Côte d’Azur named the world’s best second-home location

What image comes to mind when I say “Côte d’Azur”? Many imagine golden sunshine, crystal-clear seas, deep blue skies and beautiful coastlines. They’re not wrong either. The Côte d’Azur is aptly named after the enchanting azure seas that surround it.

The Côte d’Azur is made up of departments Var and Alpes-Maritimes. It’s part of the greater region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA). This is a diverse land with some magnificent landscapes, parks, vines and orchards. You’ll also find some beautiful homes ranging from ancient properties to swanky modern villas.

Discover the Côte d’Azur

The Côte d’Azur or the French Riviera, to give it its English title, has consistently been a favourite among Brits. That’s why it’s no surprise it’s been voted as the number one place in the world to buy a second home (Savills). It managed to beat such places as Monaco, Aspen and the top-notch skiing spot, Colorado, USA.

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Savills analysed 60 second-home locations across the globe, looking at criteria such as general lifestyle, leisure facilities, climate, transportation, cuisine, shopping, hotels and quality of life. They also took into consideration residential property values in each area. The fact that the Côte d’Azur has come out on top is no doubt due to its enduring popularity across the whole criteria as above. Coupled with a real boost to second-home buying in France itself and the rest of Europe, generally after the pandemic.

Property on the Côte d’Azur

The Côte d’Azur is one of the most expensive parts of France to buy property. If you’re interested in profiting from the region, but don’t have the money for hotspots Tropez, Antibes, Nice and Menton, there are some lovely little unspoilt villages a little further inland where you will naturally get more for your money. And you can still drive to the coast quickly from many of them! Don’t rule out more rural areas too, where there are still some bargains to be found.

From an investment point of view, you really can’t go wrong here.

There is an excellent year-round rental market and properties tend to hold their value. You don’t necessarily have to be a multi-millionaire to buy yourself a property here either. A small bolt hole in a lesser-known village can be found for around the €250,000 mark. Then if you are prepared to do some renovation work, possibly even less. There are also several small off-plan apartments to be reserved for next year and the year after. A purchase of one of these has the advantage of lower notaire fees and you can very often tailor the decoration, paint colours etc. to your choice. From an investment point of view, this is an excellent choice.

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Browse eight stunning properties on the Côte d’Azur

1. Two-bedroom village home in Villecroze (€219,000)

Split across three floors, this enchanting village home is on the market for just €219,000. It boasts two bathrooms and a mezzanine which is home to one of the bedrooms. The village of Villecroze can be found in the Var department in southeast France. It is known for its beautiful backdrop against the foothills of the Alpes and is a charming French village.

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 2. Off-plan apartment in the centre of Nice (€239,000)

This property is part of an off-plan development with Nice harbour, city centre and Old Town on its doorstep. It’s also not far from the airport, which would be perfect for a pied a terre. The developer is looking for an investment of €239,000 which would likely be worth more in the long run due to its desirable location.

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3. Village home in Entrecasteaux (€254,000)

This charming property lies in the enchanting village of Entrecasteaux, a small commune in Var, surrounded by the green valley of Bresque. If you’re one for nature, you’ll adore this typical Provencal village and the charm it exudes. With a small population of just 1,118 (2018), this is a wonderful place to settle down and enjoy small-town life in France. The property has three bedrooms, split across three floors, has a large attic and was renovated in 2008.

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4. New duplex apartment in an ideal location (€265,000)

This duplex apartment is part of an off-plan development that is due to be ready for move-in by March 2024. It is in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, a commune between Monaco and Menton. Located in a new and secure residential area, this home has one bedroom and one bathroom, and access to a shared pool. There are only 11 apartments available in this development, so the residents will likely be a tight-knit community. There is parking available and most of the apartments look out on the nearby greenery and hills. Oh, and it’s within walking distance of the beach – result!

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5. Off-plan apartment in Nice, 200m from the beach (€270,000)

This exclusive apartment is part of a brand-new development in Nice. Just 200m from the beach, this property would make an ideal pied a terre for those looking for somewhere warm and sunny to escape to in the summer months. The apartment lies on the fourth floor and has one bedroom, one bathroom and a private terrace with sea views. Due to be ready in September 2025, this place is an ideal investment.

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6. Stunning new build in the Menton hills (€287,000)

For €287,000, this property is an absolute steal. Due to be completed in late 2024, giving you plenty of time to work out financing, this intimate apartment lies on the ground floor of this stunning block. Situated in the hills of Menton, the location is ideal. It’s just 10 minutes from Menton city centre, 30 minutes from Monaco and 45 minutes from Nice airport. Due to being on the ground flor, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment benefits from a private terrace and garden.

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7. Beautiful three-bedroom home in Nice (€289,000)

Here we have a simple three-bedroom ground-floor apartment in lovely Lorgues, a small Var commune, bordered by two rivers. Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Gorges of the Verdon (olive groves) this property is in a desirable location. It has three bedrooms, one bathroom and a shower room. It has small garden and garage access.

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8. Apartment in Cogolin, close to St. Tropez (€296,000)

Here we have an opportunity to buy a beautiful little ground-floor pied a terre in the charming village of Cogolin. This one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is on the ground floor of a brand-new development, due to be delivered in December 2025. It’s just a 15-minute walk to the village centre and St. Tropez is 15 minutes away in the car.

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