Monaco’s Princess Cup Swings Back This September

 

The Princess of Monaco Cup makes its much-anticipated return on September 15–16, celebrating its fourth edition with a blend of sport, glamour, and philanthropy. The charity tournament, held in support of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, brings together celebrities, corporate partners, and passionate golfers for two days of fundraising and competition.

Sponsored by Monaco Asset Management, the event will feature 18 teams at the Monte-Carlo Golf Club competing in the popular “Scramble” format, where four-player teams—including one celebrity—play from the best-positioned shot of their group.

As tradition now dictates, the tournament will culminate with the celebrated “19th Hole” event at Monaco’s iconic Place du Casino from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This spectacular finale includes the prize-giving ceremony, as well as the symbolic 19th hole swing—an exclusive chance for participants to test their skills in the heart of Monte-Carlo.

Since its launch in 2019, the Princess Cup has become one of Monaco’s most successful charity sporting events. The inaugural edition raised over €330,000 for water safety initiatives, funding the renovation of the Princess Charlene Municipal Swimming Pool in La Turbie and supporting a five-year educational project at Awutu-Breku School in Ghana.

Subsequent editions in 2021 and 2023 cemented its reputation as a key philanthropic fixture on the Principality’s social calendar, reinforcing its mission to save lives through water safety education worldwide.

Five Celebrity Villas on the Market in the French Riviera

From the cliffs of Cap de Nice to the pine forests of Antibes and Vallauris, the Côte d’Azur has long been a discreet haven for creativity and glamour. In the Alpes-Maritimes—an endless source of inspiration for painters, writers, and musical icons—five remarkable homes are now awaiting their next chapter.

 

La Carrière – Charles Trenet’s villa in Antibes

Back on the market at €6.6 million through Architecture de Collection, this striking ocean-liner–inspired villa was imagined in 1938 by the 25-year-old “singing madman” himself. Charles Trenet not only purchased the land but also drew up the plans for the house, which his friend Jean Cocteau helped decorate.

Spread across four levels and 347 m², La Carrière sits on 5,580 m² of wooded grounds with a caretaker’s house, amphitheater, and 20-meter pool. The kitchen recalls a ship’s cabin, while a Cocteau portrait of Trenet still presides over the living space. Following the singer’s death in 2001, the property endured a long legal saga before re-emerging for sale.

Sean Connery’s Belle Époque retreat in Nice

Known as Roc Fleuri, this Belle Époque jewel—with terraced gardens, marble balustrades, and sweeping views of the Mediterranean—once belonged to Sean Connery, who lived here during the 1970s and 1980s with his wife Micheline Roquebrune.

Built in the late 19th century, redesigned in 1928 by architect Jean Ferraud, the 1,000 m² villa includes a mahogany elevator, indoor pool, and opulent salons. Now on the market for €23.5 million, it remains one of the Riviera’s most iconic addresses, having since passed through the hands of several international luminaries.

La Gatounière – Simenon and Piaf’s sanctuary in Mougins

Tucked near the old village of Mougins, this Provençal villa with ochre-tiled roofs was once home to Georges Simenon and later Édith Piaf. Built in the 1950s, the 365 m² residence, now offered by Sotheby’s for €2.99 million, requires renovation but carries immense cultural weight.

Here Simenon wrote works such as Maigret Sets a Trap before selling to Piaf in 1963, who sought comfort here during her final months. The home, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a pool, continues to draw international buyers enchanted by its history.

La Rivolte – Ivan Bunin’s haven in Grasse

Perched above the “city of perfumes,” Villa Mont-Fleuri—renamed La Rivolte—became Ivan Bunin’s refuge after fleeing Russia. It was here in Grasse, overlooking the Mediterranean, that the Nobel Prize–winning author penned The Life of Arseniev. Built in 1893, the Belle Époque residence spans 337 m² across 14 rooms, with a pool, sauna, and pétanque court nestled in its gardens. Sotheby’s has listed this literary landmark at €3.4 million.

Petula Clark’s Vallauris escape

Hidden at the end of a private road in Vallauris, this 250 m² villa was once the family holiday home of Petula Clark, whose voice defined the 1960s with hits like Downtown and This Is My Song.

On a 6,000 m² plot featuring a pine forest, vegetable garden, bamboo grove, and infinity pool, the residence includes four bedrooms (one in its own tower), a grand cathedral-style living room, and a separate guest apartment. Sotheby’s is offering it at €1.79 million.

For decades, the Riviera’s relaxed rhythm and natural beauty have lured world-famous figures seeking both privacy and inspiration. While these five homes are now officially available, many more celebrity-owned properties remain quietly “off-market,” adding to the region’s enduring aura of mystery and allure.

September Secrets

 

September is just around the corner, and while it may signal the end of summer elsewhere, in the French Riviera it feels more like the beginning of a second, gentler season.

For over a decade, thanks to word of mouth and the rise of social media, September has become the secret month for many visitors who prefer the region when the pace eases after the bustling peak of June, July, and August. Practically overnight, from September 1st onwards, the beaches feel half as busy, restaurants are still open but far less crowded, and popular sights can be enjoyed without the same sense of chaos.

This year’s summer felt calmer compared to the first few seasons after Covid restrictions were lifted, but locals know that high season always comes with an extra buzz. Life here simply adapts to it. September, however, offers a reset: the same Riviera charm, just with more breathing space and perfect weather.

For travelers, this means a more relaxing experience. The sea remains warm enough for swimming well into September and beyond, hotel and villa rental rates drop with excellent deals available, and public transport returns to its usual rhythm. Dining out feels more spontaneous—reservations aren’t always necessary—while nightlife and bars continue in full swing. Even shopping and sightseeing through the region’s historic towns becomes far more enjoyable.

