Med In Heaven
Villefranche to Menton
The stretch of land from Villefranche to Menton is one of the most exclusive areas in Europe. Lavish villas dot the beautiful mountains as the sea glistens in the Mediterranean sun. The select few who can reside in this region generally acquire their dream home post-haste.
The wealthy have been coming to the Riviera for centuries, from Queen Victoria to the Rotschild dynasty, in search of a unique kind of luxury.
Although each village in this area has its own distinctive attractions, what every property has in common is proximity to a beautiful sandy beach, over 300 days of sun per year, and that distinctive class that only the French Riviera has to offer.
Villfranche-sur-mer, located between cosmopolitan Nice and the exclusive St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, is a beautiful little village by the sea. With a long stretch of beach and yet another of the Riviera’s many picturesque harbours, properties here benefit from breathtaking views throughout. Villefranche is very accessible, being only 10 minutes from Nice airport and close to the main Riviera motorway. Private waterfront villas with mooring facilities are available here, while mooring costs in the main port remain reasonable.
For those looking for something truly luxurious, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is the place to be. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is widely regarded as the most beautiful residence on the Cote D’Azur, which has set the standard for luxurious living that has remained to this day. Secluded villas, hidden behind pine forests, with majestic gardens to match, are the norm here. There are many waterfront properties with private beaches and vast domains that are waiting to be discovered. Many of the super-rich of today now have homes in this peninsula, such as Steve Allan of Microsoft, Roman Abramovich the Russian oligarche, and Sean Quinn the Irish insurance magnate.
At the top of Eze, villas overlook the famous perched medieval village against a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. Eze enjoys some world-class restaurants, including the Chateau de la Chevre d’Or, as featured in the Michelin Guide. Down by the water’s edge, villas are secluded and enjoy a small private beach and port. Company here includes Bono and Princess Antoinette of Monaco. Cap D’Ail, located adjacent to Eze, is listed as a health resort since 1921 and is famed for the healing powers of its water. A haven for walkers, there are four main trains that snake through the stunning countryside.
Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, famed for its beautiful port and the high-end yachting facilities it offers, is yet another petit village that attracts multitudes of wealthy residents. Meaning “beautiful place” in English, it lives up to its name. Being the smallest commune on the Riviera and managing to attract the wealthy of each generation has made Beaulieu an expensive area to buy.
Sandwiched between Menton and Monaco, Rouqbrune-Cap-Martin is a historic town with winding streets and views of both Monaco and Italy. The Cap is surrounded by pine trees and olive groves hiding many of the luxurious villas. The peninsula is less built up than Cap Ferrat and Cap d’Antibes but just as exclusive.
Monaco, playground of the wealthy, is the ultimate resort for those with cash to splash. Bars, Casinos and restaurants aplenty, Monaco offers everything one could need for an entertaining evening out. A tax-free haven, Monaco is some to thousands of foreigners who use this tiny country as their permanent residence. Monaco is the location of choice for those who demand the highest standards of security – the principality has the largest police force in the world, both per capita
and per area.
Menton, just inside the border with Italy, has an interesting modern-history and is home to some of the most tranquil gardens on the Riviera. A favourite destination for retirees, Menton comes alive with festivals and garden shows in summer. Being so close to Italy, Menton has a distinct Italian influence, which can be experienced in the many fine Italian restaurants.
Quintessentially French Riviera, this stretch of land is the epitome of luxurious living and the quality of life that can only be found here.