The land of luxury: what to expect from French Riviera holiday homes

The long-favoured haunt of the rich and famous, the Côte d’Azur is known for having hosted icons like Elton John, Brigitte Bardot, Coco Chanel and Elizabeth Taylor over the years. Joining this illustrious list is simple: French Riviera holiday homes are having a renaissance thanks to a new wave of contemporary artists and socialites flocking to its shores, making this the perfect time to invest in your own corner of the glittering south coast.

Properties with a view

The region’s average summer temperature is a balmy 24°C, which has long brought beach and sun-lovers alike to stay at French Riviera villas. There is much to explore here: Roman ruins sit next to natural parks, with whale watching excursions ventures offshore. Scented with pine trees and lavender fields, the Cote d'Azur's hillsides provide elevated vantage points allowing viewers to gaze out across the glittering water.

The most desirable luxury real estate French Riviera homes capitalise on the climate and beachfront lifestyle with jaw-dropping vistas over the Mediterranean. This exceptional Art Deco-style villa is a prime example, affording views all the way to Cap Ferrat in the distance. Its outdoor landscaping makes the most of the attractive local surroundings, with external pools nestled against rocky crags. Another example of the extensive leisure facilities provided in French Riviera villas can be found at this second property, situated just metres from the beach in Cap Ferrat, which offers an elegantly landscaped lap pool and no shortage of outdoor seating.

A luxury lifestyle

From the star-studded beaches of Saint Tropez to the red carpets of Cannes and the elite Monaco casinos, the lifestyle to be found in the French Riviera is nothing if not luxurious. A prime destination for yachting, the region’s beach clubs like La Voile Rouge in Saint Tropez heat up during the summer months. As a result, French Riviera real estate often includes private marinas for yachting enthusiasts who choose to holiday here. 

Upscale shopping is a prime pastime in Cannes, where you can stroll along the chic Boulevard de la Croisette lined with boutiques like Cartier, Céline and Chanel. Get a sense of the area’s famed history at Nice’s Negresco Hotel, with its distinctive pink and white dome. Guests have included everyone from the Beatles to the Vanderbilts, and it currently houses the Michelin-starred Chantecler restaurant.

The resurgence of French Riviera real estate

The global elite is flocking once more to French Riviera luxury real estate, a trend that’s only expected to grow over the next few years for several reasons. The recent election of President Macron has created a new confidence amongst overseas investors, who are keen to ride the wave of optimism and modern economic reform. Nice Airport is undergoing a sleek 8.5 million euro makeover, which will only encourage more direct flights to the region, and a 650 million euro tramline will be completed by 2019 to link the airport with sights throughout the city. 

Investing in French Riviera holiday homes is also on the rise for those interested in purchasing a buy-to-let property. The region hosts numerous high-profile events including the Cannes Film Festival, which offers seasonal high rental potential.

At Engel & Völkers, we specialise in French Riviera real estate and are tracking the area's resurgence carefully during this popular period of growth. Explore our portfolio of French Riviera holiday homes to find your own dreamy getaway.