If you’re dreaming of your place in the Provence sun, you’ll find there’s a lot of choice From luxury villas to fabulous apartments as well as surprisingly affordable property in the area. We talk to Patrick Joseph of My French House property agency about where to look for your dream home in the French Riviera.
French Riviera / Cote d’Azur
The French Riviera or Cote d’Azur is the coastal area in the southeast of France. It runs from the edge of the Italian border where you find vibrant Menton and swanky Monaco at one end of the Alpes Maritime department. Then it makes its way round to Toulon and Hyères in the Var department.
With an average of 14 hours of sunshine per day In summer in 9 hours in the winter, it’s easy to understand why this area is so popular.
The Var
The Var is the French department that covers the western side of the French Riviera, where St Tropez is located. Inland from the coast is a large area of Provencal countryside, which unlike the area inland from Nice, is not limited by the Alps. There are some real gems in this area.
‘Draguignan for instance is a large market town in Provence that sits inland. It’s surrounded by the glamour of the Cote d’Azur, the beauty of the Verdon Gorges and the famous scent of the lavender fields of Valensole. The local villages of Cotignac and Fayence are filled with a unique blend of French and international locals who live here all year round. Residents enjoy weekly markets and excellent restaurants. And it’s just a short drive from the neighbouring thriving cities’ says Patrick. And Lorgues which is perfect for nature lovers. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, a lively, local town with easy access to the coast and Nice airport.
Towards the coast, Sainte-Maxime, overlooks the gulf of St Tropez. It has a lively, chic, family atmosphere and is a stunning town facing the bay which is always busy with magnificent boats. The charming resort of Cavalière between Hyeres and St Tropez is close to the wilder beaches of the Var.
‘You get a lot for your money in the Haut Var area’ says Patrick. ‘You’re away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist bases and it’s also slightly cooler in the summer months
‘For those seeking beach life, golf fun and great facilities, Roquebrune-sur-Argens is ideal. From here you have easy access to a choice of beaches between Frejus and Sainte-Maxime. ‘Le Lavandou is another great place for those seeking the beach life’ Patrick advises. ‘There are palm, eucalyptus and mimosa trees and 12 fine sandy beaches. It’s a little piece of tropical paradise in the south of France.’
Alpes Maritime
The department of Alpes-Maritimes includes well-known resorts like Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Menton. The area is known for its luxury lifestyle and coastal towns but there’s more to the area than the Riviera. Inland there are valleys, vineyards and olive groves. Hill top villages have wonderful views and offer a less busy lifestyle than their glamorous city neighbours.
‘There are also many other smaller resorts such as exquisite Eze with views to Monaco. And for those looking to be almost “les pieds dans l’eau” and closer to water, the areas of Roquebrune-cap-martin, Saint-jean-cap-ferrat, Villefranche-sur-mer offer fantastic apartments and luxury villas’ says Patrick.
At My French House, Patrick Joseph and his team will provide expert local knowledge, and a service to help you find your dream home with support from start to finish. From the search to signing on the dotted line, they’ll help with every aspect of buying in France.
Contact their friendly, professional team at: my-french-house.com
