French Riviera Real Estate Options Thirteen

For a lot of people wanting to buy a property in the Cote d’Azur, there is sometimes a tendency to gravitate towards prime locations such as Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Cannes, and Cap d’Antibes to name a few places…at least until they see the price tag.

So I’d like to introduce you to a place that is still close to the sea, with a countryside, artistic feel, yet still provides one with any number of local amenities just minutes away. This would be the village of Biot.

Biot has a real French flair about it that seems to enchant everyone that visits the place. Known as the city of crafts, in the middle ages, pottery began to flourish here and since 1956, Biot has been renowned for its glassblowing.

Artisans such as painters, goldsmiths, sculptors, illustrators, ceramists, jewelers, sculptors, leather craftsmen, and photographers have graciously sought out a living here with a passion for their trade. One of the most famous artists is Fernand Léger, who worked in his workshop in Biot during the last years of his life.

But the real reason people love living in Biot is its strong sense of community and in terms of real estate, one tends to get more for their money here in terms of size of property and ideal location.

Biot can be found between Saint Paul de Vence and Mougins and is only minutes away from Antibes.

Biot
1,498,000 EUR

Area: 175m²
7 room(s)
4 bedroom(s)

This charming Provencal-style family villa is located in a sought-after neighborhood between the villages of Valbonne and Biot. The villa offers immaculate, comfortable, and functional living on two levels.

Modern top-notch design kitchen with Carrera marble countertops, large utility room, two brand new bathrooms, cozy living and dining room with traditional terracotta floors and fireplace opening onto the terrace and swimming pool. Four spacious bedrooms and a large study/library.

Set in sunny south-facing Mediterranean gardens of 1500m2 with a swimming pool, sundeck, boule pitch, vegetable garden, and fantastic citrus trees including lemon, grapefruit, oranges, clementines, and tropical fruits, this well-kept home truly is a perfect South of France villa, with easy access to the seaside, schools, Sophia-Antipolis, golf, and tennis, Antibes, and Nice International Airport.

Biot
2,300,000 EUR

Area: 300m²
6 room(s)
5 bedroom(s)
Land: 2800m²

In a dominant position with a lovely open view of the hills, a bright, newly renovated 300 m2 villa offers a perfect blend of Provençal charm and modernity. Composed of a living/dining room of more than 80m2 which opens onto the terrace with a view of the swimming pool, the garden, and the hills.

The villa offers five large bedrooms, one of which is on ground level.

High-quality materials and equipment, gas heating, and reverse air conditioning by heat pump.

The garden of 2.800m2 is superbly landscaped with a large swimming pool of 15m, pool-house, and carport. Facing south and maximum sunshine from morning to evening in all seasons.

Biot

3,950,000 EUR

Area: 555.79m²
12 room(s)
9 bedroom(s)
Land: 4406m²

Located in a privileged and private residence, this charming property has recently been renovated and combines authenticity and modernity with comfortable volumes. In a dominant position, the property extends over a magnificent landscaped garden with a panoramic view of nature and the neighboring hills. A true haven of peace located only a few minutes from shops.

The entrance to the property is enhanced by a charming patio with a central hacienda-like fountain. Past this patio, the main entrance of the house consists of a reception hall opening onto a large living room with a fireplace, beams, and high ceilings, a comfortable dining room, an independent kitchen equipped with a back kitchen, a pantry, a laundry room, and a large office.

The villa also offers three primary bedrooms. The living room opens directly onto the swimming pool area. You will also find a large terrace, partly covered by a cozy wooden frame, and its pizza oven that will guarantee great moments of conviviality.

Upstairs will be found three more suites including a master suite with a private terrace and sea view. On the ground floor, a large entertainment area includes a gym, a lounge area with a jacuzzi and a sauna, a cinema room, and a garden lounge with billiards, a bar, and a wine cellar.

In addition to the main house with its independent entrances, you will discover a bright 3-room apartment of 100m2, opening onto a beautiful terrace; and a second 2-room apartment.

The property also offers a large double garage, a carport, numerous parking spaces, and a workshop. A magnificent park of Mediterranean species, olive trees, and a vegetable garden.

For more information about these properties or any others, connect with us at Info@experiencethefrenchiviera.com

Return of the Dolly White Party

 

It wouldn’t be summer without the traditional Dolly White Party in le petit Marais district of Nice.

Situated between Place Garibaldi and the Port, at Place du Pin, the Dolly Party will be easy enough to find, just simply follow the direction of the crowds and dance music for this most popular LGBTQ party of the season on Monday, August 14th starting at 18h.

