Living in Côte d’Azur – Ultimate Guide

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Welcome to the sunny south coast of France: Côte d’Azur. It’s also known as the azure coast, or the sunny south coast of the French Riviera. It’s tucked in between the mountains and the sea. And on average, Côte d’Azur has more than 300 sun-drenched Mediterranean days per year! That’s why it’s such a popular and loved area by people from all over the world. Whether it is for retirement, for a second holiday home, or a completely new and permanent life in Côte d’Azur as a family: these are all reasons to look for a property in Côte d’Azur. Living in Côte d’Azur means living in an area with a high quality of life.

Côte d’Azur real estate

We can agree that life in the Côte d’Azur is excellent. With countless yachts, luxury cars, and huge villas along the coast, you will have the feeling of being in the best place in the world. Thanks to the unique position of the Côte d’Azur you will get the best of two worlds: mountains and the sea, all whilst you will live in pleasant temperatures. Another benefit is that living on the coast means that the weather is much more consistent than inland destinations. Let’s help you find the Côte d’Azur real estate that you’re looking for.

We act as a one-stop shop because we can help you with more than a traditional real estate agent. We can help you with financing advice, taxation, legal matters, turn-key management in architecture, renovation, construction, interior design, landscaping and furnishing as well. On average, we save our clients more than three times our brokerage fee. If you’re looking for luxury real estate, you’ll need a specialist and that’s who we are as Baerz & Co. In short, with our professionals, we can help you save time and money, and to keep the process of buying Côte d’Azur real estate as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Saint Tropez

Saint Tropez, it’s harder to reach, but impossible to leave. As one of the most famous little villages in the world and in the Côte d’Azur, the place is visited by so many people every year. Even though the little town has only about 6000 residents, it welcomes over 5 million visitors per year! So if you’d like to avoid the crowd of tourists we recommend you to avoid the peak summer months, and get there in June, September or October. Or in winter or the early spring, of course. Still, Saint Tropez has everything in store to bring you an unforgettable day – no matter if you come during the peak months or not. And maybe this will be your next home town?

And why is Saint Tropez harder to reach? This is because it’s located 100km east of Marseille, and 68km west of Nice. It’s not likely that you can fly here by helicopter or get here by yacht. There’s no train station either, so you’ll have to get there by car. In the peak summer months there’s a lot of traffic, so be prepared for that. But if you make the time, you will be rewarded, no matter what. Saint Tropez is a lovely town with its cobblestoned streets, stunning terrace faces, flower-covered buildings, and a famous beach called Pampelonne which is a five-kilometre stretch of white, fine sand.

This makes it one of the most distinguished destinations for the rich and famous in Côte d’Azur. Wherever you go, the beach or the town, you’ll get beautiful views around every corner. Because Saint Tropez is highly favoured, it’s not surprising that it will cost you some money to stay here. To put this in perspective, an overnight stay in one of the finest hotels can cost you up to 495 euros per night.

saint tropez guide

Saint Tropez real estate

A property in one of the most famous villages in the world. Doesn’t that sound amazing? And even though the village gets so many visitors each year, we offer properties that still give you absolute privacy and peace. They are located in ideal positions, like in between the world-famous sandy beaches and the village. What about a holiday family villa in Saint Tropez? Or live here all year round? Imagine a garden with Mediterranean trees, plants, architecturally landscaped gardens and various terraces.

A lot is possible at Baerz & Co as we work closely with the best real estate agents in the region. We only offer the best of the best. Because that’s what you deserve, only the best.

You know that staying in Saint Tropez is expensive. So maybe it’s interesting to invest in a permanent residence so you can get and live here anytime you want, and as long as you like. Saint Tropez will always attract new residents as it’s a true hotspot, which makes it a good investment, too.

How did Saint Tropez earn its name?

Doesn’t Saint Tropez sound like it’s named after someone? Yes, it does. At first, the village was called Athenopolis after it was first founded by the Greeks. But because of the legend called Saint Tropez, it got a true rebranding. He was a Christian which did not please emperor Nero. The emperor gave him the order to renounce his faith. He didn’t do this, and this resulted in a decapitation. They placed his head in a boat with a dog and a cockroach, which floated to Saint Tropez. The head remained untouched. And after this, the people in Saint Tropez named the village after him. Understandable, isn’t it? After you know this the village gets a completely new backstory.

Interesting sights in Saint Tropez

An interesting sight to see in Saint Tropez is the citadel which was first built in the 17th century. To this day, the citadel still watches over the town. It’s also a museum where you can find out about maritime history. And there’s plenty to see for art lovers in Saint Tropez. For example, head to  Musée de l’Annonciade where you’ll find quite some works of artists such as Matisse and Signac. Within the museum, you can look through windows where you’ll get a view of either the port, the mountains or the town.

The heart of Saint Tropez is the Place des Lices, where you can find a big market with a wide range of items. It has a nice atmosphere where you can enjoy your La Tarte Tropézienne. This is a cake recipe created by a French confectioner named Alexandre Micka from Saint-Tropez in 1955. You can tell that Saint Tropez itself is the best place to try this cake.

Ramatuelle

Ramatuelle is a wonderful village in the Côte d’Azur that’s built against the hills. From the village, you’ll get a fabulous view of the Bay of Pampelonne. Along the narrow streets, you will find rooftops of pink tiles and ancient stone houses. Closed in by ramparts, the village gets a truly historic feel. It’s located in the mountain range named Massif des Maures, which is not far away from Saint-Tropez and Gassin. And the most interesting is that it’s located 130 metres above sea level on a Paillas hilltop! Nearby, as the same applies to Saint Tropez, you can find the famous beach of Pampelonne. This beach is also considered the best beach of the Côte d’Azur.

Many celebrities have made Ramatuelle their home as they fell in love with this place. Not only does it offer stunning views thanks to its elevated position, but it’s also rich in cultural life. It even has an excellent theatre with Jazz and classical music festivals during July and August. There are also plenty of leisure activities to do. Besides visiting wine estates, think about hiking, watersports, golfing, scuba diving, tennis, horseback riding, and much more.

Why the beach of Pampelonne is special

The bay of Pampelonne offers you an unforgettable moment of pleasure and relaxation, especially when you can watch the sunset here. The turquoise seas combined with fine white sand. This huge contrast makes it breathtakingly beautiful. Since the 19th century, this beach became popular, and between 1940 and 1950 the number of visitors increased as Picasso, Sarte, and Juliette Greco loved this place as well. It’s a 6 km long beach that’s divided into multiple zones. These zones are specially for tourists, naturists, or hotels. Surrounded by mountain ranges, you won’t have to contend with the serious wind. When you’re seeking more privacy, you can go towards the creeks and inlets.

Visit Cap Taillat

When you’d like to be transported to paradise, Cap Taillat is one possibility for this. It’s a paradise in Ramatuelle with pure nature and beauty. You can also make beautiful walks here on the beach or through the vineyards around the beach. Or walk towards another beach named Plage de l’Escalet. If you’re wondering what Cap Taillat is exactly: it’s a cape and area on the peninsula of Saint-Tropez. It’s about 800 metres long and 65 metres high when you get to the highest point.

cap taillat

The wild beach has white sand with turquoise water, just like the famous beach Pampelonne. Cap Taillat is a nature reserve, which means that the environment is respected. No trash is found here and once you’re there, it’s impossible to leave trash in this breathtaking place. Whether you want a good swim in the early morning, a good hike, or just a relaxing time: Cap Taillat is a must-visit. And when you become a resident of Ramatuelle you’ll have unlimited access to this wonderful area. Wouldn’t this be amazing?

Ramatuelle real estate

Real estate in Ramatuelle means exceptional and luxurious properties with a sea view. Think about an exclusive location in a private domain on the Pampelonne beach. Or another remarkable environment in the Ramatuelle with an extraordinary sea view. The locations are brilliant as you will be close to the famous Pampelonne beaches. The coast south of Ratatouille is usually not crowded compared to the main beach in Saint-Tropez. Ramatuelle is a living village due to its various well-known events like the Ramatuelle festival. With the typical architecture of the Mediterranean villages, the village is a museum on its own. Admire the pretty flower-adorned houses, the succession of porches, little squares, and lots of passageways.

Sainte Maxime

Compared to Saint Tropez, you can look at the little town of Sainte Maxime as being its less showy little sister. It’s a little north of Saint-Tropez, located in the Provence’s var department. It has a wonderful harbour with colourful fishing boats which is bypassed by superyachts. Sainte Maxime is less stylish and expensive compared to its neighbours in Côte d’Azur. There’s only one real historic monument in Sainte Maxime, named the Tour Carrée which is a museum of local history that shows glimpses of its past. Once, it was a fortified blockhouse that defended the coast against Saracen pirates.

