Cannes, France

Cannes is the city of sun and stars. Come every May those stars come out in force from all parts of the globe for the event that put the French Rivera city on the map, the Cannes Festival, arguably the world’s most prestigious film festival.

However prestigious, Cannes has more to recommend it than just the two-week red carpet, camera-flashing affair. The city is one of France’s cultural hubs historic architecture, museums and a regular slate of dance, opera and theater.

The celebrated Croisette, the palm tree-lined promenade that spans the length of Cannes’ coastline is its most celebrated--and most luxurious street. It curves around the bay and parallels what is a rarity on the Cote d’Azur, beaches of soft white sand.

Cannes is less than an hour from the Cote d’Azur International Airport in Nice, a quick flight to most European capital cities. Golf courses, vineyards, tennis and polo are easily accessible. Yachts dock where fishing boats once trawled. Ski slopes are just 90 minutes away. Posh, yes, but Cannes is irresistible for its natural beauty as much as its exclusivity. That’s what the British Lord Chancellor of England, Lord Henry Brougham thought when he found himself here in the 19^th century enjoying the delightful climate, its orange-scented air and refreshing breezes. Brougham is sometimes credited with helping to establish Cannes as a popular resort and introducing it to the world. A statue of Brougham stands in tribute.

Among global investors, the British make up the largest percentage, followed by buyers from other northern European nations. Many find it an attractive buy-to-rent market as there are no restrictions on international purchases. 

Residences include historic castles, modern hillside villas and beachside apartments. Any property with a sea view comes at a premium.  Homes that line the Croissette are among the city’s most desirable. A short walk from the city center and set among rolling hills is the neighborhood of La Californie, noted for its many Art Deco homes and streets of palm, mimosa and pine trees.  Le Suquet is the old quarter of Cannes, dating back to Roman times. It’s an in-demand area of narrow cobblestone streets and historic architecture.

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