Monday, March 11, 2024

French Riviera Villa Rental Tips

 

Renting a villa on the French Riviera can be an exciting experience, offering luxury, stunning views, and a taste of the glamorous lifestyle of the region.

The optimal approach to achieving your desires is through thoughtful planning and maintaining a realistic outlook.


 Here are some tips to ensure a smooth villa rental journey:

  1. Start Early: It cannot be expressed enough to begin your search for a villa well in advance, especially if you are planning to visit during peak seasons like summer.

    This allows you to have a wider selection and better chances of securing your desired property, at a possibly better rate.

    Typically, anything on the lower end of the price scale and closest to the beaches is booked up first.

    Also, when properties start booking up completely in an area, bidding wars begin so when you find something suitable, don’t hesitate to book.

  2. Define Your Needs: Dates for your arrival and departure are very important as villas are booked weekly only (Sunday to Sunday).

    In recent years, there has been a notable trend towards longer bookings, with guests using the property as a hub for exploring other areas within the region or even venturing into Europe.

    Whether you plan to stay for a week or a couple of months, informing the agent will assist in refining the search within the database to better suit your needs.

    Establish a boundary for yourself regarding how many property options are suitable. Through our experience, we've observed that the more properties individuals consider, the more they tend to anticipate finding a perfect one. Consequently, they delay booking until it's often too late.

    There is a diverse range of architectural styles available in the region. Decide whether you prefer to stay in a contemporary property or something with a more Provencal charm.

    Determine your requirements in terms of the number of bedrooms, amenities (pool, garden, proximity to the beach, etc.), and location preferences before you start searching.

  3. Consider Location: The French Riviera offers various locations, each with its charm and attractions. Research different towns and villages to find the one that suits your preferences in terms of ambiance, accessibility, and activities.

    Properties located closer to the beaches and sea command higher prices.

    Thankfully, transportation options, whether by car or public transit, are excellent in the area. As a result, many visitors indulge in extensive exploration to make the most of their holiday time.

    Keep in mind that popular locations and their surrounding areas such as Saint Tropez, Cannes, and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat are in high demand so they tend to book out first.

  4. Budget Wisely: So that there are no surprises, set a realistic budget for your villa rental, taking into account additional costs such as cleaning fees, security deposits, and any extra services you may require during your stay.

    Don’t fall for the social media dream post of a property. A villa rental posted on social media represents a lifestyle not all of us can afford and tends to be posted aiming toward that agency’s clientele base.

    For instance, a property featuring a vast pool on sprawling private grounds with eight bedrooms and parking for ten cars near a beach with breathtaking sea views will come with a hefty price tag. Consider whether it realistically fits into your budget.

    Agents have heard everything so you are not judged on what you want to spend, you will be more respected for indicating your budget and they can provide results sooner knowing your limit. Even the most wealthy of individuals have a budget they want to stay within.

    For more than 13 years, Experience The French Riviera has established itself in the region. Throughout this period, we've earned a reputation for prioritizing our clients' needs over commissions. We're committed to ensuring our clients find rental properties within their budget, even if it means accepting a lower commission ourselves to make it happen.

  5. Check Rental Terms: Carefully review the rental agreement, including cancellation policies, payment schedules, and any additional fees or charges. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions before making a reservation.

    The amount of guests is always very specific for a property. Keep in mind that inviting another group of family or friends for the same stay can breach your contract and you may be asked to leave immediately.

  6. Verify Amenities and Services: Confirm that the villa offers all the amenities and services you need for a comfortable stay. This may include air conditioning, internet access, housekeeping, chef services, and transportation arrangements.

  7. Secure Transportation: Plan your transportation arrangements in advance, especially if you're arriving by air. Consider renting a car or arranging for private transfers to explore the region conveniently.

  8. Communicate with the Host or Agency: Maintain open communication with the villa rental agency throughout the booking process. Clarify any doubts or special requests you may have to ensure everything is arranged to your satisfaction. Ask as many questions as you want, an agency should have nothing to hide.

  9. Prepare for Your Stay: Pack accordingly based on the weather and activities you plan to enjoy during your time on the French Riviera. Don't forget to bring any necessary travel documents, medications, and personal items.

    Most anything you can get in your home country is also available here in case there is something you have forgotten.

    We maintain enduring business alliances with leading agencies in the area. Therefore, if there's anything you require that isn't currently within our database, we can promptly connect you with one of our trusted partners without delay.

