The numbers keep coming in and it looks like France still holds the distinction of being the most popular tourist destination in the world.
In the past three decades, France has consolidated its reputation as the global leading travel market thanks to an incredibly rich tourism offer, ranging from the world-famous attractions of Paris to the picturesque towns in the Alps and of course, the French Riviera.
Aside from the strong contribution of domestic visitors, generating around two-thirds of travel and tourism spending in France, the country is known for being the most visited global destination by inbound tourists.
Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, France maintained the top spot in the ranking of countries with the highest number of international tourist arrivals worldwide, with arrivals bouncing back to nearly 80 million in 2022. And so far in 2023, there have been 90 million tourists who have visited France according to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Although there is a regional feeling the rush of people the last two years has been due to Covid-19 restrictions being lifted and that 2024 might be a calmer, “back to normal” year, France’s popularity is unlikely to wane according to GlobalData, a respected London-based analytics and consulting firm, as they predict a 12% jump in international arrivals from 2022 to 2025 that could equal a mind-blowing 94 million people each year.
In a recent International Tourist Satisfaction Survey organized by the French government, the country scored highly for its warm welcome, accommodation options, cultural and leisure facilities, and, of course, gastronomy.
With that in mind, we have been telling anyone planning a trip here to book your chalet or villa rentals as early as possible before you travel. As a benefit to you, booking early means a wider selection of properties in the location you are interested in and with better rates. Because as an area continues to book up, the requirements you desire may have to become lower and rate wars can even begin to happen due to owners being inundated with requests during the same time requested. And we want only the best rates for you for your vacation.
As a side note, while there are many places to enjoy and discover throughout the Cote d’Azur and Monaco. Every year we encounter visitors who are trying to cram in as much as possible in their itinerary.
Frankly, it's not a good way to travel, not only in France but in any other country. We see people who have tried to cover every base during their trip here looking exhausted from taking public transit, waiting in lines, and staring at their phones the whole time as their guide instead of taking in the local scenery while rushing to get from place to place to then only having enough time to take a couple of photos so they are at least able to tell people back home they’ve been there.
By the end of it all, it seems to become a blur and they don’t recognize where they might have been.
What I am trying to say is, that when planning your trip, we are here to help guide you by learning what your interests are before your arrival. The French Riviera offers so much to see and do, that it’s best to pick a few prime locations to visit and build upon your trip once here.
Take the time to see how the locals live in each area, taste the food, relax on a beach, swim in the sea, hike the mountains, and experience as much of the culture as possible.
For your first visit here, it’s best to take your time to truly get a feel for the region. Then you will have real stories to tell friends and family back home. The Cote d’Azur seems to linger within one even after you are gone, enticing you back to discover even more about the region and it’s not going anywhere soon, so we hope you will visit again.
The rebirth of an iconic property is about to take place as the Société des Bains de Mer recently announced that the new Café de Paris will open its doors later this month on Tuesday, November 14th.
Known worldwide, the legendary brasserie, located at Place du Casino, will be able to accommodate a total of 500 guests, both indoors and outdoors.
Strategically situated as the place to see and be seen, the renovation project was originally scheduled to last just over a year, but delays added more than a few months to the original deadline.
The €55 million renovations and refurbishment, which have necessitated a complete closure of the historic eatery since March 2022, have been extensive, to say the least.
On the website of the Société des Bains de Mer, Éric Gorjux, the establishment's director, gives details of what you'll be able to discover. "In each of our reflections, we kept in mind the establishment's past, while projecting ourselves into the future. A real exercise in style! More than a simple renovation, we're rebuilding the building, with additional floors," he explains.
Société des Bains de Mer's flagship brasserie will be spread over two levels. The interior of the restaurant will seat 300 people. The outside terrace will be able to seat another 200 people. All this, "from breakfast until late at night", adds Éric Gorjux, "to keep pace with the Casino Café de Paris next door." At the helm of this major transformation are two great architects, Monegasque Alexandre Giraldi and Frenchman Alain-Charles Perrot. Above the Café de Paris, the Amazonico restaurant will eventually open its doors. This will take place in spring 2024.
Locals and visitors alike will not have to wait long now to discover what will surely be the next and longstanding hotspot in Monaco.
For the 16th year running, Polychromes is proud to present ZeFestival,
an LGBTQIA+ film festival celebrating the diversity and richness of our
cultures starting on November 4th until December 3, 2023.