Sainte Maxime has everything in store to offer you a wonderful holiday – or even better, a fantastic place to live in Côte d’Azur. The town is highly popular among Dutch, English, Belgian and German tourists. With great beaches, restaurants, fun terraces and interesting shops, it’s a great place to go. Compared to other places, Sainte Maxime has a central location which makes it an ideal base to explore the rest of the region. There are plenty of activities to do in Sainte Maxime. Besides taking beautiful walks, think about watersports, golfing, and sailing. This makes Sainte Maxime a dream for the outdoor lover.

The golf course is called Bluegreen Sainte-Maxime, and there’s a concert hall named Carré Ste-Maxime which holds multiple concerts and theatre shows. There’s seafood in abundance as Sainte Maxime is extremely close to the coast. And do you want to see the Esterel massif, which is a natural wonder? The mountain with red-hued rocks create an eye-catching setting that offers mountain bikers, paragliders, and hikers a true escape from the busy world, and the feeling to be in a whole new paradise.

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Sainte Maxime vs Saint Tropez

We mentioned earlier that Sainte Maxime is the little sister of Saint Tropez. It has a much more traditional and laid-back feel, with small fishing boats in the harbour instead of those luxurious yachts. The village is more traffic-free as well, especially when you want to visit the pleasant beach nearby via the Promenade Aymeric Simon-Lorière. There are plenty of cafés and excellent restaurants in this promenade. You can also enjoy the nightlife in Sainte Maxime. Within Sainte Maxime or close by you will find some of Côte d’Azur’s most splendid beaches, and the same applies to Saint Tropez.

How Sainte Maxime received its name

We know that Saint Tropez is named after someone, but Sainte Maxime is named after someone as well: Maxime. She was a daughter of a 9th century Count of Grasse. Sainte Maxime was founded around 1000 AD by monks from the Lérins Islands. The father of Maxime rejected his wealth, turned her back on her family, and she took herself off to nearby Callian. She founded a convent there and a local church in Sainte Maxime shows a painting of her to memorize this. In this painting, she refuses a coffer of gold.

Sainte Maxime real estate

What if you could live in this wonderful village, with only a short stroll to the beach and the centre? Our real estate in Sainte Maxime can suit all your needs. No matter if it’s a penthouse, a villa, or a luxurious house: we got you covered with only the best materials and facilities. You can also live on the Gulf of Sainte Maxime in a city apartment. The closest airport to Sainte Maxime is the airport in Nice, which is about 80 kilometres away. It takes a little more than 1 hour to drive there. You can also reach Sainte Maxime from Nice by ferry. The nearest high-speed rail station is in Cannes. Contact our experts to find your best real estate near or within Sainte Maxime.

Les Issambres

Close to one of the most distinguished locations Saint Tropez and Sainte Maxime which is good for nightlife, you find the family-friendly seaside resort Les Issambres. It’s a unique place in Côte d’Azur in the district of Roquebrune-sur-Argens that’s ideal for enjoying the relaxation of being and living in this area. Les Issambres also has famous regional cuisine which offers you excellent meals to enjoy. Les Issambres has more than 1001 flavours and colours which you can experience right next to the sea. There is plenty of Sambracitan fisherman who can tell you all kinds of stories whilst you enjoy your food.

Furthermore, Les Issambres has plenty of activities to offer. Firstly, Les Issambres is known for offering true relaxation. And this makes sense as it has a thalassotherapy centre, which stands for the use of seawater in health and cosmetic treatment. Well, what’s a better way to do this than next to the coast? Secondly, you can do multiple watersports on one of the sandy beaches of the Bay of Bougnon. Think about sea fishing, scuba diving, sailing, jet-skiing, and more. There are a couple of cafes to get a quick refreshment or an excellent lunch or meal.

More of Les Issambres’ beauty

And have we mentioned yet that there’s a 20 meters long natural cove? This cove was once used for fishing with reservoirs and technical traps. Les Issambres is a true paradise with 8km of rocky inlets and coves. To admire the coast of Les Issambres, you can walk past 2 beautiful harbours named the harbour of Ferréol and the harbour of San Peïre. And in summer, you can watch fireworks from the fine sandy beaches. Besides, we recommend you get stunning views of the Bougnon or climb the Bougnon from Les Issambres with a top at a height of 155 metres. Once you’re on top of the neck of Bougnon, then you will overlook the seaside resort and the Bay of Saint Tropez. A sight you don’t want to miss.

A great location to live

Les Issambres has an excellent location to live in in Côte d’Azur. Not too far away from Nice and its airport which is about a 1-hour drive, you can easily go to anywhere you want in Europe. The celebrity hotspot Cannes is nearby where you can attend the annual film festival. And right next to Les Issambres, you have Sainte Maxime and next to that, Saint Tropez which is known as one of the most famous villages in Europe. You can also visit the Plaine des Maures, which is a protected nature reserve with many breeding areas and hiking trails around the Lac des Escarcets. This nature reserve offers different views every week which makes it an excellent area to come back to for peace and the pure beauty of nature.

And are you interested in seeing a huge pirate ship? Then you can visit Jardin Botanique which is just five kilometres away from Les Issambres. Or visit the village of Roquebrune-sur-Argens with its rich history of more than 1000 years. A defensive rampart from back then can still be seen. This typical fortified village is a part of the same municipality as Les Issambres. So if you’d like to step back in time, you can visit this village that overlooks the plain with wonderful architecture and old stone buildings.

Saint Raphaël

Right along the coast of Côte d’Azur in between Saint Tropez, Sainte Maxime and Cannes, you find Saint Raphaël. What makes this area so special? Well, right in the town centre you can find lovely beaches! The popular and lively resort where wealthy Romans used to spend their summers more than 2000 years ago. It has a small harbour, but you will find beautiful yachts here and throughout the resort and the town you will come across canals where smaller boats are moored. The beauty speaks for itself. Imagine to boat out here whilst you watch the beautiful landscape, where you get underneath a small bridge which crosses the canal.

When you’re in Saint Raphaël, you can think it feels like typical European cities. You’ve got beautiful little stores, cafes, and main squares. But there’s a difference. Extremely close you have the Mediterranean sea: you can hear it, you can smell it. And then there’s a beautiful church standing right in the city centre. Because everything dates back from so many years ago you will find wonderful architecture and beautiful coloured buildings.

Saint Raphael


Saint Raphaël history

The current town was founded by monks in the 11th century. In 1703, Saint Raphaël was known as Sanctus Raphaël. During Roman times, wealthy families settles in the place that built Gallo-Roman villas. You can still find examples of these at the site of the Golf de l’Esterel clubhouse. It is named after the man who developed the fishing industry: Saint Raphaël. The old town still shows architectural examples of this period, which was from the 15th to 19th century. You can find all sorts of remains of prehistoric dwellings in several areas. Think about menhirs and dolmens, which are long stones and tomb portals coming from early habitation.

Napoleon Bonaparte on Saint Raphaël

When Napoleon Bonaparte landed on the beach of Saint Raphaël, the development of the town went at a faster pace. He came back from Egypt and therefore, residents named him the conqueror of the pyramids. But his second visit was less cheerful. Because then he came back as a prisoner on his way to exile in Elba. Interesting to know is that landings of an operation called ‘Camel Green’ happened on the Dramont beach on 15 August 1944. Allied troops landed here towards the end of World War II – but not to enjoy the life of Côte d’Azur.

There are lots of things to enjoy in Saint Raphaël

The whole area is not only pretty but it also has a nice, long market that goes on for a few kilometres. They sell everything here that you can imagine. Think about herbs, bathing suits, bags, olive oil, and much more. Whilst you explore the area you can come across lots of statues. For example, find a roundabout with a statue of heads on it, where water comes out from the sides. Children can enjoy the huge Ferris and the carousel right next to the sea. The famous stretch of coastline is perfect for enjoying these well-maintained beaches. The sea resort has about 34300 residents with lots of tourists that come to the area during the summer season.

You can also come to Saint Raphaël by boat from Saint Tropez which takes about an hour. Two boats depart per day: one at 9.30 in the morning and the other one at 1.30 in the afternoon. And even though the harbour is small you will find beautiful boats, yachts, and catamarans which makes it very inviting to stroll along. Located not far away from the waterfront, is the beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire. In the Old Town of Saint Raphaël, take some time to visit the Archaeological Museum as well– it’s free.

We highly recommend you to visit the nearby city Fréjus for a more historic experience. You can see this city from the town of Saint Raphaël. It’s an old Roman city with lots of ancient spots and ruins, an aqueduct and an amphitheatre.

