The Alpes-Maritimes, the cradle of the French Riviera

Investing in real estate in Provence or French Riviera, the choice is yours!

The Alpes-Maritimes and its different facets

The seaside resorts of the Alpes-Maritimes, the prestigious French Riviera

The countryside, the treasure of Provence

The Mediterranean coast stretches from Mandelieu to Menton, revealing its known or hidden beauties to visitors wishing to come and stay there. The sun shines all year round on the Maritime Alps between the azure sea and land of pines and olive trees. It is in a beautiful landscape, worthy of the most beautiful postcards, that many investors are looking for a house for sale in the heart of the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region. Coastal towns and charming seaside villages are spread all over the area. Which one would you choose to live in for a few days or a lifetime? You could also choose the Provencal charm of the inland to settle down. Here’s an overview of your potential future place of residence...

Investing in real estate in Provence or French Riviera, the choice is yours!

The department of Alpes Maritimes unfolds its unique charm to its visitor for a day but can also steal their heart and make them want to stay forever. Here, the country is not flat and high mountains surround the valleys that stretch to the seaside. In fact, the nautical pleasures as well as the joys of the mountain are accessible in just a one hour-drive. And between the two, you can enjoy a chic and bourgeois Provencal countryside with its luxury houses and high-end buildings.

On the coast, the seaside has several seaside resorts with a unique character, all of different sizes and styles. From the small marina to the big city of light, all the opportunities of these magical places are available to you. Imagine living by the water just minutes away from the beaches bordering the Mediterranean sea. It would be a real treat, just a few steps from your house and in the heart of the French Riviera.

Further in the Provencal countryside, dotted with Scots pines, millenary olive trees and oaks, life is peaceful in a greener environment. The panorama opens on one side on the sea, extending until the horizon, and on the other towards the high summits seeming to join the azure sky. A unique view that you will see every morning by opening the shutters of your new house in Provence.

The Alpes-Maritimes and its different facets

Renowned for its sun and sweetness of life, the Côte d'Azur has jewels and precious stones scattered along its coastline. Places like the big coastal cities of Cannes, Nice and Menton, but also the villages where the sweetness of life is everywhere, define the area. Another characteristic is its hinterland and its sunny countryside where tranquility blends with the pleasures of life. Below is more detail about the different towns and villages of the Alpes Maritimes.

The seaside resorts of the Alpes-Maritimes, the prestigious French Riviera

Cannes is famous worldwide because of its international film festival. It is there that you can walk in the biggest celebrities footsteps, enjoy the joys of swimming and also admire the fabulous sunsets reflected in the sea along the Croisette.

Read more about Cannes

Just as famous, Nice sets up further down the coast. There, the pebbles replace the sand on the beaches marked out by the palm trees of the Promenade des Anglais. Nice is defined by core landmarks, such as the majesty of Négresco, the chic casino Rhul or the iconic Palais de la Méditerranée.

Read more about Nice.

It is undoubtedly its proximity to Italy that makes the city of Menton so unique. It emits both a mixture of Italien Dolce Vita and French Riviera feel. Chic buildings and elegant homes define neighbourhoods. The casino of Menton, its seaside and its mild and temperate climate make it a unique and very pleasant place to live.

Between Nice and Menton, a multitude of coastal villages compete for the new real estate investment. Villefranche sur mer, with its harbour and its unique beaches bordered by nice restaurants, is amongst the competitors. St Jean Cap Ferrat is as splendid, with its coastal path carved on the side of a cliff. Eze and its rich historical heritage continue the momentum of its neighbours. Rare flowers and luxury villas frame the roads leading to the sea. The ride continues by Beaulieu sur Mer where white houses stand out on the azure.

Read more about the coastline cities between Nice and Menton.

Encountering the famous principality of Monaco, Cap d'Ail and Beausoleil follow the coastline of the Alpes Maritimes to offer a welcoming face where chic and elegance are part of the landscape. Finally, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin signs the end of the Côte d'Azur, in the continuity of Menton.

The countryside, the treasure of Provence

Further back inland, Grasse is renowned for its perfumes. The city has significant assets to attract visitors and knows how to keep them. Its picturesque old town, its city centre with the perfumes of the distilleries and its architectural heritage know how to seduce anyone who enters the city of plants and aromas.

Very nearby, but still a little deeper in the countryside of Provence, Mouans-Sartoux emerges with its beautiful villas planted in the garrigue/scrubland. Some places offer a magnificent view of the sea. Luxury is everywhere. Its neighbour, Mougins, also offers a harmonious and peaceful living environment.

Continuing up the coast to Biot, Valbonne, the city of business centres and prestigious schools stands out. Opio, a remarkable Provençal village and Roquefort les Pins, an upmarket village composed of houses are each more beautiful than the other. Just above, Tourette-sur-Loup stands on its rocky outcrop, giving a glimpse of the natural wonders Provence has to offer.

Biot, the artist's village where glassblowers practice their art amongst others and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, renowned for its painters, dominate the rocky outcrops and lush garrigue/scrubland. They compete for the favours of the newcomers offering two completely different faces. La Colle sur Loup, a fancy village not far away, stands out for its beautiful villas and tranquility. Finally, Vence fences the hinterland of the Alpes Maritimes with its typical houses and its undeniable charm.

Discover the Cannes countryside in detail.

Discover all the departements of the region Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur.