Since Francois Hollande edged to victory in the French presidential elections we have received numerous requests from journalists asking what impact it could have on the country’s luxury property market.

After a quick chat with Mark Harvey, who is currently running our French desk in London, the prosaic answer seems to be: not much.

To start with, Monsieur Hollande cannot enact his election promises without parliamentary approval, so the outcome of the country’s parliament elections next month could be a better indication of the direction future policy might take. Although his proposed 75% tax on those earning over €1m a year could be an incentive for some to seek out a more benign tax jurisdiction, relatively few people in France actually earn this much.

Whatever happens, it seems unlikely that property taxes will increase to the point where a significant proportion of wealthy residents will look to sell up and flee the country. Hollande is an experienced politician and while he will increase taxes on the rich, he knows he still needs entrepreneurs and business people to help propel the country out of its current economic woes.

Property taxes currently only kick in where a property is worth over €1.25m. Even then the annual tax levied is just 0.25%. This increases to 0.4% once values exceed €3m. Mark says these rates are historically very low so most owners will be able to stomach any potential hikes. Owners can also avoid most of the tax by taking out a loan against the property – the tax only applies to the actual equity held.

French property taxes are also competitive with other popular second-home destinations such as Spain and Italy, he adds.

The fate of the euro could be more instrumental in driving property markets, and its ongoing slide against the pound and US dollar is making purchases ever-more attractive for anybody backed by those currencies.

The euro has slid by around 10% against the dollar over the past 12 months and we have detected a definite upturn in enquiries from those with greenbacks to spend. On average, the monthly number of people from the US using our Global Property Search website to look for French property has increased by 15% so far this year, compared with the same period in 2011.

This doesn’t just apply to those based in the US – many Asia-Pacific businesses are paid in dollars and there have been more enquiries from this part of the world as well. With Greece seemingly closer than ever to a forced exit from the euro, the single currency looks like it could weaken further.

Apart from currency issues, France offers a number of advantages to overseas purchasers that outweigh concerns about the political aspirations of Francois Hollande. For example, like London, Paris is seen as a safe-haven location (although significantly cheaper) by wealthy Russians and Eastern Europeans who would rather keep their fortunes abroad.

It would be wrong to be too glib about the impact a concerted attack on wealth could have on the French property market, but the country will always be attractive to wealthy overseas buyers who account for an increasingly large share of the prime market, especially in Paris and the Riviera.

Admittedly, our London offices have already detected an increase in enquiries from French residents worried about living under a socialist government, but any outflow is likely to be more than matched by an influx of international buyers taking advantage of favourable exchange rates.

Article source: 10 May 2012, Andrew Shirley, Knight Frank Global Briefing

Nice International Airport links into most of central Europe’s main cities. The airport itself is a pure delight to commute in and out of and caters for both the low cost airlines plus private air transport for the executive business traveller. The is also the private air field of Cannes Mandelieu for private jets. During the peak seasons there are also extra choices from Merseille Provence airport.

Travelling to the South of France via train can also be a great option. The TGV runs at regular intervals and can be a relaxing way to travel to Cannes or Nice. Connecting upto the euro tunnel is also an option. The train is a superb way of travelling if you’re planning to stop off on route if time is on your side.

If you’re more comfortable on 4 wheels the regions main arterial road is the A8. The road passes through the Departments of Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Alpes-Maritimes and is 224 kilometers long starting to the west of Aix-en-Provence. It crosses the mountain ranges between Aix-en-Provence and Fréjus and Massif de l’Ésterel between Saint-Raphaël and Cannes. It serves the towns of Aix-en-Provence, Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël, Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Monaco and Menton before crossing the border where it becomes the A10 in Italy. Following the Grande Corniche the road offers wonderful panoramas of the sea between Nice and Menton. Although a tolled road, it is actually worth the money – outside of rush hour the roads are a pleasure to drive on.

If time is on your side then the coastal roads offer a more relaxing tour along the coast and give you the ability to pull over and admire the view at any time. The roads hug the coast and offer unparalleled views of the French Riviera with the spectacular coast on none side and the dramatic mountains on the other.

If you are moving from the UK or else where in Europe to live in France for whatever reasons, and you have children of school age, the question of education will loom very large in your thoughts and plans. Most people are aware that, in terms of social integration and language learning the younger the child, the less of a worry relocating to France will be. Children of under about 8 years old will usually adjust very quickly, and should flourish in the caring low pressure environment of nursery and primary education in France, but the process of adjustment is quite different for older children. Being taken from a system that you have known all your life, and finding yourself in an alien environment and expected to study and socialise in a foreign language can be stressful.

