Mini guide

This strip of coastline – also known as the French Riviera – has been tempting expats since the 18th century but these days, with an average property price tag of €750,000, it’s best described as expensive, crowded, glitzy and sometimes brash – but there’s no place like it.

The Côte d’Azur stretches from Théoule-sur-Mer in the west to Menton on the border with Italy, taking in Cannes, Nice and Antibes. Nice, capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department, still draws expats in search of glamour, and the Promenade des Anglais, hugging the curving Baie des Anges, remains the place to see and be seen.

Grand, turn of the century residences have been divided into smaller apartments, so studios on this famous promenade start from a surprisingly cheap €110,000-€130,000. For larger Art Deco conversions or an old town location, up the stakes to around €300,000. And for a quality apartment with more space, prices can go beyond €1,000,000. Refurbished 1960s and ‘70s apartments are a cheaper option, particularly along the coast between the city and the airport, but expect pied-a-terre sizes.

For star-spotting head for Cannes, host to the annual film festival. The city’s main action is centred on the Croisette. Neighbouring Antibes, favoured haunt of F Scott Fitzgerald and the Kennedys, is where Hollywood stars retreat to. A Cannes pied-a-terre can be found for around €180,000.

Behind Nice, the hillside towns and villages offer better prospects for more second–home-hunting. Hillside villas near captivating Vence (to the west) average €600,000, and are still within reach of the coast and airport.