The Belgians and the French Riviera

1. Belgians Were Among the First Major Foreign Visitors to the Côte d’Azur

From the end of the 19th century, and especially after World War II, the Côte d’Azur became a favored destination for the wealthy classes of Northern Europe. Belgians, like the Dutch and the Swiss, were drawn by the Mediterranean climate, accessibility by car, and the prestige of the French Riviera.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Saint-Tropez transformed from an old fishing port into a world-famous seaside resort, thanks to artists, cinema, and notably Brigitte Bardot and the film "Et Dieu... créa la femme."

2. A Strong Belgian Presence in Real Estate

Starting in the 1970s and 1980s, many wealthy Belgians purchased second homes on the Côte d’Azur, particularly:

• In the Gulf of Saint-Tropez;

• In Sainte-Maxime;

• In Ramatuelle;

• In Grimaud.

The reasons are quite straightforward: relative proximity to Belgium, French taxation that was sometimes more advantageous for second homes at the time than in other Mediterranean countries, and the prestigious image associated with the Riviera.

Belgians are regularly cited among the top foreign buyers in France, and according to several market analyses, they account for around 20% of acquisitions made by foreigners at the national level.

In the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, 80% to 85% of acquisitions involve second homes, and Belgians are one of the top 5 foreign nationalities in the high-end residential market.

Unlike Russian or Middle Eastern buyers, who often focus on ultra-luxury, Belgians are present across a much wider range of properties, from holiday apartments worth several hundred thousand euros to villas worth several million.

This explains why their presence is particularly visible in the local fabric. During the summer, many Belgian owners, vacationers, and entrepreneurs can be found throughout the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

3. Saint-Tropez and Knokke: A Sociological Kinship

Knokke-Heist is often compared to Saint-Tropez. The British press has even dubbed it "the Belgian Saint-Tropez."

The two locations share several characteristics:

• An affluent clientele;

• Art galleries;

• Fine dining and a high-society social scene;

• High-end second homes.

Furthermore, a seasonal back-and-forth has long existed between wealthy Belgian families from Knokke and the Côte d’Azur.

Summary

There is no ancient historical or specific political link between Belgium and Saint-Tropez. The connection was primarily forged in the 20th century:

• The Côte d’Azur became a preferred holiday destination for Belgians;

• Saint-Tropez acquired international prestige after the 1950s;

• Many wealthy Belgians bought second homes there;

• Social and economic networks between the Belgian bourgeoisie (especially Flemish) and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez have strengthened over the decades.

In 2026, Belgians remain one of the most visible and well-established foreign communities in Saint-Tropez, especially in luxury real estate, yachting, and second homes. Today, their presence is more of a patrimonial and economic nature than merely tourism-based.