Hill-top villages of the Alpes-Maritimes

Whether on the hills beyond Cannes or up above Èze, numerous hill-top villages on the Côte d’Azur offer stunning views of the Mediterranean…

Founded in Cabris in 1975, the Agence du Panorama focuses on Cabris, Spéracèdes, Le Tignet, Peymeinade, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey and a few residential areas in Grasse. Taken over in 1997 by Bertrand Bourgoin, this independent agency has succeeded in forging a sound reputation based on the team’s pertinent advice and ready ears. “Our activity revolves around a collection of micro-markets that we know really well,” explains Bertrand Bourgoin, whose property portfolio mainly consists of houses. “Buyers here, both French and foreign, are looking for a quality lifestyle in a relaxed atmosphere and a well-preserved, authentic environment. Only 45 minutes from Nice’s international airport, not far from the mountains and the coast in Cannes, our communes allow for a privileged lifestyle, and offer acceptable distances for those wanting to benefit from their holiday homes on weekends. Some literally fall for their charm to the point of moving their families here permanently while working during the week in London or Paris. Activity is currently most buoyant in the case of houses priced from 600,000 to 700,000 €. Offerings have become scarce for properties from 400,000 to 550,000 € ; only 18 months ago, the choice was wider. Prestige properties also find takers. We have just handled two operations at around 1.3 million euros, one after the other. A few building plots, though rarer, are also available, from 250,000 € for a plot of about 1,000 m2 with a footprint of 150 m2, in a peaceful environment with lovely views.”

Specializing in real estate between Nice and Monaco (sales, rentals and management), the Groupe Immobilier Corniche was set up in 1980 in Èze, and taken over in 2001 by the founder’s son, Marc Turrini. “Due to our geographic position, our portfolio is naturally comprised of properties in the middle and upper price-brackets. French clients have been more in evidence over the past two years, though the majority of our buyers are still foreign. This winter proved to be quite busy, despite the fact that clients are confronted by limited availabilities of quality properties meeting their demands. Apartments on offer from 800,000 to 1 million euros rarely correspond to all the criteria and appointments sought by clients. The same is true for villas priced over 2 milion euros.” More attracted by the shoreline, these discerning clients in search of fine holiday residences turn to the hills on condition that they will enjoy breathtaking views. “In fact, sea views offered by certain strategic parts of Èze Village, also enjoying lots of sunshine, are very highly-prized. On the other hand, if a property is at an altitude but only offers a mountain environment, it will certainly not enjoy the same popularity,” says Marc Turrini. By way of example, he mentions a Provençal house of approx. 230 m2 in mature grounds of 1,394 m2 with a pool, pool-house and large parking area, up for sale at 1,950,000 €. In a quiet residential neighbourhood on the heights of Èze, it enjoys a panoramic view of the sea with the medieval village in the foreground.

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