Find your new life
Located in the southeastern part of France, bordering Italy, Alpes-Maritimes is one of the favorite departments among the French. Here, you can find everything: the sea, the mountains, the countryside, and the city, all bathed in sunshine throughout the year. This is where you'll find Nice and Cannes, which are featured in almost every list of the best cities to live in France, as well as charming seaside resorts and atypical mountain villages.
These attributes make the department attractive and dynamic, both economically and culturally, and enable a varied real estate market, ranging from urban apartments to country houses, from villas with pools to alpine chalets. But among all these criteria, how do you know where to buy? Here's a guide to the best cities to buy in Alpes-Maritimes:
Of all the cities in France, Nice is the most renowned for its quality of life! Despite being the 5th largest city in France (with 340,000 inhabitants), Nice remains a city with a human scale, constantly bathed in sunshine, with colorful architecture and generous Provencal gastronomy.
Nice is ideal for sports enthusiasts: built right on the beach, it offers a multitude of water activities in the Mediterranean. The outskirts have two national parks and kilometers of hiking trails for nature lovers. But that's not all: it's also located right next to the Alps for skiers and mountain hiking enthusiasts!
In short, investing in Nice means choosing a life in the sun, by the sea, close to the mountains, in a warm culture, enjoying sun-drenched local products, without sacrificing cultural dynamism: the city hosts numerous events, exhibitions, and concerts, as well as festivals and festivities throughout the year.
World-renowned for its international film festival, Cannes offers a unique combination of super luxury and authenticity. Also known as the city of palaces, the city boasts an amazing architectural heritage, which is discovered by strolling along the Croisette, past the 5-star hotels, the completely renovated old casino, and Michelin-starred restaurants. In summer, Cannes is a permanent, joyful party filled with music, ideal for those looking for a lively city!
But for some, Cannes is even better the rest of the year. Outside the summer period, the city becomes quieter without losing its attractiveness and charm. Cannes then offers all the advantages and beauty of the French Riviera: a warm and colorful city, rich gastronomy, proximity to the mountains, hiking and winter sports, the sea, the beach, and water sports, Italy, Corsica... without all the tourists!
Investing in Cannes allows you to enjoy it at a lower cost all year round, or to rent out at a premium price in summer while enjoying the city off-season.
Formerly a fortified city, Antibes is above all a major holiday destination! Festive and sunny, by the sea, near Cap d'Antibes, rich in numerous historical buildings, museums, and activities of all kinds. Smaller than its neighbors Cannes and Nice but large enough to be well-equipped and lively in both summer and winter, it is very popular with French and foreign tourists (especially Germans and Dutch), who come to seek a peaceful but dynamic life by the sea.
Antibes is a dynamic city economically, with an attractive real estate market for investors. Due to its popularity with tourists and international residents, buying a house in Antibes can offer good rental yield potential or long-term capital appreciation.
In summary, buying in Antibes not only offers an enchanting Mediterranean lifestyle but also attractive investment opportunities and quality infrastructure. With its excellent public transport services, the city is also easily accessible from other regions of the French Riviera, making it a prime destination for those seeking the best of life on the southern coast of France.
Located just east of Nice, nestled in one of the most picturesque bays in the region, Villefranche-sur-Mer charms with its authentic charm and preserved natural setting. The city lives up to its name: it is literally built on the sea, at water level! The city then extends into the heights, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Its very colorful port and turquoise waters are typical of southeastern towns, close to Italy.
It is the ideal place for those seeking a quiet retreat in an idyllic setting, close to Nice, by the sea and with the possibility of having a view like no other in the region!
Villefranche-sur-Mer is well served by public transport, making it easy to get around the city and to neighboring towns.
Renowned as one of the most exclusive destinations on the French Riviera, the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula is the most expensive area in Alpes-Maritimes. With its luxury villas, sumptuous gardens, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean, this coastal enclave attracts an international clientele in search of prestige and exclusivity, at over €20,000 per square meter. A price that is explained by the size and rarity of its real estate.
Despite its peaceful atmosphere, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offers easy access to luxury amenities, including Michelin-starred restaurants, upscale shops, exclusive beach clubs, and renowned sports facilities.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is an excellent investment for the wealthiest seeking luxury and privacy!
Nicknamed the "world capital of perfume," Grasse is known for its flower fields and renowned perfumeries. Nestled in the green hills of the hinterland, the city offers a picturesque and peaceful setting, which attracts tourists in both summer and winter, looking for a more authentic Provence away from the hustle and bustle of the coast.
Thanks to the perfume industry, the city of Grasse is economically active, with a dynamic job market for the region!
Real estate buyers will find elegant country houses with views of the surrounding green landscapes.
Menton, like all the cities on the coast, is a charming city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, picturesque neighborhoods, ancient churches, and exotic gardens. Summer or winter, the city hosts local produce markets where you can find sun-drenched vegetables and artisanal products.
Menton is above all a very good investment opportunity for those who wish to rent out during the summer season: the city, which has just over 30,000 residents, can accommodate up to 90,000 people at the height of summer! Buying a house or apartment by the sea in this coastal town can therefore be extremely profitable.
As with any coastal town, prices vary depending on the type of property and its location.
This picturesque medieval village, located a few kilometers from the coast, offers a charming and authentic setting with its cobbled streets, shaded squares, and historical buildings! The surrounding hills offer magnificent hiking and mountain biking trails, while the olive groves and lavender fields create a peaceful and bucolic atmosphere.
Valbonne benefits from its proximity to Sophia Antipolis, the famous French technopole. This innovation and research zone is home to many technology companies and offers job and entrepreneurship opportunities. This makes it an attractive choice for professionals and families who want to live close to their workplace.
Neighborhood life in Valbonne is lively with its many cafes, restaurants, shops, and local markets. Residents can enjoy a friendly atmosphere and a welcoming community, where it is easy to feel at home.
Although Valbonne is located inland, it offers easy access to the beaches and seaside resorts of the French Riviera. The lively coastal towns of Cannes, Antibes, and Juan-les-Pins are just a short drive away, allowing residents to enjoy the pleasures of the Mediterranean Sea.
Perched on a hill overlooking the bay of Cannes, Mougins is renowned for its artistic heritage, art galleries, and Provencal cuisine. Properties in Mougins often offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Lérins Islands, or of the surrounding countryside (as shown in the photo below!). The picturesque medieval village and the vast green spaces around it make it a popular destination for those seeking a blend of culture, gastronomy, and nature.
Mougins benefits from a strategic geographical location, being located just a few kilometers from Cannes and Sophia Antipolis. This gives residents easy access to a variety of cultural, commercial, and professional activities, while allowing them to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside.
Mougins offers excellent infrastructure, including renowned international schools, quality sports facilities, and modern healthcare services. It is therefore an attractive destination for international families looking for a safe and well-equipped environment for their children.
Whether you're looking for a seaside second home, a peaceful retreat in the hills, or a luxury property, Alpes-Maritimes offers a multitude of options to meet all needs and preferences. With its sunny climate, rich culture, and stunning natural surroundings, this region of France continues to attract investors from around the world in search of the French way of life.