    By following these tips, you can enhance your villa rental experience on the French Riviera and create unforgettable memories in this beautiful destination. Please let us know if you have any questions at Experience The French Riviera.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

French Riviera Real Estate Options Twenty

For March we are focusing on Mougins when it comes to real estate as it offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, security, and investment potential making it an ideal location for buying real estate, whether as a primary residence, vacation home, or investment property.

While Mougins is undoubtedly a desirable location, its real estate market can offer a variety of options to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxurious villas with expansive grounds to charming apartments in the village center, there is a diverse range of properties available for purchase.

Mougins is considered a safe and secure area, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking a peaceful and secure living environment. Additionally, the village's surrounding layout, characterized by winding streets and secluded properties, offers residents a sense of privacy and exclusivity.

Mougins is known for its rich culinary heritage, with several Michelin-starred restaurants within its borders. The village hosts the annual International Gastronomy Festival, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world. Its cultural scene is also vibrant, with numerous art galleries and museums showcasing contemporary and classical works, plus, the popularity of the local International school makes it a perfect place to raise a family.

The area is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, nestled in the hills overlooking Cannes, with views of the Mediterranean Sea. Its natural beauty makes it an attractive destination for buyers seeking a tranquil and visually appealing environment.

With that, here are some local options:

Mougins 
4,990,000 EUR

Living Area: 301 m2
Bedrooms: 5
Plot: 5114 m2

Nestled amidst the hills of Mougins, lies this captivating Californian villa boasting awe-inspiring panoramic vistas stretching from the hillsides to the Mediterranean Sea.

Bathed in sunlight from its Southwest orientation and spanning approximately 300 square meters, this residence has been meticulously refurbished and upheld, offering a sumptuous and inviting living space.

Every facet of this home has been refined with meticulous attention to detail. The luminous reception areas seamlessly flow onto an expansive terrace overlooking a splendid swimming pool, creating an enchanting ambiance for both entertainment and leisure.

With 5 bedrooms, each accompanied by its en-suite bathroom or shower, absolute comfort awaits its inhabitants.

Complimenting the main residence, there is an independent 2-room apartment, along with amenities such as a gym, sauna, laundry room, wine cellar, and a garage accommodating 4 cars, ensuring unparalleled convenience.

Moreover, this property boasts a resplendent landscaped garden spanning over 5,000 square meters, where tranquil waterfalls cascade and koi carp glide gracefully in the ponds.

Well-tended foliage imbues a sense of serenity, while the exceptional pool area, complete with a pool house featuring a summer kitchen, beckons relaxation and conviviality amidst the al fresco surroundings.

Mougins 
5,500,000 EUR

Living Area: 460 m2
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5
Plot: 3850 m2

Beautiful property on the market close to all amenities, with huge potential. Villa of 460m2 on 3850m2 of land with a swimming pool.

Ground floor: Entrance, living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room, and 1 en-suite bedroom.

Top floor: 1 master bedroom and 3 bedrooms with bathroom.

Basement: playroom and cellar.

Caretaker’s house, pool house, carport, and parking spaces. Modernization and expansion project available.

Mougins 
7,300,000 EUR

Living Area: 784 m2
Bedrooms: 6
Plot: 3.2 hectares

In one of the most sought-after areas of Mougins, this magnificent villa of 784 m² on 3.2 hectares of land with a swimming pool is on the market.

Facing southwest, the villa is made up of 6 en suite bedrooms, an office, and an expansive living room with an open-plan kitchen, all opening onto a 400 m2 terrace.

The garden has numerous terraces, a heated swimming pool, a cinema, an independent apartment, and a five-car garage.

Mougins 
8,900,000 EUR

Living Area: 700 m2
Bedrooms: 5
Plot: 2700 m2

Situated in the most sought-after gated domain, this magnificent new contemporary villa of 700m on 2700 m2 of flat land with a swimming pool.

Ground floor: entrance, guest WC, living-dining room with 6m high ceilings, kitchen, utility room, master bedrooms, and an en-suite bedroom.

Floor: office, 2nd master bedroom with terrace, two en-suite bedrooms.

Complete with an elevator, home automation, home cinema, fitness, wine cellar, laundry room, games room/bar, sauna, and garage for 4 cars.

Mougins 
Price On Application

Sumptuous ultra-contemporary property of approximately 1000 m² on a flat plot of approximately 13,000 m², only 10 minutes from Cannes, in the most sought-after area of ​​Mougins in a quiet residential area.

Ground floor: Entrance, living room, dining room, kitchen, TV room, back kitchen with cold room, guest toilet, master bedroom en suite, two bedrooms en suite.

1st floor: Second master bedroom en suite, two bedrooms en suite.

