Villefranche and Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Villefranche and Beaulieu-sur-Mer
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Villefranche and Beaulieu-sur-Mer

On the Mediterranean, 2 high temples of local architectural heritage…


On the Mediterranean, two high temples of local architectural heritage…This seaside resort much loved by Jean Cocteau and the little

“BelleEpoque" town draw a wealthy international clientele. Property

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From left to right, Christian Bovis of the Générale Bovis agency (04 93 01 00 36) ; Thierry Pétoin of the Bristol agency (04 93 01 00 86) ; Maya Quadras of the Cap Riviera agency (04 93 76 86 95) and Dominique André of the Coldwell Banker agency (04 93 76 76 76).
From left to right, Christian Bovis of the Générale Bovis agency (04 93 01 00 36) ; Thierry Pétoin of the Bristol agency (04 93 01 00 86) ; Maya Quadras of the Cap Riviera agency (04 93 76 86 95) and Dominique André of the Coldwell Banker agency (04 93 76 76 76).
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Fully renovated living space of 420 m2 plus a terrace of 730 m2 for this property in Villefranche. Priced over 6,000,000 €. Cap Riviera (04 93 76 86 95).
Fully renovated living space of 420 m2 plus a terrace of 730 m2 for this property in Villefranche. Priced over 6,000,000 €. Cap Riviera (04 93 76 86 95).
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Of “Belle Epoque” inspiration, this villa in Beaulieu offers a pool and 400 m2 (four bedrooms) facing the sea. Price bracket : 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 €. Coldwell Banker (04 93 76 76 76).
Of “Belle Epoque” inspiration, this villa in Beaulieu offers a pool and 400 m2 (four bedrooms) facing the sea. Price bracket : 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 €. Coldwell Banker (04 93 76 76 76).

experts tell us more…Interviews by Laetitia Rossi

Unique character

Christian Bovis of the agency that bears his name explains the popularity of Villefranche and Beaulieu. Arguments on a par with their pretentions, a rich past and a very promising future…

“The real Côte d’Azur, that of the White Russians and then the British, was the coast between Nice and Monaco.” In the late 19th century, this part of the Riviera was a magnet for European aristocrats. One recalls Lord Salisbury at Beaulieu, King Leopold II of Belgium at Villefranche. Originally, Beaulieu was a neighbourhood tacked onto Villefranche, just like Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Beaulieu acquired its independence in 1891, becoming the fourth smallest commune in France with only 230 acres to its name, but also the most visited site between Nice and the Principality, thanks to the “Train Bleu”. While Villefranche boasts a seafront unique in the world and spectacular plunging sea views, Beaulieu is a lively urban centre with top-notch infrastructures. Villefranche stands on steeply sloping land and has lots of villas, plus the gated and guarded estate of Le Castelet and apartment blocks with pools - unlike Beaulieu, which only has three (Les Floralies, La Villa Borghese and La Villa Farnesina). Villefranche has a total 7,400 inhabitants, versus 3,600 at Beaulieu, whose flat topography features two renowned neighbourhoods : Le Boulevard Edouard VII and La Petite Afrique, a name which comes from its banana trees. In Villefranche, prices start at 1,200,000 € for a villa of 200 m2 in grounds of 1,500 m2 with a top price, apart from exceptions, of 18,000,000 €. In Beaulieu, expect price-tags of 1,500,000 and 22,000,000 € for properties with the same criteria.

Opting for an apartment

Who has never dreamt of a “pied-à-terre” between sea and sky, a residence with opulent architecture or a top-floor apartment overlooking the seafront ? Thierry Pétoin of the Bristol agency gets down to brass-tacks…

“On average, 6,500 € per sq. metre with sea view, terrace and parking place,” he declares, adding that for apartments, “the asking price and real value of the property for sale are virtually identical”. A healthy sign, with fluidity in this market backed up by the recent appearance of Russian clients who previously preferred Cap Ferrat, but are very quick in concluding transactions. Clients are also Italian, English and Irish : the French only account for 30% of the buyers, due to the high level of prices. Which, however, have this year stabilized after rising 10 to 15% per year since 2000. The floor price is 3,700 € per sq. metre, without a view. Most transactions are in the 5,000-7,000 € range, soaring exceptionally to 17,000 €. In Beaulieu, one often hears of Le Bristol, La Villa Farnesina and Stella Maris ; of La Reale and La Résidence du Cap in Villefranche. Here, a view is the main selling-point, and buyers prefer the hills to the old town. Beaulieu is appreciated more for its practical side. The market is characterized by rarity (few new developments or possibilities of extending existing buildings). Bouyancy, fed by constant demand…

The charm of villas

According to Maya Quadras of the Cap Riviera agency, owning a property on the eastern part of the Côte d’Azur is an inestimable luxury. Focus on a sector marked by rarity.

90% foreign, and mostly from the north of Europe, clients looking for villas make a view their top priority. They are also usually in search of a holiday home. The average villa proposes a panoramic sea view, living space of 300 m2 and grounds of 1500-2500 m2, sloping in Villefranche, sometimes flat in Beaulieu, with the property often in need of a good lick of paint. A house of 200 m2 with garden, swimming pool and sea view will cost at least 2,500,000 €. The majority of transactions are in the 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 € range, though the top end of the market can exceed 20 million euros for a residence offering outstanding appointments. Since the year 2000, prices have sometimes doubled, though today the market is stabilizing. In Villefranche, it’s easy to find properties offered for sale, in Beaulieu, the task is more difficult. Quite logical given their respective surface areas. And anyone who comes across a building plot can count himself lucky !

These two towns have been particularly blessed by nature, with the deep blue sea before them, the coast and the Alps behind. History has also enriched their architectural heritage, now preserved by strict town planning regulations : Beaulieu in fact boasts some magnificent examples of “Belle Epoque” residences. Provençal villas blend discreetly into the scenery and contemporary villas are few and far between.

“Belle Epoque” residences

A lifetime lasting only 25 years, from 1889 to 1914, for a freedom loving movement that left some sublime traces in its wake. Dominique André of the Coldwell Banker agency evokes the “Belle Epoque”…

“Exploring new avenues… Every line, volume or curve reflects the creative urge felt by “Belle Epoque” architects. Running counter to tradition, they borrowed inspiration from nature, added orientalism, Gothic and Florentine styles, colour, glass and iron. They paid tribute to fantasy and lightheartedness, with a good dose of audacity. Many of their residences have been converted into public buildings, hotels or apartments, though some have retained their prime vocation. Less representative of the genre, Villefranche is still home to La Leopolda and its 20-acre park, built by the King of Belgium and later owned by Agnelli, CEO of Fiat. Beaulieu, with many more examples, is often quoted as a reference.

The clientele for the “Belle Epoque” is often of Russian, British or Scandinavian origin. These buyers appreciate the high ceilings, spacious rooms and elegance of the style. They get excited about sculpted cornices, arcades and frescos. Rarity comes at a price : at least 2,500,000 € for a villa. Apartments are less sought-after because they have no terraces or garages, and because renovation is often required. On average, they cost 6,500 to 7,000 € per sq. metre.