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.
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