The French Riviera stretches from Saint-Tropez to the Italian border, a mélange of dazzling blue sky and bright turquoise water. Buying a property in this idyllic setting doesn’t have to be a pipe dream – many residents invest in a second home along the Côte d’Azur, enjoying it when they can and renting it out to the throngs of tourists during the summer.
Why the French Riviera, though? People love it here – Nice (the area’s capital) made Trip Advisor’s Top 10 Destinations in France list, and The Three Corniches, a trio of coastal roads between Nice and Monaco, is included on Lonely Planet’s list of Top 18 Experiences in France. Let’s take a closer look at why the French Riviera should be at the top of your list when you’re looking to buy a luxury second home.
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1. A top-notch luxury lifestyle in Nice.
Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, has a reputation for glamour, attracting homebuyers interested in the epitome of luxury. Visit the flower market in Old Town, indulge at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and keep your eyes peeled for European royalty or A-list celebrities. Chic properties in Nice come with wraparound balconies and panoramic views.
2. Museum exhibits with world-renowned works.
It’s no wonder that an area so steeped in vibrant colors (and ideal light year-round) attracted some of the world’s best-known artists, including Henri Matisse, Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso. Their work can be seen in the area’s many museums – the French Riviera has the highest concentration of museums in France outside of Paris.
3. Holidays will be a cinch.
Having your own property on the French Riviera means you won’t have to put any thought into where you’ll go for your next holiday. Booking a trip can be difficult and stressful, especially if you wait until the last minute and hope to find a room that’s available. When you own your own second home, though, you can plan your getaway as far in advance as you want or you can decide that you want to start your trip at that very moment. Plus, you’ll know you’ll love the accommodation and that there won’t be any unpleasant surprises waiting for you, like noisy neighbours or a longer-than-expected trek to the beach. Take a look at this Cap-d’Ail apartment, which comes with a heated pool, a cinema room and direct sea access.
4. Refreshingly normal citizens in Cannes.
Like most French Riviera towns, Cannes has a lovely bay and sandy beaches, plus a solid reputation for attracting an uber-wealthy and glitzy populace. However, Cannes’ best-kept secret, and one that is most attractive to homebuyers, is that the town is home to thousands of conventional homebuyers, too, no Hollywood or mogul status necessary. Take a look at this charming villa in Cannes, with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a fitted kitchen with terrace access.
5. High demand for rental properties.
Since the French Riviera only has a limited amount of space for building, there tends to be more demand than supply here. With its high desirability thanks to sunny, warm weather; gorgeous beaches; exclusive shopping and dining; and entertainment ranging from casinos to festivals, the French Riviera is a popular tourist destination. By owning a second home here, you can take advantage of visitors who are looking to rent a place to stay while on holiday. This Mougins property is just a few minutes from a golf course, which is a major perk for golfers on holiday.
6. Diverse property types to choose from.
Whether you have a large family or will be traveling solo, there’s a luxury property to fit your needs – the French Riviera includes everything from grand villas to intimate apartments. This 10-bedroom, seafront house in Théoule-sur-Mer, designed by famous Hungarian architect Antti Lovag, has unique, bubble-shaped rooms, plus a panoramic lounge, a 500-seat outdoor auditorium and a swimming pool. Or, view this four-bedroom apartment in Nice, located in a beautiful mansion that’s close to shopping and transportation.
7. Monaco, the billionaire’s playground.
Grace Kelly’s marriage to Prince Rainier put Monaco on the map, and its grandeur definitely hasn’t dimmed through the years. Today, the streets of Monte Carlo are pristine, dotted with gourmet restaurants and designer shops, and the harbor is lined with superyachts and late-night bars. This spacious three-room apartment in Monaco is sun-filled and airy, with windows that look out on the sea.
8. There are plenty of move-in ready apartments available.
Throughout the rest of France (with the exception of urban areas), a common property type is the renovated farmhouse, which often has raw space ready to convert or that’s in need of upgrades. This is great for homebuyers who want a project property they can make their own, but it’s not an ideal setup for a holiday home. However, when you purchase a luxury apartment in the French Riviera, you can start enjoying it immediately, then lock it up and rest assured that it’s secure when you head back home. This exclusive apartment in Cannes has security services like an electric gate and an alarm system, plus amenities like a terrace, cellar, garage and automatic shutters.
9. Property value looks like it will increase.
Since just about every town on the French Riviera is wealthy and cosmopolitan, it seems as though the area will continue to be well-maintained and in-demand, assuring property here will increase in value as time goes on. Not only is there great potential for the property you buy, but resale tends to be quick and simple because there’s so much demand for property in the area.
HOMEHUNTS is an award-winning French luxury property specialist, and our property agents will handpick a luxury second home to meet your requirements and specifications. Use the search feature above to browse our selection of luxury homes. You can also speak directly to one of our consultants by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
