The French Riviera is one of Europe’s most luxurious property hotspots, so it’s no wonder that it attracts buyers from across the world.
In recent years, the share of non-resident foreign buyers increased by 3.8% in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA), in the first quarter of 2024. Italians, Belgians and Britons represent the top nationalities investing in the breathtaking region.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes the French Riviera so appealing to international buyers, touch on the lifestyle enjoyed there and (of course) take a look at the property market and see how much it costs to buy property on the French Riviera.
The appeal of the French Riviera
The French Riviera is blessed with a brilliant Mediterranean climate and enjoys an average of 300 days of sun a year. It’s truly a sun-seeker’s paradise, especially for those emigrating from cooler climates!
The sunniest month is typically July, which sees approximately 12 hours of sunshine per day. If you are looking to invest in a French Riviera property, make sure to pack your suncream, you’ll need it!
As you can see from the azure blue waters in the photograph above, the French Riviera is surrounded by beautiful scenery, from the rugged Alps to the captivating coastline that’s peppered with Bormes-les-mimosas, a prominent pink flower.
The region has great local food, which will attract any foodie. Provençal cuisine often includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, flavoured with olive oil, garlic and herbs. Famous Provençal dishes include Bouillabaisse, Pissaladière, Escabeche and Daube. If you’re not one for cooking, don’t worry – the region is home to 338 Michelin-starred restaurants, so you’ll truly be spoilt for choice.
The old town and port in Marseille
An area guide to the French Riviera
Nice is the capital city of the French Riviera and is a delightful place to live. The iconic 7km-long Promenade des Anglais makes for a charming place to take your morning walk and there are many museums, green parks and beaches to discover.
Aix-en-Provence is one of the most photogenic cities I’ve ever visited. Visiting the beautiful Cours Mirabeau and historic Le Panier quarter feels like going back in time. The city has a musical heritage and is often very lively.
Marseille is an atmospheric city that begs to be explored. It’s great for luxury shopping – Rue Paradis is the place to go. The urban appeal of the city offers a charming blend of old and new.
Avignon is one of Europe’s most desirable real estate locations and for good reason! It has a variety of gorgeous homes that range from modern apartments to traditional townhouses with river views. If you’re looking for a place to settle down, Avignon is a fine choice and it has excellent local amenities.
Cannes is world-renowned for the luxury and legendary personalities it attracts. The city hosts the annual Cannes Film Festival which takes place annually each May and has a historic background that attracts thousands of tourists each year. From the traditional old town (Le Suquet) to the fashionable streets of the Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes has so much to offer.
A beautiful villa on the coast in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Properties on the French Riveira
You might surprised to know that you can find properties in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur for as little as €100,000. However, you should expect that the property might be in need of renovations to bring it up to scratch. We have a range of properties from €100,000, so why not browse them here today?
Lucky for you, our filter allows you to search ‘Luxury properties’, so if you’re looking to invest somewhere with a little more flair, we’ve got you covered.
Browse luxury properties on the French Riviera today
Luxury homes on the French Riviera start from around €300,000, but if it’s a three-bedroom villa with a pool you’re after, you can expect to pay anything upwards from €500,000. Prices continue to climb if you’d like sea views or a coastal property.
We have a range of breathtaking properties overlooking some of the best sights in the region. Browse homes in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur today.
Download our free guide to buying in France.