Have fun and support this charity as the party helps raise funds that allow the LGBTQIA+ Center to support its action against discrimination year-round throughout the Cote d’Azur.

The usual mode of fashion for the event is to wear white and expect a diverse crowd of people of all age ranges and nationalities who will be dancing the night away under the stars.

This is a secured event so expect the usual security checks for the safety of everyone.

A myriad of talented DJs that we love will be on the decks: Jissé Flight Møde, DJ Fredsky official, Tristan Garner, Nicolas Dermen, Anna Crouse, and La Fille de l'air, winner of the Tramplin Dolly 2023, and all under the eye of the new Dolly statue by the artist Moya Patrick.

It’s advised to arrive early as the area, although almost two blocks in size, does fill up with people quite quickly.

So get out there and enjoy what will be the most memorable Dolly Party event of the summer!

Le Saint Jean Restaurant - Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

 

Although year-round the restaurants on the Cote d’Azur are always remarkable, there is something about summer that just seems to bring that extra seasonal Riviera feeling to an eatery, and one establishment in particular with this type of ambiance is Le Saint Jean Restaurant on Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.

Situated at the port in the heart of the village, just steps from the sea, the restaurant both inside or outside on the expansive terraces (where most people tend to gravitate to), is light and airy, making it ideal for people-watching and taking in the surroundings of the area with views all the way towards Monaco.

Le Saint Jean Restaurant was established back in 1916, making it one of the first longstanding businesses on Cap Ferrat which has also become a favorite haunt of many locals over the decades.

With an ever-changing, enticing array of items to choose from on the menu, including fresh seafood caught daily and brought in direct from the port. Le Saint Jean is a highly regarded, must-visit establishment if you happen to be on the peninsula.

Here, no matter what time of the day or night you visit, the staff is always attentive, proactive in their work, knowledgeable about the restaurant, courteous, and always smiling, in general, they are a lot of fun to be around.

The food is always fresh with any number of items on the menu that will easily tempt your tastebuds, whether it be from the daily specials board, or if you are in the mood for Italian or French cuisine.

At Le Saint Jean Restaurant you get great value for your money with the selection of dishes being quite sizeable, colorful, delectable, and definitely Instagram-worthy, the same goes for the vast array of cocktails and wine options available - all moderately priced.

The next time you are on Cap Ferrat, be sure to experience Le Saint Jean Restaurant.

Photos credit: Le Saint Jean Restaurant

Saint Tropez Designer Beaches

Summer beach collaborations have been taken to the next level this summer in the sunny Saint Tropez area and here is where to find them.

The best place to get a true feel of Saint Tropez is by heading to the sandy coastline of Pampelonne, home to some of the most iconic beach clubs in the whole of the south of France.

Style has always been the name of the game here and where better to show off what you’ve got than at one of the many glamorous and reputable locations such as Nikki Beach, Byblos, and Club 55.

Let’s start with the super sexy Simon Porte Jacquemus, who is a native of the region and who has exploded onto the fashion scene with a range of vibrant, fun clothing and accessories. This year, he has chosen to open a pop-up boutique with the Été capsule collection at the amazing Indie Beach where you can also get a bright sun lounger to help you capture some rays.

 

Loulou Ramatuelle and Gucci have formed a partnership this season that showcases all the best aspects of this area of Saint Tropez while providing a strong presence in terms of the Gucci brand. Capture this look from the beaming yellow parasols to the recognizable red, white, and navy will delight anyone looking for that perfect Instagram shot in the sand while on vacation.

To get the full experience of the Gucci capsule collection housed in the pop-up boutique, you can book an appointment with a dedicated client advisor for a memorable holiday shopping experience.

 

Loyal followers of the Loro Piana brand will find the cool, sophisticated fashion and homewares featured at the renowned La Réserve à la Plage at their own pop-up boutique. La Réserve is where people come to get away from the party scene and relax surrounded by a beautiful, natural environment at the end of Pampelonne Beach, making this collaboration ideal for both brands involved.

 

Christian Dior himself had a long history in the Cote d’Azur so it’s no surprise that the Dior brand would match itself with Shellona Beach, a laid-back seaside location that has been enticing visitors since 2017.

Affectionately named “Dioriviera”, the brand has lovingly taken over Shellona beach with hints of its recognizable Toile de Jouy in pinky hues, from the numerous loungers and deckchairs to parasols and even the scatter cushions to name but a few items. Here, Dior also has a pop-up boutique displaying this season's capsule collection from Maria Grazia Chiuri.