Top 10 Towns and Villages in the Alpes-Maritimes for the Best Quality of Life

 

The annual ranking of towns and villages where "life is good" has just been released, stirring up a wave of opinions as it circulates throughout the region.

Where is the best place to settle in the Alpes-Maritimes? That’s the key question posed by the Association of Cities and Villages of France, which has published its annual departmental ranking.

This extensive list evaluates all 34,795 municipalities in mainland France, using 190 criteria across 11 categories, including quality of life, safety, environmental protection, healthcare, shops and services, transport, education, sports and leisure, local finances and taxes, community support, and real estate appeal. The ranking is based on official data from organizations such as INSEE.

By analyzing these factors, the ranking aims to capture the essence of each municipality and identify the most pleasant places to live.

With this in mind, the top 10 towns and villages in the Alpes-Maritimes department have now been revealed.

Top 10 of the best villages

It is Théoule-sur-Mer who takes the lead in the classification of cities where life is good in the Alpes-Maritimes, for municipalities with less than 2,000 inhabitants. Located only 40 km west of Nice is notably renowned for its red rock cove. " The little jewel of the Baie de Cannes" , as described by the tourist office, is acclaimed for its natural charm and calm.

1. Théoule-sur-Mer
2. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
3. Cantaron
4. Cabris
5. Blausasc
6. Peillon
7. Castagniers
8. Speracèdes
9. Gorbio
10. Sainte-Agnès

Top 10 best cities

For cities, Nice is widely acclaimed and comes at the top of this ranking. There are largely found cities located on the French Riviera coast in this second list.

1. Nice
2. Antibes
3. Cannes
4. Cagnes-sur-Mer
5. Grasse
6. Saint-Laurent-du-Var
7. Mougins
8. Mandelieu-la-Napoule
9. Vallauris
10. Le Cannet

Monaco Unveils New Housing Initiative

The housing crisis is a global issue, and Monaco is no exception. In response, the Principality has launched a new initiative to encourage residents to downsize, freeing up larger state-owned apartments for growing families.

Under this system, households currently occupying four- or five-room apartments—where children have moved out—can relocate to a modern three-room unit while retaining the same subsidized rent, charges, and deposit conditions. To further ease the transition, the government is offering a fixed €10,000 allowance to cover moving costs.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to address Monaco’s housing challenges. In October 2024, the Prince's Government introduced updates to National Housing Assistance and state-owned housing regulations to better align with residents' needs.

Key changes include adjustments to assistance calculations to ensure continued support for specific groups. For example, full assistance will remain available to surviving spouses over 65 if an extra room was previously granted for health reasons. Additionally, maintenance obligations can now be deducted from household income assessments, and student earnings will be excluded from family income calculations up to a defined limit.

To streamline the process, all available housing offers are now centralized on the Mon Espace Domaines platform, giving residents better visibility of exchange opportunities. The National Council has also assigned a dedicated agent to provide personalized support throughout the relocation process.

“These long-awaited measures will improve the management of state-owned housing and better fulfill the legitimate aspirations of Monegasques,” said Maryse Battaglia, President of the Housing Commission. She emphasized that these reforms reflect the government’s commitment to adapting to demographic shifts and optimizing the Principality’s real estate resources.

Ultimately, these measures aim to enhance housing support and affordability, ensuring the system remains responsive to residents’ evolving needs.

La Malmaison Art Gallery: A Cultural Gem in Cannes

 

Situated along Cannes' prestigious Boulevard de la Croisette, La Malmaison is a landmark of artistic expression, celebrating both modern and contemporary art. Originally built in 1863 as part of the Grand Hôtel, this historic space has transitioned from an opulent retreat for the Belle Époque elite into a renowned exhibition venue.

A Legacy of Art

La Malmaison's artistic journey began in 1945 when it hosted its first painting exhibition. Since then, it has welcomed masterpieces by celebrated artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Miró, all of whom found inspiration in the radiant landscapes of the Côte d’Azur.

Revitalization and Expansion

Following an extensive two-year renovation, La Malmaison reopened in January 2025 with a vastly expanded 600-square-meter exhibition space. This transformation enables the gallery to showcase major international collections and prestigious art loans, further solidifying Cannes’ reputation as a cultural destination.

Current Exhibition: ‘Luxe, Calme et Volupté’

To commemorate its reopening, La Malmaison is hosting "Luxe, Calme et Volupté," an exhibition running until April 20, 2025. Featuring 129 works by 56 acclaimed artists—including Cézanne, Monet, Renoir, Picasso, and Combas—this collection pays tribute to the enchanting beauty of the Mediterranean.

An Immersive Visitor Experience

Beyond its exceptional exhibitions, La Malmaison offers a panoramic rooftop terrace, granting breathtaking views of Cannes, the Lérins Islands, and the azure Mediterranean waters. Visitors can also explore a specialized contemporary art bookstore and attend various cultural events, such as conferences, concerts, and performances.

Practical Information

• Address: 47 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France

• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Admission Fees: €6.50 for adults; free for under 18, students, job seekers, and people with disabilities

• Contact: +33 (0)4 97 06 45 21

La Malmaison continues to be a cornerstone of Cannes' cultural landscape, offering visitors a rich tapestry of art, history, and breathtaking views.

Villefranche-sur-Mer: Combat Naval Fleuri 2025

 

The Combat Naval Fleuri is an emblematic tradition of Villefranche-sur-Mer, celebrated every year in February. This unique event brings together the sea and local floriculture, providing a colorful spectacle for locals and visitors alike.

 

Origins and history

Created in 1902, the Combat Naval Fleuri was inspired by the flower battles organized in other Côte d'Azur towns, notably Nice since 1876. Villefranche-sur-Mer chose to distinguish itself by adapting this tradition to the water, using its traditional fishing boats as supports for the flowers. The small boats will be decorated with thousands of carnations and mimosas parade through the harbour, throwing flowers to enthusiastic onlookers.

2025 Edition

The 121ᵉ edition of Combat Naval Fleuri is a free event and will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Port de la Santé in Villefranche-sur-Mer. The day's program is as follows:

11:00 am: Folklore group parade at the Octroi.

1:30 pm: Carnival parade along the quays.

2:00 pm: Launch of the Combat Naval Fleuri at Port de la Santé, followed by entertainment by folk groups on Place Amélie Pollonnais and the quays.

Throughout the day, a flower walk and marching bands making their way through the town will be organized.