Theoule Sur Mer

A big part of Theoule consists of holiday homes, and it’s understandable why. This small little corner in the Côte d’Azur is where you can find true happiness. Theoule Sur Mer is an authentic beach resort, located on the paradisical foothills to the east of the Esterel Massif and at the southeast end of the Alpes-Maritimes department. The west bay of the celebrity hotspot named Cannes is nearby as well – which is known from the annual film festival. If you’d like to spot a celebrity then there’s a high chance you can find them there.

The beaches of Theoule Sur Mer are more unspoiled than those of Cannes which makes it a particularly popular place. However, it’s less visited by the mass tourism in the summer. Doesn’t this sound beneficial to you?

The place is especially beautiful because it’s nestled in the red rocks of the Esterel. Furthermore, 13 km of coastline is claimed by Théoule Sur Mer. If cliff jumping sounds like an interesting challenge to you, then you can do it here. Additionally, you will have a great experience strolling along the coastline in every season because of the sunny and mild climate. This is a reason why Theoule Sur Mer attracts more residents over the years. Besides giving it a visit, there’s a high chance you would love to live here all year round or to invest in a holiday home.

theoule sur mer real estate

Theoule Sur Mer real estate

When you’re looking for real estate in Theoule Sur Mer, it will be a magnificent investment that’s worth every penny. We offer exceptional properties located in the perfect spots. For example, on the sandy beach of Théoule, within walking distance of all amenities. With our real estate in Théoule Sur Mer, you will be overlooking the sea whilst you can live a high quality of life with the best facilities. There are lots of secure private domains to find in Theoule Sur Mer if you’re looking for absolute peace and privacy.

The international airport of Nice is close by, as in only 45 minutes you can reach the airport and go to all kinds of parts of Europe. And would you like to store your boat? Even that’s possible here. Let our experts help you find your Theoule Sur Mer real estate or in other areas in Côte d’Azur!

Activities in and near Theoule Sur Mer

The town of Théoule Sur Mer offers a wide variety of accommodations, such as entertainment and dining opportunities. If you head towards the coastline you can do various watersports, such as windsurfing, sailing, wakeboarding, waterskiing and much more! The beaches have fine sand where you’ll spot bays with red rocks. This makes it, again, a unique piece of nature. Discover the preserved nature of Esterel in a magical area that every kind of nature lover will love. In the heart of the Esterel, there’s a statue with a height of 13 metres looking at the sea, which is known as ‘’our lady of Africa’’.  Or go to a park named Pointe de l’Aiguille, which is a small park that offers lots of walking routes and access to bays.

Cannes

Are you in for visiting a celebrity hotspot? Or maybe even living in a chic coastal town? Well, meet Cannes, a wonderful city in the South of France with 73.234 inhabitants. Cannes is one of the most coveted places to live in the world and endlessly popular. It’s located close to Nice in the Côte d’Azur. Most people know Cannes from the glitzy Cannes Film Festival, which takes place since 1946. And if you’re someone who likes to spot celebrities, then this is your place to go. The film festival is of course not everything that Cannes has to offer you.

Cannes is located close to Nice, but compared to Nice, the real estate in Cannes is more exclusive. You can enjoy the sandy private and public beaches instead of the pebbled beaches in Nice. Cannes is about a half-hour drive away from Nice and has a pleasant subtropical climate. And because of this wonderful climate, the aristocracy has built the first Art Nouveau holiday villas in the mid-19th century. As more and more investments started to come in by the British people and others, the town constructed sandy beaches and a railroad that now runs through Cannes.

Did you know that Cannes boasts some of the best architecture in the world? For architecture lovers, Cannes is the dream. If you’re interested in French Art Nouveau architecture, you can visit the Intercontinental Carlton Hotel which is designed by Charles Dalmas in 1911. It’s also in the 1950s movie ‘’To Catch A Thief’’. Additionally, you have the Château Thorenc which was designed in the 1870s. It’s a historic garden that’s an absolute must-see.

property for sale in cannes

Everyday life in Cannes

When you obtain a property in Cannes, it means that you can endlessly stroll along the beautiful Promenade de la Croisette. Whilst you’re there, you will find many palm trees and pass cream-coloured art-deco style buildings with luxury houses, restaurants, and boutiques. How does that sound? The private sands by La Croisette offer handy amenities and are the most central. You can also head to Plage du Midi, where you’ll find far fewer people and huge stretches of public beach.

French Michelin-star restaurants

What if you could say you’ve eaten at one of the French Michelin-star restaurants. There’s a chance you will find famous people eating here or that you will rub shoulders with someone like Brad Pitt or Leonardi di Caprio. The Art Deco Palme d’Or offers a tasting menu with sustainable gastronomy and locally sourced ingredients. You can also visit a private courtyard called La Villa Archange, where you will find exclusive dishes. After you’re done, you can visit the promenade La Croisette. Only a few promenades are more dazzling than this one. 

Cannes real estate

Why would you buy a property in Cannes? As said before, properties in Cannes are more exclusive compared to Nice. It also has sandy beaches instead of pebbled beaches. The supply of houses in Cannes is huge which you will also notice on our website Baerz & Co. To summarize, Cannes is an ideal choice for those who want the beauty of a city combined with a Mediterranean, relaxed lifestyle and sandy beaches. Cannes has always been one of the most attractive cities in the Côte d’Azur, not to forget mentioning that it’s also one of the most expensive cities. But you can make it as expensive as you’d like.

Grasse

Grasse is also named as the world capital of perfume, as it is mainly known for its perfume industry. You won’t find the sea at its doorstep, but what you do find is lovely fields of flowers. To this day, you can still visit the perfume museum which is the Mediterranean garden. Lots of plants have made up the history and economy of Grasse in the past 300 years. The typical Provencal town is beautiful to see with its ochre-coloured houses and laundry hanging from balconies above tiny streets. This seems to be a typical French thing to do, by the way. The town squares and café tables are shaded by the plane trees, and you’ll also find giant shutters to protect against the hot sun.

living in grasse

Grasse real estate

Whilst located about 20 km away from the Mediterranean sea, Grasse has wonderful nature with tropical flora and fauna. The elevated position of Grasse offers magnificent views. The climate makes it a very attractive place to live, as it has mild winters and hot summers. The city centre is surrounded by several neighbourhoods, also called quartiers. The old town is situated against a mountain. The town has its unique charm and character with a little train that goes through the town and leads you to all kinds of interesting places. The centre of the town is car-free as well.

What about living in a beautiful stone property like a farmhouse, that’s only 25 minutes away from Cannes? Grasse offers large green areas to nestle yourself in the amazing surroundings, with absolute privacy and comfort. Our real estate in Grasse offers the best facilities and are located in unique positions. Get in contact with our experts to help you find your dream property in Grasse or somewhere else in the Côte d’Azur.

How Grasse became a perfume industry

That Grasse is named as the world capital of perfume is hilarious, as Grasse used to be a putrid-smelling town. During the Middle Ages, Grasse was known in all of Europe for leather. But this soon started to change when glove makers tried to make their product smell better. They used a technique called maceration, where they used animal fat mixed with flowers. This fat was taking the perfume of the flowers. Taxes on leather rose too high, as tanners switched to full-time perfume making.

The wonderful flower fields are wonderful to admire, and knowing that flower pickers slept and cooked here too to be right at the place for picking those flowers gives it a more historic feel. One of the flower species called Jasmine must be picked by hand as it is extremely delicate. After that, they’re quickly transported to a factory. Then the absolute pure flower scent is extracted and used for all kinds of perfumes.

Since the 1700s, Grasse has been a perfume making hub. And even though the old factories have moved out of the old town, Grasse is still attracting fragrance-makers. These include smaller artisan perfumers and multinationals creating signature smell for detergents and shampoos. Grasse has started to become the world capital of perfume when Queen Catherine de Medici went to Grasse to help develop an interest in fashionable perfumery techniques in Florence, which is in Italy.

Interesting attractions of Grasse

You can still experience the history of Grasse with attractions such as the Notre-Dame-du-Puy. This cathedral is still in use by the locals and it has admirable paintings inside. You can head to the museum to know more about the perfume history of Grasse or visit the Tour de Guet, which is an observation tower from the 12th century. The sister of Napoleon Bonaparte named Pauline came to live in Grasse in 1807. There’s a park that reminds you of the house in Grasse where she lived.

Mougins

Nestled in the hills just south of Grasse and north of Cannes, you will find Mougins. It has more than 300 days of sunshine a year – as with all places within the Côte d’Azur. These great temperatures are not the only thing that makes Mougins highly favoured among both holiday and property seekers. In Mougins, it feels like you’re in the countryside as it’s a very green town with many garden areas. Furthermore, the historic centre is very enjoyable to stroll along the streets and discover a wide variety of architecture from ancient times. It will feel like you’ve gone back in time. There are various fountains and statues to find in the historic centre, too.

