Luxury Property For Sale in Villefranche-sur-Mer​

The picturesque setting of Villefranche-sur-Mer and its proximity to everything the French Riviera has to offer is what makes the property for sale in Villefranche-sur-Mer so sought-after. The French commune shares a border with Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, offering phenomenal panoramic views. Set on a steep hillside and reaching down to the beautiful bay, the coastal town was once an unassuming fishing village.

The natural scenery of Villefranche-sur-Mer is breathtaking, which only helps to complement the local architecture. Altogether, the town has provided the setting for many holywood films ranging from Hitchcock’s pictures to the Bourne movies. In addition to the striking backdrop, the area has perfect Mediterranean weather – warmth, sunshine and mild temperatures practically every day of the year.

Many celebrities and members of Hollywood’s elite have chosen to make their homes here, and some of the best properties can be found in the hills above the town. When you own property in Villefranche-sur-Mer, you’ll also be a short train ride away from Cannes and Monaco, no more than 6km from Nice and half an hour from Italy. Rental income is high here, too, since it’s a popular holiday destination.

Multi-bedroom apartments in Villefranche-sur-Mer offer expansive living spaces, lovely outdoor areas and sea views. Your apartment may have access to a swimming pool, a tennis court or include a caretaker service, which is especially helpful if you’ll be renting the property out part of the time. Also, many of the apartments in these luxury residences are often located close to beaches and shops.

For more space, consider a sleek, modern mansion or villa in Villefranche-sur-Mer. The master bedroom may have a private terrace, and multiple floors can often be accessed via a lift. Other characteristic features of homes in Villefranche-sur-Mer are infinity pools, gardens with olive or citrus trees, central video surveillance, fireplaces, en-suite bedrooms and additional living space for guests or staff.

Villefranche-sur-Mer’s old town is well-kept and best for shopping, having lunch in a quaint restaurant or simply people-watching. Its narrow, medieval alleyways are bordered by 13th-century colourful houses that form a sort of vaulted walkway. The Rue Obscure, which is a semi-hidden passageway, dates back to 1260 and is definitely worth a stroll.

There’s a lot of history in Villefranche-sur-Mer, and much of it has been preserved. The Fort Sainte-Elme citadel was built in the mid-1500s, and today it houses the town hall, a conference centre, museums with maritime memorabilia, gardens and an open-air theatre. The 16th-century Chapelle Saint-Pierre is known for its murals, which were painted by Jean Cocteau in 1957 and depict the life of the saint and local fishermen. La Darse, the old harbour, which dates back to the 17th century, is now an oceanic observatory.

Villefranche-sur-Mer has one of the Mediterranean’s deepest natural harbours, making for a great place to swim, snorkel or go paddleboarding with the kids. Yachts can be seen in the bay, alongside traditional fishing boats. The area is also easy to explore on foot, and there are several wonderful walks in the hills that look down on the water.

From May to October, shop at the craft market for artisan products, clothing and jewellery. There’s also another market that runs twice a week throughout the whole year and sells produce, flowers, clothing and jewellery. When you need a break from shopping, have lunch or dinner at one of Villefranche-sur-Mer’s waterfront restaurants.

The best neighbourhoods for luxury properties in Villefranche-sur-Mer are La Barmassa, the Golden Horn, and Saint-Michel.

La Barmassa is the best option if you want to be close to the beach and have access to a private beach club, and you can choose between a luxury apartment or villa when searching for properties here.

The Golden Horn is a popular area for luxury real estate, and it’s common for homes here to have gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea. The Golden Horn is an exclusive area with many properties owned by celebrities and VIPs.

The Saint-Michel district is another chic neighborhood in Villefranche-sur-Mer, with beautiful architecture and great views of the city, plus several high-end stores and restaurants.

Villefranche-sur-Mer’s Old Town is set on the bay, approximately 5 minutes from Nice and 10 minutes from Monaco. The Old Town village descends down the hill and to the sea, where the bay’s beach is known for providing year-round recreation.

The towns that are close in proximity to Villefranche-sur-Mer include Antibes, Cannes, Menton and Monaco, among others in both France and Italy. One of the benefits of living in Villefranche-sur-Mer is that you have easy access to other parts of the French Riviera, as it’s set in the heart of the region.

The Golden Triangle in the French Riviera is a group of three towns that are revered for their beauty, exclusivity and luxury. The French Riviera towns that make up the Golden Triangle are Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche-sur-Mer.

The Golden Triangle is set between Nice and Monaco, and it’s close to the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in France. It’s also worth noting that Villefranche-sur-Mer, one of the three Golden Triangle towns, is sometimes called the heart of the French Riviera.

The most popular property types in Villefranche-sur-Mer are villas with sea views and high-end amenities. Typically, these homes are spacious and set right on the waterfront. There are also luxury apartments available in Villefranche-sur-Mer, promising excellent views and direct beach access.

For larger homes with sprawling grounds, you may have to travel approximately 15 minutes away to nearby Cap Ferrat.

According to our listings, you can expect to pay approximately €14,000 per square metre for a 2-bedroom luxury apartment in an exclusive area of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Villas may cost around €15,500 per square metre. Exact pricing will depend on property type and location.

If you’re interested in a property that’s in need of renovations, you can expect to pay a bit less at around €12,000 per square metre.

While foreign property buyers are not restricted when it comes to buying a home in Villefranche-sur-Mer, the process can be complicated if you don’t know what to expect.

Here’s an overview of the French property buying process, and your estate agent can provide guidance throughout the process as well:

• Once you’ve found a home you love, you’ll make a formal offer in writing. The offer will be presented to the owner, and you’ll await their response.
• If the owner accepts your offer, you’ll both sign the initial contract, called the Compromis de Vente. This legal document includes the current details of the property and the sale, though they may change before the final deed is drawn up.
• After you sign the initial contract and pay the deposit, there’s a mandatory 10-day cooling-off period. During this time, you’re free to change your mind about the purchase, and you won’t have to pay any penalties. You’ll receive your deposit back in full if you decide not to move forward.
• After the cooling-off period ends, the conveyancing process begins and lasts 10 to 12 weeks. The notaire will arrange for property inspections, and real estate documents will be prepared during this time as well.
• You and the owner will sign the deed, called the Acte de Vente, and you’ll make your final payment.

You’re now the new owner of a French Riviera home in Villefranche-sur-Mer!

Once you’ve bought your home in Villefranche-sur-Mer, you’ll probably want to live there for at least part of the year. If you’re going to be in France for more than 90 days, you’ll need a long-stay visa.

If you’re going to be in France for more than 12 consecutive months, you’ll want to submit an application for a residency permit. However, you can only become a permanent resident after living in France for 5 years, so you’ll need to ensure your long-stay visa continues to be active during that time until you’ve met the qualifications.