I love France. Especially the way the French deal with local Corona rules. When I enjoy a cup of coffee and a mini cake at the weekly market on Tuesday morning with Jo, I see everyone doing the same. “Ah, Marie ça va?” “Oui, ca va bien, et toi? Et la famille? “When a friend is greeted, the non-medical face mask is promptly removed and full cheeks are kissed twice. Another friend hooks up and there is more kissing. Then the mouth caps are half put on, preferably low on the chin and all look for fresh vegetables or a roast chicken for lunch.

This is France; a warm-blooded country where hugging and kissing is very common. Also at school where children have to wear a mouth mask inside and outside, children and parents greet in front of the schoolyard with two kisses on the cheek. The way the French wear that cap is quite special; always under the nose, because otherwise, it is too stuffy. Perhaps more attention is paid in the big cities, but in the villages along the coast, people shrug their shoulders about the Corona rules. The police hardly wear masks themselves; only if the press is around.

Didier Raoult

Didier Raoult, director of the Marseille hospital, is the hero in the South of France and the only one who tells the truth because he does not belong to any political party. In March he already showed that HCQ and zinc are good medicine against Corona and that masks do not help.  “You just have to wash your hands more often, then you will not be bothered by anything.” When the media suddenly said that hospitals on the Côte d’Azur were filling up, he posted a furious video on Youtube that ‘they’ (the media) were completely crazy. “The ICs are just running empty, stop those lies!” Video statements from two fellow doctors skilfully defused this fake news.

Didier is a good friend of Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron; insiders whisper that this is why President Macron is not going to close the country with another complete lock-down like in March. That is why France opts for local measures; in Marseille, the restaurants closed for two weeks and can reopen tomorrow. Did it help? Perhaps.

Alpes Maritimes in Red

The Alpes Maritimes was a red zone in recent weeks, but what have we really noticed? Nothing. Only when we walk to a restaurant, we wear that mask from the parking lot to the restaurant. Once inside at the table, it is fun as always. Nobody wears a mask, there is not a meter a half rule of distance and there are certainly no plastic screens between the tables like in The Netherlands.

Since the French usually sit on a terrace more often a day (morning coffee, afternoon lunch, apéro, dinner), people actually only wear the mouth mask on the street and in shops. Funny thing is that when it is your turn at the bakery, the mouth cap is put down to pass the order. “Yes, because otherwise, she won’t understand me,” says a lady before me. I obediently imitate her because mumbling behind a mask doesn’t make my French any better either.

Thanks to all these draconian measures, we have gone from orange to green again last week. Although it was suddenly Alerte Rouge last week due to an approaching tropical storm. “We are free tomorrow, haha!” our girls explained with a laugh on Thursday; “Yes, there is a storm or something like that and everything is closed, including the shops.” The Méteo does indeed warn of heavy rainfall, as much as 30 centimeters in 10 hours. I decide to store our garden furniture and everything that is loose; after all, you never know.

Storm Alex

On the day of the disaster itself, we all remain demonstratively in bed with homemade croissants, chocolate rolls and coffee. It is raining hard but we think: “if this is it, then we all be fine”. Suddenly the power goes out at 6 p.m. I look into the valley; it’s dark so we’re not alone. Now it feels a bit more exciting, without Netflix, Internet and light. Candles light up and we eat gingerbread for dinner. After 3.5 hours the power suddenly turns on again; the storm is over for us.

At the time, we had no idea what drama was going on 5 kilometers away, in the hinterland of Nice. There, a hurricane named Alex came through the valley in a devastating way. A dead forest was swept away and mountain streams turned into churning rivers. In Tende, a village in the mountains, houses on the waterfront collapsed, electricity masts disappeared into the water and a complete cemetery with 150 former residents was washed away. A bizarre and life-threatening situation in which 33 people, including various emergency workers, disappeared into the water.

President Macron is the President you need at this time; he is on the scene quickly, wraps his arms around people, offers comfort and comes to the rescue with 11 million euros. Corona is no longer an issue at such times; this was a real danger to the population.

At this time of writing; a week later, only 8 bodies have been recovered and several helicopters are searching day and night for victims. Extra lurid is the fact that 150 bodies (or what was left of it) were taken with the current into the sea. Fortunately, there is not much swimming now, but you are still startled when you swim against a skull. The sound of helicopters flying overhead towards the sea is a given this week; we sometimes see them flying back with something big on a long line, it looks like a box. Is Aunt Jeanne going back to her resting place there? We hope so.