In Mougins, the food is excellent and you will be spoilt with choices including restaurants with Michelin stars. You will be or live close to top-star restaurants and even an English speaking international school. This shows that Mougins is interesting to settle for families as well. The streets in Mougins are very unique and built in a way that’s the same as in many mountain villages. It’s called a snail structure, which means that streets run up and down around each other. This layout originates from the Roman army towns. Find a collection of unique artefacts and numerous art galleries in the village, with works of Picasso, Rodin, Damien Hirst, and Matisse.

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Recommendations for Mougins

When you’re in Mougins, we recommend you to go to the Mougins Hills which is an excellent location when you’d like to enjoy its view from above. Think about impressive outlooks over Cannes bay. Mougins offers more hidden observation points with the most impressive views. And close to the ancient entrance to the town named Porte Sarrazin, there’s a popular museum named Museum of Classic Art Mougins. Here you can find out how the beauty of the ancient world influenced the types of art we know today. Or take a nice walk along with the Chapelle de Notre-Dame de Vie, near Picasso’s residence.

The annual gastronomy festival

Mougins has a very famous annual gastronomy festival in June, which we highly recommend visiting. It’s called Les Étoiles de Mougins, and during this festival, more than 1000 cooking classes are held and hundreds of French and chefs abroad share their passion and knowledge with a wide audience. You can attain culinary demonstrations, cooking classes, wine knowledge, competitions, as well as meet-and-greets and autograph sessions. It also has a day dedicated to children with tasty animations where they can obtain lots of interesting gastronomical knowledge. Catering and food trucks are open from 10 am to midnight during this festival.

Mougins real estate

Mougins was a popular destination in the Côte d’Azur for people like Catherine Deneuve, Elizabeth Taylor, and Winston Churchill. The quality of life, special atmosphere, and unique streets make it a much-loved place. And if you’re looking to buy a property here, it’s up to you to decide whether you live close to the hustle and bustle of the restaurants or at a considerable distance from the crowds. Houses, and especially villas in Mougins are very diverse. Once, Mougins was the perfect French village for Picasso where he overlooked the Bay of Cannes for the long term. Will it be yours too?

Our real estate in Mougins lies close to all the amenities that you need. And with a few steps from the shops of Mougins, you will find yourself living on a preserved hillside in an absolute calm area. A lot of our villas in Mougins are built in contemporary style. Have a look at the pictures of these properties.

Vence

Vence is more than worth your trip or your new home town. If you would like to feel like you’re in a completely new, medieval world in the Côte d’Azur, then Vence is your place to go! The small picturesque village is a pure pleasure to stroll around. There’s much of history left, as you can tell from the houses of great age, and the gateway where it all begins. The gateway was part of a fortified wall around the village with a fountain that originates from 1578. Beyond this gate, you’ll find the place de Peyra which is a delightful first impression to begin your adventure. Once, it was a place for people to gather and socialize but now it’s the front door of the old town.

The pavements and little streets are amazing and it’s so bizarre that this fortified town was so beautiful at the same time. The Church in Vent was first built in the 4th century on the foundations of an ancient Roman temple. Inside, you can find an original mosaic mural by Marc Chagall, which was one of the greatest artists in the 20th century. Left of the church you’ll find a covered passageway with arches and columns that support an upper covered walkway. It connected the cathedral and the Bishops’ palace in the 14th century.

Vence has the smallest cathedral in France, called ‘Our Lady of the Nativity or ‘Notre-Dame de la Nativité Cathedral’. And it’s filled with art and culture, too. To this day, you can still find open-air painters that show their real-time painting skills, where you can buy all sorts of art. There are multiple fine art museums and this makes it not surprising that many famous painters live, and lived in Vence.

st paul de vence

Medieval vibes, but well-maintained!

Vence is a true, polished gem. It’s very well maintained and clean with flower displays to make it even more beautiful. Furthermore, there are hundreds of trees in a wide variety. Whilst you walk along with the ancient parts that have been patiently restored, you will eventually come across a stone gateway. There, houses are built against the wall and reinforce it. Inhabitants were allowed to do this from the 15th century, on one condition: they need to have an iron grill on their windows. Outside the city wall, there’s an open plaza that provides stunning views of the hillsides.

Even though the village is quite small, you won’t get lost. Still, it’s always a good idea to visit the Tourist Information Centre and get some advice on walking routes – including a map. The main shopping lanes are filled with clothes shops, gift shops and cafes. Where else do you see such a modern, clean, and medieval French city?

Reflect on some history of Vence

Once you stroll along these medieval streets, it’s a great moment to reflect on some history. The town is both attractive and strongly fortified, which makes it very unique. It was occupied in turn by the Phocaeans, the Phoenicians, and the Gauls. Once it was conquered by the Romans it attained great importance as a central depot for their army. It was one of the eight principal cities of the Roman province of the Maritime Alps. It had two major temples, many splendid palaces for the Roman inhabitants, an aqueduct, and a forum. A forum was a centrally located open area that served as a public gathering space.

How to get to Vence

One of the most convenient ways to get to Vence is from Nice. As you probably know by now, Nice has an international airport – so high chance you’ll arrive there. Then, you can take the bus to get to Vence in just over 1 hour. The bus stop in Nice is convenient, as it’s across the street from le Meridian Hotel, which is a major landmark in the city, by the way. Once you’re in Vence, you will get out of the bus about 500 meters away from the old town at Place du Grand Jardin. There are lots of flowers and benches here to start your relaxation or to eat or drink something.

Antibes

To attain the annual film festival in Cannes, a lot of people including famous ones decide to stay in Antibes. You can easily reach Antibes from Nice (and its airport) in just 25 minutes, where you will avoid the major crowds. So if you’re looking for a more tranquil but luxurious area, then Antibes might be worth looking into. Also, Antibes has sandy beaches instead of pebbled beaches in Nice. So if you want sand instead, you will enjoy the beach of Antibes. No matter if you’re looking for a permanent property in Antibes or a day or afternoon out, keep reading to know all you have to know about Antibes.

A wonderful surprise within Antibes is the Musee Picasso, which is a castle that shows works of art from Pablo Picasso. Besides, there are more works from Joan Miró, Hans Hartung, Anna-Eva Bergman and Nicholas de Staëlm for example. Even more interesting is that Picasso used the second floor of the castle as his studio, which is now the waiting room. You can also see your visit as a tribute to a great artist in a wonderful location with a fantastic view of the Mediterranean sea. Picasso moved to the French Riviera in 1946 where the produced most of the paintings in just one season. Maybe this is because the surroundings are so inspiring?

When in Antibes, we recommend you to take a trip down the eastern coastal side until you get to Cap d’Antibes. This is a coast located in the wooden area of Antibes, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy walking or being on a tranquil beach. The area is also highly known for its magnificent villas and private beaches. Besides, make sure you visit the Garoupe Lighthouse. This powerful lighthouse casts a beam of light of 450km!

Port Vauban: Largest marina in Europe

Used since ancient times, the old port of Antibes known as Port Vauban is now the largest marina in Europe. All sorts of boats are welcome here, from 165m long yachts to local 4m fishing boats. To get a permanent place in the port, you need to fork out over 1 million dollars. There are an impressive 2000 moorings here with beautiful yachts. It’s truly something you haven’t seen before. From the promenade, you’ll get incredible views of the sea to the east. It’s built along the old ramparts and the old cathedral.

The old town of Antibes

Antibes has more than 3000 years of history. And what’s unique, is that the old town of Antibes is greatly preserved and surprisingly large at the same time. It’s a great place to walk around and enjoy the wide variety of restaurants, bars, and walks through artist workshops and galleries. There’s even a gallery where artists come whole year-round to practice techniques that were used during the 18th century. And not only the port is meant for the wealthy people. Antibes attracted more and more wealthy people since the town dismantled its defensive walls. And one of the liveliest places in the old town nowadays is the Marche Provencal, which is a daily, local produce market.

Antibes was part of the Roman Empire

It was founded in the 14th century BC by the Greeks. Antibes has been part of the Roman Empire for a long time but after it collapsed, Antibes suffered from many consistent invasions by barbarians. The town started to settle when it came under French rule in the 15th century and was heavily fortified: especially because it formed the border in between the French and Savoy territories. Fort Carré or Fort Carré d’Antibes is an example of this. And in front of the fort, you’ll find the tallest memorial in France which is a French soldier during the first World War. It’s over 22 metres high!

Juan Les Pins

Compared to Nice and Monaco, Juan Les Pins is relatively small. However, it got a big reputation thanks to its annual jazz festival which attracts people from all over the world. International musicians perform there at Pinède Gould whilst they have a fascinating sea view. This makes it an amazing location for a live performance. Furthermore, you will get the benefits of a small community feel combined with all the amenities that you need. Even the infrastructure and transport in and around Juan Les Pins is well organized. Besides the annual Jazz festival, Juan Les Pins regularly hosts local events to keep you entertained.

