THE FRENCH CONNECTION What’s new on the new property scene on the Côte d’Azur? Anne Ager takes a 'behind the scenes’ look at some of the latest, and recently constructed French property buys on the French Riviera.
For the past 50 years or so, the French themselves have traditionally tended to prefer new to old. If grandmère has died, and left a 300 year-old maison de village, the immediate reaction of the French relatives is to sell it… and the new buyer is invariably British! (Or perhaps German, Scandinavian or Dutch). Foreigners have had a long-standing love affair with pierres anciennes (old stones): the large rambling mas, the maisons de maîtres, and the rustic village houses, especially on the Riviera. And this all started long before Peter Mayle put pen to paper on his Year in Provence.
Now things are changing. The charming stone houses in the villages and towns inland from the Côte d’Azur coastline will always hold their charm and appeal, but the prices are escalating and there are a limited number available to meet the demands of an international clientele. This is one reason why the property construction companies have invested heavily in new apartment blocks and domaines of small villas in the Riviera coastal resorts such as Menton, Nice, Antibes and Cannes, as well as creating new village complexes in the hillier regions away from the sea. If you can forgo your passion for old stones, these new builds can prove to be an excellent investment.
The initial purchase price is generally much more competitive than for a comparable, 'already-lived-in’ property, as you are usually committing yourself to buying off plan (i.e. prior to construction). This means that you have to pay a percentage of the purchase price on signing the contract, in say Spring 2004, but then don’t actually receive the keys until the Autumn of 2005. In the interim you will have made several more instalments at varying stages of construction (walls built, roof in place, etc), all strictly regulated by the French authorities. The great advantage with new build properties is that they are more secure than a remote rural property, they are virtually maintenance-free, and, if the location is right, they are eminently more lettable.
IF YOU CAN FORGO YOUR PASSION FOR OLD STONES, NEW BUILDS ON THE COTE D’AZURE CAN PROVE TO BE AN EXCELLENT INVESTMENT
A selection of developments in the region are included on the following pages for those considering a new property around the Côte d’Azur. The built-in extras tend to make them an irresistible investment. Many, for example, have a residential swimming pool and/or sports facilities such as tennis, and underground parking is usually provided. In the balmy Mediterranean climate, a terrace or balcony (or two) is generally de rigeur, and there is always the indispensable gardien (a man 'on the spot’, with eyes and ears everywhere, for your security and benefit). When it comes to choosing your ideal location along the French Riviera, you are currently spoilt for choice. From Menton close to the Italian border, right along to Mandelieu-la- Napoule, you can find new developments at different stages of construction springing up all over the place. My selection includes what I consider to be some of the best properties on offer. They are not all necessarily by the sea; I have purposely taken a slight detour inland to include places such as Le Rouret and Valbonne. All properties included are within a 35km drive of Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, and many others are considerably closer.
I would recommend spending at least five days in the region when you first visit to view potential properties. Return flights to Nice are exceptionally reasonable out of season, as are car hire rates and local accommodation. Try to visit as many different developments as possible during your stay to obtain a good overview as to what is available. It is always advisable to book viewing appointments in advance, preferably before leaving home.
The viewing of show apartments and houses in France is quite restricted compared to certain other European countries. Most offices (bureaux des ventes) are closed on Sundays, and, true to French style, everything stops for lunch! – usually 12.30-2.30pm.
Property classification - when is a room not a piece?
Before you even embark on your search, it is worth knowing that French apartments are classified by the number of pièces, and not by the total number of rooms. For example, a '3 pièces’ consists of two bedrooms and one reception room. The kitchen, hallway, bathroom, shower room, or separate WC are not included in this pièce classification; they are in addition to it.
NEW PROPERTY
Menton – Le Florence
This has long been a popular resort for British visitors, and many have already decided to retire here. Le Florence is beautifully situated at the foot of the mountains, which form the backdrop to Menton, in the tranquil quartier of Val del Borrigo. This new development is in a very peaceful location, surrounded by landscaped gardens and lush vegetation, and yet is still close to the sea and all the amenities that the town has to offer. The 3 and 4 pièce apartments all have large south-facing terraces, with views over the gardens and mountains. An exceptional setting for living in true Riviera-style.
Nice – Les Restanques de Fabron
Situated in the true capital of the Côte d’Azur, and in close proximity to the region’s airport, this property would make an excellent location either as a second home in the sun, or for letting. Les Restanques de Fabron is an enclosed, secure 'domaine’, surrounded by planted gardens and olive groves. The apartments and villas are finished to the highest standard, and have uninterrupted views across the sea to Cap d’Antibes. A swimming pool and clubhouse are also situated within the grounds.