Luckily, the French Riviera region has a solid choice of international schools for all ages. The region received a huge influx of international families in the early 1970’s due to the construction on the international business park in Sophia Antipolis. Today there are some 20,000 employees in the park meaning there are also many children out there in need of an ‘international education’.

The region is more than capable of offering a rounded education system to these children in the form of ‘International Schools’. The largest schools are EBICA and CIV, both based within the business park, plus the International School of Nice based  a little further away and Fenelon in Grasse. The schools have both French and English sections and bring the children to ‘Baccalaureat International’ qualification. The children throughout their education enjoy a split between English and French within their time at school. There are also sections to cater for other languages such as German, Italian, Spanish and Russian.

If the family believe they won’t be on the French Riviera for a great length of time, then there is the option of placing your child within the English education system at Mougins School bringing them to the level of IGCSE, AS and A level examinations. Mougins International School is also based near to the business park of Sophia Antipolis. Although education at the Mougins International School does come at a high price.

The international schooling system is tough and many parents believe the additional English elements push the children into a world of homework and in general school life is far more intensive than their peers in the UK. However, to graduate with a strong second language in today’s competitive business world is a huge advantage. The important thing to remember is that the school systems are well tested and have been in successful operation for many years.  If you are thinking of buying a house on the French Riviera do your own home work on the international schooling system well in advance as spaces are at a premium.

The ability to intersperse a game of golf with some culture, gastronomic and liquid delights puts Golf in the South of France way ahead of the more traditional destinations such as Portugal and the Costa Brava. From beginners to those looking to tackle championship courses, the South of France and its many golf courses are ready and waiting.

World renowned and championship golf courses in the South of France include Cannes Mougins, Royal Mougins, Taulane designed by Gary Player, La Grande Motte, Four Seasons, Barbaroux, Saint Endreol, Gassin, Fregate, Saint Donat designed by one of the worlds most prolific course designers Trent Jones snr, Pont Royal and Nimes Campagne. With more than a dozen enthralling 18 hole golf courses in the South of France all you need to think about is accommodation.

Villa rental in the south of France close to a golf course is a great choice if you fancy a bit more freedom than a hotel can offer, plus it can indeed be far better value in the long run. Dependent on the number of people in your golf party there are many beautiful and magnificent villas to choose from. If there are non-golfing partners, the location of the rental villa is important too, because whilst the golfers are spoiling a nice walk in the country, the other members of the party will want to have easy access to other locations of interest and the major towns in the areas such as Cannes, Antibes, Mougins and Nice.

Choosing the time of year is also an important factor for your villa rental on the French Riviera. The region regularly enjoys temperatures of over 30ºC during July and August, and when you add in the number of tourists – these are probably the months to miss. Spring or late September are perfect! The day time temperatures are in the early 20’s, evening temperatures are mild (requiring a light jumper perhaps) and you’ll find plenty of freedom on the fairways. Plus, when visiting the other cultural delights the South of France has to offer you won’t be battling against the throngs of tourists present in July and August. The weather is a serious bonus in the South of France and an important element for your golfing trip – the area can boast 300 days of sunshine a year ensuring year round golfing opportunities.

Travel to your golf holiday  in the South of France and rental villa is quick and easy. Nice International airport is efficient and well connected to all the major hubs and city airports in Europe. The airport is well serviced and a pure delight to travel in and out of. Another option if time is on your side is the TGV. A regular service from Paris, the TGV has great connections and can be a very pleasant way to travel down to the South of France en-route to your favourite golf courses.

Last but not least the ‘après golf’ will not let you down. With Cannes, Antibes or Nice offering you gastronomic delights and entertainment abound. While if you’re looking for a slightly quieter après golf experience the villages of Valbonne, Mougins or Biot can offer their own spectacular gastronomic and lively village experiences.

For pure value for money, renting a villa as part of your golfing holiday in the South of France is unbeatable. It ticks all the boxes for the golfer and if required the non-golfing partners. To get the ball rolling you should make contact with a trusted and reputable villa rental specialist in the area, they will be familiar with the golf courses you might want to play and will be able to offer you the best villas to suit your specific requirements. The villa rental agent can even help with arranging transport, green fees, private catering and much more.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning that golfing trip to the South of France now!

Houses in Opio enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding woodlands and rural provencal landscapes. Due to the exceptional micro-climate, roses and jasmine flourish in the Opio region and are used by the local perfume industry in Grasse. To accompany these fragrances is the vast olive grove at the Grand Bastide, which is one of the largest in the region and can samples can be purchased from the 15th century mill that is one of the last still operating in the region.