We highly recommend taking the Cap d’Antibes coastal walk. This walk takes about 90 minutes to complete, which depends on where you start. It can be rocky at some parts so it’s not very suitable for those who are mobility challenged. Once at Cap d’Antibes, you will be at the destination where the wealthiest people on earth have a residence. That’s understandable by the glorious villas which you can find there. You can also go to the lighthouse named Phare de la Garoupe and Chapelle de la Garoupe, for the best views of the French Riviera.

Why Juan Les Pins is a great place to live

We can say that Juan Les Pins offers the best of multiple worlds. It is not too busy and not too quiet. This makes the lively town attractive to live in all year round. Juan Les Pins is seen as a neighbourhood born out of Antibes in 1882. It’s scattered with pine trees and fine sandy beaches. Furthermore, Juan Les Pins is seen as the French version of Silicon Valley. Together with Antibes, Juan Les Pins gives you more than 25km of coastline that consists of white sandy beaches and rough rocky paths among the Cap d’Antibes.

It all started to kickstart after Hotel Les Belles Rives opened its doors in 1920. This attracted famous people such as Rudolf Valentine, Umberto d’Italie, Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda to Juan Les Pins, calling it their favourite ”place to be”. Juan Les Pins has lots of restaurants and beach clubs. This makes it ideal to hire a sunbed and have a great gastronomy experience afterwards. The first Jazz festival was organized in 1960 and has now become one of the most known Jazz festivals worldwide.

Juan Les Pins real estate

Earlier, we mentioned that Cap d’Antibes is the place where the most wealthy people live. But what if you could live close to that? For a much more affordable price, you can be situated close to Cap d’Antibes in a charming villa with a swimming pool, for example. And you will be within walking distance of the shops and beaches. With absolute privacy and maximum comfort, you have the chance to live among the best places in France, and maybe the world. Have we mentioned that the weather is very pleasant, too? In winter, the coldest temperature is around 13 degrees whereas the warmest months usually lie between 20 degrees and 25 degrees. Contact our experts to know more about living in the area of Juan Les Pins and Antibes.

Cagnes Sur Mer

Cagnes Sur Mer is known as one of the most beautiful villages in the Alpes-Maritimes department. Not only does it show great modern art in the Château Grimaldi, but it also has lovely little old streets and buildings which gives Cagnes Sur Mer a historic vibe as well. Closely located to beautiful places nearby such as Vence, Antibes, and Nice, you will be in an excellent location to explore the rest of the area and live your best life. Cagnes Sur Mer and its surroundings are already inhabited since early history. Multiple traces of prehistoric tools and amphoras were found in the area. An amphora is a tall ancient Roman or Greek jar or jug with a narrow neck and two handles.

It became an important border post because of its location nearby the river Var. This was the border between the county of Provence and that of Savoie. That’s also why a huge castle named Chateau Grimaldi was built in the 14th century, which was named after the important Grimaldi family. Till the French revolution, this castle belonged to them. Cagnes Sur Mer has undergone significant progress as it began to attract important artists and writers from America. Think about George Antheil, Caresse Crosby, and Kay Boyle.

Why Cagnes Sur Mer is great to live in

Even though the village became more widely known to the masses, Cagnes Sur Mer maintained her authentic character. This makes it one of the most beautiful villages in the Côte d’Azur to live in. From your villa or apartment, you will profit from the beauty of the town with its local activities. For example, the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur is held in the city where you can watch various international jumping competitions for horses. From multiple areas in the world, people come to Cagnes Sur Mer to attend these.

And for those who love shopping, Cagnes Sur Mer offers endless shopping opportunities. You can come to the gigantic shopping centre named Polygone Riviera with almost 150 shops and restaurants. It combines today’s art, entertainment, and premium shopping in one place. Moreover, there are 6 private beaches in Cagnes. Every beach has its own astonishingly high-quality restaurants. They rent sunbeds, parasols, and Cros-de-Cagnes is a well-known resort among them where you can both relax and do watersports. You can also join the tennis club or visit the Renoir Museum.

Do you remember the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice? Well, In Cagnes, the Promenade de la Plage is a down-scale version of this. But Cagnes wins it from Nice when it comes to the level of charm. The coast is well-organized as there are pedestrian streets and cycling streets. Every summer, there’s a chance you can watch fireworks and enjoy music and dancing. Even people in the surrounding areas get to Cagnes Sur Mer for enjoying their lunch or to stroll along.

Cagnes sur Mer real estate

Are you thinking about buying a property in Cagnes Sur Mer? Then we got you covered. With our real estate professionals in every local hotspot through Europe, including Côte d’Azur, we can help you with everything that’s involved with buying your dream house. We even sell properties in Côte d’Azur that aren’t out there on the open market because of our unique approach. View our range of properties in or near Cagnes Sur Mer on our website.

Saint Laurent du Var

Saint Laurent du Var radiates the heart of the French Riviera. It’s perfectly located as it is only 5 minutes away from Nice, and 20 minutes from Cannes and Monaco. The quality of living is remarkable here and we will tell you why. The river Var is very close to the city which adds more to its beauty and history. Traces of old history are still visible thanks to the old stone houses you can find through the riverside settlement. The place to be in Saint Laurent du Var is the waterfront as it has long stretches of beach combined with a good choice of bars and restaurants.

Even though Saint Laurent is a small town, it’s busy and offers you anything you need such as supermarkets, shops, pharmacies, and more. When you turn into one of the smaller side streets you can suddenly find yourself in some remains of the old town. For example, take the little square named Place Adrien Castillion with a Romanesque church from the 11th century. Beyond the church, you find the ‘’Hotel de Ville’’ which is the town hall. It’s a gigantic building that’s shaded by landscaped gardens. Nearby you find a theatre, boules pitches, and a children’s playground.

Who loves Saint Laurent du Var?

To this day, Saint Laurent du Var is still a popular fishing destination. Additionally, the mouth of the river Var attracts an incredible amount of birds, especially species of sea birds. There’s so much to see in and around this area. For instance, you can head to the shopper’s paradise which is the enormous Cap 3000. This is a shopping mall with more than 160 shops including all kinds of high street favourites, such as Zara, Mango, H&M, and designer brands like Guess, Tommy Hilfiger and Desigual.

Besides, you can also choose from the markets held every Sunday morning on the Esplanade du Levant. Here you’ll find typical Provencal goods and regional produce. Beside the beach named Plage des Flots Bleus, you will encounter a stretch of sea that’s a protected marine area. No fishing is allowed here, and the artificial cove is made to encourage the sealife. And what about enjoying the deep blue water of the 2km stretch of public and private beaches? You can even do scuba diving or waterskiing here.

Extra recommendations for Saint Laurent du Var

You can say that a multitude of activities combines nature with shopping in Saint Laurent du Var. And if you would love to go on a hiking or cycling trip, then you could go towards the hills that rise behind Saint Laurent du Var. Or explore the forest named Foret des Pugets, and the supervised beach named Flots Bleus which has one of the best-equipped waterfronts. This makes it possible for you to stay there all day!

In short, Saint Laurant is a family-friendly area with lots of pedestrianized areas by the sea. Discover the Mediterranean lifestyle in Saint Laurent du Var, with its sunny terraces, beaches, brasseries, and plenty of outdoor activities for children.

Nice

The largest city on Côte d’Azur in Nice, located in the heart of the French Riviera. It is named after Nikè, which was the goddess of victory for the Greeks. Nice is typical with its ochre-coloured houses and its narrow streets where people hang up their laundry. Whilst being located on the Mediterranean coast, you will still get all the benefits of the inland destinations with excellent wine and good food. Nice has excellent amenities, facilities and a good infrastructure. With its international airport, you can travel from Nice to all kinds of destinations in the world.

And did you know that Nice is safe, too? The crime rates are moderate or low, which we can confirm of the residents. They say that they feel safe when they walk alone in the city, no matter if it’s day or night. Nice is a tourist hotspot and therefore attracts lots of tourists during the peak summer months. This boosts the economy of Nice, whilst you will experience more tranquillity and peace outside these busy months. In the winter, the climate is still pleasant as it usually drops to 10 degrees.

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Nice has a central location

Nice has a fairly central location which makes it a good starting point for exploring the rest of the French Riviera. Think about going to the French islands and exploring Corsica, Rousse, Bastia, and many more. In France itself there are a lot of things to do. You can go to one of the many hiking and cycling trails which lets you explore the wonderful landscape including the local vineyards. Moreover, Nice itself is filled with culture. Go to art museums like Matisse in the city of Nice, or Picasso in the local town of Antibes. The surrounding area of Nice has plenty to offer for those who love art.

