Côte d'Azur

Provence – Côte d’Azur – 200 years ago, the English aristocracy discovered this place, at first as a typical health destination, so that soon cities such as Nice, Cannes, Monaco and Antibes became the European salon where it was appropriate to visit. It was here that magnificent mansions, historic 19th century townhouses and hotels receiving crowned heads were built.
Today, the Côte d’Azur is famous for its excellent real estate offerings.
Nice’s international airport serves both scheduled and private planes, connecting the Côte d’Azur with most European cities.
The Mediterranean climate, the magnificent landscapes, the rich offer of premium services: hotels, restaurants, yachts, events such as F1, the Rolex Master Tennis Cup make the Côte d’Azur attract customers from all over the world all year round.

Nieruchomości na lazurowym Wybrzeżu

Why invest in property in the south of France?

The South of France is an area visited by as many as 10 million tourists every year! It is a very attractive destination for travellers from all over the world. As research shows, it is also one of the most popular regions with foreign investors. What makes the richest people so keen to choose properties there?

The Côte d’Azur is known for its beautiful, picturesque seaside towns. They are rich in delicious cuisine and friendly locals. Also of interest is the culture and history of this stretch of Mediterranean coastline, which stretches from Cassis in the west to the Italian border. It is here that the Alps meet the Mediterranean Sea, creating a beautiful, breathtaking landscape. The weather is very pleasant in these areas, sunny and warm most days of the year. This makes the destination great for a holiday in both summer and winter. Some of the most popular destinations on the Côte d’Azur include: Nice, Cannes, Marseille or Saint-Tropez, which are synonymous with luxury, wealth and glamour.

 

Ask for offers in France.

Investment in real estate in Monaco

An excellent investment is a beautiful property in Monaco, a city with a total area of just 2 km². Views of the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Alps on the other, more than 300 days of sunshine a year and delicious cuisine are just some of the advantages of this place. Monaco is a rich country with few taxes, with a famous casino and racecourse that attract the richest people from all over the world. Visitors are able to pay a substantial amount of money to stay in this unique city-state. A luxury flat or villa is therefore a great idea for a short-term rental or the perfect base for a holiday that lasts all year round here! When you buy a property in Monaco, you are assured that it will not lose its value while producing regular returns.

 

Ask for offers in France.

Could buying a property on the Côte d'Azur be your dream come true? Check it out!

The south of France is seen as the mythical garden of Eden. The bluest shade of sea in Europe, secluded sandy bays, rocky steep shores, lively towns and, a little further inland, the Maritime Alps hiding such treasures as quaint little villages. It’s a place you can fall in love with at first sight. It is worth coming here at least once in a lifetime. And is it worth investing in property on the Côte d’Azur? Find out what benefits await potential investors.

/Users/aldonaszczeblewskarog/Downloads/nieruchomosci lazurowe wybrzeze 32

The Côte d'Azur or the French Riviera?

The two terms are used interchangeably. The term Côte d’Azur was coined in 1887 by Stéphen Liégeard, a French lawyer, MP and poet. The name was intended to refer to the English aristocracy’s penchant, which had lasted since the mid-18th century, for travelling and staying on the French coast during the winter months. Later, this custom was taken up by other European elites to travel to the South of France in the 19th century, no longer just in search of mild winters, but also for health reasons (e.g. tuberculosis). Looking at it from today’s perspective, it is interesting to note that the popularity of the area began with winter. It is even more interesting that there are several definitions of exactly what area the Côte d’Azur covers. The accepted definition is the stretch of Mediterranean coastline in French Provence, stretching from Cassis in the west to the Italian border. And this is the definition we will use. However, the most orthodox fans only include the area along the line Monaco – Nice – Cannes plus Saint-Tropez. Interestingly, as a 2009 survey showed, this is also not clear to the French themselves. But as a potential property buyer on the Côte d’Azur, you should mainly be interested in the fact that it is invariably France’s largest tourist region and the most popular real estate destination for foreign investors.

nieruchomosci lazurowe wybrzeze

Buying a property on the Côte d'Azur offers numerous advantages

The number of tourists visiting the French Riviera each year is impressive. Figures from the Regional Tourism Centre put it at more than 11 million (CRT, ’18). What attracts foreign visitors, but also property investors to the Côte d’Azur, are factors such as the optimal location, the unique natural and weather qualities, the region’s historical legacy and the aura of prestige hovering over everything. Let’s look at this a little closer.

