Engel & Völkers

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Château de Chenonceau, a white stone castle with turrets, towers, and a blue roof, surrounded by green trees under a clear blue sky.

Differentiating a castle from a manor, a daunting task?

In the luxury real estate sector, the terms manor and castle often rub shoulders with each other, without it being clear on what differentiates one from the other. In most people’s mind, the castle generally refers to the feudal castle, designed to defend the town and its population from its enemies, while the manor evokes a large country house, as there are many for example in the English countryside. Nevertheless, to understand the true subtleties of the two types of prestige properties, it is necessary to conduct a semantic search and therefore to be able to establish a clear distinction.

  • 3 min read
Visit Differentiating a castle from a manor, a daunting task?
Ajar blue door with ornate metal handle and keyhole, revealing a cobblestone courtyard and a tan building with white windows.

The private mansions: characteristics of exceptional real estate properties

In France, it is quite common to marvel at the facades of these private mansions that occupy our city centers. In fact, it is not uncommon for them to even be home to museums or to be open to visitors. Paris currently has 400, but according to some sources the capital has counted up to 2,000 in the past. Though term private mansion has become part of everyday architectural language, what is it that actually makes it so special? Used in France, Belgium, and Switzerland, this term covers a type of housing with a very specific French character.

  • 3 min read
Visit The private mansions: characteristics of exceptional real estate properties
Clock tower and colorful buildings in Nice, France. Pink and red buildings with blue shutters. Mountains in the background.

Which are the best districts in Nice?

Nice, which is ideally located between land and sea, is an iconic, multi-faced town on the Côte d’Azur. Whether you are looking to buy a primary residence or buy-to-let property, prices in Nice vary considerably depending on the district, with some districts more popular than others. Let’s review which are the best districts when it comes to investing in Nice real estate.

  • 2 min read
Visit Which are the best districts in Nice?
Eiffel Tower view from the Seine River, Paris. Boats docked along the riverbank, bridge in the background, blue sky with clouds.

Livable barges on the Seine River

Living on a boat, listening to the sound and being rocked by the water... This is the lifestyle chosen by many barge owners. An atypical lifestyle, which brings you closer to nature, closer to the water, and is in a way like a childhood dream come true. A dream whose price can quickly climb depending on the location, the surface and the condition of the boat.

  • 2 min read
Visit Livable barges on the Seine River
Aerial view of Paris, France, featuring the Arc de Triomphe at the center of a starburst of streets. Buildings and trees line the avenues.

The Golden Triangle, the height of luxury in Paris

If Paris has many exceptional neighborhoods, there is one that stands out in particular: the Golden Triangle. This enclave located in the center of the French capital is a concentrate of prestige and high-end services in the heart of Paris.

  • 2 min read
Visit The Golden Triangle, the height of luxury in Paris
A Parisian square with a fountain, green lawn, and trimmed trees. Buildings with orange brick and gray roofs surround the square.

Architectural styles in Paris

The history of Paris has a strong influence on its architecture. When it comes to Parisian architecture, the name Baron Haussmann springs immediately to mind, but building styles from other periods can be found everywhere. Architectural styles have followed political influences since the early 19th century. If you are looking for a property of character in Paris, take a look at the different real estate architectural styles and the history behind them.

  • 3 min read
Visit Architectural styles in Paris
Aerial view of Nice, France, featuring red-tiled roofs, a Ferris wheel, and the Mediterranean Sea under a blue sky.

Real estate in Nice, the emblem of the French Riviera with Provence touch

A deep blue sea lined with pebble beaches... rows of perfectly aligned palm trees... sun all year round... the city of Nice opens up its horizon and welcomes you to settle down in this beautiful city. Are you planning on investing in real estate in Nice, or just to live on the French Riviera? Why not take the time to visit the city, discover its neighborhoods, and stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant lifestyle of your next place of residence? A guided tour in the most beautiful city on the French Riviera...

  • 5 min read
Visit Real estate in Nice, the emblem of the French Riviera with Provence touch
Aerial view of Monaco, a city-state on the French Riviera, with a harbor full of yachts and buildings stretching up a green hillside.

Luxury real estate near Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is surrounded by exclusive French towns and cities on the French Riviera, offering a wonderful lifestyle. Prices for these properties, located between land and sea, are particularly high. From Beausoleil to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Èze and La Turbie, these towns bordering Monaco attract tourists and investors looking to enjoy an exclusive lifestyle during the holiday season or throughout the year!

  • 3 min read
Visit Luxury real estate near Monaco

La Californie of Cannes in a few words

Among the 10 neighbourhoods that make up the City of Cannes, La Californie, which overlooks the bay, is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive. It is bordered by Pointe Croisette, in the South, and Le Cannet in the North, and is part of the Cannes-Est canton. La Californie is a residential neighbourhood, renowned for the elegance of its buildings and the preservation of its green spaces. It attracts many owners, especially those looking for a second home in the sun. Living in this district is the preserve of the elite, considering that the average income of its inhabitants is about 30,000 euros.The sun shines all year round and the site attracts tourists for its oriental gardens - in fact, La Californie has been awarded the label "Villes et Villages Fleuris" (Towns and Villages in Bloom) with 4 stars out of 4. However, it is situated away from the main tourist trail so its inhabitants can enjoy a calm lifestyle.

  • 2 min read
Visit La Californie of Cannes in a few words
Italian villa with a pool reflecting the facade, surrounded by manicured hedges and trees under a blue sky.

Buying a château in France

As a country with a rich history and culture, France is home to many prestigious residences and châteaux for sale that have endured through the ages. What you need to know before buying the castle for sale of your dreams!

  • 3 min read
Visit Buying a château in France
Aerial view of a light pink castle with a tower, surrounded by green trees and a fountain in the foreground.

Owning a property classified as a historic monument: advantages and disadvantages

There are 43,000 listed buildings in France. This means that they are officially recognised by the State as being of significant value to France's artistic or historical heritage. Half of these listed properties belong to private owners and individuals. Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of owning a property classified as a historic monument.

  • 3 min read
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Engel & Völkers France

170 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

75008 Paris

Tel: +33145643030