Panoramic view of the French Riviera, featuring sea, hills, and premium towns like Nice, Villefranche, and Èze.

Living on the French Riviera: the best towns to settle in

Living on the French Riviera means choosing a unique lifestyle—guided by sunlight, the sea, and a typically Mediterranean way of life. Between preserved heritage, abundant nature, and prestige, the region attracts a discerning clientele from around the world. Based at the Port of Nice, Maison Cino offers an exclusive selection of properties in the most sought-after towns. This article guides you through the ideal places to invest or settle, according to your lifestyle.


Why Move to the French Riviera?

The French Riviera enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, with mild winters and long summers. Its accessibility is a major advantage: Nice International Airport, TGV links, the A8 motorway, and proximity to Monaco and Italy make it a strategic base for living or working.

The region also combines economic vitality—particularly with the Sophia Antipolis tech hub—and cultural richness, thanks to its festivals, museums, and historic landmarks. Settling here means choosing a lifestyle that's both dynamic and laid-back.


The Most Beautiful Places to Live on the French Riviera

Nice

Nice is appealing for its architectural diversity and atmosphere that blends tradition with modernity. You’ll find renovated bourgeois apartments on the Port, architect-designed villas with panoramic views in Mont-Boron, or charming homes in the city’s residential neighborhoods.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

This picturesque fishing village is prized for its narrow streets, colorful “pointu” boats, tranquil atmosphere, and direct access to sandy beaches and hidden coves. Houses with terraces overlooking the sea, high-rise apartments with spectacular views, and rare waterfront properties are all available.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer

Combining Belle Époque elegance and coastal serenity, Beaulieu attracts buyers seeking discretion. Historic villas coexist with apartments in luxury residences near beaches, the marina, and lush gardens.

Èze

Perched at 400 meters above sea level, Èze’s medieval village overlooks the Mediterranean. Below, the Èze Bord-de-Mer area features modern villas with clean lines, often with infinity pools and hanging gardens. Located between Nice and Monaco, it is ideal for those seeking tranquility with convenient access to infrastructure.

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

This area enchants with its preserved nature and prime location between Menton and Monaco. It offers contemporary villas in green settings and upscale apartments with large sea-facing terraces—ideal for a refined residential lifestyle near the Principality.

Cannes

Known globally for its film festival, Cannes also offers a premium lifestyle year-round. Apartments on La Croisette, penthouses with views of the Lérins Islands, and new residences with premium services are all in high demand.

Located near the airport, Saint-Laurent-du-Var is a modern alternative to Nice, offering convenience, urban energy, and a pleasant living environment. The Vespins neighborhood—with its seafront promenade and marina—is especially sought after. Residences are modern, secure, and often include pools—ideal for a main or holiday home with all amenities nearby.

Villeneuve-Loubet

Combining proximity to Sophia Antipolis, walkable beaches, and green surroundings, Villeneuve-Loubet is an appealing choice. The Marina Baie des Anges area, with its iconic architecture and private port, draws an international clientele. Apartments offer exceptional sea views, and contemporary villas near the Vaugrenier nature park provide peaceful family living.

Each town on the French Riviera has its own identity, character, and rhythm. Nice for its vibrancy, Villefranche for its charm, Beaulieu for its elegance, Èze for its authenticity, Roquebrune for its natural beauty, Cannes for its prestige, Saint-Laurent-du-Var for its modernity, and Villeneuve-Loubet for its perfect balance of city and nature. Maison Cino opens the doors to these exceptional destinations. Discover our selection of properties for sale on the French Riviera or contact our team for tailored guidance toward your next address.

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