Optimal location

JAs already mentioned, the Côte d’Azur is an area of almost 200 km of Mediterranean coastline in southern France in the French administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, lying within departments such as, going from the east: Maritime Alps, Var and a bit of the Rhone Delta. To the east, the region borders Italy. By choosing to buy a property on the Côte d’Azur, you will therefore not only have access to the French Riviera, but also an excellent base for travelling to neighbouring Italy. From Nice, you can reach Milan or Turin by car in around 3.5 hours. Also on the Côte d’Azur is the prestigious Monaco, a small city-state. The region’s main airport is Nice Côte d’Azur, which serves both scheduled and private flights, connecting the region with most European cities. You can also fly to Nice from Poland on low-cost airlines. The flight is very short, only 2.5 hours. You can also get there by car. The route takes approximately 17.5 hours.

Fairytale nature

The name Côte d’Azur brings to mind the colour of the water, and rightly so, because that is exactly what the Mediterranean Sea is like in this region. Along with it, the French Riviera will serve you beautiful but varied beaches with promenades running along them. You can choose between sandy, rocky or pebble beaches, natural, artificial or wild on the rocks. The most famous ones, for example, are the sandy beach in Cannes, the 5km long sandy beach of Pampelonne near Saint-Tropez, the sandy beach of Cavaliere in Le Lavandou or the rocky beach of Escalet near Ramatuelle. But the French Riviera does not end with the sea and beaches. As a potential property owner on the Côte d’Azur, much more awaits you. One of the advantages of the region is access to both the sea and the mountains. You can head inland, for example, and admire the land of the Maritime Alps, with its gorges, valleys and tiny villages hidden among them. The mountains are worth visiting all year round. In winter, ski slopes are groomed and in summer, many hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls and unforgettable views await you.

Moderate climate all year round

The Côte d’Azur boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year. The varied terrain, as well as its proximity to the sea and mountains, means that the weather can vary slightly from place to place. The Mediterranean climate that prevails here ensures high temperatures ranging from 20℃ to 28℃ in summer and optimal humidity. Winters here are also mild and sunny with temperatures between 7℃ and 14℃. You won’t be disappointed by the water temperature either. This one on the Côte d’Azur is high, averaging 24℃ in August and 13℃ in February. The tourist season in the south of France is long and there is no shortage of winter holidaymakers either. So if you decide to buy a property on the Côte d’Azur in an attractive tourist location, you can bet on short-term rentals and thus make money on your investment.

Moderate climate all year round

The Côte d’Azur boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year. The varied terrain, as well as its proximity to the sea and mountains, means that the weather can vary slightly from place to place. The Mediterranean climate that prevails here ensures high temperatures ranging from 20℃ to 28℃ in summer and optimal humidity. Winters here are also mild and sunny with temperatures between 7℃ and 14℃. You won’t be disappointed by the water temperature either. This one on the Côte d’Azur is high, averaging 24℃ in August and 13℃ in February. The tourist season in the south of France is long and there is no shortage of winter holidaymakers either. So if you decide to buy a property on the Côte d’Azur in an attractive tourist location, you can bet on short-term rentals and thus make money on your investment.

A cuisine full of flavours and aromas

When you try Côte d’Azur cuisine, you can count on much more than the famous Nice Salad, a combination of fresh vegetables, tuna and hard-boiled eggs. A real feast of flavours and colours awaits you here. Local dishes are mainly based on fresh products such as fish, seafood, vegetables, olives or herbs and, as in French cuisine, often a large amount of butter and cream. For a snack, we offer you delicacies such as Socca (a pancake made from chickpea flour), Pissaladière (a type of onion pizza) or Tapenda (olive paste). And when you get hungry, you can try Bouillabaisse, a fish soup made with 5 types of fresh fish and seafood, or the famous beef dish Daube Provençale, or Provençal Stew. And if you’re a vegetable lover, you’ll love the fried and then stewed version that is Ratatouille. For dessert, we suggest, for example, Tourte De Blettes (a pastry with botvinis). And wine, of course. In summer, the French here drink rosé, or rosé wine. Be sure to serve it chilled! This is just a foretaste of what’s in store for you if you decide to buy property on the Côte d’Azur and (of course) visit often.

Azure prestige

The popularity of the Côte d’Azur region and Monaco stems not only from the beautiful weather and picturesque location, but also from the aura of wealth and prestige that has built up around the region since the 18th century, when the European aristocracy began to holiday here. Among the places of greatest renown and luxury reputation, the most famous are Cannes, Saint-Tropez and the city-state of Monaco, among others. Many ingredients have contributed to the Côte d’Azur’s reputation. Among them, of course, are the famous names. The Rothschild family, for example, used to spend their holidays on the Côte d’Azur. In the early 20th century, the region became popular with wealthy Americans and Europeans, as well as artists such as Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, August Renoir and Henri Matisse. There were also Poles such as Sławomir Mrożek and Witold Gombrowicz. It is no different today. The Côte d’Azur is beloved by Russian oligarchs, famous models, athletes or business people. The coast’s reputation is also influenced by exclusive hotels, restaurants, marinas or luxury villas. The French Riviera is also famous for world-famous events such as the Cannes Film Festival, the F1 races in Monaco and many others. If you are thinking of investing in property on the Côte d’Azur, you could benefit. There is a lot of interest in short-term rentals during the numerous events.

