The French Riviera is known worldwide for being one of the most beautiful places on the planet. As I write this article I am listening to the sounds of Monte Carlo. Sunshine is streaming through my windows and it is a balmy 21’C – and yet it is only mid April! Surely this alone is a reason to visit, and for me at least, enough to a reason to fuel my ambition towards one day owning a home on this magical coastline.
If Monte Carlo doesn’t take your fancy, I have outlined alternative locations on the French Riviera below, which might just inspire you into relocating to this better part of the world.
Nice
Nice is the Capital and largest city in the French Riviera with a population of around 350,000. It is filled with up market bars, restaurants and beaches. It was founded by Greeks in the 18th Century but it wasn’t visited by upper classes until after 1850. Nice offers its visitors phenomenal architecture to view such as the Belle Epoque styles or the houses and mansions which are Baroque influenced.
Grasse
Grasse is a commune in the Alpes-Maritmes with a population of around 52,000. As it is known as the perfume capital of the world, there are many attractions which are based around this such as perfume factories that give demonstrations and information of the history of the area. Also, Grasse is the birthplace of the famous painter Jean-Honore Fragonard.
Valbonne
Valbonne which is along the Brague river is situated in a basin. The history of the area dates all the way back to the iron age. In the 1970’s a high tech centre of Sophia Antipolis was constructed which attracted oil and mining companies. However, parts of the University of Nice are now there where they carry out research and development which contributes towards a large part of Valbonne’s economy.
Cannes
Cannes is one of the most famous towns on the French Riviera mainly as of its annual film festival. When the town was first inhabited it was a fishing village. Throughout history the economy has continued to grow, nowadays there are specific links with the yachting industry.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a commune of the Alpes-Maritimes area of the South of France, with a small population of around 2000. The area is a popular holiday destination for European aristocrats and has one of the most real estate areas in the world. Economically, it thrives on tourism due to its history and yachting area.
With a population of over two million the French Riviera is famous for its connection with the yachting and cruising. There are many towns and cities which hold a surprising amount of history and industry. If you are looking to buy, Knight Frank are ideally positioned with a huge knowledge and portfolio of luxury properties on the French Riviera and will help you choose a place to call home.
Claude Monet and Jean Renoir were entranced by the landscape and found the sunlight intoxicating in this part of the world. The French Riviera has seduced me too, each time I return it gets better and one day I simply won’t leave!
Picture above taken from my room at the Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo
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