Besides having a central location in Côte d’Azur, Nice has also a great location when it comes to nature. It has the Mediterranean sea, it is 90 minutes away from the Alps, and it’s close to celebrity hotspots like Monaco and Cannes.

A pebbled paradise

Are you a fan of beaches? Then you should meet the pebbled paradise of Nice. Nice doesn’t have sandy beaches. But we know that its residents prefer it this way. Why is that? Well, at first you won’t have sand that’s flying around. This means that you can eat sand-free sandwiches and you won’t get sand in your eyes, towels, or clothing. And kids love to play with the stones, like throwing them in the water. Some of them love to collect stones with different colours and shapes. Instead of sandcastles, you can also build interesting structures with these stones. There’s even an annual World Championship held on the beaches near Nice to build the best pebble castles!

How expensive is Nice?

The big city Nice has a very high reputation to live in. Therefore, it’s not surprising that prices are a bit higher than in other places in France. This has all to do with supply and demand. The more people want something, the higher prices get. When we compare Nice to other places in Côte d’Azur, then Nice is relatively more expensive on average where the biggest difference lies in housing. The prices for daily life are about the same compared to the other areas. Think about food, entertainment, the internet, and utilities like water and electricity. After Paris, Nice is the most expensive city to live in.

Nice real estate

With beautiful scenery and interesting culture, Nice has been attracting new residents and holiday seekers every year. There are a variety of charming neighbourhoods in Nice. As with every city, there’s an area called the ”Golden Triangle” which stands for the most affluent communities. We can say that Carre d’Or belongs to the highest real estate prices in Nice. This makes sense, as it is located in the city centre of Nice between the Victor Hugo Boulevard and the Promenade des Anglais. This promenade is also called La Prom, which is a beautiful boulevard right next to the Mediterranean coast. Most of our real estate offers a breathtaking view of the coast and the charming Nice.

People agree that this boulevard is the most important attraction in the city. When you walk here, you will get uninterrupted views of the palm trees and the azure sea. The Promenade des Anglais is also the main drag of the city and there’s no way that Nice isn’t proud of this. Nice is an area that’s commercial, touristic, and residential at the same time. Our Nice real estate is located in unique and secure locations. From the properties, you will be in an ideal base towards Monaco, Cannes, and Nice itself. Multiple villas are built throughout Nice with the best locations and built qualities. This will ensure you get everything you need, including maximum privacy.

Villefranche Sur Mer

Another beautiful beachfront area is Villefranche Sur Mer, nestled between cosmopolitan Monaco and Nice. This harbour town is less than 15 km away from Nice airport, which makes it a superb base to explore the region of Côte d’Azur. With a beautiful beach that’s completely open and free to the public (there are no private beaches) and a port that’s considered as one of the most beautiful ports in the world, the town gets a magnificent sight. Additionally, the beach is seen as one of the best of the French Riviera, it is the place to go to for a picnic or a break.

People love being here and that’s why this beach attracts quite some tourists every year. When the peak summer months are over, you can have all the good of Villefranche Sur Mer for yourself. Even though Villefranche Sur Mer is one of the tourists’ hotspots, you can go to a more quiet place on the bay which is the marina. This beautiful marina gets you away from the crowds whilst you keep those stunning views over the bay. At this part, there are usually a lot fewer people, but there are still a couple of restaurants, bars, and cafes.

So if you’d like to get away from the touristy area during the busier months and still enjoy the bay – the yachting harbour is your place to go. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the beach or the railway station (that lies close to it) to the town. But it probably takes longer as you absorb these wonderful views.

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Mont Boron hill

Villefrance sur Mer is separated from Nice by the Mont Boron hill. This is a hill that’s located almost 200m above sea level. When you go to this hill, you will get a completely new perspective on the city and its surrounding landscapes. Apart from the beautiful views of the Nice city and the port, you will get views of the St Jean Cap Ferrat area as well. There’s a beautiful hiking area with panoramic views at Mont Boron hill, too.

How is life in Villefranche sur Mer?

It’s not just a touristy place. No, Villefranche is a real town with people living and working in It, and it has a medieval feel to it – even though you will find high-end yachts in the marina. The inhabitants are known for their relaxing lifestyle. Don’t you want to join this lifestyle? The town of Villefranche Sur Mer has an elevated position, which means you can have excellent views of the sunset and the coastline of Côte d’Azur.

The town Villefranche Sur Mer is admirable for its colourful houses, but it has more than that. There are several museums, a town hall, an open-air theatre and a beautiful garden.

The picturesque old town was found in the 14th century, with a fort that was built in 1560 by the duke of Savoy. He knew that Villefranche Sur Mer has a strategic position and a deepwater port with lots of benefits. The ancient Saint-Pierre chapel was decorated by the artist and writer named Jean Cocteau. Villefranche Sur Mer has views on the beautiful roadstead with wooden slopes surrounding it, which offers plenty of shelters. It’s often used by cruise and naval vessels.

The Rue Obscure

An absolute must-see in Villefranche sur Mer, is the Rue Obscure. This is a 130-meter long underground street, that was used for the circulation of soldiers. It facilitated the manoeuvres where four doors allowed access to the city. The Portal Robert is one door that’s always visible. In 1932, this street was registered in the Historic Monuments. Remember we mentioned that Villefranche Sur Mer has a medieval vibe? Well, the Rue Obscure contributes to this. The small street is filled with history and you can wash your hands in a fountain that’s more than 200 years old.

Villefranche sur Mer real estate

You can look at Villefranche Sur Mer as a little escape from some of the other cities in Côte d’Azur. It’s not a town with high-rise buildings and quite expensive shops on every corner. No, Villefranche is a picturesque old town with one of the world’s most beautiful ports. Within this seaside town, we offer multiple properties with excellent views of the Cap d’Antibes, and the Baie des Anges for example. Most of our real estate in Villefranche Sur Mer is located on the heights of the town which results in amazing views. A lot of the villas have large bay windows that open both onto the sea and the gardens. These gardens can be extended by terraces and landscaped decks with individual swimming pools. Have a look at all the possible Villefranche Sur Mer real estate on our website. 

Beaulieu Sur Mer

What about living in a secret hideaway on the French Riviera, between Nice and Monaco? You can tell that this is a perfect location in the Côte d’Azur. The beautiful seaside village Beaulieu Sur Mer has won the hearts of so many people. Even Queen Victoria noted in her journal ”I grieve to leave, as I get more attached to it every year”. To this day, Beaulieu Sur Mer is still loved among the royal people. The village is nestled in a curve protected by the grey, tall slabs of rocky foothills. The village offers everything that you’re looking for when diving into a wonderful world. Think about the azure sea, mountains, palm trees, beautiful beaches, lots of shops, and two interesting ports.

People are living in Beaulieu Sur Mer since prehistoric times. People have found about 145 graves of the Gallo-Roman occupation, and some more traces of human existence have been found in and around Cap Roux. This is a natural reserve and peak near Saint-Raphaël that has an elevation of 40 metres. At the summit of the rock at 454 metres, you will get the best panoramic view of the mountains plunging into the sea. The red rock face of the Cap Roux is one of the most magnificent sites.

A cave that was inhabited

Interesting to see is the cave of Cap Roux, which has been inhabited by Saint Honorat during the 5th century. He was a Desert Father for many years who saw his fame as a burden. He didn’t stay here, though. He retreated again since he was not left alone and went in the direction of Lerina. Here, he founded Lérins Abbey which is the monastery of Saint-Honorat island.

cap roux

What can you see in Beaulieu sur Mer?

Beaulieu Sur Mer is rich in architectural structures, originating from the French golden age. The golden age happened between 1871 and the outbreak of World War I in 1914. One of the highlights of Beaulieu Sur Mer is La Rotonde, which is a historic monument that used to be a dining room of the old Bristol. La Rotonde is situated in Beaulieu Sur Mer where the mountains meet the sea, and we can tell that the village is proud of it. Furthermore, you have Le Bristol which is a historic patrimony, monument and site. It’s made up of private apartments and it was prized by the most famous guests of the Belle Epoque (also known as the golden age).

You can walk the beautiful route called ”Sur les pas de Belle Époque” or take a guide with you, where you walk along with these buildings. Villa Kérylos is interesting to see as well, which is a reliable reconstruction of a residence from ancient Greece. Beaulieu Sur Mer is also loved for its gardens, as there’s a botanical garden and a garden with about 100 olive trees.

And for those who want lots of fun at the sea, you can visit the village’s two beaches and two ports. The biggest port is called la Port de Plaisance, where you can do multiple watersports. From this harbour, a boat departs where you can hop on for a chance to spot whales and dolphins. There are also several big festivals, named the Beaulieu Classic Festival and Les Nuits Guitares. This gives the village a very lively character.

