The French Riviera continues to fascinate, entice, and surprise. Every year, tourists flock from around the world to experience the ‘French Riviera lifestyle.’ This might mean spending the day on a sunbed at a beach club in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, complete with a private waiter, or taking a helicopter flight from Cannes to Saint-Tropez. It could be playing 18 holes at the finest golf course in Mougins, visiting the Lérins Islands on a VanDutch yacht, or simply strolling aimlessly through the medieval streets of a hilltop village.
It is no wonder that so many people dream of owning a second home under the southern French sun. While far fewer actually take that step, a select few do take the plunge and build an entirely new life here. Those who feel right at home in tourism, hospitality, the hotel industry, or water sports will find plenty of opportunities here.
A wide range of properties is available for both rent and purchase. For a foreigner, renting is easiest if you can pay a year’s rent in advance; this satisfies the landlord and eliminates any risk for them. Otherwise, they will ask for a French employment contract, your banking history, and a complete background check—after all, the conservative French population dislikes taking risks.
A new generation of real estate on the Côte d’Azur
That may be one reason new-build properties are always popular. While the purchase price is slightly higher than that of an existing villa or apartment, you gain a great deal of security in return. This includes a 10-year warranty on the structure and a 2-year warranty on subsequently installed systems, such as heat pumps and air conditioning.
However, a trend is emerging in the new-build sector: more buyers have higher, more extensive expectations. Think of a residence featuring only high-end apartments, or a terrace larger than 6 m². Naturally, the RT2020-compliant finish ensures exceptional energy efficiency and sound insulation. But aesthetics matter, too.
I have often seen Americans, in particular, arrive enthusiastically to view a €1.5 million penthouse, only to be shocked by an entrance that resembled a bicycle storage area—cold, dull, and dreary. In America, the experience is the exact opposite: the entrance is a showcase of marble, red velvet runners, and gold lighting. It makes you think, “Wow, this is where we live!”
Our feedback—and that of other real estate agents—has prompted developers to rethink their approach. The new generation of new-build projects is more luxurious and stylish than ever.
Small-scale developments with striking architecture and spacious outdoor areas, designed above all with lifestyle in mind. We would love to take you on a tour of new developments along the Côte d’Azur—from Antibes and Nice to Èze, Mougins, and the Bay of Saint-Tropez—with prices ranging from approximately €1 million to well over €5 million.
Antibes – your own penthouse under the Mediterranean sun
Located in Antibes, this project is set within a quiet, leafy park near Sophia Antipolis. The residence offers a range of properties, from compact apartments to exceptional penthouses with private pools or Jacuzzis and views of the sea or surrounding greenery.
One of the most remarkable units combines approximately 95 m² of living space with a staggering 109 m² of outdoor area. It is an apartment where the terrace becomes almost more important than the interior—exactly how life on the Côte d’Azur is meant to be. Indicative price: €1.09 million, with completion scheduled for 2027.
Èze – living between the sky and the Mediterranean
For decades, Èze has been one of the most sought-after locations between Nice and Monaco. The spectacular landscape makes new-build properties here particularly rare.
This project is a prime example. This boutique residence offers apartments with spacious outdoor areas and impressive sea views, plus two rooftop villas with private pools. A four-room unit of approximately 156 m² boasts an impressive 177 m² of outdoor space. Expansive windows, home automation, individual climate control, and high-end finishes underscore the level of luxury. Indicative price: €2.79 million.
Also in Èze, work started with this project—an intimate residence comprising just thirteen apartments. The architecture is designed to blend seamlessly into the natural setting of sea and hills. Terraces and rooftops take center stage, alongside the swimming pool and the views. A sample 88 m² apartment features a terrace of approximately 70 m² and is offered at around €1.149 million.
Nice – the city behind you, the Mediterranean before you
A completely different atmosphere awaits in the hills above Nice. Here, you live just minutes from vibrant city life, yet once home, greenery, tranquility, and views prevail.
Located on the Route de Bellet, this project comprises just sixteen high-quality apartments. Its natural stone architecture harmonizes beautifully with the Mediterranean landscape. Residents enjoy access to a swimming pool, secure parking, and generous outdoor spaces. A four-room apartment of approximately 132 m² features a terrace of around 130 m² and two enclosed garages. Indicative price: €1.38 million.
On the heights of Nice Ginestière, we have more intimate project. Just twelve residences are distributed across two buildings sharing a communal swimming pool. Its elevated position ensures sweeping, open views. A four-room apartment combines approximately 108 m² of interior space with a 70 m² terrace and is priced at €1.05 million.
Mougins – the modern Provençal dream
Those who prefer a private villa will find a particularly attractive alternative in Mougins. This medieval artists’ village above Cannes is renowned for its gastronomy, golf courses, leafy residential areas, and international clientele.
Within this private and closed domain, just ten architect-designed villas are being built in a gated, secure community nestled amidst Mediterranean vegetation. Each villa features its own landscaped garden, a swimming pool with a wooden deck, and a garage. The homes combine contemporary architecture with large windows, home automation systems, and individually controlled heating and cooling via a heat pump.
The variety is remarkable. A villa of approximately 150 m² with a 749 m² garden is offered starting at around €1.58 million, while a more spacious villa of approximately 279 m²—featuring a 180 m² terrace and a garden exceeding 2,250 m²—sells for around €2.97 million.
Grimaud – right on the Bay of Saint-Tropez
Things become even more exclusive in Grimaud, on the other side of the Côte d’Azur. In this private and closed domain, the villas overlook one of Europe’s most famous bays: the Bay of Saint-Tropez.
Here, it is all about space, privacy, and views. The contemporary architecture is deliberately integrated into the landscape, and large expanses of glass effectively bring the Mediterranean inside.
One villa in the selection offers approximately 360 m² of living space and 166 m² of terrace, complete with a swimming pool and sea views. Inside, features include five bedrooms, spacious living areas, and high-quality materials. The price is approximately €5.425 million.
Villeneuve-Loubet – right by the sea
For those who want more than just a view of the Mediterranean—who want it right on their doorstep—this seaside project in Villeneuve-Loubet is an appealing option. Rising up on the coast near the mouth of the Loup River, the development combines apartments featuring spacious terraces with a rooftop area and an infinity pool.
From the roof, a panorama unfolds, stretching between Cap Ferrat and Cap d’Antibes. The finishes are decidedly high-end, featuring elements such as Porcelanosa tiles, ceilings up to 2.70 meters high, aluminum window frames, remote-controlled shutters, and individually controlled climate systems. A three-room apartment of approximately 83 m² with a terrace is offered in the selection for €1.3 million.
The new luxury is freedom
It is not just their location that connects these projects. The concept of luxury on the Côte d’Azur is evolving. It is no longer about marble and gold taps, but increasingly about space, light, privacy, views, and outdoor living.
A large terrace where you can enjoy lunch as early as February. A swimming pool overlooking the Mediterranean. A villa that is easy to lock up and leave after your stay. Modern climate control and home automation systems. No years-long renovation of an old Provençal home—just the ability to enjoy it from day one.
And perhaps that is the greatest appeal of this new generation of real estate: the romance of the Côte d’Azur combined with ultimate luxury. Prices and availability are indicative and subject to change during construction and sales.
Please email [email protected] for current pricing. Or visit all new developments on the French Riviera.
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