Buying a luxurious home on the French Riviera means you can escape your everyday life for regular holidays abroad. Or, you may choose to relocate permanently and change your way of life altogether.
It’s no wonder this area is such a real estate hotspot, drawing in the world’s elite. Picturesque beaches, exclusive clubs and restaurants, VIP events, and high-end shopping can fill your days and nights. Then, when you return home to your French Riviera apartment, estate, or villa, you’ll continue living in luxury.
Whether you prefer a residential area or a setting right in the heart of a town or city, homes in the Cote d’Azur never disappoint. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy sunshine practically every day of the year, and temperatures are always mild enough to spend time outside.
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What Makes the French Riviera a Prime Location for Luxury Homes?
There’s so much that adds to the allure of the French Riviera. For starters, it has stunning landscapes with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop, and there’s sunshine most days of the year. Even during the wintertime, the climate remains mild.
Then there’s the culture of the area, which has been glamorous and sophisticated since the mid-19th century. Today, the region hosts world-class events like the Cannes Film Festival, and it’s also home to art galleries, historic landmarks, and more.
Many of the French Riviera’s resorts are exclusive and cater to affluent buyers, namely Monaco, Nice, and Saint-Tropez. You’ll find designer shopping, gourmet dining, and exciting nightlife here, along with a prominent yachting scene.
Before the French Riviera became famous for attracting celebrities, it was a playground for artists during the early 20th century. When Brigitte Bardot came in 1956 to film And God Created Woman, the many scenes of the area launched it to A-list status, and it’s been popular with Hollywood’s elite ever since.
Where Are the Most Coveted Locations on the French Riviera?
Practically every town in the French Riviera is special in some way, and some are even more coveted than others.
Cannes: Cannes strikes a perfect balance between energetic and peaceful. It’s not as overwhelming as other parts of the French Riviera, and it doesn’t close down in the winter, either. With plenty to do year-round, this is an excellent area to purchase an investment property that you plan to rent out at times.
Monaco: Monaco is tiny, but its under-one-square-mile size hasn’t reduced its popularity. Instead, it’s one of the most sought-after locations in the world, and finding Monaco real estate can be hard to come by. Because space is limited, you’re more likely to find a luxury apartment or penthouse here than a villa.
Nice: Home to the famous Promenade des Anglais, Nice has a laidback way of life with art galleries, boutique shopping, and must-visit restaurants to fill in your days. This is a great location for families, with plenty of beaches, fountains, and playgrounds to take advantage of.
Saint-Tropez: What once used to be a humble fishing port has transformed into an area for prime real estate and the quintessential French Riviera lifestyle. Popular spots like Le Club 55 welcome top-tier celebrities as regulars, and that sort of clientele means the properties here are world-class, too.
Valbonne: Located less than 30 minutes from Cannes and the sea, Valbonne’s real estate is in high demand. This town boasts an idyllic and traditional Riviera lifestyle, with peaceful surroundings, a lovely old town, and a lively dining scene.
Villefranche-sur-Mer: Set between Monaco and Nice, this village has one of Europe’s most gorgeous bays, which is why some of the priciest homes in the world can be found here. You can also easily get to Italy from Villefranche-sur-Mer.
You may also like our article that talks about five of the best villages for buying property in the French Riviera.
What Types of Luxury Properties Can Be Found on the French Riviera?
With thousands of luxury homes for sale on the French Riviera, there’s likely to be a location and style to match your tastes.
Since the French Riviera is such a popular location for real estate, apartments and houses for sale are more common here than larger homes and sprawling estates. However, if you’re happy to move a bit further from the crowds and settle in a calmer area, possibly on a cliff that overlooks the Med, you’ll have a better chance of finding larger properties.
In and around Antibes and Cannes, you’ll find Provencal-style country homes and chateaus, along with high-end apartments and classic villas. You may even come across a mansion with a private garden, especially if you work with a buyer’s agent who knows about unlisted and rare properties.
Along the water from Menton to Nice, you’ll come across gorgeous waterfront villas, as well as luxury apartments and houses that range from classic to contemporary. And in Saint-Tropez, there are coastal properties that offer an idyllic Mediterranean lifestyle, as well as apartments and villas with panoramic sea views.
How Much Do the Most Expensive Homes on the French Riviera Cost?
Here’s an overview of some of the French Riviera real estate pricing you can expect:
- Cannes: Three-bedroom apartments in Cannes range from €2.4 million to nearly €3 million. A villa in Cannes can cost approximately €21 million.
- Nice: A 3-bedroom apartment costs approximately €1.2 million, while an apartment in the heart of the city can range from €3 to €5 million. A villa in Nice can cost around €4.9 million.
- Mougins: Villas range from €1.5 to €1.7 million.
- Roquebrune-Cap-Martin: A villa here can cost nearly €8 million.
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Villas range from €18 million to €24 million.
- Valbonne: Villas in Valbonne may cost approximately €3.2 million.
- Villefranche-sur-Mer: A villa here costs around €5.9 million.
The area, amenities, and type of home you’re interested in will impact the cost.
What Amenities Do These Expensive Homes Offer?
The extravagant homes of the French Riviera have amenities and features that justify the price tag, such as helipads, private beach access, vineyards, and wine cellars. You’re also likely to find fireplaces, jacuzzis, and open-plan kitchens, along with the following:
- High-quality fittings and fixtures
- The latest technology and security features
- Landscaped grounds and private gardens
- Summer kitchens and covered outdoor dining areas
- Outdoor amenities like boules courts, swimming pools, and tennis courts
- Enclosed garages and multiple parking spaces
- Additional independent apartments ideal for visitors or renters
Many of the homes here were purposely designed to blend in with the natural beauty of the Riviera and maximize the 300 days of sunshine per year. Large windows, patios, and terraces invite you to spend time outside, taking in the unbeatable weather and views.
Who Buys These Multi-Million Dollar Homes?
There’s a diverse set of buyers who purchase French Riviera real estate. It’s common for international jet-setters, including business magnates, entrepreneurs, and other elites, to seek out second homes on the French Riviera.
Celebrities, royals, and yacht owners also invest in properties in the area, drawn to its glamour, history, and coastal setting. Furthermore, many people opt to retire in the French Riviera or purchase a second home here to use on holiday. Investors also like the French Riviera because the area’s homes tend to appreciate in value.
How Do You Buy a Luxury Home on the French Riviera?
The French buying process starts with searching for and finding the right property, then making an offer to the owner. Next, the initial contract is signed, the deposit is made, and the 10-day cooling-off period begins, during which you can change your mind about the purchase without losing your deposit. Following that period, the conveyancing process begins, and afterward, the final payment is made and the deed of sale is signed.
While this is the standard process that all French property buyers will follow, there are additional financial considerations for wealthy buyers. For example, affluent buyers may need to pay wealth tax, which is calculated differently for French residents versus non-residents. It’s important to work with legal advisors and local real estate experts to ensure the correct arrangements are made.
Final Thoughts About Living on the French Riviera
From its natural beauty to its luxury and vibrant offerings, the French Riviera has timeless appeal for the world’s wealthiest buyers. This iconic region has enduring allure for those who want to live here full-time, as well as those who can only visit. Homeowners can secure an incredible getaway from themselves, rental income from tourists, or both.
HOMEHUNTS property agents are able to select beautiful, luxury French Riviera property based on your specific search criteria. Whether you want to live in a busy city or in a more tranquil setting, there is a luxury home on the French Riviera to fit your needs. You can search and browse our selection of luxury homes or speak directly to one of our property consultants by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