In any case, this reunification of families is well in time for the upcoming Christmas period. A moment in which France has already said that Christmas remains a Christian family celebration that must be visibly celebrated with Christmas markets. And of course, the whole family comes together. Family is sacred in France; therefore there are no restrictions whatsoever on family visits or birthdays. Vive la Republique!

CANNES

In previous years we still had the dates of every hamlet and village with a Cote Azur Christmas market, this year we limit ourselves to the three best Christmas markets in the South of France. Traditionally, the Christmas market in Cannes is the first Christmas market on the Cote Azur to open. This year it is a bit of a strange sight in full sun; but from November 28 you can imitate the winter atmosphere at the sixty wooden chalets. There is of course mulled wine for sale and the children can take a ride on a pony. Hihaa! For the gourmets among us, a gastronomic corner has been set up during Christmas where you can taste delicacies such as wild boar stuffed with oysters, deer antlers in reindeer jelly and raw rabbit leg. Or handmade fresh chocolates in exquisite flavors. Are you getting a little hungry?

NICE

Are you not about good food, but do you want to take the Christmas market at a higher level? Then take your sleigh to view another always pleasant Christmas market; nl the one in Nice. The Christmas market in Nice opens on December 1 and on the Place Massena there are again the winter ski chalets, packed with jewelry and handmade knick-knacks for the tourist who wants to buy something. For five euros you can rent a pair of skates to let your legs swing on the traditional ice rink. When you’ve gotten dizzy after so many short track turns, the best recipe is a fresh Socca, Nice’s local salty pancake. Once you have recovered, admire the lighting and laser show on the facades; this one is again of great class. You can see that light spectacle even better from the Ferris wheel. Don’t forget to bring a scarf; it is really a lot colder up there. The Christmas market in Nice is always fun and in fact always the same. Reading tip! An article about Best reasons to buy a property in Nice French Riviera.

MONACO

That cannot be said of the Christmas market in Monaco; they know how to surprise us every year. Sometimes the houses are made of real gingerbread and Santa Claus drives around in a Bentley Convertible. You will have to see for yourself whether this is all true. In any case, the permanent ice rink is open for your your skating skills. And you can buy real Dutch oliebollen, but also a glass of champagne, a roasted pig and oyster chips. Would you like to go ice skating in the evening after dinner; do not forget that the ice rink closes at 7 pm, with the exception of Saturday. Then you can skate an hour longer between the millionaires. Have fun and a Merry Christmas!

When you say the South of France, you naturally think of sun, beach and sea. For those who want to try a different beach along the coastline, we have a list of the ten best beaches for you. Have fun!

CALANQUE D’EN VAU – CASSIS

The Calanque d’En Vau is not next door but well worth the detour! After a walk from Cassis, you reach the walls of steep cliffs that shelter the beach and the small estuary that engulfs it. You can also choose to discover the calanque by boat.

PLAGE PORTISSOL – SANARY SUR MER

A stone’s throw from the center of Sanary-sur-Mer, Portissol beach extends in an arc along a promenade. From the age of 6 it is possible to discover the seabed accompanied by an eco-guide from the sea, so bring a mask and snorkels!

PLAGE PAMPELONNE – RAMATUELLE

The immense bay of Pampelonne in Ramatuelle is a beach covered with white sand and welcomes many restaurants and private establishments. The water is very clear and you do not have to get bored here with the offer of, among other things, pedal boats, jet ski, water skiing, kayaking …

PLAGE SYLVABELLE – LA CROIX VALMER

Via a narrow path and steps on the side of the cliff you reach this small piece of wild coast, located in La Croix-Valmer. A long sandy beach popular with tourists for its tranquility and sunshine. Don’t forget to bring hats and umbrellas as there is not much shade!

CALANQUE DES ANGLAIS – SAINT RAPHAEL

The calanque des Anglais is a privileged corner of Saint-Raphaël, almost secret. Few tourists, a pebble beach surrounded by the red rocks of the Estérel, turquoise water. A beautiful bay that is well protected from the wind and gives you a pleasant day.

POINTE DE ‘AIGUILLE – THEOULE SUR MER

In Théoule-sur-Mer, just after the beach of Aiguille, lies the small cove of Pointe de l’Aiguille. A pebble beach framed by rocks with a beautiful view of the Lérins Islands. After a good swim, take a walk on the Corniche d’Or, for a short walk in the shade of the pine trees.

PLAGE SALIS – ANTIBES

Close to the old town of Antibes, Salis beach is as pleasant as it is busy. In the middle of summer it will be very difficult to find a place to put your bath towel, but those who come early will be in the first line!

