THE CRÈME DE LA CRÈME OF THE CÔTE D’AZUR

The Côte d’Azur is a glittering prospect for property buyers, even in the face of recent economic instability in France. Stephen Penn finds out why the market in this glamour hub has stood strong for more than 150 years

There’s no greater sense of grandeur than living on the French Rivera. Even the words themselves have a certain richness, creating wistful and serene imagery à la Magic in the Moonlight and La Piscine.

Sitting sedately along the stretch of coast that runs from Marseille to Nice and the Italian border, this dreamlike region has been one of the most sought-after locations in Europe when it comes to property investment for more than a century. Put plainly, people will pay a pretty penny for the opportunity to call this elegant destination their home.

“Prices rarely dip here, that’s for sure,” says Ab Kuijer, owner of Living on the Côte d’Azur. “With 320 days of sunshine a year, the French Riviera has it all, from yachting, skiing and golf to the biggest film festival in the world.”

“There’s lots to do throughout the year, whether that be spending summer in St Tropez, shopping in Monaco or taking in the culture and excitement of Cannes. No matter what’s happening economically, people will pay a premium for the chance to be here.”

Property ownership can also mean handsome rental returns, no matter what time of year, as recent data shows more than 11 million tourists visit each year across all seasons. The elegant lifestyle attracts visitors from across the globe with a loyal fanbase from Italy, the UK, Scandinavia, and significant numbers from the USA, South Africa and Japan.

This international appeal sparked the start of Living on the Côte d’Azur – a business set up 12 years ago by Dutchman Ab and his wife Jo. Offering a full-service property buying package to clients, the pair carefully select the properties they market, working exclusively with around 20 major developers in the region.

“There’s a lot of development on the Riviera, but we choose quality over quantity every time,” Ab says. “As we’re working with an international clientele, we select just a handful of homes and market them fully, showcasing exactly why they are the best locations to live with the very best facilities and services.”

Ab and Jo hand-select properties based on the needs of individual clients and whittle them down to a shortlist – from €1.2 million high-spec apartments in the heart of Nice to €15m luxury villas in Cannes. Once this is complete, clients are invited out for inspection tours and shown the very best that the Côte d’Azur has to offer.

“The Dutch have a very specific business style – we’re down to earth and completely open,” Ab adds. “The French Riviera is such an elegant place, it doesn’t require a string of superlatives. The properties speak for themselves.

“Living here is expensive, but when you’re surrounded by film star glamour, beautiful beaches, and endless entertainment, that’s to be expected.”