Best locations to live in the French Riviera

The French Riviera is famous for its sunshine, Mediterranean lifestyle, fabulous cuisine and glamorous seaside resorts – and it certainly lives up to the hype. We asked the local agents at award winning Leggett Immobillier to tell us some of their favourite locations.

Villefranche-sur-Mer, Alpes Maritimes

Four towns make up the ‘Golden Square’ of the French Riviera: Éze, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer, a town with a ‘lively but discreet atmosphere. It’s a must-visit destination for well-heeled and discerning sun lovers says agent Dan Norris.

The horseshoe-shaped bay of Villefranche is overlooked by private villas nestling amongst umbrella pine trees on the cliff top. There are sandy beaches, a pretty port and cobbled streets leading to the water’s edge. There’s plenty going on year-round, excellent restaurants and a terraced café lifestyle even in winter.

Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Var

The Gulf of Saint-Tropez features picturesque, lively villages and vast, wooded beaches, surrounded by beautiful countryside and vineyards. “Here you can enjoy the Champagne lifestyle but also a laid-back, Mediterranean lifestyle of immense charm all year round’ says local agent Mark MacAuley. But it’s not all about the glamour and glitz. There are towns and villages of immense charm like Grimaud with its narrow streets and medieval chateau, Port-Grimaud which is more contemporary with its canals and bridges and houses overlooking the water and La Garde-Freinet with its tinkling fountains, pastel-coloured houses and beautiful country homes.

Théoule-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes

On the Bay of Cannes, between the shimmering sea and the rocky red hills of the Massif Estérel, Théoule-sur-Mer is an enchanting coastal village with several marinas, fabulous beaches shaded by palm trees and numerous hidden coves. Once a tranquil fishing port, Théoule is now a lively village with festivals and weekly markets. ‘Within moments you can shift between being served chilled rosé on a beach and mountain biking along well-groomed trails with spectacular sea and mountain views’, says agent Robert Nowak.

Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes

This year-round vibrant city has fantastic sandy beaches, fabulous restaurants, a wonderful covered market and great shopping. Famous for its International Film Festival, there’s more to Cannes than glitz and glamour. Stroll the medieval streets of Le Suquet old town, enjoy sports activities galore, culture by the bucket load, and glorious countryside on the doorstep. ‘From sailing to a game of petanque, listening to Jazz in a café, or even techno on the beach, there’s so much to do here plus the most marvellous sunsets from the beachfront’ says agent Sandrine Strickland.

Nice, Alpes-Maritimes

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera and offers big city amenities combined with a pretty marina, café terraces, the charm of the Mediterranean lifestyle, vineyards producing great wines and excellent transport facilities including an international airport and TGV train service to Paris. It has a fabulous variety of quartiers (districts), including the old town with its cobbled narrow streets, excellent markets, shops and restaurants. It’s close enough to the ski resorts that you can ski in the morning and picnic on the beach in the sun in the afternoon. ‘With its feet in the water and its spirit in the mountains, Nice really does have something for everyone seeking the idyllic Côte d’Azur lifestyle’ say local agent Michel Lanari.

Hyères, Var

‘Hyères is one of the best-kept secrets on the French Riviera coast’ says agent Ilia Pauloo. This quintessential Côte d’Azur coastal town stands out for its authentic charm despite being popular as a tourist destination. There are plenty of cultural attractions including museums and a popular jazz festival, world class scuba diving and three islands including Porquerolles with its stunning beaches and rolling vineyards. Hyères is nicknamed the “City of Palm Trees’ and offers the facilities of a large town without being over-developed.

See all properties for sale in the Var

See all properties for sale in Alpes Maritime