top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

French property watch: Discover the chic and glamorous Alpes-Maritimes

Between the mountains and the sea, this department with a unique climate has something for everyone

Clockwise (from top left) views of Nice, Antibes, Grasse, Menton Pic: Aleksandar Todorovic; proslgn; Marco Rubino; Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock

Departmental capital: Nice

Main cities/towns: Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Le Cannet, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Menton, Vallauris, Mandelieu-la-Napoule, Vence, Mougins

Due to the microclimate, Alpes-Maritimers (or Maralpins/Maralpines, as they are properly called) can, for a few days in late spring, enjoy a morning’s skiing in the Alps followed by a dip in the warm Mediterranean Sea in the afternoon. 

It is not quite wall-to-wall sunshine in this part of the world but it is not far off with more than 300 days of sun a year. 

This part of south-east France, which borders Italy and the principality of Monaco, has been a hugely popular destination for English-speaking incomers looking for a slice of French life since long before Peter Mayle wrote his bestselling A Year in Provence. And it’s easy to see why. 

The weather is conducive to glorious outdoor living, it scores high on the glamour-o-meter thanks in no small part to celebrity magnet Cannes, and it’s easy to get to, with regular high-speed rail services connecting you to all points in France and Europe, and the well-served airport in Nice.

Sadly, that popularity also means property bargains are more difficult to find than in many other parts of France. 

Such is the draw of the region, which has more than its fair share of seven and even eight-figure properties, that the seaside bounce for properties in coastal resorts means average prices in painfully chic Cannes are €6,613 per m², or ever-popular Menton or Antibes, for example, are well over €5,000 per m².

The average price of a typical house in Nice is €5,378 per m², and charges past €9,000 per m² in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Away from the coast, in Grasse for example, a house can be bought for €4,175 per m². 

Related articles
French property watch: Explore the ecotourist-friendly Ardèche

French property watch: Ardennes - the little Belgium of France

French property watch: Gard - new destination for early retirees

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France