Beaulieu sur Mer fills your daily needs

Beaulieu Sur Mer will also fulfil your daily needs, as there’s a fresh market every day of the week that sells the freshest fruits and vegetables. This market is located on the main square named Bd Marinoni. And every week on Saturday morning, there’s a local market that sells Provencal specialities. The village is filled with fun shops and good restaurants and terraces. In the centre there are more than 250 artists and entrepreneurs – so lots of shopping opportunities!

Have we told you that Bealeiu has the largest grocery shop in the area too (apart from Nice)? It’s called Marche Super U. Near the beach of Beaulieu you will find another one, but that one is not as large. Additionally, there are three butchers, a homemade pasta shop, three patisseries and two boulangeries.

Beaulieu sur Mer real estate

When you are tucked away in this lovely seaside village in the Côte d’Azur, you will understand why Queen Victoria was grieving when she had to leave. If this can be your new home town, then you will leave a dream life that no one else could ever dream of. We have multiple villas for sale in Beaulieu Sur Mer that are built in a Belle Epoque style, which is a style that borrowed elements of other historical styles. Belle Epoque means ”beautiful age”.

You can also decide to live in the heart of Beaulieu Sur Mer in a beautifully modern property with immediate proximity to the shops and the sea. Will the delightful bourgeois house be your new home? Our properties are perfectly located. For example, the building is faced south so you will be able to enjoy the sun all day.

Cap d’Ail

Cap d’Ail is a municipality in the Alpes-Maritimes, known as being one of the best tourist places in the Côte d’Azur. But we call it a paradise. It’s located only 20 minutes away from Italy and Nice. For more than a century, famous personalities have chosen Cap d’Ail as their holiday destination because of the amazing surroundings and the charm of the resort itself. You can think about people like Winston Churchill, the Prince of Wales, the Lumière Brothers, and much more. Once Baron de Pauville saw its touristic potential he started the district named Mala around the year 1879. The living district is meant for more wealthy people who want to live in peace, with the opportunity to have a great distraction with the resorts of Monaco and Nice.

There’s a beautiful path that runs along the coast, where you’ll come across the stunning flora, geology, and architecture of the stunning villa built in Belle Époque style. Some of them have been owned by the Lumières brothers or famous French artists. There’s a viewing point named Tete de Chien, where you will have a superb panoramic view of the Var coastline and even Italy. When you first arrive in Cap d’Ail, you will be amazed by the architecture and the sea colour. Cap d’Ail makes you truly realize that life is beautiful.

Cap d’Ail is a health resort

Since 1921, Cap d’Ail has been listed as a health resort in the Côte d’Azur. The seawater is of excellent quality and therefore it earned the Blue Flag. The Blue Flag stands for details such as excellent water quality, facilities, and a clean beach. For families, the Marquet beach is best as it has gentle slopes to the sea. Moreover, it’s easy to reach and it has 2 restaurants and a yacht club. And are you are a more athletic visitor? Then you can go to Pissarelles beach on a more challenging path, which is surrounded by rocks.

More things to do in Cap d’Ail

When you’re in Cap d’Ail, we highly recommend you to go to Mala beach as soon as possible. Surrounded by vegetation and hidden between the rocks, the luminous ochre rocks make you feel like you’re not in France anymore. That feeling you’ll get is something you don’t want to miss. You can reach Mala beach on foot along a narrow path. The beach is also home to the most stunning yachts and is excellent for performing watersports. The beautiful coastline of Cap d’Ail goes to the border of the principality of Monaco.

An amazing walk is the one that takes you from Marquet beach to Mala beach, which goes through a pine forest where you will look down on waves crashing against the rocks and cliffs. And if you’re looking for a private beach, you can go to La Réserve de La Mala. It’s great to take your family or friends there and enjoy a truly authentic feeling of nature.

Besides the beach, there are multiple cultural and sports events hosted every year. These take place in July and August at the “Château des terrasses” or the “Amphithéatre de la Mer”. And are you an art lover? Then Cap d’Ail can also give you a lot of interesting exhibitions to see within the Villa Les Camélias.

Cap d’Ail real estate

Cap d’Ail will continue its glamorous legacy, and what’s better than buying a property in this sunny region where you can enjoy a true radiance throughout the whole year? When you’re looking for Cap d’Ail real estate, we have plenty of properties to offer. For example, take a magnificent penthouse where you have a fantastic view of the beautiful resort, the port, and the relaxing lifestyle that’s going on underneath you. Penthouses that catch our attention are those which have beautiful natural light and are in perfect condition. Furthermore, we have charming properties for sale in Cap d’Ail that offer you plenty of living space and great amenities.

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

Are you looking for a beloved holiday destination in the Côte d’Azur? Then you can’t miss out on Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. With its mild climate, irresistible beauty, and tranquillity it has worldwide success. You can tell this by the visit of King Leopold II, international wealthy families, and various members of the Belgian aristocracy. Before it was named Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, it carried the name Saint Jean Sur Mer till 1907. Since it received its new name the start of building great estates began.

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat has an excellent 5-star luxury hotel named the Royal Riviera Hotel, which offers a private beach at 1-minute walking distance and wonderful sea view rooms.

It was built at the entrance of the peninsula and before it was called the hôtel Panorama Palace. Maybe because they saw it as a palace with panoramic sea views? The geographical location of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat made it the centre of high society. Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild has built a Tuscan-style palazzo, which is now the Villa Aphrussi de Rothschild museum. Furthermore, the Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat was realized which is a luxurious hotel with fantastic sea views as well.

saint jean cap ferrat

Celebrities love Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

As we said that Saint Jean Cap Ferrat was at the centre of high society, it’s not surprising that it attracted worldwide celebrities. Think about Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Gregory Peck, and more. Romy Schneider did a great job on choosing her wedding destination as she got married there in 1966. And of course, even politicians came here to enjoy the wonderful area. These include people like Winston Churchill, Raymond Barre, Boris Yeltsin, and Bill Clinton.

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is still seen as an exclusive community on the French Riviera. Since the late 1800s, it’s been a vacation hotspot for the well-heeled. It stands apart from all the seaside towns as it has opulent historic villas and its yacht-filled harbour. Still, it’s only home to about 2100 residents. You will also have easy access to Nice as it’s only a 25-minute drive away from Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. Enjoy the striking coastal views with yachts, ultra-luxurious hotels, and stately villas. This shows that it’s also one of the most expensive areas in the world.

Properties in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

You can find unique waterfront properties and dream mansions along the majestic and rugged coastline. Think about contemporary villas with excellent and extraordinary amenities and facilities. Saint Jean Cap Ferrat is one of the most sought-after areas as it has exceptionally lush vegetation, two peninsulas and an amazing marina. Wealthy businessmen, world-class celebrities, and princes from all over the world live in this area. Do you want to be part of this community? For if you’re interested, prices are more reasonable near the Port de Plaisance.

The area surrounding Saint Jean Cap Ferrat offers lots of other excellent destinations to live. You’re only one call or e-mail away from contacting our professionals in Côte d’Azur. Let us help you find your new dream home.

Monaco

Monaco is not only a city, no, but it’s also the 2nd smallest country in the world! The entire country only really has one city. Therefore, you can call it a city-state or a microstate. The most well-known one is Singapore which is quite big. But Monaco is truly micro, as the area is just 2.02 square kilometres. Monaco is an extremely wealthy country where more than one-third of its population are millionaires. There are only 4 countries in the world with a GDP per capita higher than 100.000 dollars, and the GDP per capita of Monaco is the 2nd highest in the world.

Moreover, a report published by the New World Wealth shows that the citizens of Monaco altogether had more private wealth per capita than other citizens from any given country! The city of Monaco is called Monte Carlo, also known as the city of millionaires. Here you can see Monaco in all its glory. One of the most iconic buildings is the Monte Carlo casino, which played a huge part in Monaco getting rich. To make this clear to you, let’s dive into some of Monaco’s history.

Accommodations in Monaco are very expensive, as you can imagine. The grocery store is special for its exotic fruits and vegetables. And if you want to get away from the city and relax on a beach, you can go to the Beach Monte Carlo. It has beautiful white sand where you can hire sunbeds or lie on the sand itself. The water is safe to swim in with lifeguards to protect swimmers from danger.

why is monaco rich

How to get to Monaco

One of the easiest ways to get to Monaco is by train. For example, when you go from Nice it takes about 30 minutes. Besides, thanks to Monaco’s strategic location it’s easily accessible by boat or plane, too. This makes it common for its residents to work and live in other countries in Europe. Monaco is still located at the Côte d’Azur, as it encompasses the entire Mediterranean coast from the Italian border in the east, including Monaco.