Ground floor: Fitness room, shower, wc, cinema room, sauna, wellness room, wine cellar, laundry room, bedroom, shower, wc, and staff kitchen with independent access.

The villa is built with high-quality materials and perfect finishes. and full home automation.

Large heated swimming pool, pool house with shower, wc, and Hammam, lift for all levels, reversible air conditioning, underfloor heating, automatic watering, water softener, independent caretaker’s house, three-car garage, and six-car parking.

Connect with us for more listings at Experience The French Riviera.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

More Glitz & Glam for Cannes

The city of Cannes is about to garner even more glitz and glam.

Palm Beach Cannes, a renowned hotspot on the French Riviera since the 1920s, is poised to unveil its doors once again during the Cannes Film Festival following an extensive four-year restoration.

The revitalized venue will introduce the Riviera's inaugural waterfront saltwater pool, boasting breathtaking vistas of the Bay of Cannes. Alongside this, guests can indulge in amenities such as upscale boutiques, a serene wellness sanctuary, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an expansive ballroom.


Restored with meticulous attention to detail, the waterfront resort draws inspiration from the opulent Palace of a Thousand and One Nights, maintaining the captivating allure of its cinematic heyday. Commanding spectacular views of the Bay of Cannes, it has hosted a myriad of esteemed guests, including the likes of Grace Kelly, JFK and his extended family, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and politicians such as Winston Churchill. 

This revitalized resort promises to fuse timeless elegance with modern sophistication, making it a coveted destination for the discerning elite of the Côte d'Azur.
 
Per the designer's specifications, the complete renovation employs noble and sustainable materials to achieve a harmonious synthesis of modernity and tradition.

Palm Beach Cannes will feature a new casino and a selection of acclaimed restaurants. Among these are the culinary delights from Chef Yiannis Kioroglou at La Petite Maison, alongside the unique ambiance of the cabaret lounge and restaurant, Medusa. Tamarin, a South American-inspired restaurant hailing from St. Barths, and making its debut venture beyond the Caribbean. And the renowned Nammos Beach Club and Restaurant and Zuma, an upscale Japanese Izakaya establishment.

Nestled within Palm Beach lies the Members' Club, an enclave exclusively reserved for a meticulously curated list of members, fostering an international community of epicurean aficionados. Members enjoy privileged access to distinctive venues, including the Members' Bar, the renowned Palm Beach pool and its accompanying restaurant, and the Health Club facilities.

Constructed in 1929, the property has undergone numerous transformations, completely revamping its original architectural style.

Today, it stands as one of Europe's most notable developments in 2024. Renowned architects Caprini & Pellerin, headquartered in Cannes, have skillfully preserved the essence of the original Hispano-Moresque and Art Deco design while modernizing the resort for the 21st century.

Friday, March 1, 2024

Monaco Grand Prix Unveils Luxurious Floating Grandstand

 

Monaco is elevating its offerings for the 2024 Grand Prix by introducing a state-of-the-art floating grandstand, offering affluent spectators unparalleled views of the renowned circuit.
 
Monaco Ports has recently unveiled the specifics of its latest attraction, the Monaco Ports Lounge, a floating grandstand positioned strategically at Port Hercule. This exclusive spot offers a direct vantage point of the deceleration zone following the tunnel exit and the Chicane.
 
The grandstand is strictly allocated for guests aboard yachts docking at the Cala del Forte port in Ventimiglia and Port Hercule throughout the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. This adds a touch of luxury service during the pinnacle of F1 racing events worldwide and is a welcomed addition by other events companies.

“Monaco is such an iconic event, not only for Formula 1 but also for the city itself. Any opportunities to diversify and increase viewing opportunities at different price points, and to accommodate different interests, will be great for the event, for guests, and Monaco,” says Julie Hunter, Owner and Operations Director of Ultimate Driving Tours, a company that has been chartering yachts in Port Hercule for the Monaco Grand Prix since 2013.

The Monaco Ports Lounge represents a significant upgrade from typical grandstands. Spanning 600 m2 across three levels, it can accommodate up to 400 guests. VIP attendees will have access to beverages, snacks, and amenities such as restroom facilities and Wi-Fi. Additionally, guests can opt for lunch at the Société Nautique restaurant, conveniently situated just 200 meters away adjacent to the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Customers berthed at Cala del Forte can purchase three-day packages for €4,800, while those in Monaco can acquire them for €5,400.

Monaco's latest introduction of the floating grandstand is part of its ongoing efforts to boost revenue from the Grand Prix. It's anticipated that this standalone addition could generate over €2 million this year alone.

To request tickets contact Monaco Ports Lounge

Photos courtesy of Ports de Monaco Communication