The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, has long attracted society’s upper echelons as the destination for jet-set luxury, indulgence and a dash of stylish debauchery. What began as a winter wellbeing resort for the British upper classes in the 18th century soon became the playground of European royals and aristocrats. And, 300 years on, not much has changed (other than the content creators).

Still a beacon for spectacular wealth and beauty, as well as home to spectacular social season events such as Rolland Garros and the Cannes Film Festival, it also accordingly sports some seriously exquisite properties. We have curated some of the most jaw-dropping homes to buy in Nice, Cap d’Antibes and Saint-Tropez, as well as Cannes and Ramutuelle. Voila!

Villa Zelda, Cap d’Antibes

Formerly an Art Deco hotel, Le Provençal’s ballroom and restaurant have been given a second lease of life as one of 35 incredible new homes within this new luxury development. The magnificent double-height rotunda once hosted the likes of Sir Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Estée Lauder, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and his wife Zelda, for which the lavish property is named.

With an illustrious regal heritage, incredible restored period features, exquisite design details and a state-of-the-art specification, the five-bedroom property provides 6,458 square feet of contemporary living space over two floors and 6,805 square feet of private terraces and landscaped gardens, including a 30ft private swimming pool. Offering staggering garden and ocean views, an impressive entrance hall, a rotunda reception room, family kitchen/breakfast room, passenger lift, a sweeping curved staircase, a cinema/media room, and massage/beauty salon, this holiday home is truly a rare find. Stunning VIP bedroom suites are housed on both levels, all with luxurious ensuite bathrooms and built-in bespoke wardrobes.

Listed for €27.25m, visit leprovencal.com

La Croix-Valmer, Saint-Tropez

Undoubtedly one of the finest private estates in the glamorous Saint-Tropez area, this incredible 11-bedroom property is set in a quiet blind alley, offering exceptional panoramas over the sea, and surrounded by pine and olive trees. Combining contemporary design with classic coastal charm, the main residence offers five luxurious bedroom suites, complemented by a four-suite guest villa, a two-bedroom caretaker’s house, an extensive wellness complex with a gym, sauna, hammam and massage room, and a four-car garage.

Illuminated with natural light, the rooms flow seamlessly onto the terraces, where a 20-metre heated swimming pool, pool house and fully equipped summer kitchen create the perfect setting for entertaining. Additional highlights include a helipad, smart home technology, integrated sound system, climate control and extensive parking. Call for the helicopter pronto.

Listed for €31.8m, visit johndwood-international.com

Villa Pieds dans l’Eau, Cap d’Antibes

Set on the highly sought-after eastern side of Cap d'Antibes, this stunning seafront villa enjoys one of the most exclusive addresses on the French Riviera. Just steps from the renowned Maison de Bacon and Keller Plage, the villa offers 315 square metres of refined living space on a 1,478 square metre plot, enhanced by multiple spacious terraces. Offering five bedrooms and bathrooms, combined with expansive seafront, south-facing terraces, there’s also a swimming pool, a pool house with bar, and a summer kitchen. One of the largest frontline properties on Cap d'Antibes, the elegant and perfectly maintained home provides an ideal backdrop for entertaining, along with private parking for up to six cars.

Listed for €15.95m, visit engelvoelkers.com

Modernist Mediterranean villa, Ramatuelle

A beautiful property directly facing the sparkling Mediterranean, this modernist villa is located within a gated private estate in Ramatuelle. An exceptional waterfront property, it enjoys an unbeatable setting with south-east exposure, panoramic sea views and remarkable natural light. Designed by Claude Misbach in the 1970s, its organic shapes are reminiscent of honeycomb cells, while the generous volumes and seamless integration into the landscape make it a unique, covetable property on the sought-after Saint-Tropez peninsula.

Boasting seven en-suite bedrooms, an independent apartment, an amazing wellness area, a beautiful pool and pool house, mooring buoy, garage and carport for several vehicles, its unique architecture and direct private access to the sea make it truly special.

Listed for €28.5m, visit engelvoelkers.com

Promenade des Anglais villa, Nice

A beautiful Mediterranean masterpiece, this gorgeous property, set in the heart of Nice, offers both peace and privacy, while absorbing the unique buzz of the stylish South of France. Situated a stone’s throw from the iconic Promenade des Anglais on the edge of the peaceful Estienne d'Orves Natural Park, this outstanding home offers a rare mix of natural beauty, timeless architecture, and contemporary comforts.

Spanning 3,340 square metres, the bucolic plot is adorned with lush Mediterranean vegetation, providing a tranquil haven in the heart of the French Riviera. Built in 1920, this architectural gem unfolds across three meticulously designed levels, including a spacious living and dining area illuminated with natural light. The modern kitchen is fully equipped to exacting standards while five en-suite bedrooms promise quintessential French hospitality and luxury. A dedicated office space adds functionality, while the attached chapel, transformed into a hammam and relaxation area, offers a unique touch of history, heritage, and indulgence. Several terraces provide perfect spaces for entertaining or unwinding, while the heated swimming pool offers unobstructed views of the sea.

Listed for €5.95m, visit finlaybrewerinternational.com

Villa Terrefial, Cannes

An exceptional historic estate with a fascinating history, this standout home was built in 1937 by renowned American architect Barry Dierks – whose other celebrated works include Château de l'Horizon in Golfe-Juan and Villa Aujourd'hui in Cap d'Antibes. Having played host to some of the Côte d'Azur's most glamorous gatherings, welcoming figures including the Begum, Florence Gould and Estée Lauder, and more recently hosting exclusive Cannes Film Festival events attended by film stars and industry names, the majestic mansion is set within approximately one hectare of landscaped grounds.

Surrounded by centuries-old trees, the home enjoys spectacular views across the Bay of Cannes, immersed within Italian-inspired gardens, complete with terraces, columns and statues. Comprising an 800 square metre main residence with six bedrooms, six bathrooms, multiple reception rooms, a cinema, wine cellar, fitness suite and extensive terraces, alongside a caretaker's house, pool house, heated swimming pool, greenhouse, four-car garage and additional guest and staff accommodation, extensive recent renovations have carefully modernised the home while preserving its 1930s character.

Listed for €28.5m, visit johndwood-international.com

Villa Jardin, Cap d’Antibes

Another offering from the former Hôtel Provençal, this glorious abode was once the substantial VIP suite used by the Duchess of Windsor. Recently transformed by Caudwell into one of the finest new residences at Le Provençal, the five-bedroom property enjoys 6,458 square feet of luxurious contemporary living space, 9,900 square feet of private balconies and garden terraces, and a 36.5-foot-long private swimming pool.

Offering stunning garden and ocean views, plus beautiful interiors by Caudwell Design inspired by the vibrant colours, landscape and artistic heritage of the French Riviera, a range of design features are reminiscent of those the Duchess of Windsor would recognise from her own homes. The jaw-dropping accommodation includes a grand entrance hall, three spacious reception rooms, a gallery for objets d’art, a media/cinema room, study and five-bedroom suites, with a private passenger lift and staircase linking the duplex floors.

Listed for €29m, visit leprovencal.com

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