Menton, and its’ “Fête du Citron”

Beneath the zest of Oranges and Lemons, lies one of France’s most beautiful Festivals. Having had its modest beginnings in 1933, Menton has reached “Lemon Festival N˚ 84” in 2017! Bravo! It has grown to be one of France’s biggest and best known festivals. Always held in February, this year’s event began on 11th and finished on 1st March, and 160 000 visitors were there … Continue reading Menton, and its’ “Fête du Citron”

Post Brexit: Most frequently asked questions to French Real Estate Agents.

In the wake of the Brexit decision almost one week ago, many of our clients and colleagues have had a number of questions for us regarding our predictions for the Real Estate market in France. Below are the most frequently asked questions, and our comments “from on the ground”: 1.)Many buyers and sellers may think this is not the time to buy or sell because … Continue reading Post Brexit: Most frequently asked questions to French Real Estate Agents.

French Riviera Real Estate remains enduringly attractive to wealthy buyers.

In France as a whole, property prices and sales in the last three years have fallen and while this applies to the French Riviera too, the region is enduringly attractive to wealthy buyers. Property on the French Riviera is generally seen as a long term investment, so gearing is very low, and owners are uninclined to react to the highs and lows of property cycles, … Continue reading French Riviera Real Estate remains enduringly attractive to wealthy buyers.

Leonardo di Caprio, Monks, Napoleon and the Gestapo have one thing in common. But what?

Anyone who has been to Cannes (or the French Riviera) will have at least seen, and most likely visited the “Lerins Islands” off the coast of Cannes, namely Île de Saint-Honorat and Île Sainte-Marguerite. These islands have a rich and fascinating history. One of the oldest working Monasteries in Europe, the Île de Saint-Honorat is the Southern, smaller island, dating back to AD410.  The Monks, … Continue reading Leonardo di Caprio, Monks, Napoleon and the Gestapo have one thing in common. But what?

Buying in France with £, US$, CHF, or…?

WHAT A DIFFERENCE THE FX RATE MAKES! The recent fall of the Euro means that if you are thinking of purchasing a property in France, and you’re buying in £, US$ or CHF… then you just won, big time! You’re in the UK? SAVE £90 484! The Exchange Rate is VASTLY better for you than it’s been since 2007. If you had wanted to buy … Continue reading Buying in France with £, US$, CHF, or…?

7 Steps to Property Success on the French Riviera

Information is at our fingertips, mais quand il est dans une autre langue it’s useless to many of us – and that’s where we come in. We have twin passions, Property and France – which makes us equally passionate about delivering the right information on both of these subjects, geared towards the needs of an international community to whom the language, the laws and the … Continue reading 7 Steps to Property Success on the French Riviera

Buying Property “Off Plan” in France – Why, How & Where?

Buying a property in another country is a big decision, and can seem a dauting undertaking. We ask Guy Watson-Smith, Managing Director of Fine & Country in Cannes, a few of the WHY, HOW and WHERE’S of buying property in France under the current climate, focusing specifically on the purchase of New Build Properties or “Programmes Neufs”.  ***Head down to the bottom of the article … Continue reading Buying Property “Off Plan” in France – Why, How & Where?

French Riviera Property of the Week: “Eden found”

Originally a “Bergerie” (Shepherd’s hut), this home was (re)built in 1930, by a famous British writer, and her husband (who, before moving to France was the King’s librarian). She wrote a number of books while living in the house, about her life in the South of France and daily encounters with the local people. The current owners are equally as creative. She is an oil … Continue reading French Riviera Property of the Week: “Eden found”

French Riviera Property of the Week: “Waterfront Wonderland”

When thinking of the French Riviera, you would automatically presume that there are countless seafront properties, where you can wander down from your croissant, fruit platter and coffee breakfast on the terrace, straight onto your private beach or speed boat at the bottom of the garden. Well, there aren’t. With all the excitement of the railway arriving on the Riviera in the late 1800’s, and … Continue reading French Riviera Property of the Week: “Waterfront Wonderland”