If you are considering buying a luxury Riviera property, it is worth remembering that the Riviera is not just about the well-known beach resorts. Why not leave the coast behind and head inland into the hills behind Nice, Cannes and Antibes? Here, in the peaceful French Riviera countryside, you will find dozens of medieval villages and towns perched on top of lush green hills. With many villages founded to defend local people from marauders, this is where you will find acres of forest, winding gorges, national parks where wilderness beckons, and some of France’s most breathtaking landscapes. You can also find some real gems in the property stakes.

Some of our most prestigious villas are listed in the hinterland. Here is a short guide to some of the villages you may wish to consider for your next real estate investment :

Mougins

The village of Mougins sits in the heights of Cannes, a 15-minute drive away from the city center. Mougins has been working its magic on artists and celebrities for many years. Picasso, Cocteau, Yves Saint-Laurent, Dior, and Churchill are just a few of the well-known names who have succumbed to the charms and golden sunlight of this medieval village. Today it is a vibrant cultural hub which has also become a renowned culinary location. Chefs Roger Verge and Alain Ducasse have both managed dining establishments in the village, and the restaurant “L’Amandier” in the heart of the old village attracts gourmets from all over the world. Mougins even hosts an International Gastronomy Festival, called Les Etoiles de Mougins, every September.

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Valbonne

Not far from Mougins, the village of Valbonne with its 12th century abbey is a thriving town close to the high-tech center of Sophia Antipolis. Unlike neighboring villages, Valbonne is laid out in a grid pattern, inspired by the Roman military camps, with the Place des Arcades in its center. This charming unspoilt village has several chic residential areas plus a lovely selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants, and even produces its very own wine made from the Servan grape.

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Peymeinade

To the west of Grasse, the Siagne canal runs through the little village of Peymeinade. The village is divided into 2 halves with a newer section containing lots of shops and cafes, and the original town which has a delightful square with a 19th century fountain, a church, sundial and trompe l’oeil painted walls. Peymeinade is surrounded by olive orchards and fields of flowers and is an ideal choice for investing in real estate as it combines peace and tranquility with its proximity to the coast, major towns and the high-tech centre of Sophia Antipolis.

Vence

Set in the hills above Nice and Antibes: town of Vence, where olive and orange trees are cultivated, and the air is refined. The original walled town is still as it was hundreds of years ago. Inside the town walls with their 5 different gates, you will find the Clémenceau Place which is lined with cafes, sunny terraces and a view of the church. Outside the town walls are yet more cafe terraces under shady plane trees, the perfect spot to sit and relax. The town has been for a long time a magnet for artists, sculptors, and writers and the stunning chapel was designed and decorated Matisse, former resident. Take advantage of the weekly food markets enjoyed by both locals and visitors as well as the clear ‘La Foux’ mineral water which comes from a source just above the village and can be collected from several fountains around the city.

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Grasse

Unlike its neighbors, Grasse does not really fall into the category of a village. It is a bit too big for that as it boasts an 11th century cathedral and is not what you would call unknown. There cannot be many people who do not know about how Grasse has played a key role in the fragrance industry since the 18th Century. Grasse’s microclimate and abundant water supply have ensured its place as a world leader in creating fragrance ever since an enterprising tanner called Galimard came up with the idea of creating a pair of scented leather gloves for Catherine de Medicis. Today, visitors flock to Grasse to visit the factories of famous perfumers such as Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard. Visitors aside, it is also a delightful place to live on its own account. Just 20 km to Cannes and 40 km to Nice by car, 20 minutes down to the coast and only an hour to the nearest ski slopes.

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Châteauneuf-Grasse

Châteauneuf-Grasse is a village where the titles “history” and “heritage” make sense. It is both anchored in the Provencal and agricultural tradition with its olive groves and its plateau of a thousand truffle oaks, and offers original activities, both artisanal and commercial, in its multiple business parks. You can discover the Georges Clemenceau square, the 17th century St Martin’s church, the town hall square, the old cemetery which offers an extraordinary panorama from the hills of Nice to the foothills of the Estérel. Its mild climate makes Châteauneuf-Grasse an ideal place to live, surrounded by mountains yet close to the sea and the bustling life of Cannes. Its panoramic view from the Italian Alps to the Estérel will seduce you.

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Mouans-Sartoux

At the beginning, the town of Sartoux joined the one of Mouans, which then took the name of Mouans-Sartoux by imperial decree in 1858 signed by Napoleon III. The rural tradition of the city has made the economy of Mouans-Sartoux was long turned to agriculture of vineyards and olive trees. The Church of Saint André, the fountain on the church square, or the Castle of Mouans-Sartoux and the ethnographic museum are part of the cultural heritage of the town. Mouans-Sartoux is known to be a village where life is good. It is a very lively village with many cultural activities, ideal to settle down alone or with your family. The village also has a train station serving Cannes, Antibes, Nice and many other destinations up to Italy.

