Bicycles for rent in Nice France

It is now easier and cheaper to rent a bicycle in Nice, France. As reported in local newspapers, the first ‘blue bikes’ have been seen on the Promenade des Anglais over the last few days. A pet project of the recently installed mayor Christian Estrosi, the bicycles are subsidised by the local government. Their distinctive look means they are hard to miss.

Prices

The first half an hour is free, 1 Euro for the second half hour, then 2 Euro per hour. Payment by Credit Card in advance by calling 04.93.72.06.06.

When

The full service is launched the 6th of July although a limited number of bicycles will be available until then.
The website will come into service the 22nd of June: http://www.velobleu.org/

Where

The Promenade des Anglais, behind the Cours Saleya, is the most visible of 90 stations in Nice. Details of stations will be posted on the website above.

Where to go

Firstly, Nice is relatively flat so cycling around the Promenade des Anglais or the centre of town should not be a problem and offer great views and sights. Villefranche sur mer has stunning views and a great beach, if you can manage to climb the hills on any of the 3 main routes from Nice.
For the more advanced cyclist, Plateau St Michel has the best views on the Riviera. That is of course, if you can climb up to the Roman Era ‘Grande Corniche’.

Penthouse apartment for sale in Nice France

Located in the hills surrounding Nice, a short drive from the airport and the centre of town, this penthouse apartment has been completely renovated with quality materials throughout. The terrace, stretching 150 square metres, offers ample outdoor space and scenic views from the snow-peaked Alps to the Mediterranean Sea. Although the residence was recently built, the owner has renovated the apartment to a very high standard with a top of the range kitchen and new bathrooms. The apartment has direct access from the elevator. Three of the bedrooms are located on the top floor, with the fourth is located on the lowel level of the duplex. Every room has access to the terrace and can enjoy the open views. The elevator goes straight to the parking underground, where you can find an extra large garage.

Luxury apartment for sale in Nice

For more photos: Luxury apartment for sale in Nice

French mortgage rates now at 3%

French mortgage rates have dropped dramatically and are now some of the lowest rates in Europe.

Rates start at 3%

One can borrow up to 80% of the value of a property, over a period of up to 35 years.

Now is the perfect time to be buying property in Nice.

Contact us for further details:

www.chezriviera.com

Villa for sale Villefranche sur mer

Built by King Leopold at the turn of the 20th Century, this imposing villa has been recently restored to its past glory. A former Belgian embassy, it offers a rich history and elagance that is increasingly hard to find. Situated in the heart of Villefranche-sur-mer, its has views of the sea and the surrounding village and mountains. A large terrace and heated swimming pool offer ample space for entertaining and enjoying the views. The villa features 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and impressive an marble shower and steam rooms. Original wooden floors and high cceilings can be found throughout, while the kitchen is to a high standard.

Villefranche sur mer real estate for sale

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Villefranche sur mer villa for sale – waterfront luxury villa

One of the most sought after locations in Villefranche-sur-mer, less than 5 minutes walk to the beach, the Old Town and the Port, this villa has majestic views over the ‘Rad’ de Villefranche-sur-mer. The villa is currently divided into 3 apartments, one on each floor, all with outdoor space and views.

A very prestigious location.

Sea views from this luxury villa for sale

For more photos, go to:

www.chezriviera.com

Most expensive home in the world – a French Riviera Villa

The record for most expensive property in the world has just been broken. Villa Leopolda, a grand estate outside the village of Villefranche-sur-mer, sold for between 400 and 500 million Euro. A Russian billionaire, rumoured to be Roman Abramovich, is the new owner. The estate was bought my the banker Edmond Safra, months before his death in his apartment in Monte Carlo, Monaco, in 1999.

Originally built by King Leopold II in 1902, it has 10 acres of manicured gardens which requires a small army of gardeners to maintain. Views of the sea and the surrounding mountains can be enjoyed from the villa.

Villa Leopolda - a French Riviera villa

Promenade des Anglais apartment for sale

This apartment is one of the only properties on the Promenade des Anglais in a Bourgeois/Belle Epoque style building. On the fourth floor, it has magnificent sea views and two small Juliette balconies from which to enjoy them. The apartment was competely renovated by Italian owners who have kept the original features such as the high ceilings with Bourgeois detailing and original parquet floor. A new kitchen and bathroom have been installed along with air conditioning and double glazed windows. This property is one of the best properties on the Promenade des Anglais and is great value for money.

For more on this property contact:

Chez riviera real estate

www.chezriviera.com

PH: +33(0)6 24 54 42 67

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Apartment for sale on the Promenade in Nice France

Saint Paul de Vence villa for sale – Provencal style

Only once every few years does a property this well located come on the market. Saint Paul de Vence is one of the most popular and picturesque villages on the French Riviera and this villa is 2 minutes walk from the pedestrian streets of St Paul. The location is exceptional: so close to the Old Village yet competely immune from all noise and hustle and bustle. The villa is very private and quiet with no neighbours either side. Open views of the countryside and Saint Paul village can be enjoyed from almost every room in the house. Original material has been used where possible during the renovation of the villa and its now a perfect example of Provencal style. The house is currently divided into three properties: an apartment on the ground floor leading onto the garden, a first floor apartment with a long balcony and terrace and a small studio. No major work is required to turn the property into one large villa. The property boasts: three bedrooms, separate studio, four bathrooms, two kitchens (and a summer kitchen outside), 2 living rooms, a dining room and a utility room. The property is designed for outdoor living with ample terraces and manicured gardens. A swimming pool can be found on the property with a pool house and another bathroom, toilet and outdoor kitchen. A rare property.

http://www.chezriviera.com/property/184

Villa for sale Saint Paul de Vence

French Riviera commercial property

French Riviera Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Property in Nice

Whether expanding your business, diversifying your investment portfolio or setting up a company on the French Riviera, Chez Riviera can assist you in finding the commercial premises you require. From retail to offices, from hotels to bars, we have what you’re looking for.