MALA PLAGE – CAP D’AIL

Mala beach in Cap d’Ail is one of the most popular in the 06 region, thanks to its paradisiacal natural environment. It can be reached on foot via a narrow path and for lunch you can eat in one of the two seaside restaurants.

PLAGE PALOMA – SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT

The small beach of Paloma is full of charm and one of the most beautiful beaches! Located on the Cap Ferrat peninsula, it has a beautiful view over the bay of Beaulieu, Cap d’Ail and the Italian coast. Much of this beach is private so you will need to rent sunbeds with service. Yes, life is awful.

PLAGE SABLETTES – MENTON

Sablettes beach in Menton resembles the Italian coast. Colorful houses bathed in golden light and calm, warm water. Add to that a beautiful panorama of the mountains and you will imagine yourself in paradise!

Do you have additions to this list? Post them below as a response or send us a message.

Do you want to stay here?

When you feel happy and consider living here longer than just a holiday, do contact us for property buying advice. We’ll give you ten reasons to work with a buyer broker, without costs for you.

If you want to invest in real estate, you naturally choose the best location in the world: the Cote d’Azur! Throughout the year, you can enjoy exceptionally good weather in the South of France, picturesque landscapes, lovely beaches, and azure blue seawater. You can be sportive with horse riding, golf, mountain walks, and skiing along the Cote d’Azur in complete freedom.

The housing market in the South of France has never suffered from a crisis because this is the most beautiful place on earth. People who can afford buying real estate on the French Riviera, have invested in this lovely region. For that reason, there are never forced sales and the market stays stable.

The invisible off-market real estate market on the Cote d’Azur

Would you like to buy a luxury apartment near Monte Carlo, in the hills of Nice, on the Croisette, or a beautiful villa on the water? Living on the Cote d’Azur works with the best real estate agents along the coast, from Menton to Saint Tropez. Our team delivers a tailor-made service.

The network of real estate agents and brokers

Lots of luxury real estate properties are for sale with several brokers; you never know where the total offer can be found. Or which broker is professional and used to working with foreign buyers. We have already made that selection for you. Thanks to our partnerships, we can quickly compile an overview for you of the best luxury villas and apartments for sale along the French Riviera. But there’s more.

Off-market luxury real estate: invisible to the Internet

In terms of exclusive French Riviera real estate, there are some houses that you cannot find on the Internet. These are the so-called “off-market” properties or the invisible offer of real estate. These are mostly old family houses on the waterfront, rare villas in very popular locations; the highly confidential and very special off-market properties that you cannot find anywhere else than in our network.

The Living on the Côte d’Azur team consists of several advisors who are happy to assist you in realizing your luxury real estate project on the Côte d’Azur. We do this with complete confidence and discretion. We put together a selection and visited various top locations with you. A one-stop real estate service that is appreciated by our customers.

We have been investing in our network of real estate professionals since 2006. Our experience and partnerships enable you to find your dream home. From an apartment in the port of Nice, a luxury villa with a pool and sea view in Cap d’Ail, a penthouse in Cannes with all conceivable services, or a villa right on the water with a boat dock on the bay of Saint Tropez.

Are you going to realize your dream this year? Please contact us for an inventory of your requirements.

South of France is a great place to buy new construction, whether a new apartment or a villa. There is a wide range of new homes for sale in the Cote d’Azur, and investors can make a solid investment by purchasing a new apartment or villa. Unfortunately, there are only a few plots of land available in the French Riviera. This is why it is important to act quickly to secure a new property.

If you are not able to secure a construction crane before it is too late, you will most likely see a high-construction one on the site. Once the crane has been installed, the project’s construction begins immediately.

We have found some of the most beautiful new-build properties for sale in the Cote d’Azur, such as a large villa in Mougins or a city villa in Antibes. While we think that modesty is a great feature of the area, we are the first ones to list new projects in every domain. Due to the small construction size of most new homes, there are usually only a few available apartments in each area.

Environmentally friendly homes

Below you will find our various offers for new-build properties, including houses, villas, and apartments. France leads the way when it comes to the construction of environmentally friendly homes and apartments. Due to the high energy requirements for new projects in 2017, all new homes and apartments in the country are designed with low energy consumption.

New-build properties use energy-efficient building technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps, which can save you money on energy bills. If you are planning on purchasing a new villa in the Cte d’Azur, it’s important to have a specific strategy. Most of the time, luxury apartments are built in the region. However, we also have new villas that are designed to be energy-efficient.

One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to buying a new villa or apartment is the possibility of adding more walls to the property. This allows you to make the most of the space that you have available. During the design stage, the builder or architect can modify the room for a small fee.