September is also the moment when many who visited earlier in the summer return with a new purpose: house hunting. With children back at school and real estate agents refreshed from their own holidays, it’s the perfect time to view properties and get a truer sense of Riviera life outside the high season.

Come experience it for yourself.

Top French Riviera Destinations for LGBTQ Homebuyers

 

As someone more than a little obsessed with French Riviera real estate—and with over 14 years in the business here—I’ve had the chance to share my perspective on numerous podcasts, in articles, and within several real estate groups and forums. Many of these conversations have naturally touched on the LGBTQ+ community and the unique ways our lifestyle choices and business interests intersect with property ownership in the Côte d’Azur.

A significant percentage of my clients belong to the LGBTQ+ community. Paired with the growing number of people looking to move to the Riviera—either full-time or part-time—it seemed the perfect time to share an insider’s look at where members of our community have been buying over the past few years. This is, after all, one of the very first questions I’m asked.

Nice

This one’s easy—it has been the number one choice for decades. Nice is considered the LGBTQ+ cultural hub of the region, home to numerous gay-owned bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, plus endless other amenities, often within walking distance. The famous Promenade des Anglais runs the length of the city’s beach all the way to Nice Airport, making weekend escapes and long-haul travel a breeze.

Whether you’re after a compact studio or a grand Belle Époque villa, you’ll find it here. In recent years, many companies have renovated older apartments for quick resale, meaning turnkey properties are plentiful. But for those who want to make their own mark, renovation opportunities abound. Prices vary greatly—from around €300,000 for a studio to well over €1 million for a villa—and demand is high, so properties rarely linger on the market.

Cannes

Cannes remains a cherished, if slightly more low-key, LGBTQ+ destination. Known for its sandy beaches, upscale shopping, and year-round livability, it also hosts a steady stream of world-class events—from the Cannes Film Festival to Cannes Lions—cementing its reputation as an international playground.

The property market here is as varied as the city’s atmosphere, with studio apartments starting around €300,000 and spectacular villas reaching €90 million. Despite its glitz, Cannes has a relaxed, walkable layout, with excellent public transport and a welcoming social scene.

Antibes

Charming and slightly slower-paced, Antibes is beloved for its yachting community and substantial British expat presence. The town offers every amenity you could need, plus beautiful sandy beaches.

Around 80% of the housing stock here is made up of apartment buildings—studios start from around €250,000, while standout Belle Époque or contemporary homes begin in the €1 million range, especially in prestigious Cap d’Antibes.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Just 3.5 km from Nice, this picture-perfect town is known for its panoramic sea views, colorful historic buildings, and relaxed pace of life. In recent years, I’ve seen a marked increase in LGBTQ+ buyers here—some purchasing second homes, others retiring full-time. It’s a friendly, close-knit place where meeting people is easy.

Most properties are apartments, starting around €400,000 for a studio. Villas, typically priced at €1 million and up, often command higher prices for exceptional sea views. Limited new construction helps preserve both the views and property values.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer

A hidden gem next to Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu sits at the base of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula. It’s a compact, walkable town with convenient public transport and all essential amenities, from grocery stores to beaches.

Studios and one-bedroom apartments start around €400,000, with villas—often enjoying spectacular sea views—commanding much higher prices. While family-friendly, Beaulieu has also been steadily gaining popularity with LGBTQ+ residents.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Nicknamed the “Billionaire’s Peninsula,” this is one of the Riviera’s most exclusive addresses. Its history, natural beauty, and unmatched privacy have long drawn celebrities and business titans. The small village near the port offers restaurants, shops, and easy access to beaches and coastal trails.

Apartments, mostly in the village, start around €700,000–€800,000, while villas begin at €1–2 million. Space is limited, so properties here tend to retain or increase their value regardless of the global market.

Monaco

Monaco’s magnetism is undeniable. This compact, high-energy principality is cosmopolitan and walkable, with a surprising range of restaurants and shops at all price points—alongside every luxury brand imaginable. Sports, beaches, and cultural events all play a central role in daily life.

While property here is among the most expensive in the world—even studios come at a premium—the market remains robust thanks to constant demand. The LGBTQ+ scene is more understated but present, with a warm, supportive community and events like Monaco Pride gaining momentum.

Menton

Perched at the far eastern edge of the Riviera, just minutes from Italy and about 10 minutes from Monaco by train, Menton is increasingly on the LGBTQ+ radar. Known as the “Pearl of the French Riviera,” it offers beaches, hiking trails, and a charming town center without the crowds of better-known destinations.

Studios start around €300,000, with villas—often hillside with sea views—starting at about €800,000. The community here is small but growing, and the lifestyle is active yet unhurried, making it particularly appealing for retirees.

These are just some of the most popular spots where members of the LGBTQ+ community have been buying in recent years. If it’s your first time exploring the Riviera, I always recommend renting and sampling different areas before committing—you might be surprised to find your dream location isn’t the one you first imagined.

It’s important to stay realistic: while the Riviera has its share of glitz and glamour, compromises are often necessary—even for the wealthy. Proximity to the beach or a sea view will almost always mean a higher price tag. Consider what amenities matter most to you—whether that’s access to healthcare, grocery stores, public transport, or nightlife—and choose accordingly.

After over a decade in Riviera real estate, I’ve seen it all. Helping people—especially within the LGBTQ+ community—find their perfect home here is my passion. The more we support each other, the stronger and happier our community becomes.

Connect with Experience The French Riviera to get everything going.