The French Riviera is one of the most sought-after destinations
in the world—and with good reason. But behind the palm-lined promenades
and shimmering coastline lies a tight-knit community, especially when
it comes to the real estate and villa rental market.
On the surface, agencies seem plentiful, but reputation here is everything. One bad deal can unravel decades of trust—something a seasoned director once summed up perfectly over lunch: “You can be in business for 40 years and lose it all in one afternoon.”
On the surface, agencies seem plentiful, but reputation here is everything. One bad deal can unravel decades of trust—something a seasoned director once summed up perfectly over lunch: “You can be in business for 40 years and lose it all in one afternoon.”
Since
launching our business in 2011, we’ve seen a rotating cast of
newcomers—some with flashy marketing, others with borrowed
luxury—attempt to stake their claim, only to vanish before the season’s
end. Many fall into the same trap: prioritizing appearances over
integrity, or chasing fast money rather than long-term relationships.
Recently, the rise of influencers and self-proclaimed “concierges” has added a new layer of confusion to the rental scene, often peddling misinformation simply to elevate their personal brand.
Recently, the rise of influencers and self-proclaimed “concierges” has added a new layer of confusion to the rental scene, often peddling misinformation simply to elevate their personal brand.
One trending myth this season? That renting a yacht is somehow better or safer
than staying in a villa. The reasoning? Often we find out, it's that
the influencer didn’t get the villa stay they wanted for free—or worse,
they’re recycling urban myths of villa break-ins from many decades ago.
The truth is, no reputable agency would list a villa that doesn't meet high standards for safety and quality. Since day one, we’ve prioritized the security of our clients and their properties—never once having an incident to report.
The truth is, no reputable agency would list a villa that doesn't meet high standards for safety and quality. Since day one, we’ve prioritized the security of our clients and their properties—never once having an incident to report.
Then there are the self-proclaimed
middlemen who show up at social events, overhear a conversation, and
suddenly pitch themselves as a local fixer or “property expert.” The red
flags start waving when the first question they ask as an agency they
are reaching out to is, “What’s my commission?”—followed by inflated
pricing or vague client details. Some go as far as demanding outrageous
last-minute rentals with no budget cap, often messaging agencies while
drinking from a noisy beach party at midnight.
We love working with passionate, knowledgeable agents—those who
understand the region and respect the process. But if you’re new to
renting here, don’t be dazzled by drone footage or Instagram gloss. Ask
questions. Compare offers and negotiate. And never hesitate to speak
directly with established agencies who care more about your satisfaction
than a quick sale.
At Experience The French Riviera,
this isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. Our passion is helping people
discover the real French Riviera, whether for the first time or the
fiftieth. And when it comes to villa rentals, we believe honesty,
experience, and local insight always outshine hype.