As an owner of a house in Opio, you will be close to all the modern amenities plus, only 25 mins from Nice International airport and a short drive to the coastal towns of Cannes and Antibes. If you’re a golf fan then you are spoilt for choice with many spectacular courses only a short drive away.

The village of Opio boasts a population of just over 2,000 and covering over 9km² means you will enjoy a great deal of tranquility while wandering through the village streets and the many forest walks.

There is a large range of houses for sale in Opio and the surrounding area from the large secluded family villa with a pool to the smaller 2-3 bedroom houses set in the surrounding hills and forests. Much of the houses for sale in Opio are well kept and benefit from spectacular views.

As an owner of a house in Opio you are also very near to other wonderful villages such as Valbonne, Mougins and Roquefort les Pins. There are many restaurants only a short drive away and even a ClubMed perched on a hillside with tennis, swimming, golf and many other activities.

Houses in Opio and its surrounding areas are in great demand and this in turn has increased prices over the past few years. The area is serviced by excellent road, rail and air links and the public transportation/buses are fairly regular and incredible value.

With some research and help from local real estate agents, you’ll find some some great houses in Opio for sale. No matter what your budget or requirement for swimming pools or gardens, the area of Opio can offer the house buyer a wide selection to buy.

So, Opio could well be the perfect location for an investment property or even a second home on the French Riviera. You will need to engage the services of a reputable local real estate agent to do all the leg work for you. If you are not based locally or maybe in the UK, you will need the estate agent to offer you a selection of houses using your criteria and then whittle the list down if you’re coming to Opio for a viewing visit so as not to waste time.

If you’re looking for a piece of hidden beauty close to the airport and beaches – yet far enough off the tourist trail, then buying a house in Roquefort les Pins is the one for you. Houses in Roquefort les Pins can offer a superb quality of life from a retired couple to families with young children. The international schools are close as are all the modern conveniences.

Buying a house in Roquefort les Pins will be better value than the coastal towns of Cannes and Nice and will be cheaper than the more touristy villages of Valbonne and Mougins. So, if you don’t need to be in the ‘thick of things’ and on the tourist trail, Roquefort les Pins can offer the house buyer some great deals.

Roquefort les Pins is situated close to many of the regions best golf courses, 20 minutes from Nice International Airport, 25 mins to the coastal towns and beaches of Cannes, Juan les Pins and Antibes and only a short 50 minute drive in the winter months to the closest ski resort of Greolieres or La Colmiane. So, as a buyer of a house in Roquefort les Pins, even though the village itself might be quiet, there is really no shortage of attractions throughout the year to keep you and your family busy.

A house in Roquefort les Pins would be close to all the regular amenities and essential shops that you could possibly need, plus a swimming pool, great sports facilities and a good range of festivals and activities throughout the year are all within your grasp.

With some research and help from local real estate agents, there are some great houses in Roquefort les Pins for sale. No matter what your budget or requirement for swimming pools or gardens the area of Roquefort les Pins can offer the house buyer a wide selection to choose from.

In 1794, Bonapart took charge of the defence of the coast and installed his family in the fort. Robespierre was imprisoned here for some time after his fall from grace within French society.

Chateau Grimaldi originally build as a Roman Fort was rebuilt in the 16th century; still preserving it’s Roman Square and Roman Tower, now housing a Musee Picasso. There are many other notable sites worth visiting; the 17th century Cathedral with its magnificent altarpiece. The musee of Archeologique forms part of the fortifications and contains many important collections for the history of Antibes.

Located on the southern point of Cap d’Antibes is the Musee Naval et Napoleonien housed in a fortified round tower, known as the Batterie de Grillon. The well preserved 12th century ramparts now form the seafront boulevard from which a fine view can be had of Nice and the mountains behind the urban areas.

Antibes is the second largest town in the Alpes Maritimes region and offers the residents and tourists alike an immense variation of landscapes, attractions and coastlines to enjoy.

Antibes has become a major tourist destination helped by the creation of the Port de Plaisance (yachting harbour). The port is packed with luxury yachts and plays host to the Antibes Yacht Show every April.

Many of the full time and part time residence of Antibes live in mix of luxury houses in Antibes from secluded luxury villas in Antibes to penthouse apartments in Antibes town. Much of the houses for sale in Antibes have a Mediterranean feel with some other houses for sale in Antibes following the traditional provencale villa design.

