Ask ten Riviera residents where the best place to buy and live on the French Riviera is and you are likely to receive ten different answers.
Some will champion the glamour of Saint-Tropez. Others will argue passionately for the elegance of Cap Ferrat, the energy of Cannes, the charm of Cap d’Antibes or the tranquillity of the hills above Grasse.
And that is precisely the point.
According to Alex Balkin, Executive Director of Savills French Riviera, one of the biggest misconceptions about buying property on the Côte d’Azur is that there is a single “best” address. In reality, the French Riviera’s enduring appeal lies in its extraordinary diversity. Since the 1850s the area has attracted royalty, celebrities and captains of industry. Within little more than an hour’s drive, buyers can choose between cosmopolitan cities, legendary waterfront enclaves, historic villages, secluded country estates and some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Europe. Its natural setting is breathtaking.
“The Riviera offers a unique mix of pleasure, leisure, luxury, views, entertainment and world-class events – from the Monaco Grand Prix and Rolex Masters to the Cannes Film Festival – that is unparalleled,” says Alex.
On top of that, he says, the modern Riviera offers something increasingly rare: the ability to enjoy an exceptional lifestyle while remaining connected to the world. International airports, excellent leisure and business infrastructure, fast internet, healthy lifestyle (and the finest gastronomy), renowned schools and a thriving international community continue to attract entrepreneurs, executives, investors, retirees and families from across the globe. Nice Airport is the third busiest in France, after Paris, receiving over 15 million commercial passengers in 2025.
The region’s enduring appeal is also reflected in global research. In the most recent Savills Prime Residential Index, the Côte d’Azur is ranked first overall for Second Home Locations out of 60 destinations, reinforcing the French Riviera’s position as one of the world’s most sought-after places to live, invest and enjoy a second home.
But choosing where to live, or own a holiday home, on the Riviera is about far more than selecting a beautiful property.
It is about finding the lifestyle that feels right.
To illustrate the remarkable variety available across the Côte d’Azur, we asked Savills to select six exceptional properties that showcase not only some of the Riviera’s finest homes, but also the distinct lifestyles that make each destination unique.
1. Grasse – The Art of Riviera Country Living
Not every Riviera dream is lived beside the sea.
For many buyers, true luxury means space, privacy and the opportunity to enjoy a slower pace of life surrounded by nature.
Perched in the hills behind Cannes, Grasse offers a side of the Côte d’Azur that many international buyers discover only after spending time in the region. Known for its perfume heritage (where Chanel’s famous No 5 was created) and beautiful countryside, it combines authentic Provençal charm with easy access to the coast, international schools and Nice Airport.
It is a destination that increasingly appeals to families and year-round residents seeking balance between Riviera living and country tranquillity.
Featured Property
Savills selected this exceptional six-bedroom country home as it perfectly captures the appeal of inland Riviera life.
Set within an incredible natural environment, the property offers generous living spaces, fantastic amenities (including a grass tennis court) and the kind of privacy that has become increasingly sought after. Elegant yet relaxed, it is a home designed for both family living and entertaining.
A perfect day here might begin with breakfast overlooking the gardens, followed by a visit to a local market before returning home for a leisurely lunch by the pool as the scent of jasmine and pine drifts through the warm afternoon air.
For buyers seeking a permanent residence that offers both refinement and authenticity, Grasse presents a compelling alternative to the coastline and this is the quintessential home to offer that lifestyle.
2. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – Riviera Elegance at Its Finest
Few names carry the prestige of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Long regarded as one of the world’s most exclusive peninsulas, Cap Ferrat offers a unique combination of privacy, beauty and understated sophistication. Its waterfront villas, hidden coves and spectacular coastal walks have attracted discerning international buyers for generations from banking heirs to kings, baronesses and creative icons like Charlie Chaplin, David Niven and Jean Cocteau. (A statue at the port even pays tribute to regular guest Sir Winston Churchill who was inspired to paint in Cap Ferrat.)
What continues to distinguish Cap Ferrat is its discretion. Despite its global reputation, it remains remarkably peaceful.
Featured Property
This elegant villa, chosen by Savills, captures the heart of Cap Ferrat living with its beautiful sea views and outstanding location.
The property enjoys breathtaking Mediterranean vistas and features a magnificent roof terrace designed for entertaining against one of the Riviera’s most beautiful backdrops.
This is a home likely to appeal to buyers seeking both prestige and serenity – those who value privacy while remaining steps from some of the Riviera’s finest beaches, restaurants and marinas.
Imagine spending the morning swimming in crystal-clear waters before returning home for a luncheon overlooking the sea, and later sipping sunset cocktails on the terrace.
Few Riviera lifestyles feel quite so effortless.
3. Villefranche-sur-Mer – A Front-Row Seat to One of the Mediterranean’s Most Beautiful Bays
There are many beautiful views on the French Riviera.
Then there is Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Its colourful waterfront, deep natural harbour and sweeping bay create one of the most recognisable and admired landscapes on the Mediterranean coastline. Positioned between Nice and Cap Ferrat, it offers both convenience and timeless Riviera charm.
For buyers who appreciate beauty, history and atmosphere, Villefranche remains one of the region’s most captivating addresses.
Featured Property
Among the most extraordinary homes selected by Savills is a historic château with stunning views in a dream setting.
