(Or why so many discerning people from around the world continue to buy their holiday villa on the French Riviera, or their apartment in Cannes – the very words conjure up dream-like images which are irresistible.)

From holiday makers and film stars, to royalty, beach goers and businessmen, Cannes has been the French Riviera hot spot and first choice of lovers of quality for centuries.

Strolling along “La Croisette” with the sun setting coral pink on the horizon, palm trees on one side of you and white beaches and a lapping azure sea on the other, it might be hard to believe that only 3 hours ago, you were boarding a plane in London or Stockholm, having had no sight of a blue sky for weeks.

Situated in one of the most famous bays on the French Riviera, half way between Monaco and St Tropez and only 30 minutes from Nice International Airport, Cannes has established a name and reputation over the last few centuries, which is unrivalled.

What many people don’t realise is that it doesn’t just cater to the rich and famous and the world renowned Cannes Film Festival each May, but also to dozens of other conferences throughout the year.

So what does this mean for the investor? Firstly, where property in Cannes is concerned values are assured. Secondly, the Cannes rental market is not just holiday based, but it also caters to professionals from around the world, all year round. And thirdly, there’s constant excitement in Cannes; the city has developed to cater for this, the restaurants being world class, the support facilities firmly in place, and the city kept spotless with almost monthly replanting of the magnificent array of flower gardens that line our streets and walkways.

While seaside towns along the French Riviera generally revert to their sleepy fisherman’s village status once the summer holidays are over, Cannes’ investment properties open their doors to international delegates of the advertising, real estate, film, television, music and tourism industries, to name just a few.

For anyone who hasn’t yet visited Cannes, it is so conveniently placed only one hour from the rolling vineyards of Provence, the ski slopes of the Southern Alps, the street markets of Italy, and famed golf courses such as the Gary Player designed “Chateau de Taulane”. Put differently, within an hour of your morning cappuccino and croissant on the famous La Croisette you can taste crisp rosés paired with delectable local cheeses in the celebrated wine regions of Provence and the Var, or be racing down sheet white Alpine ski slopes, visiting and leisurely shopping in a quaint Italian leather market, or practising your swing on one of the 15 world-class golf courses surrounding Cannes.

It is an alluring mix and has led to the enduring popularity of the area amongst people who really appreciate quality of living.

Oh, and let’s not forget 300 “sun days” a year which add to the draw for thousands who search out their property on the Cote d’Azur, their French second home, or a Riviera paradise to enjoy with close friends and family.

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