There is a large range of property for sale in the areas of Antibes from the multi-million euro villas for sale on Cap d’Antibes to the small city centre apartments for sale in Old Antibes town itself, close to the market with its narrow cobbled streets. Much of the houses in Antibes town are well kept and decorated with flowers climbing the walls or in flower boxes decorating the window sills of the apartments and village houses.

The residents of Antibes enjoy a vibrant atmosphere throughout the year with the many festivals and activities both on the water and on land. There are many restaurants, bars and clubs for those who want to experience the night-life Antibes has to offer.

Houses in Antibes and its surrounding areas are in great demand and this in turn has increased prices over the past few years. The area is serviced by excellent road, rail and air links. Nice International airport is only a short 20 minute drive from Antibes.

There are many luxury golf courses and family attractions such as Marineland which is said to be the largest marine park in Europe. This tourism development has helped to increase the price of houses for sale in Antibes, however, if buying a house in Antibes for an investment, the rental yields can be quite attractive due to the level of tourism during the summer months and the yachties looking for apartments or other property in Antibes during the winter months.

Antibes is perfectly located close to the other glorious towns of Juan les Pins, Cannes, Nice, with easy access to the villages in the hills such as Valbonne, Biot and Mougins.

As a base for a vacation or if you’re looking to purchase a house in Antibes, a villa rental in Antibes is the best choice, and there are some specialist real estate agents with wonderful villas to rent in Antibes and the surrounding areas

Our association with Knight Frank gives us access to all the luxury French Riviera property for sale in the South of France. Plus, giving our luxury French Riviera villa rental listings International exposure to over 43 countries around the world via a network of 207 Knight Frank global offices.

Only 1 or 2 hours from most major European cities, Nice International airport is but a short 20 minute drive from Cannes making this region of the French Riviera one of the most popular retreats for busy Europeans throughout the year. Cannes enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per annum and you can find yourself adorning a pair of sun glasses whilst sipping an aperitif on La Croisette  in any winter month.

Cannes stretches some 9 kilometers from La Bocca district to the rocks of the Fourcade to the east. From the harbour the town presents a truly magnificent panorama with a mix of both modern and époque architecture. The city is centered on rue d’Antibes and La Croisette . A truly cosmopolitan boulevard, this 3 kilometre promenade around the harbour goes from the old port in the west past the Palais des Festival and onto Port Canto and Palm Beach in the east. An evening stroll along La Croisette  is truly one of the most enjoyable past times for any visitor to Cannes on the French Riviera

The walk along the boulevard presents quite a spectacle in itself, performed against the backdrop of the sea, golden beaches and palm trees. La Croisette  is the true symbol of the rapid expansion Cannes has enjoyed over the last century. With a concentration of luxury hotels, impressive private apartment blocks and residences plus the prestigious global luxury brand boutiques.

In contrast to the opulence of La Croisette  is the area known as Le Suquet. The oldest part of Cannes, where the streets and houses cluster around the slopes of Mont Chevalier. Le Suquet has the intimate, quiet and peaceful feel of a village – in stark contrast to the bustling streets below following the coast line in the bay of Cannes. After a steep climb past the restaurants and shops within this old part of Cannes there are some lovely cafes in which to rest a while before descending into the vivaciousness of Cannes and La Croisette.

Cannes is the perfect location for a weekend getaway and the ideal choice for a second house in the sun. Whether you’re interested in a house near the coast in Cannes, or a villa further behind the coast in the hills such as Valbonne or Mougins – renting a villa in the South of France is an excellent way of finding a location and seeing whether this region of the South of France is really where you want to buy a house. There are many tremendous houses or apartments to rent in Cannes throughout the year, whether you’re looking for a short 2 week break or longer term over the summer months.

Many reputable real estate agents in the area have specialist villa rental departments specialising in seasonal villa rental in Cannes and other areas on the French Riviera. They will make sure every little detail is looked after for your vacation on the French Riviera in Cannes . From car hire to helicopter transfers and chefs to nanny services – these specialist rental agencies in Cannes will be on hand throughout your vacation on the French Riviera.

Like most of the villages within this region of the French Riviera, Mougins and its inhabitants have worked to make sure as a tourist to Mougins you will not be disappointed.   Everywhere you look you will be charmed by the buildings, flowers, snaking side streets and be amazed at how the houses have been kept in such good order. The colours and textures of the buildings are elegantly complimented by incredible arrays of Mediterranean flowers throughout the village of Mougins. These aesthetics in the village have given rise to a large gathering of almost 20 art galleries within the village and many more studios offering a myriad of unique creations and products.