Planning to buy a property on the Côte d'Azur, look for a place for yourself

Whether you dream of a house with a pool or a flat on the Côte d’Azur, the south of France will not disappoint you. Let’s take a look at the most popular resorts that could become your second home.

nieruchomosci lazurowe wybrzeze Nicea

Nice

The capital of the French Riviera and one of the more recognisable and bustling cities on the coast. It has an official population of 342,669 (insee.fr”19), but the entire agglomeration is almost 1 million people. According to official statistics, the city is home to around 19% of foreigners. It is an important transport hub of the coast. 7 km west of Nice is the region’s main airport: Nice Côte d’Azur. The city also has a motorway connection to Paris. You will not be bored in Nice. Lying at the foot of the Maritime Alps, the city will not only provide you with access to the sea and beaches (in this case rocky), but also to the mountains. It is also rich in history and culture, with numerous museums and a university, as well as a wealth of dining and entertainment facilities.

  • Average price of real estate in Nice €5,141 /m2 (numbeo IX,’22)
  • Average rental price of a 1-bedroom flat €789/month (numbeo IX,’22)
  • Estimated monthly cost of living for 1 person (excluding rental costs) $682 / month (livingcost.org)

Cannes bay French riviera

Cannes

A 40-minute train ride from Nice is Cannes. Formerly a small fishing village, it is now a city best known for its international and vibrant film festival. It has a daily population of 75,347 (insee.fr”19), 15% of whom are foreigners. It is the festival and other summer events that are the undisputed and greatest asset of the place. Apart from it, the beautiful, long, wide and above all sandy beach and the Croisette promenade running alongside it are worth mentioning.

  • Average price of real estate in Cannes €5,583 /m2 (numbeo IX,’22)
  • Average rental price of a 1-bedroom flat €768/month (numbeo IX,’22)
  • Estimated monthly cost of living for 1 person (excluding rental costs) $643 / month (livingcost.org)

Antibes nieruchomosci

Antibes

Halfway between Nice and Cannes lies charming Antibes. The town has 74,523 inhabitants (insee.fr ”19), 13% of whom are foreigners. Antibes will give you access to the sea, the nearby 48 beaches and the mountains at the same time. Here you can immerse yourself not only in the water, but also in history and culture. The city still bears traces of its Greek and Roman past. Picasso lived and created here, and you can find a trace of this in the museum dedicated to him. Antibes is also home to one of the largest marinas on the Côte d’Azur, Vauban, and the so-called Marina of the Billionaires, where the largest yachts in the world dock, and where you can pay up to €3,000 per day for a berth.

  • Average price of a property in Antibes €4,266 /m2 (numbeo IX,’22)
  • Average rental price of a 1-bedroom flat €673/month (numbeo IX,’22)
  • Estimated monthly cost of living for 1 person (excluding rental costs) $642 / month (livingcost.org)

Saint-Tropez nieruchomosci

Saint-Tropez

A charming town that has retained the character of a former fishing village. It lies somewhat out of the way, away from Nice, Cannes and Monaco. Officially, it has a population of 3,922 (insee.fr ”19), of which 443 are foreigners (11%). During the tourist season, however, the town experiences a veritable onslaught of visitors. It is associated with film. It was the setting for the film And God Created Woman, starring Brigitte Bardot (who, incidentally, is a resident of the town), as well as the adventures of the famous gendarme played by Louis de Funes. It is also one of the most expensive resorts on the Côte d’Azur in terms of real estate, towards which investors with lavish portfolios look. A few kilometres outside the town is the famous sandy beach of Pampelonne.

  • Average property price in Saint-Tropez €8,040 /m2 (journaldunet.com ’21)
  • Average rental price of a 1-bedroom flat €1,750/month (numbeo IX,’22)

A popular place to buy luxury property outside of Cannes, Saint-Tropez or Antibes is the so-called Golden Triangle – i.e. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche, Beaulieu-sur-Mer. These towns feature an ideal location, right next to Monaco and in close proximity to Nice airport.

nieruchomosci lazurowe wybrzeze41

Côte d'Azur property market

France is ranked among the most developed countries in the world and its stable economy makes it an attractive destination for foreign investors, among whom Poles are a growing group. Tourism makes an important contribution of more than 7.3 per cent to the country’s GDP (statista.com,’18). Apart from Paris and the ski resorts in the Alps, it is the Côte d’Azur that is among the most popular destinations for foreign real estate investment. The French market is open to foreign buyers. As a Polish investor, you can buy a flat or house in France on the same terms as a Frenchman.