Monaco’s history of getting rich

It all started with Emperor Henry VI, who got a grand for the land in 1191. Since then, Monaco became a country and it has been ruled by the house of Grimaldi. The princes of Monaco became vessels, and these were a kind of subordinates to the king of France. Monaco retained its independence after a treaty was signed hundreds of years later in 2002, even though there were no Grimaldi dynasty heirs left.

However, Grimaldi didn’t have the cash to maintain their lavish lifestyles. Princess Caroline has made a huge change in this. She was a very clever businesswoman who opened a casino in Monaco to save the Grimaldi family from going bankrupt. This is the famous Monte Carlo casino we know today. It attracted and attracts lots of wealthy people from all over the world, so you understand why this famous casino made a huge difference in the country’s wealth.

Besides this casino which let the rich and famous flock to Monaco, there’s something else that attracts rich folks from all over the world.

Monaco is a true tax paradise

And when we say true, we mean mind-blowing. Why? Because the principality of Monaco has 0 personal income tax. The removal of income tax took place in 1869, so the rich and famous had some time to notice this and think about buying a property in Monaco. And no tax on personal income attracted, as you can imagine, lots of wealthy people from all around the world. Rich people live in Monaco to save money and at the same time, the country attracts lots of wealthy visitors who spend a lot of money there.

All the inhabitants, including the 30% who are millionaires, of course, love the fact that there’s 0 tax income. For example, thousands of British elite people avoid taxes in Monaco including the human rights activist Bono from U2. This made other activists turn up at concerts, with banners saying ”U pay tax 2?”. When they have a property in Monaco, they can still live and work somewhere else in the world without having to pay taxes this way! Real estate prices in Monaco reach over 100 thousand euros per square meter, and it’s still getting sold.

Want to cross the entire country on foot?

If you’re interested in crossing the entire country by foot: well, that’s possible but extremely challenging. This is because you will be surprised with the streets arrangements. Roads go anywhere and it’s hard to see if you crossed a road, as you cannot cross one road to another. Therefore, it’s easy to get lost in Monaco especially if you get here for the first time or when you just got here for a job.

How to get a residence in Monaco

You can get a residence in Monaco in three ways. Firstly, you can get a residence when they offer you a job there. Secondly, you show that you are super-wealthy. And thirdly, you start a business there and you have the cash to do it. But make sure that you are at least 18 years old and that you don’t have any criminal record in the past. To be considered as a resident in Monaco you must live in the principality for at least six months and one day out of the year. Once you are a resident in Monaco, make sure you don’t do anything that causes trouble as you will get kicked out without any legal resources.

Roquebrune Cap Martin

It’s no wonder that everyone wants to live at Roquebrune Cap Martin. The truly amazing and hilly place offers magnificent views of the sea and the surrounding landscapes. The medieval old town of Roquebrune Cap Martin is a must-visit when you are in the Côte d’Azur or the French Riviera. Everything there is made out of stone, and the small streets with stone houses truly give the place an authentic and historical feel. Roquebrune Cap Martin is only 30 minutes away from Nice by car, which makes it an easy place to reach as well.

One sight you must see is the fortress, which is an old castle from the 9th century on top of the hill that towers above the village. Here, you’ll get stunning views of the sea and Monaco whilst you look through the old window of the castle. The building once belonged to the Grimaldi family, where we talked about in our story about Monaco. It only costs 5 euros to visit it, where you can spend about 30 minutes inside. Know that it’s closed during lunchtime. The House of Grimaldi is the royal house that rules Monaco.

Back in the old town of Roquebrune Cap Martin grows the oldest olive tree, which is the oldest in the region. It’s over a thousand years old! You can find this olive tree when you go south along with the rue de la Fontaine, and then Chemin de Menton. The olive tree is called l’Olivier Millénaire.

How do you get to Roquebrune Cap Martin?

The easiest way to get to Roquebrune Cap Martin is by car or scooter. Then you have to take a route called the Upper Cornices, which is an extremely picturesque route that starts in Nice and ends close to the Italian border. Besides, you can take the train but this is harder for those who can’t make the climb. This is because when you go by train, you have to wander uphill to the Old Town. Lastly, you can take the bus named bus 100 which passes Roquebrune. This bus goes from Nice to Menton and it’s truly worth it to hop off and visit this beautiful and unique village.

Roquebrune Cap Martin is a quiet village

We already mentioned the main attractions: the Grimaldi castle or fortress, the over 1000-years old olive tree, and the medieval Old Town with its viewing terrace and narrow streets. Therefore, there’s not much activity going on in Roquebrune Cap Martin. But this can make this an excellent place to live and to visit for those who want to live a quiet and relaxing lifestyle in amazing temperatures. Buying real estate in Roquebrune Cap Martin means you will live in your haven of peace and tranquillity.

Our real estate in Roquebrune Cap Martin is made of the best quality materials with fantastic amenities and a combination of desirable assets, including great natural light.

What do you think, could your new home be in Roquebrune Cap Martin or do you only want to visit the area? We can help you with everything that comes with buying a property in the Côte d’Azur, including financing advice, taxation, legal matters, and much more. Contact our experts for more information.

Lorgues

Lorgues is a wonderful commune in the Var department of France. The typical Provencal village has about 7319 inhabitants, and it’s considered one of the most beautiful villages in the entire region. The small and little streets combined with the beautiful old buildings make Lorgues a village where you can stroll along and look around for days. And during the summer months, there’s a market where you can find all kinds of regional specialities. It’s more than worth it visiting this place and it is a fantastic location for your holiday or your second holiday home.

Climate is very pleasant in Lorgues, as in summer you will be cooled by nice breezes and in winter, you will be sheltered for bitter winter winds that sweep across to the north. This is because Lorgues is located low enough to avoid these bitter winter winds. Lorgues is an ideal base as well for a wonderful time in the Var department. Var comes from the river Var, which flowed along the eastern boundary. Since 1860, this boundary was moved which makes it no longer associated with the river. But the name stays! The Var has wonderful seaside resorts, fine examples of medieval and Romanesque architecture, excellent wines, and much more.

Lorgues is situated in the centre of the department of the Var between the Mediterranean sea and the Gorges du Verdon, which is a wonderful river canyon, and the Lac Sainte Croix, which is a man-made lake.

Lorgues has an early history

The present town was inhabited early in history. Several dolmens and menhirs have been found which show signs of these early times. Who inhabited this area? Firstly, we have the Ligurians who built a fortified settlement. You can still see this settlement on a nearby hill. From here, they had a good view of the area and it was helpful to spot approaching enemies. The village truly started to grow after the Romans conquered the area. They built a good defensive wall for protection, and that’s why the village was spared from the looting of the Saracens and the Barbarians.

The defences of Lorgues have been renewed when the Templars settled in Lorgues, at the beginning of the 12th century. This was a huge improvement to the defence of the city which made it even better to develop. And soon, a monastery, a chapel, and a school were built. Lorgues wouldn’t be as beautiful as it is today when it wasn’t spared from the religious wars over the centuries.

What is the Lorgues town like?

Lorgues is not dominated by tourism, but it’s a small and lovely setting in the Côte d’Azur, typically Provencal with olive trees and vineyards around the town. Within the town, you will find colourful houses, statues and washhouses, small squares with monuments and trees, and several chapels. A few of the most impressive buildings are the Town Hall and the Palace of Justice, which originate from the 18th and 19th centuries. The clocktower is a 28 metres high tower that was built in the 12th century as part of its fortifications. In 1620, it transformed into a belltower.

Living in Lorgues

Living in the Lorgues area means living in a wonderful and peaceful area. For example, you can live in a unique property that’s only 10 minutes away from the village Lorgue and enjoy its quiet riverside location on the heart of Provence. Still, you will only be one hour away from the Nice international airport. Houses offer historic charm with exposed stone facades, coupled with contemporary interiors to embrace modern-day living. What about an environment with mature trees and beautiful lawns that lead down to the river frontage?

It’s not only the wonderful Côte d’Azur where we have properties for sale and experts with extensive knowledge. We sell first-class properties in lots of areas across Europe. We only sell the best luxury homes in dream destinations. Depending on your aspirations and lifestyle, we can help you find your dream property with only your best interests in mind.

Let us make the best deal for you and help you save more than three times our brokerage fee on average, which is what we achieved with all our previous clients. Have a look at our other detailed guides to discover the best places to live in these countries. We as Baerz & Co can help you with your journey of finding your next high-end home. Contact us, we’d love to hear from you!

•    Mallorca

•    The Balaerics

•    Catalonia

•    Costa Blanca North

•    Costa del Sol

•    Portugal

•    Greece

•    Italy

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