Prices from €141,000 Completion End 2004/Early 2005
Promogim, Chemin du Cal de Spagnol Saubran, Nice. Tel. +33 04 93 21 29 36
www.promogim.fr
Cagnes-sur-Mer – Le Réal
Combining an ideal blend of the old and the new, Cagnes-sur-Mer is a lovely place for a second home. The town centre, with its traditional central square, period town hall and other municipal buildings, also provides an excellent choice of modern-style shops. Le Réal is an elegant development in the heart of town, directly facing the château. Here you will find a selection of fine, air- conditioned apartments, from a studio to a 4 pièces. The residence includes its own private swimming pool.
Prices from €210,000 Completion Early 2006
Ave.Georges Pompidou/Ave.Cyrille Besset, 06800 Cagnes-sur-Mer.
Tel. +33 06 60 09 09 52 www.bouyges-immobilier.com
Cannes - Le Carré des Musiciens
This is one of the most sought after developments in Cannes, in the quartier Windsor, and just minutes from La Croisette and the elegant boutiques of rue d’Antibes. The elegant residence of Le Carré des Musiciens is situated in a magnificent courtyard, in the shade of cedar trees. The 43 apartments range from studios to 5 pièces, and each one has a balcony or terrace.
FROM MENTON CLOSE TO THE ITALIAN BORDER TO MANDELIEU-LA-NAPOULE, YOU CAN FIND NEW DEVELOPMENTS SPRINGING UP ALL OVER THE PLACE.
Biot – La Closerie de la Chèvre d’Or
If you love goats’ cheese, even the name of this development is sufficient to tempt you! La Closerie de la Chèvre d’Or is a luxury development of apartments, situated in wooded parkland on the outskirts of the 1,000 year old village of Biot. Antibes is close by; Nice, Monaco and the Croisette at Cannes are less than half an hour away by the A8, and there are several golf courses in the area. The 'domaine’ of 36 apartments, each of which has its own splendid terrace, also has a magnificent circular swimming pool with a pool house, and a sophisticated security system. One, two, and three- bedroom apartments are available, including a 'villa sur le toit’. Underground parking is also provided for each owner.
Prices from €235,000 Completion March 2005
ABJ Promotion, 844 chemin de la Chèvre d’Or, 06410 Biot. Tel. +33 04 93 65 54 14 www.ajbpromotion.com
Le Rouret – Les Villas du Rouret
A quiet Provençal village away from the bustle of the Riviera coast, Le Rouret is only 19km from Cannes and 27km from the centre of Nice. The closest town is Grasse (the Azuréen home of perfume), and Le Rouret has long provided the 'perfumiers’ with jasmin, roses and orange blossom, with the heady fragrance of jasmin permeating the whole village. A well known area for the cultivation of a variety of trees and plants, Le Rouret also grows vines, olives and figs. Les Villas du Rouret offers prospective buyers a highly individual and characteristic style of architecture, each with its own spacious and private enclosed garden.
Prices from €450,000 Completion End 2004/Early 2005
Les Nouveaux Constructeurs, 27 Chemin de Troussane, Quartier Plan Berger, 06650 Le Rouret.
Tel. +33 08 25 04 91 49 www.premier.fr
Valbonne – Le Swing
Le Swing is a paradise for golfers, and just minutes away from the natural charm of the old village of Valbonne. The development actually stands on the former site of the Château Val Martin, right in the heart of the Victoria Golf Course. (The golf course of Valbonne-Opio is also within easy reach). The architectural style of Le Swing is a combination of Provençal charm and Italian elegance. The finishing touches have been added with the greatest finesse, to lend a distinguished ambiance to each property. The swimming pool and pool house, facing the lake and tennis court, offer plenty of opportunity for sporting activity and relaxation. There is also full security and underground parking.
Antibes – 26 ALBERT 1er
This is exceptionally situated in the heart of Antibes, just 200m from the sea and the ancient ramparts, close to the old town and to excellent shopping facilities. It is currently considered to be one of the most prestigious locations in town. The angled building, neo-classical in design, offers a variety of different apartments each with a balcony or terrace. The interior and exterior finishes are of the highest quality, and the residence is protected by entrance security, video surveillance and an on-the-spot gardien.
Antibes – Le Patio Vauban
One of the finest coastal locations on the Côte d’Azur, Antibes is sandwiched neatly between Cannes and Nice, and within very easy reach of both Nice Airport and the A8 autoroute. It is an ideal blend of the charm of the old town and the glamour of the yachting industry. The brand new development of Le Patio Vauban is just a few steps from 'la vielle ville’, with its winding streets and Provençal market, the yachting harbour of Port Vauban, and the beaches. The apartments are set in fully landscaped gardens of trees, flowers and fountains. This would be one of the most eminently lettable properties for would-be buyers.
Prices from €195,000 Completion Spring 2005
Les Nouveaux Constructeurs,
Angle rue Bertaina & Avenue Saint-Roch, O6600 Antibes. Tel. +33 08 25 04 91 49 www.premier.fr
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Anne Ager on:
Tel. +33 04 93 34 41 02
Email: anne.ager@tiscali.fr
Website: www.anne-ager.com