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Biot

Sitting in the hills just outside Antibes is the lovely village of Biot. Once home to the Knight Templars, today, Biot is renowned for producing unique pottery and glassware. Celebrated as a haven for artists, the main streets of the village are full of workshops and galleries where you can find anything from fine leather goods to delicate silver jewellery. Biot also has a fantastic selection of places to eat from local bistros to Michelin starred restaurants on offer in the town centre. With a National Park on the doorstep, a prestigious golf club and easy access to all the best beach resorts, Biot is an ideal choice for a home on the French Riviera.

Tanneron

Tanneron, with its 22 hamlets nestled in the heart of the massif of the same name, is the largest territory in France planted with both cultivated and wild mimosas, a true yellow forest located between Les Adrets de l’Estérel and Cannes hinterland. Take advantage of the Saint Cassien Lake, between the coast and the Var hinterland, which constitutes a remarkable reserve of fresh water and biodiversity, a real spring that will allow you to refresh yourself during Summer season. A true haven of peace, a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Tanneron Property For Sale

There are endless events to look forward to on the French Riviera. Here are just a few of the highlights held in the hillside villages throughout the year:

• Saint Blaise Celebration, Valbonne ~ January
• Urban Trail race, Mougins ~ March
• Provencal Festival, Valbonne ~ March
• Grasse Alpine Auto Rally, Grasse ~ April
• International Rose Festival, Grasse ~ May
• Les Etoiles de Mougins, International Gastronomy Festival, Mougins ~ June
• Les nuits de l’Abbaye (classical and jazz music) ~ July
• Jasmine Festival, Grasse ~ August
• Les Estivales, Roquefort-Les-Pins ~ June, July, August
• The Blue week, Roquefort-Les-Pins ~ October

Once you have selected the perfect town or village in the hillside, the next step is to find just the right property for your family. Here are a few factors to consider when it comes to investing in luxury real estate on the French Riviera :

• Outdoor Space: Living in the heart of the French Riviera, you will need to take advantage of the Mediterranean climate. So why not consider one of our luxurious properties in the hinterland with a terrace or garden and spend your days soaking up the sunshine?
  
  
• Views: The villages in the French Riviera hinterland overlook both the mountains and the coast below. Spend your evenings watching the sun going down over the Mediterranean from the comfort of your new home.
  
  
• Swimming Pool: Life in the rolling hills of the French Riviera is every bit as peaceful and quite as it looks. Having your own private pool is the perfect way to relax while you are at home. Check out our fantastic range of luxury properties in the hinterland with private pools to find your dream location today.
  
  
• Storage: Whether you are using your French Riviera home as a principal residence or a luxurious holiday home, you will wish plenty of storage space. So, it is worth considering a property with a basement, a cellar or additional storage area to make sure you have lots of room for your belongings.
  
  
• Parking: Parking is always at a premium during the summer months on the French Riviera. But many of our hinterland properties come with private garages or outdoor parking so you will never have to look for a space when you are in residence.

In such a remarkable area as the French Riviera it can be hard to decide where to stay. So, it is essential to get out and about and discover the area for yourself. Get a real feel for which area works for you by driving around and taking time to explore the towns and villages.

You might fall in love with a particular view that cinches it for you or find a cafe on a cobbled street where you can imagine whiling away your mornings with your laptop and a cappuccino. Wherever you decide to call home, living in the French Riviera hillside guarantees:

• Fantastic weather all year round.
  
  
• Slow living for your downtime with the high life only a short drive away.
  
  
• Both beaches and ski slopes just a short drive away.
  
  
• Many restaurants and cafes.
  
  
• A rich cultural landscape to discover.
  
  
• Miles of hiking trails right on your doorstep.
  
  
• Ease of access from anywhere in the world thanks to the proximity to Nice International Airport.
  
  
• The envy of all your friends!

Living in the hills above the coast is a wonderful way to get the best of both worlds. Enjoy the buzz and excitement of the Mediterranean beach resorts and hotspots, added to the slow pace and real living of the Provencal countryside. The weather is excellent pretty much all year round, with hot Summers and mild winters. An exciting array of land and water-based sports are available in your doorstep, and the possibilities for a rich social and cultural life are endless. In fact, it is safe to say that life here on the French Riviera feels like a permanent vacation.

One of the biggest advantages of living in the French Riviera hillside is the easy proximity to many activities. Nice, Cannes and Antibes are just down the road for a day’s shopping, a visit to the cinema or casino, an afternoon spent yachting or kite surfing, or an evening in one of the VIP nightclubs. If you are a golfer you could easily play on a different green every day for a fortnight, with two of the best clubs in the world to be found in Mougins and Valbonne.

Culture fans will love living in one of the most historically rich areas of France. Follow in the footsteps of the dozens of celebrated artists who have called the French Riviera: home. There are so many museums and galleries, churches, and monuments to visit that you will get dizzy just trying to decide where to go next. Not to mention the wealth of theatre and opera events available throughout the year.

For families there are several excellent international schools in Monaco, Nice, and Mougins and bilingual schools in Nice and Cagnes-sur-Mer. For newcomers to the area there are lots of groups to help you settle in, learn the language, make new friends, find your feet, and start to really feel like a local.

The Beauchamp Estates teams are always on hand to assist with your real estate projects so, feel free to give us a call at any time. If you would like to know more about living in the French Riviera Hillside, and would like to organize some private viewings, just give us a ring. We would be delighted to help you.