Whether you want to spend your holidays by the coast or live and work here all year round, the Côte d’Azur’s popularity has grown from generation to generation. 

Is the French Riviera a blessed territory? Without a doubt, the Côte d’Azur is a unique tourist destination thanks in part to its mild climate and beautiful landscapes, but also its first-rate economic and cultural commitment ensures the area attracts an extensive international clientele of travelers and investors who are used to the best of the best, regardless of the season. In the wake of the pandemic, the Côte d’Azur has reaffirmed its position as a major global attraction.

Tourism remains a powerful engine for the destination. In 2019, the last “normal” year to date, the French Riviera attracted more than 13 million visitors, more than half of whom were foreigners, generating seven billion euros in revenue. It will take several years to achieve these results again, but Côte d’Azur tourism has always shown great resilience. This is particularly true because 14% of stays are booked for business reasons, which is no small feat when you consider the economic benefits generated by business travel.

In terms of culture, the Côte d’Azur has for decades been a land of inspiration for artists from all over the world. Matisse, Monet and Renoir came to soak up the magic of its setting, Cocteau, Chagall and Picasso took up residence here to immerse themselves.

Today, there are many museums (Picasso in Antibes, Matisse and Chagall in Nice, Renoir in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Cocteau in Menton to name but a few), festivals, contemporary art events and unforgettable cultural settings, starting with the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. And if you had any doubts about the Côte d’Azur’s sporting virtues, rest assured: with countless water sports and some of the most renowned golf courses in Europe, not to mention ski resorts, there is something for everyone, summer and winter alike!

CONQUERING REAL ESTATE

To make the situation all the more appealing, the Côte d’Azur is a gourmet region: The birthplace of Auguste Escoffier, the “king of cooks and the cook of kings” and today it boasts Michelin starred restaurants run by the greatest names, from Alain Ducasse, Mauro Colagreco and Gérald Passedat to Alexandre Mazzia. One can also not omit the range of palaces and hotels, which, from Saint-Tropez to Monaco via Cannes and the Caps, have served so faithfully as a backdrop for the seventh Art, the silver screen! Speaking of cinema, is it difficult to miss the annual calendar of captivating events, each May the Cannes steps are the ambassadors of Côte d’Azur glamour, closely followed by the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. 

To make the situation all the more appealing, the Côte d’Azur is a gourmet region: The birthplace of Auguste Escoffier, the “king of cooks and the cook of kings” and today it boasts Michelin starred restaurants run by the greatest names, from Alain Ducasse, Mauro Colagreco and Gérald Passedat to Alexandre Mazzia. One can also not omit the range of palaces and hotels, which, from Saint-Tropez to Monaco via Cannes and the Caps, have served so faithfully as a backdrop for the seventh Art, the silver screen! Speaking of cinema, is it difficult to miss the annual calendar of captivating events, each May the Cannes steps are the ambassadors of Côte d’Azur glamour, closely followed by the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. 

Sophia Antipolis, Europe’s leading technology park 

Another institution, Nikki Beach, which is All of these assets would be nothing if the Côte d’Azur had not become a leading economic destination, with nearly 90,000 companies in the Alpes-Maritimes alone generating more than 60 billion in sales in fields as varied as tourism, industry, services and new technologies. Sophia Antipolis has earned its stripes as Europe’s leading technology park, combining over 2,400 hectares of space, 2,500 companies and 40,000 employees of 80 nationalities, including 4,500 researchers. Sophia Antipolis is at the forefront of health, biotech, cybersecurity, fintech and mobility and has embarked on an extraordinary eco-responsible urban development plan for the year 2040, which should make it a global example to follow.

“Since the pandemic, buyers have put their search for tranquility, outdoor spaces and views of the sea or countryside at the forefront,” adds Alex Balkin, Executive Director of Savills French Riviera. But they have added a requirement - “proximity to motorways, train stations and airports - to make it easier for them to get to and from their main residence. More and more buyers have discovered that they can manage their business remotely, thanks to the region’s excellent fiber optic connections.” With direct flights to major cities in Northern Europe, as well as to New York and Dubai, Nice is becoming a hub for international clients who also appreciate the stability of the Côte d’Azur’s prestigious real estate. “No other region in the world can offer such a quality of life,” says Alex Balkin. “You can immerse yourself in the wilderness of the Mercantour in the morning, go to your office in the afternoon and end the day at the casino in Monte Carlo! On the other hand, the Côte d’Azur region is by nature not expandable, so we’re experiencing a shortage of properties which is putting pressure on the supply side and pushing prices up.” Buoyed by its well-deserved aura, the Côte d’Azur transcends fashions and generations. The elegant villas of Beaulieu-sur- Mer and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, built 150 years ago, are still considered the ultimate prize of real estate today.

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