Much of the centre of the ‘old’ village of Mougins dates back to the 11th and 15th centuries. In the 11th century the Count of Antibes gave the Mougins hillside to the Monks of Saint Honorat. During this period, Mougins was a fortified village surrounded by ramparts and parts of the medieval city wall still exist as well as one of the three original ancient gate towers (Porte Sarrazine). During the 18th century War of the Austrian Succession, the village was plundered by the Austro-Sardinian armies and damaged by fire. Following this, some of the ramparts were deconstructed and several new little streets of early 19th century houses were built. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the village was a centre of floral production, producing lavender, roses and jasmine for the perfumeries in nearby Grasse. Mougins is a living village, where both the ancient buildings and the 19th century houses are inhabited as they have always been.

The melange of the colours in Mougins emphasised  by the Mediterranean skies has seduced many artists and celebrities who have chosen to stay or live in Mougins, including Picasso (who spent the last 12 years of his life here) Winston Churchill, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Catherine Deneuve, Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel to mention but a few. Mougin’s close ties to the celebrity, art and cultural world is also due to a strong gastronomic history coupled with the quality and choice of villas and luxury houses available to buy and rent within a short distance of Mougins village.

Pablo Picasso spent the last 12 years of his life living in Mougins (1961 to 1973), where he eventually died. He lived in a ‘mas’ (farmhouse) at Notre-Dame-de-Vie, which is a small hilltop just beside the old village of Mougins and next to the 12th-century chapel of the same name. Picasso’s studio was in the old village in a building that is now the tourist office, while the studio of Fernand Loger was above what is now the village wine shop, next to the rear of the Mougins Museum of Classical Art (MMoCA).

Mougins has a long history with gastronomy and is home to many superb restaurants. Great chefs such as Roger Verge and Alain Ducasse having both managed restaurants in Mougins. Both were synonymous with the restaurant L’Amandier, which is situated in the heart of the old village. This restaurant still exists today and is housed in an historical building – during the Middle Ages this was the court house of the Monks of Saint Honorat, before becoming an almond mill in the 18th/19th centuries. Denis Fetisson, who received the Jacquart Trophy for the Rising Star in Gastronomy in 2006, now manages L’Amandier and is also the manager and head chef at La Place de Mougins (previously Le Feu Follet, regularly frequented by Picasso) which is another important restaurant in the heart of the old village. Last but not least is the Moulin de Mougins probably the most famous restaurant in the area of Mougins and heavily frequented by the stars during the Film Festival in Cannes.

The French Riviera and villages such as Mougins together with the coastal towns of Cannes, Antibes and Nice have long been a retreat for Parisians and other northern Europeans taking a weekend breaks from the hustle and bustle of city life being just an 1 – 2 hours away by plane from most European hubs. This region has also been a firm favourite with the British for many years and the ever increasing flights into Nice International airport have made a second house on the French Riviera more accessible for many UK residents. The laid back lifestyle, more than 300 days of sunshine per year and the varied lifestyle, gastronomic cuisine and cafes of Mougins are the perfect winter retreat.

The warm Mediterranean climate on the French Riviera means that you are almost guaranteed sun (and blue skies) all year round. Summers are hot, with maximum temperatures hitting the high 20′s or quite often more. Even winters are quite mild and you could be sitting in a quaint cafe in Mougins in bright sunshine sipping a delightful glass of rose from a provencale vineyard in any winter month.

If you’re looking for luxury houses on the French Riviera, Mougins property offers everything you could wish for. Only 25 minutes from Nice airport, 20 minutes from the beaches of Cannes and during the winter months you can be on the snow within 60 minutes. There are many privately gated domains or single houses in Moungins within a wide range of prices to suit every budget. If you’re thinking of holidaying on the French Riviera, Mougins is an excellent location to base yourself for the duration and decide whether Mougins is where you really want to buy. There are many luxury villas to rent in Mougins to suit every budget and every size of family.

The experience of Riviera Realty will be vital to you securing the right property at the right price. Established for over 18 years and associated with Knight Frank for the past 7 years Riviera Realty offers a wealth of experience in sourcing luxury houses on the French Riviera. Our property portfolio covers the coast from Nice through Cap d’Antibes to Cannes and Mandelieu to St Tropez. Inland we list the luxury houses for sale in all the wonderful villages and surrounding countryside such as Saint Paul, La Colle, Le Rouret, Roquefort les Pins, Biot, Bar sur Loup, Chateauneuf, Opio, Valbonne and Mougins.