bay, an area that was once only accessible by boat. Villas nestle among the lush vegetation and trees, facing turquoise waters and often having private beaches.
Just a short drive from Cannes, Cap d’Antibes mixes natural beauty with high-end living. During the off-season, you’ll have the village to yourself, a time when residents can enjoy the markets, beaches and cafes that are often overrun with visitors during the tourist season.
Grasse
Grasse is the perfume capital of the world, thanks to its thriving perfume industry that’s been around since the 18th century. Today, crowds flock to visit Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard perfumeries. Homes here appeal to those who love a sensory-rich environment, as luxury properties are set amongst lavender fields and olive groves, offering hilltop views.
Mougins
Perched high inland between the golden beaches of Cannes and the perfume capital of Grasse, the medieval village of Mougins is one of the most coveted locations to buy property near Cannes on the Riviera. High-end properties provide a lovely contrast to the beautiful historic setting. If you decide to live in Mougins, you’ll enjoy exploring this creative and gastronomic hub, which attracts celebrities and VIPs with an appreciation for fine dining and the arts.
Set a bit further inland than the area’s coastal towns, Mougins offers a sophisticated alternative to some of the more famous resorts nearby. During the busy summer season, you’ll be glad to have a calmer repose.
Opio
The bastide village of Opio is surrounded by olive and pine trees, and its microclimate allows it to cultivate jasmine and roses for Grasse’s perfume industry. You’ll be a short 15 minutes from the coast if you live here and approximately 40 minutes from the skiing resorts. The airport in Nice is 30 minutes away, making Opio a well-connected location if you’re looking for a holiday home.
Roquefort-les-Pins
Roquefort-les-Pins is located between Nice and Grasse, just 30 minutes from the airport, making it convenient to fly in and out. Cannes’ high life and glitz are just a 40-minute drive away, meaning that you can enjoy all the entertainment it has to offer and then return home to a cozy retreat. Roquefort-les-Pins is largely off the tourist map, so it doesn’t become overcrowded during the summer, and it has an excellent range of amenities, too.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Saint–Paul-de-Vence is one of the oldest towns on the French Riviera, and it’s a popular destination for travelers with an interest in history. Luckily, during the off-season, the weather remains mild, allowing residents to enjoy their village without crowds squeezed into the narrow streets. Renowned for its art galleries and historic charm, home buyers can find many luxury estates that offer the utmost privacy and stunning panoramic views.
Théoule-sur-Mer
Property buyers who are seeking a seaside location should consider Théoule-sur-Mer, which has sandy beaches and tranquil coves. There’s more diversity in the landscapes here, too, thanks to the area’s green forests and Esterel Mountains. Nature paths for biking and walking provide an escape from a busy waterfront, and when you’re ready to head back, you can dine at a restaurant with an unbeatable sea view.
Luxury villas perch above the Mediterranean, offering a view and a lifestyle that can only be found on the waterfront. You can also hop over to the Lérins Islands in just a few minutes for a more private beachfront escape.
Valbonne
For the perfect blend of luxury living and rustic charm, consider Valbonne, which has picturesque streets and a vibrant community. With its red and ochre townhouse facades overlooking sunny café terraces and bustling market stalls, Valbonne is the embodiment of authentic Provence.
You’ll have your choice of homes here, making it easy to find one to suit your style — Valbonne has traditional Provencal properties as well as modern villas. Residences located within walking distance of the village are the most sought-after in Valbonne. Located 20 minutes from Cannes, 30 minutes to the closest ski resort, and an hour from Nice, Monte Carlo, and Italy, you can easily create a diverse lifestyle by living here.
Which Village is Right for You?
With so many remarkable and appealing villages near Cannes, how do you choose the one that’s right for you? Here are a few things that we recommend you consider when deciding where to live in France.
Lifestyle Preferences
This is an excellent time to choose how you want to live the next phase of your life since a move to France is a major decision. Ask yourself what type of lifestyle you’re after to narrow down the villages you’re considering.
Are you after a soothing retreat surrounded by nature? If so, we suggest you consider Cap d’Antibes, Grasse or Théoule-sur-Mer. Do you need an active community with access to the arts? Then Biot, Mougins, Saint-Paul-de-Vence or Valbonne may prove to be a better fit for you. Will you be traveling to and from your second home near Cannes? If so, the villages like Opio are quick and easy to access from Nice airport.
Community and Social Life
Research the community atmosphere of the villages you’re considering. Some, like Valbonne, will have a more traditional, close-knit social vibe, while others, like Cap d’Antibes, will be more cosmopolitan and attract a broader set of international residents. Often expat forums are a great way to see what real people have to say about living in the different villages that surround Cannes.
Cultural and Recreational Activities
Think about the different cultural and recreational options you want nearby. Do you golf or play tennis? Are you after a beach lifestyle and need to be close to the sea? Is hiking something that you want to do regularly?
Do you own a boat or are you interested in buying one? If so, then you’ll probably want to consider a property that’s close to a marina.
Also, think about the types of cultural events you want to attend, and make sure that your potential new home has plenty to keep you busy.
Property Types
The best way to understand the different property types available near Cannes is to work with a buyer’s agent such as HomeHunts. Some villages will have modern, luxury villas with every amenity you could want, while other locations will feature historic properties that boast charm and character. A buyer’s agent will work on your behalf and as they know the area, they will be able to advise you on what will best meet your wants and needs.
Something else you may want to consider, is that homes on the French Riviera and those near Cannes see a lot of tourism during the summertime, and those closer to the French Alps are also good, year-round destinations. If you’re looking for an investment property, think about the time of year when you may want to rent it out. You’ll also want to consider what travelers will want in a rental home, such as transportation links and plenty to do in the area.
Proximity to Cannes
If a major reason to live in a village near Cannes is for easy access to the resort town, consider how far you’ll be and how easy it is to get there. Those who want to visit Cannes beaches, shopping and nightlife frequently will want to be close by. For others, traveling to Cannes less often makes it easier to prioritise tranquility and scenic beauty over location.
Local Amenities and Infrastructure
Evaluate the amenities and infrastructure of the villages you’re considering. If you have children, look into the quality of the area’s international schools. Also think about medical facilities, especially if you’re in need of frequent visits, along with shopping options and transportation links.
Finding Your Dream Property in the Villages Near Cannes
Whether it’s a serene and sensory setting in Biot or Grasse, a beachfront home in Cap d’Antibes or Théoule-sur-Mer, or the cultural charm of Mougins, Saint-Paul-de-Vence or Valbonne, you can find any lifestyle and home you’re after while still being close enough to visit Cannes whenever you want. Each of the villages near Cannes offers a rare opportunity for luxury living in an area that meets your needs.
If you are looking to buy a property in one of the villages near Cannes, then contact HomeHunts today, and one of our expert property consultants will be able to guide and advise you on finding your perfect home in France.
