Together, this trio forms the highly sought after region referred to as the “Golden Triangle”. Complete with panoramic views and exclusive properties, this area is just a few kilometres away from Nice and its international airport, as well as the thriving Principality of Monaco. 

Beaulieu, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat et Villefranche-sur-Mer : Towns of irresistible allure

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a colourful, picturesque town, rich in charm and character, representing the quintessential essence of the French Riviera. From the viewpoints along the Moyenne-Corniche coastal road you can take in all its delights in a single glance: the coves, the village, a coastline teeming with natural beauty that you will never get tired of.

This town, which borders Nice via Mont Boron, features one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. This bay is well known to cruise enthusiasts, who stop off here to admire the traditional fishing village with its colourful facades, its untamed landscapes adorned with bougainvillea, and its historic old town dominated by 16th-century citadel. Not to mention the beaches’ azure blue waters and the fishing and yachting ports: Les Marinières, Grasseuil and La Darse.

Similarly to the majority of the Riviera’s coastline, Villefranche-sur-mer blesses its 5,000 inhabitants to a temperate and mild climate, protected from the wind by the natural amphitheatre it forms. 

Beaulieu-sur-Mer

This is a town of elegance and taste. From walking through the streets to strolling by the sea, one can capture the splendour of the past. Beaulieu adjoins Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat. The radiance of the town can be traced back to the 19thc when it became the favoured winter retreat by Royals and celebrities, including the Prince of Wales, Leopold II, the Queens of Italy and Portugal, William II, and even the Empress Eugénie, without forgetting Gustave Eiffel ou Léon TolstoÏ. As a testimony to this illustrious past, Beaulieu-sur-Mer is home to wonderful gardens and residences, true gems of Belle Époque architecture.

Today, 3,700 habitants enjoy the mild climate and infrastructure that makes life here so delightful. Beaulieu-sur-Mer boasts two marinas, a primary and secondary school, a casino, superb beaches shaded by palm trees and parasols, and the renowned La Réserve and Le Royal Riviera, establishments celebrated for their elegance and class.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Both a rugged and upmarket area, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat successfully fulfils even the biggest dreams. The luxury of this town is very much present, yet discreet, hidden behind craggy landscapes and discreet, enigmatic gates. The sprawling 282 hectares of land have captivated people from all corners of the world. For more than 150 years, this internationally renowned peninsula, nestled amidst Aleppo pine trees, olive groves, and cascading flowers, has been home to 500 predominately luxurious villas, many of which have consistently beaten global sales records.

The roots of this town can be traced back to the end of the 19th c. when affluent families, including aristocrats, the bourgeois, industrialists, and artists established large estates here. Among these is the Villa Fleur du Cap, which has hosted Chaplin and David Niven. But there are many more celebrities who have set their sights on the peninsula: King Leopold II of Belgium, Empress Eugénie, Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild, Rainier III, Romy Schneider, Cocteau, Matisse, Chagall, Chaplin, Piaf, Charles de Gaulle, Winston Churchill, Kennedy, Bush, Clinton, Giscard d'Estaing and even Paul Allen and Mark Zuckerberg.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat presents a unique paradox. The remarkable aspect of the town lies in its transition from a humble fishing village up until the end of the 19th century to a home of 1,480 inhabitants who are able to preserve an authentic, unspoilt heritage that coexists with multimillionaires from around the world.

Exclusive Real Estate on the French Riviera and a unique market

The luxury real estate market is unique and that of the Golden Triangle even more so, offering a diverse selection of properties, from ultra-modern villas to charming provincial homes. 

Following Covid, with the reopening of the borders and enhanced security infrastructure, the market remains robust, if not stronger.

Attracted by secure, long-term investments and the possibility to live far away from major cities in a calm and protected environment, square meter prices are continuing to rise and the market remains competitive. The demand continues to exceed supply. 

While Villefranche-sur-Mer is a major player in the world of luxury residences, with La Léopolda, La Saint-Segond, La Schifanoia, La Nellcôte and La Espalmador, as well as luxury real estate in the Castellet and Mont Leuze estates, or in the discreet heights of Le Vinaigrier, Les Caroubiers, Les Serres and Leopold II, its price per m² ranges from around €6,000 to €16,000.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer has made a name for itself in the prestige real estate market, offering a special environment steeped in tranquillity and sophistication. With square meter prices ranging from around €9,000 to €14,000, Beaulieu-sur-Mer is in an in-between class, with homes priced between €8 and €20 million, particularly along boulevard Edouard-VII.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat features top of the range properties, with villas starting at €30 million. This is the town with the most expensive property prices in France and ranks among the top 10 in the world. Prices in the region typically range from 44,000/m2, rising to over 60,000/m2. This area, also known as “billionaires’ peninsula”, attracts investment from the world’s wealthiest individuals, not only for its idyllic living environment, but also for its heritage value, seamlessly combining discretion and serenity. 

The Golden Triangle offers high-value opportunities in the luxury property sector. Whether you are looking for a secure real estate investment or a superior quality of life, it is essential to have the guidance and support you need to make your plans a reality. Given that a significant portion of the real estate in this area is made up of second homes or occasional accommodation (61% Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, 43% Beaulieu, 50% Villefranche-sur-Mer), supply does not meet the demand. 

Each sector within the Golden Triangle is distinct, with its own ecosystem to understand (prices, land, opportunities, trends, etc.). For nearly 170 years, our Savills property consultants have been contributing their local knowledge, networks and expertise to help you realise your property endeavours. With over 700 offices worldwide, Savills is connected to your region, because it is ours also.

If you wish to learn more about the Golden Triangle region, discover our villas for sale on the French Riviera or contact the team today.