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.

Top Seaside Real Estate Hotspots on the French Riviera

 

While most residents of the French Riviera live lives much like people elsewhere in the world, the region has long held a reputation as a prime destination for those seeking a luxurious, safe, and secure lifestyle. Its historic appeal is amplified by a mild, sunny climate, dramatic landscapes, and the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean.

Whether you thrive in an exciting social scene or prefer a more private, tranquil lifestyle, the French Riviera offers both with ease—making it equally attractive for full-time residents and holiday visitors.

Each year, the Barnes Group Global Property Handbook ranks the most sought-after seaside cities among the world’s wealthy. The Côte d’Azur consistently features in the top five, earning fourth place globally this year. The Gulf of Saint-Tropez is singled out as “one of the most coveted in the Mediterranean,” with Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime, and Saint-Raphaël standing out as star destinations.

Closer to Monaco, prestigious neighborhoods such as Cimiez in Nice and Mont-Boron are celebrated for their elevated views over the Baie des Anges, Cap d’Antibes, and the Estérel Mountains. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, famed for its Belle Époque villas designed by leading architects of the 20th century, yet with an equal number of modern properties on this highly sought after peninsula remains a magnet for international buyers.

While Russian buyers once dominated, recent years have seen more Anglo-Saxon and Eastern European interest along with those in the tech and pharmaceutical industries.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer—especially the Baie des Fourmis—and Villefranche-sur-Mer also attract high-net-worth clients from France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland. Properties under €3 million are in demand with this group, while buyers from Northern and Eastern Europe tend to seek larger estates of 300–500 m² priced from €6 million upward.

On the western side of Monaco, Cap-d’Ail continues to charm with panoramic sea views, coastal trails, and its emblematic Plage Mala district, home to striking Belle Époque villas. With Roquebrune Cap Martin also now on buyers' radars. 

Last year, we predicted that a second Trump presidency could drive more Americans to purchase permanent or secondary homes here. That forecast has proven accurate—threefold—since January 2025, with daily inquiries arriving from clients across a wide budget range.

This summer, many of our U.S. villa rental guests have shared the same first impressions upon arrival: they feel they can finally breathe, and that they’re safe in one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Around half have requested in-person meetings during their vacation to discuss purchasing a second home, along with related topics such as visas and mortgage options.

We’re always happy to connect prospective buyers with trusted partners who specialize in these areas. If owning property in the Côte d’Azur is on your horizon, reach out to us at Experience The French Riviera—we’ll help make the process seamless from first viewing to final signature.

Privacy Abuse in Monaco

 

In recent months, the Principality of Monaco has taken a decisive stand to protect the privacy of its hotel and casino patrons. The Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) — the prestigious group behind Monaco’s most renowned establishments including the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, and the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo — has introduced firm new measures to address a growing problem: individuals filming guests without consent.

A Response to Abusive Behavior

The move comes after repeated incidents in which certain visitors, influencers, or social media opportunists recorded videos or took photographs of guests in public and semi-private areas of SBM properties. In some cases, these images were posted online without permission, exposing VIP clients, high-stakes players, and everyday guests to unwanted attention or potential security risks.

And frequently you can find in these posts online that assumptions are made about the individuals being billionaires, escorts…you name it. All so the content creator can obtain clout and followers.

Monaco, famed for its glamour and exclusivity, thrives on offering its visitors a sense of discretion. For many guests — including high-profile figures from entertainment, business, and politics — the ability to enjoy a holiday, a fine meal, or an evening at the gaming tables without intrusive cameras is part of the experience they expect and pay for.

Stronger Protections and Clear Guidelines

In response, SBM has implemented clear signage across its hotels, casinos, bars, and restaurants, reminding visitors that filming or photographing other guests without consent is strictly prohibited. Security teams have been briefed to address violations immediately, and staff have been empowered to intervene if they witness inappropriate filming. Repeat offenders risk being asked to leave the premises and may face bans from SBM properties.

The policy is not aimed at casual holiday snaps of architecture or food, but specifically at protecting individuals from being targeted or harassed for online content. “Our priority is the comfort and peace of mind of every guest,” an SBM spokesperson noted. “This is about respect — for privacy, for the atmosphere of our establishments, and for Monaco’s longstanding reputation as a safe haven for those seeking discretion.”

Preserving Monaco’s Spirit of Discretion

While the rise of smartphones and social media has made candid filming commonplace worldwide, Monaco is signaling that it will not compromise on the standards that set it apart from other destinations. The new rules reflect a broader understanding: luxury is not just about five-star service or breathtaking views, but also about the freedom to enjoy them without fear of becoming someone else’s content.

Visitors are encouraged to focus on their own experience — and to remember that in Monaco, the most valuable souvenir is often the memory, not the Instagram post.