Customizing your new home

New-build villas and apartments for sale in the Cote d’Azur can be customized to your specifications. In South France, there are various types of apartments for sale. For instance, a studio in Nice can be purchased for around 100,000 euros. On the other hand, a two-bedroom flat in the city can cost around 400,000 euros.

A one-bedroom apartment in South France can sell for around 300,000 euros. The final price of a new home in this area depends on various factors, such as the location, the area’s accessibility to beaches and shops, and if there’s a swimming pool.

The estimated service costs for a primary residence range from around 2 to 2.5 euros per square meter. The bill can be as high as 4 euros per square meter for a house with a pool and other facilities. On the other hand, energy-efficient apartments are typically more affordable.

The materials used to construct new homes and apartments are also known to follow trends. For instance, some developers build new villas and mansions in old buildings following the original design and style. These properties usually come with a beautiful finish.

Role of architect

The architect is responsible for overseeing every step of the construction process, and only after this has been done is the next payment made. Ultimately, the result will most likely look better than the brochure suggests. The area’s parks, beaches, and walking routes are all new, and the plants along the Mediterranean Sea are a sight to behold. You’ll feel at home in the region once you have the keys to your new residence.

You’ll know you’re in South France when the flowers bloom on your terrace or nation. You can find a new apartment within the region through a broker or estate agent, who will send you regular updates about upcoming projects. Sign up for our newsletter to get notified about upcoming sales.

Unfortunately, many people wait until they’re in the area for their holiday before deciding. Unfortunately, if you plan on buying a new apartment, you should avoid the top floor as it’s the most sought-after type of property. It’s rare to find a top-floor apartment, and therefore it’s more valuable than anything else. If you’re a smart investor, you can sell a property when you receive the keys.

This is a great way to profit quickly from your speculative investment. You can contact Living on the Cote d’Azur to see if they have any projects that you can consider. We can make a reservation for you within a couple of days. You can also come over to see the property after making a reservation.

Protection by law

You can also sign on the spot or get a power of attorney through a post or e-mail. France is one of the most protected countries in Europe when it comes to buying a new home. In addition to being able to protect its citizens, the law in this country ensures that you have the right to purchase a property when you’ve seen a specific one. A reservation contract is a type of contract that describes the price that you agreed to pay for the property.

Reservation contracts can be executed in either the developer’s office or under the authority of an attorney. Since our clients are all from other countries, it’s not uncommon for them to decide to buy on the plane when they get home. After confirming your interest in purchasing a new-build villa or apartment, you must enclose your home address and passport in an e-mail.

If you’re married, you must provide a civil-law notary with proof of your marriage. In addition, a couple of days after making a reservation, you must also deposit 5% of the total amount. The reservation contract will be e-mailed with all the necessary information about the property, such as the price, the buyer’s name, and the property’s description.

Digital signing

You can also contact us to discuss the contract over the phone. Due to the increasing number of developers using digital reservation systems, such as AR-24, we will be able to help you through the process. Once your 5% deposit has been received, the developer will know you’re serious about the deal.

The developers have signed the contract. You have ten days after you receive the documents to cancel the purchase. If you want to do this, you can send the developer an e-mail or a registered letter. In two months, the money will be refunded.

If you don’t find a mortgage within ten days, you have another sixty days to find one. If you can’t secure a mortgage, you may be able to cancel the contract. You must provide the developer with proof of two banks to do this. You can also receive your deposit back without any additional costs. We all remember the stories of the developer who accepted your money and then left without paying.

Nowadays, the down payment is deposited into the notary’s bank account. The architect overseeing the property’s construction also verifies the work’s progress. After the architect gives his or her approval, the buyer is notified that the developer will ask for the next part of the payment.

Guarantee for delivery

If the developer goes bankrupt, you can still get the property you signed up for. A guarantee fund can help if the project developer goes out of business. This type of insurance guarantees that the building will be completed on time and with all the necessary repairs and modifications. After you receive the necessary documents, you will be invited to the notary to sign the contract.

The official signing of the contract can occur between 1 and 6 months following the delivery date. Although the final contract is the same as the pre-purchase agreement, it includes a payment schedule and a bottle of Champagne to celebrate. You are now part of the exclusive group of European bon vivant individuals who reside in the most beautiful location known to mankind: La Cote d’Azur. During the construction phase, our team will be your constant companion.

The team checks the details of the building’s progress and specific wishes. After the keys have been handed over, our team will be available to answer any questions about the internet, electricity, alarm systems, and water. We will also introduce you to our local network of seasonal rental and garden maintenance providers.