Destinations

Alpes-Maritimes: why invest in luxury real estate?

2 April 2024 • 8 min read

Sun, sea, cloudless skies… and a thriving property market, particularly in the segment of extraordinary villas, duplex apartments, and residences on the Mediterranean!

Everyone has heard of the beautiful towns of Auron, Cannes, and Nice. Renowned in every season, these destinations are prime choices not only for vacations, but also for real estate investments.

Today, the luxury property market in these places is reliable, tangible and, above all, stable. By investing in the best locations in the Alpes-Maritimes department, you too can make the most of your investment over the long term by renting out your property as a premium seasonal residence. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy it as a luxurious home to recharge your batteries.

This is the ideal way to build up your real estate portfolio in one of France’s most desirable areas, nestled between the beach and the snow-covered slopes.

Why invest in a luxury property in the Alpes-Maritimes?

The tourist attractions of the Alpes-Maritimes

The Alpes-Maritimes is a dream travel destination for some, a home for others. Whatever your situation, this part of France has the perfect balance between the sea and the mountains, offering a wide variety of activities and attracting large numbers of tourists for Mediterranean vacations, festivals, concerts, and extravagant private parties. Culture, nature, history, luxury architecture… the Alpes-Maritimes has it all as a tourist destination, and therefore boasts huge potential return on seasonal rentals.

For nature lovers, local hiking trails stretch to the horizon, taking you up into the mountains, down into the Verdon Gorges, through iconic fields of lavender, and to the shores of some of the Mercantour National Park’s renowned Alpine lakes. There is no shortage of natural views waiting to give you a breath of fresh air and awaken all your senses. Away from the cities, houses with swimming pools attract countless couples and families in search of escape.

For a more urban experience, historical monuments are also a big part of the region’s heritage, and you can stroll through the narrow streets of Nice’s old town, visit the art galleries of Saint-Tropez, or enjoy lunch in the sun on the harbor in Menton. When the weather is hot, you can take your time perusing the local markets, overflowing with juicy beefsteak tomatoes and exotic fruit. There is no shortage of restaurants in any of the towns, and no shortage of luxury boutiques, either! From the first days of spring, wealthy jetsetters from all over the world (Russia, Belgium, Qatar, the UK, China, and more) come to enjoy boat trips, try out scuba diving, and enjoy unforgettable jet ski races on the French Riviera.

In winter, the proximity to the Mercantour National Park brings winter sports enthusiasts to the peaks, where they can glide down immaculate slopes on their skis while soaking up the good vibes!

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Trends on the real estate market in the South of France

The Côte d’Azur has established itself as one of France’s leading luxury tourist destinations. With its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, rocky heights, and palm tree-lined streets, the French Riviera truly is the stuff of dreams. All these features worthy of paradise make it a fantastic place to live all year round, but especially in summer.

In terms of history, the Côte d’Azur has been shaped by a number of events, most significantly in 1806, when Napoleon connected the city of Nice to Italy, further enhancing its appeal. Even further back, the writer Tobias Smolett wrote about it in 1763. The area is steeped in heritage, with many monuments available for all to see, such as old churches, a cathedral, sanctuaries, and much more. You can stroll through the cobbled streets yourself, wandering in search of another time. This historic luxury location, which has been sought-after for centuries, is a haven for art collectors and property portfolio holders all over the world, who rightly see the French Riviera as a solid destination in which to invest.

The Côte d’Azur continues to attract international buyers for its many attractions, including Cannes, which plays host to the world’s greatest actors and actresses every year. As a result, the luxury real estate market on the French Riviera is one of the most expensive in the world. While the French national property market appears to be experiencing a certain slowdown, the Côte d’Azur has been spared, making it one of the best places to invest on the planet.

Recently, it seems that there is a growing number of younger, higher-income buyers in Nice, Cannes, and other popular cities. They are setting their sights on sunny vacations and sporting activities, whether on the beach or the ski slopes of the Mercantour National Park, making the French Riviera the place to be. Luxury living is enjoying its heyday at the various mansions lining the beaches and the hills, and at parties on yachts and in private clubs.

A variety of entertainment options, sporting activities, fine dining, shopping for all tastes, luxurious trips on the water, and more have been attracting visitors for decades.

The advantages of acquiring a second home in the Alpes-Maritimes

For some, buying a dream home on the French Riviera is the achievement of a lifetime. For others, it’s a particularly profitable real estate investment.

If luxury real estate trends continue to rise, your luxury property on the Côte d’Azur will continue to increase in value over the years. What’s more, you will be able to generate a regular source of income if you decide to rent out your property during the summer, entrusting it to a reputable rental management company that will carefully select your tenants and meticulously look after your investment.

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Making a successful luxury investment in the Alpes-Maritimes

Why choose the South of France for a luxury property investment?

The South of France is not just a highly coveted destination for French tourists, it also appeals to travelers from all over the world.

Imagine waking up to the sound of seagulls as you bask in the rays of the ever-present sun. The turquoise water glistens in the distance, and you can already hear the laughter of the few brave souls who ventured onto the beach at dawn. The market is in full swing a few minutes away, and you head there to do your shopping, thinking about any number of delicious, typically local meals.

In the hills around Cannes, you can enjoy a quieter environment where the cicadas softy sing. The sea stretches out before you, but so do the peaks further away in the distance. As for the burning sun, it reigns supreme, promising the most uplifting and rejuvenating summer.

These irresistible scenes are within reach. A luxury real estate investment in the South of France is as profitable as it is enjoyable. Some who have already invested describe their architect-designed villa or Provencal farmhouse as “a jewel to rent out and to live in.”

Where should you invest?

The iconic seaside resorts on the Côte d’Azur

Many of the Côte d’Azur’s most famous seaside resorts include Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Hyères, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cap-d’Ail, Juan-les-Pins, Monaco, Théoule-sur-Mer, Menton, and Saint-Tropez.

In fact, there are as many towns as there are unique panoramas; places were life is lived to the full under the sun and to the song of the cicadas.

All you have to do is choose, based on your own, unique expectations. Some villages, like Hyères, will be quieter than a bigger town like Saint-Tropez, for example, which will provide particularly high rental rates during the festival period.

With a select market coveted by a growing number of international buyers, investing in property in one of these beautiful ports and villages is something you will never regret.

A little-known destination: Auron, a discreet gem in the Mercantour National Park

What if we told you that there is an idyllic little village nestled in the hills of the Mercantour National Park? Its name is Auron, perched at 5,200 feet of elevation.

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains in winter, Auron offers a lush, green panorama in summer. With a ski area spanning more than 80 miles, you will find slopes for beginners and professionals alike. Meanwhile, the center of the village is as authentic as it gets, with pretty wooden chalets, the aroma of fondue escaping from restaurants, and an ice-skating rink.

Not far from the Côte d’Azur, Auron is the ideal village for bridging the gap between the mountains and the sea, while enjoying newfound serenity in the most natural setting. You’re sure to adore this pretty village!

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