Chic and authentic, Beaulieu and Villefranche

With its beaches lined with palm trees, its lush surrounding vegetation, its soft light, and sumptuous properties, the sector comprised of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer remains indisputably an address on the Côte d’Azur synonymous with luxury.

Enchanted by the charm of these small seaside towns ideally located at the gateways to Nice and Monaco, clients in search of a Riviera lifestyle hope to treat themselves to an apartment or villa in Villefranche or Beaulieu. More authentic, with a marked “picturesque village” style, Villefranche-sur-Mer remains an address associated with sound value on the Côte d’Azur.

More up-market, Beaulieu boasts a palace, a casino, luxury boutiques, and renowned restaurants along its harbour, home to majestic yachts. Since 1980 and now with two agencies, in Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Azur Méditerranée specializes in sales, management, rentals and seasonal rentals in the highly prized sectors of Èze-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

“Since the pandemic, we have seen sustained demand for year-round, second and semi-main residences with the arrival of remote working, from many French buyers from Paris and northern France,” explains Agency Manager Frédérique Mathias.

“Those who were used to travelling abroad regularly have realised since the health crisis that they have superb destinations here within France, such as Villefranche and Beaulieu.” This situation gave rise to a record number of sales until the end of 2022. Even properties which had been on the market for a certain time found takers. As for very prestigious properties, the absence of the Russian clientele due to the war in Ukraine is making itself felt.

However, reassured by a solid Franco-American policy, American buyers are making a comeback to the French Riviera, especially as the dollar/euro exchange rate is currently in their favour. Today, clients are faced by scarce offerings, even if demand is less euphoric. Prices which had risen are beginning to stabilize and some properties are obliged to adjust their offering price in order to attract more interest. Buyers must be very patient as the stock of available properties has not yet been reconstituted.

“All segments remain sought-after on this luxurious micro-market showing little impact from the national slowdown in transactions. From charming pieds-à-terre to villas priced from 3 million euros, and luxury properties that can attain up to 100 million euros.”

In fact, the most frequent search is currently for a 2-bedroomed apartment extended by a terrace with a sea view, benefitting from a garage or parking place. As an example representative of the market, Frédérique Mathias mentions a 2-bedroomed apartment of 89 m2 in Villefranche with a terrace, sea view and garage. In need of a revamp, it is on offer at 980,000 €.

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