Prestige apartments
Prestige apartments
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Prestige apartments

Owning a villa on the Côte d’Azur is a dream for people the world over, though they wouldn’t refuse an apartment, either ! Quite the contrary. Rare and expensive, the top end of the market for apartments is riding a wave of success. From Beaulieu-sur-Mer to Mandelieu-La Napoule…


Beaulieu, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Mont-Boron are the most highly sought-after neighbourhoods east of Nice. The Irish, English, Scandinavians and, to a lesser extent, the Russians, are very keen on “Belle Epoque” mansions that have been converted into flats. They also appreciate a village-like atmosphere, sea views and proximity to the international airport,” says Benjamin Mondou of Century 21 Lafage. These fans of history and typical sites are ready to spend from 8,000 to 12,000 €/m2 at Beaulieu, a figure entitling them to irreproachable appointments and panoramic views of the Med ; from 7,000 to 10,000 €/m2 at Villefranche, and from 7,000 to 9,000 €/m2 at Mont-Boron, the most expensive neighbourhood in Nice. These apartments are always bought for holiday purposes and scarcity keeps prices at a buoyant level.

Old apartments with character are also found in Cimiez, known as the “hill of Nice’s notables”. The latter are fond of the Régina (the winter quarters of Queen Victoria), the Hermitage and Majestic, also former palaces, and are willing to pay 6,000 to 7,000 €/m2. While locals set their hearts on Cimiez, foreign buyers opt for the Promenade des Anglais, apartments on high floors prolonged by large terraces, particularly those between the Beau Rivage and Negresco hotels. Prices can attain as much as 12,000 €/m2 for exclusive apartments. Finally, this estate agent looks upon the port area as a good investment for the future. Choose a so-called “niçois” building on Rue Ségurane, Rue Bonaparte or the Place du Pin, currently costing 3,500 to 4,500 €/m2. And if you have the budget, make a bee-line for buildings directly overlooking the harbour, from 6,000 to 7,000 €/m2 (for small flats), 5,000 to 7,000 €/m2 (for large apartments).

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Right at the heart of Mont-Boron, in the Villa Beau Site listed as an Historic Monument, this apartment of 270 m2 is accompanied by two self-contained pavilions (140 m2), a basement (180 m2) and a solarium terrace. Some renovation required.
Right at the heart of Mont-Boron, in the Villa Beau Site listed as an Historic Monument, this apartment of 270 m2 is accompanied by two self-contained pavilions (140 m2), a basement (180 m2) and a solarium terrace. Some renovation required.
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On a private guarded estate at the gateway to Cannes, close to several golf-courses, this penthouse offers living space of 155 m2 (three bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms) and a panoramic view of the Bay of Cannes and the Estérel hills.
On a private guarded estate at the gateway to Cannes, close to several golf-courses, this penthouse offers living space of 155 m2 (three bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms) and a panoramic view of the Bay of Cannes and the Estérel hills.
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On the hills behind Cannes, this sublime penthouse with living space of 184 m2 (three bedrooms) and a terrace of 180 m2 surveys the bay and the Estérel hills. The residence boasts a superb swimming pool.
On the hills behind Cannes, this sublime penthouse with living space of 184 m2 (three bedrooms) and a terrace of 180 m2 surveys the bay and the Estérel hills. The residence boasts a superb swimming pool.

“In Antibes, the cape, L’Ilette and even La Rostagne, on the border with Juan-les-Pins, top the bill. The sector is known as the “Golden Triangle” and naturally includes La Salice and La Pinède. Average prices here range from 5,000 to 8,000 €/m2,” comments Philippe Pelletier of the Franco-Hollandaise agency. Demand from foreigners, present and future French pensioners constantly exceeds supply. A few purchasers propose budgets between 1.5 and 2.5 million €, hoping to acquire a penthouse. They’re disappointed… There’s nothing available. Other neighbourhoods in Antibes are home to apartment blocks with parks and pools, costing from 5,000 to 6,000 €/m2. Scarcity is still a factor, but to a lesser extent here.

“On the Croisette in Cannes, one of the seafronts with highest media coverage in the world, opportunities are both wide, in terms of quality, and limited, in terms of quantity,” warns Renaud Espitallier of the Marly Privilège agency. Various surface areas are available, though clients are mostly looking for 2-bedroomed apartments of between 90 and 110 m2. The “Golden Square”, situated between the Majestic and Martinez, is everyone’s dream address. Quiet, close to the beaches and gardens, the Palm Beach area also has its fans. The price range here is very wide, from 12,000 to over 30,000 €/m2. La Californie takes second place in the hit parade. One notices slightly more holiday homes than main residences, 40 % of French owners versus 60 % foreign. Some apartment blocks are home to as many as 32 different nationalities. Among the most well-known are Château Montjoli, Le Sémiramis and Mariposa. They all benefit from luxuriant gardens, swimming pools or tennis courts. Prices swing between 9,000 and 17,000 €/m2 for a penthouse with sea view. La Croix-des-Gardes and the residential part of Le Cannet are further from the centre but offer beautiful views. More reasonable, prices here range from 8,000 to 11,000 €/m2. French and foreigners share these neighbourhoods in equal numbers. La Basse-Californie and Terrefial, between Cannes and Le Cannet, appeal to connoisseurs, ready to pay 10,000 €/m2 for a luxuriant setting, views and rapid access to the town centre. The market for apartments in Cannes is go-ahead, steady and flowing, undoubtedly the most popular on the Côte d’Azur. With the exception of the Croisette, supply and demand balance out,” concludes our expert.

Still on the subject of apartments, one can hardly exclude dedicated estates such as Le Grand Duc. “Built on a hill at Mandelieu-La Napoule, three minutes from the centre, five from the Riviera Golf, and seven from the Old Course and the beaches, it occupies about 200 acres with 850 apartments in several residences,” says Philippe Pelletier. Built at the beginning of the ’eighties, it benefits from tranquillity, greenery, admission to the club, swimming pool, tennis courts, gym and maintenance service. Depending on the view and level of prestige, prices range from 5,000 to 8,000 €/m2. 60 % of these apartments are lived in year-round. The remaining 40 % of Scandinavian owners consider it as their winter residence.

The Riviera’s market for apartments is doing even better than that for villas. Buoyed up as a result of scarcity, the top end of the range goes from strength to strength. Even taking gardens into account, an apartment costs more to run than a house. Demand nevertheless remains high, just like supply and the number of transactions.

By Laetitia Rossi.