Considered
a tradition in the Cote d’Azur, this year's edition features no less
than 19 never-before-seen feature films, most of which can be seen
outside the commercial circuit, as well as a weekend of 13 short films
as diverse as they are creative. Of these 32 films, half are directed by
women, and all communities are represented, with perfect parity between
gay and lesbian films. Zefestival proudly honors the diversity of
genders and sexualities.
For this year's edition, Zefestival
is displaying its program at the LGBTQIA+ center, organizing 2 special
evenings, a breakfast in the dark, and a sensory workshop around Jean
Cocteau's drawings to commemorate the 60th anniversary of his death.
Zefestival is also involved in activist events such as World
AIDS Day and Trans Remembrance Day. It is a time to be visible and
proud.
It is advised to get your tickets to the films and events early.
Although we generally focus on properties on the market in the French Riviera, with winter practically here, we just couldn't resist showing you some amazing properties for sale in Courchevel.
Courchevel is a French Alps ski resort. It is a part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski area in the world. Courchevel also refers to the towns of Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz), Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 (Moriond), and Courchevel 1850, which are named for their altitudes in metres. On January 1, 2017, Saint-Bon-Tarentaise (1100) merged into the new commune Courchevel.
This spectacular area has a renowned reputation as being one of the best skiing locations globally but as residents can attest to, its breathtaking natural surroundings also make it one the prime places in which to live and it entices visitors year-round. With the added bonus of numerous designer luxury boutiques and fine dining restaurants in which to enjoy.
With that, here are some property options currently available.
Courchevel Moriond 1,045,000 EUR to 3,075,000 EUR
These fantastic quality apartments in Courchevel Moriond are being sold off-plan and are due for delivery in late 2024.
The apartments range from 2 bedrooms at 65m2 to 3 bedrooms (+/- bunk room) at 176m2.
The property is in a fantastic location in the heart of Courchevel Moriond. The views are exceptional from these apartments, and they are so convenient for skiing and amenities.
These apartments can be used for personal holidays and also rented via the in-house management company to generate income.
The management company will provide year-round property management, meaning you can enjoy your holiday with hotel-like services as well as your future guests.
The building will have high-end services including:
Reception and concierge service Restaurant Bar Swimming pool Spa Shops Ski room Parking
*Off-plan properties benefit from several financial incentives, including reclaiming of 20% VAT and reduced legal fees.
Courchevel Moriond 2,375,000 EUR to 4,025,000 EUR
This quality development is in a fantastic location with views and sunshine and is close to the village amenities of Courchevel Moriond, including, of course, skiing.
The lodges can be used for personal use and also rented via the management company to generate income for the owners. Constructed by a well-known, local developer, you will be able to choose some internal materials and finishes to really personalize your own apartment.
The lodges range from 224m2 to 391m2.
The management company provides year-round property care, so you can enjoy your holiday with hotel-like services just like your guests.
The lodge includes services including:
Reception and concierge
Restaurant
Bar
Swimming pool
Spa
Shops
Ski room
Parking
Each lodge benefits from balconies with amazing views and some have cinema or private spa facilities.
*Off-plan properties benefit from several financial incentives, including reclaiming of 20% VAT and reduced legal fees.
Courchevel 1850
7,875,000 EUR
This beautiful semi-detached chalet is situated in a private residential area close to the center of Courchevel 1850. The property offers 145 m² livable space / 160 m² floor space, extraordinary unobstructed mountain views, and a wonderful south-facing terrasse.
The property has been constructed using high-quality traditional Savoyard Alpine materials such as aged wood, beautiful stonework, exposed beams & slate roof.
This exquisite chalet offers a spacious living & dining area with a large open fireplace & direct access to the south-facing balcony/terrasse.
The fully equipped semi-open kitchen offers a breakfast bar division to the dining area.
1st double bedroom with full ensuite bathroom
2nd bedroom with bunk beds & full ensuite bathroom
3rd bedroom with bunk beds & full ensuite bathroom
4th bedroom is a beautiful master bedroom with a dressing & ensuite bathroom with a separate WC.
There is a possibility to purchase the adjoining chalet if you wish to unite the two together.
Courchevel 1850 9,900,000 EUR
This stunning chalet is in a great location in a quiet, exclusive area of Courchevel 1850, 3 Valleys. The chalet is just a few steps from the ski lifts to whisk you up to the Courchevel ski area and then beyond to the 3 Valleys. The skiing location couldn't get much better than this.
The chalet consists of:
A large welcoming hallway, with stairs, or a lift, to all floors for convenience
5 en-suite bedrooms
An open-plan living area with 2 seating zones, a cozy spot around an open fire, a dining area with exceptional views, and a good-sized kitchen.