Rich in character and history, the residence offers an atmosphere that feels almost cinematic. Elegant architecture, grand living spaces and an exceptional position combine to create a property unlike anything else currently available on the market.
It is a home for buyers who value heritage and the opportunity to own something genuinely unique.
As evening falls and the lights begin to sparkle across the bay below, it is easy to understand why Villefranche has inspired generations of artists, writers and travellers.
4. Cap d’Antibes – The Return of a Riviera Legend
Cap d’Antibes has long occupied a special place in Riviera history.
Its waterfront paths, grand villas and legendary hotels have attracted international visitors since the Belle Époque, helping establish the Côte d’Azur as one of the world’s most desirable destinations.
Today, one of its most iconic addresses is writing a new chapter.
Featured Property: Le Provençal
Rather than selecting a private villa, Savills chose to highlight one of the Riviera’s most celebrated restorations.
Le Provençal is a landmark. Once among the French Riviera’s most famous hotels, it welcomed royalty, aristocrats, film stars and society figures throughout its storied history.
Its recent transformation into an exceptional residential address has been widely admired by those who cherish the Riviera’s architectural heritage.
For buyers, Le Provençal offers something that cannot be recreated: the opportunity to own a residence within an incredible building that forms part of the Côte d’Azur’s cultural story. Within the luxury apartments on offer are penthouses offering rare and sweeping views from the Mediterranean to the Alps, as well as elegant villas with private gardens and swimming pools.
Le Provençal doesn’t simply offer a home. It is a stunning piece of Riviera history brought beautifully back to life.
5. Saint-Tropez – The Riviera Lifestyle the World Dreams About
Few destinations have captured the world’s imagination quite like Saint-Tropez.
Its name evokes images of glamorous summers, luxury super yachts and legendary beach clubs. Yet beyond the international reputation lies something more enduring: a vibrant village atmosphere and a leisurely lifestyle that attracts residents throughout the year.
For many buyers, Saint-Tropez represents the Riviera at its most aspirational.
Featured Property
Savills selected this outstanding villa because it captures everything that makes modern Saint-Tropez living so desirable. And more.
Beautifully designed chic interiors, amenities galore and a highly sought-after address combine to create a residence that is as practical as it is elegant.
Designed for year-round living, the property offers generous entertaining spaces, landscaped grounds and the flexibility required by today’s international buyers.
A perfect day might include a morning on Pampelonne Beach, lunch overlooking the Mediterranean, an afternoon exploring nearby vineyards and an evening gathering with friends beside the pool.
It is Saint-Tropez at its very best.
6. Cannes – Sophisticated Living on the Croisette
For buyers who enjoy having the best of the Riviera on their doorstep, Cannes continues to be one of the region’s most attractive addresses.
Beyond its famous Film Festival, the city offers an enviable year-round lifestyle centred around restaurants, shopping, beaches, culture and international events.
Everything feels within easy reach.
Featured Property
This penthouse, selected by Savills, represents city living at its best.
Positioned on the Croisette, the residence enjoys extraordinary panoramic views across the Bay of Cannes. Expansive terraces and elegant interiors create a seamless connection between the apartment and the Mediterranean below.
The appeal extends beyond the property itself.
Morning walks along the seafront, lunch overlooking the water, evenings spent at restaurants and cultural events – this is a lifestyle built around convenience, energy and beauty.
For buyers seeking a vibrant Riviera experience without sacrificing luxury, few addresses can compete.
Bonus Property
For buyers seeking a prime Cannes address with both heritage and modern luxury, Le Relais de la Reine offers a compelling proposition. This historic Croisette residence has been carefully restored and reimagined to an exceptional standard, bringing contemporary comfort to one of Cannes’ most prestigious addresses. Just moments from the beaches, luxury boutiques and Palais des Festivals, it embodies the blend of elegance, convenience and Riviera glamour that continues to attract buyers from around the world.
‘Window Shopping’ for a Dream Home on the French Riviera
The Riviera may look compact on a map, but as highlighted above, every destination offers a different lifestyle. Before falling in love with a property, Alex encourages buyers to spend time exploring the region, visiting different destinations in different seasons and understanding what truly matters to them in terms of life goals.
“Do some window shopping first,” he says. “And work with people who know the area intimately.”
Having moved from Denmark to the South of France more than 30 years ago, he understands first-hand what attracts international buyers to the region. In fact, after a single conversation, he says he can often tell with around 80% certainty which area is likely to suit a buyer best.
In the South of France, local expertise is invaluable to help a buyer navigate the subtle differences between communities and amenities. And, with offices around the world, Alex says Savills is also able to play a role in demystifying the purchasing process for buyers, having a deep understanding of the different set of rules between France and elsewhere.
Your search for property on the Riviera should be bespoke and as individual as your lifestyle and the home that matches it.
“I would encourage anyone looking to buy on the Riviera to really spend time here, rent for a while, travel, visit, talk with people, and work with a trusted agent to hone in on the absolute essentials. It’s such a life-changing purchase that a future home should tick all the boxes both for now and in the future. A great agency wants the client to be so happy in their new home,” says Alex.
As displayed by the exceptional properties above, the challenge on the French Riviera is not finding somewhere beautiful.
It is finding the place that feels right for you.
Because the ultimate luxury on the French Riviera is not simply owning an exceptional home.
It is waking up every morning in exactly the right one.
If you would like to discuss purchasing property on the French Riviera, please contact Alex Balkin at Savills French Riviera.