As far as the Côte d’Azur property market is concerned, it is considered to be safe and stable, although it is characterised by a wide variety of prices. Unlike the Polish market, the majority of transactions here are carried out through intermediaries. This is due to the fact that a large percentage of the most attractive properties find a buyer very quickly and never reach the open market. Therefore, if you are thinking of buying a property on the Côte d’Azur, it will be crucial to use a reputable and proven intermediary.

nieruchomosci lazurowe wybrzeze

How much do properties on the Côte d'Azur cost and what return on investment can you expect?

The Côte d’Azur is the most expensive area of France in terms of property prices, and one of the more expensive property markets in the world. Property prices here are characterised by considerable variation depending on the location. According to a report by the prestigious Knight Frank agency (Prime France Report 2021), in spite of the pandemic, property prices on the Côte d’Azur have remained stable for the time being, although in view of, among other things, the Ukrainian-Russian war (and thus, for example, the sale of real estate by the Russians), a drop in prices is forecast in the near future. How much does a m2 currently cost? This, of course, depends on the location, metre, origin, standard and additional qualities of the place. In Cannes, the average price is €5,583 /m2 (numbeo IX ’22). Wealthy Poles are also investing in places like Nice €5,141 /m2 (numbeo IX ’22) or Antibes €4,266 /m2 (numbeo IX ’22). According to Partners International Club affiliated agent – Polish Agents Around The World, Dominika Nogier: “the price of a two-bedroom flat with sea views in places like Cannes or Antibes costs from €400,000 upwards.” And what kind of return can you count on? The Numbeo portal estimates an average return of just under 4% for places like Cannes, Nice or Antibes. It all depends on whether your property is located in an attractive tourist destination.

Taxes and other charges when buying property on the Côte d'Azur

When buying a house or flat on the Côte d’Azur, in addition to the cost of the property itself, you must add the funds needed to pay certain taxes and fees. For the purchase of a new property, you will pay 20% VAT, and you must also add the so-called ‘frais d’acquisition’ (property acquisition costs, including registration fees), which in this case will amount to about 2-3% of the value of the property (notaires.fr,’22). When buying a property from the secondary market, you do not pay VAT, but you do pay the “frais d’acquisition” of approximately 7-8% of the purchase price of the property (notaires.fr,’22). You also have to add property tax and a real estate fee, the rates of which are set annually by the local authorities. And, of course, the agency’s commission, if its services are used.

As far as mortgages are concerned, at the beginning of 2022, the French government tightened the law on lending by banks.

Why invest in property on the Côte d'Azur? Let's summarise

The experiences of pandemics and war have made us change the way we invest our savings. When deciding to buy property abroad, we are no longer looking solely for profit, but for a place that can be our springboard or even a second home. In the south of France, you will find both. Let’s summarise the benefits of investing in property on the Côte d’Azur.

1. France ranks among the most developed countries in the world and its stable economy makes it an attractive destination for foreign investors.

2. the Côte d’Azur property market is diverse, with a rich offer and a high proportion of luxury properties, which are more resilient to any crisis.

3. the Côte d’Azur has a high proportion of foreigners living here. In Nice, for example, it is 19%.

4. if you decide to buy a property on the Côte d’Azur in a location popular with tourists or attendees of cultural events, and then rent it out (most profitably) on a short-term basis, you can earn additional income. The Numbeo portal estimates an average return of just under 4% for locations such as Cannes, Nice or Antibes.

5. A number of factors such as its convenient location, international connections, including low-cost airlines flying from Poland, a moderate year-round climate and high sunshine levels conducive to a good mood, picturesque terrain, varied Mediterranean cuisine or access to French cultural heritage make the Côte d’Azur an ideal place for your second home.

6 By investing in property on the Côte d’Azur, you are also protecting your capital against galloping inflation.

 

Ask for offers on the Côte d’Azur.

Talking to local agents about property on the Côte d'Azur

Stay updated

Our 30 years of experience, a rich offer, extensive customer base and efficiency have allowed us to enter the real estate market as a leader among real estate agencies in Warsaw, known for exceptional service and unique solutions. Join our subscription list to receive only selected content and offers from our catalog.

At Partners International, we provide services based on trust – our customers can be sure that their data is processed securely. Please be advised that the placement of information on real estate by Partners International in the database requires the processing of your personal data. Sending this information by you is tantamount to agreeing to the processing of personal data. You will find the Personal Data Protection Policy document here.