Due to the nature of the business, it is not possible to list all of the properties we have for sale. So please contact us with your requirements and we’ll let you know what we have available.

Commercial real estate investment

Foreign buyers are beginning to appreciate the investment potential that Commercial property has on the French Riviera. The region is one of the most vibrant and dynamic in France with a plethora of international companies operating and investing in the area.

From Queen Victoria to Brad Pitt, the region has been attracting celebrities and royalty for centuries. The average visitor to the French Riviera has an above average disposable income, when compared to other Mediterranean resorts ans so is a magnet for high-end retailers such as Louis Vutton and Armani.

Tourism

The largest industry on the French Riviera is tourism. Nice airport welcomes 10,000,000 visitors per year and the French Riviera represents 1% of world tourism. For example, cruise ships frequent the many ports of the Riviera, with over 450,000 passengers per year.

Sophia Antipolis is a leading business park in Western Europe which attracts high-tech companies and graduates to the area.

The infrastructure on the French Riviera is extremely modern and well-functioning. Nice international airport has unrivalled connectivity with daily flights to Dublin, London and Paris, to name but a few.

The Alpes Maritimes area in figures:

-300 days of sunshine per year

-1,040,000 inhabitants with an active population of 432,283 people, 189,515 students and 38,600 third level students.

-40 kilometres of beach

-20 ski resorts

-26 major museums

-9 nature reserves incuding the Mercantour National Park.

-100,630 companies

-12% of the residents were born outside of France

-84% of the woeking population work in the ‘Services and trade’ sector, illustrating the advanced nature of the economy.

-Tourism expenditure, excluding transport and investments, amounts to over 5 billion Euro per year.

-732 star-classified hotels

Contact Chez Riviera now to see what we can do for you.

Selling property in Nice or French Riviera?

If you’re looking to sell your property in Nice or along the Riviera, contact Chez Riviera, your English-speaking estate agents on the French Riviera.

We have clients looking for apartments in Nice and Villas along the Riviera between Menton and St Tropez. Almost all of our buyers are foreign nationals, mainly Irish and British, but also many Russians, Scandinavians and English-speakers around the world.

Simply contact us with details of your property for sale and we can tell you if its something that matches what our clients are looking for.

Chez Riviera are fully registered, licensed and bonded estate agents based in Nice, France.

Property for rent in Nice France

Responding to a large gap in the market in Nice and the French Riviera, Chez Riviera will shortly commence offering long-term rental services to our valued clients.

Owners have for years been disappointed by the level of service received from French agencies regarding long-term lettings in Nice.

To further our relationship with property buyers, to develop new relationships with tenants and future buyers and to respond to the demands of the Anglophone community on the French Riviera, Chez Riviera are asking owners to contact them with details of their property for rent.

All types of properties will be considered: apartments in Nice, one bed apartments, two bed apartments, studios, etc. Villas on the French Riviera, from Menton to St Tropez.

Contact us now!

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt moving to France?

Speculation has been mounting in recent weeks that Angelina Jolie and partner Brad Pitt are considering moving to France. A few weeks back, the Nice Matin newspaper reported that the couple are staying in Paul Allen’s mansion on St Jean Cap Ferrat, one of the most exclusive areas of the French Riviera. The villa spans 5000 square metres of livable space and is sheltered by wooded land on one side and the Mediterranean Sea the other side.

During a press conference in Cannes at the Cannes film festival, Jolie emphasised the positive impact that living in France had on their children and their ability to speak the French language. France’s health service is held in high regard throughout the world, which no doubt influenced the decision to come to France while in the final stages of pregnancy. The couple already have four children: Maddox, Pax, Zaharah and Shiloh.

Today’s newspapers have reported that the couple have purchased a 1,000 acre estate in the Aix-en-Provence area for around 45 million Euro. After apparently viewing over 100 properties, they spotted the estate while property-hunting in a helicopter. The estate includes a vineyard, lake, forest and two swimming pools. Privacy is assured by the surrounding woodland.

Mayor of Nice announces new conference centre in Nice, France

Newly elected mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has unveiled his vision to ‘reaffirm’ the city’s status as a major tourism hub on the French Riviera. Remarking that the tourism industry is worth 6 billion Euro annually, Nice’s slice of this figure is just 1 billion Euro, a figure the Mayor has pledged to grow in the coming years.

A new conference centre, to ‘complement’ the existing Acropolis centre (where the treaty of Nice was signed), is to be built in the Old Town, on the Quai des Etats-Unis. The current site is an unsightly car park in what has became a very prestigious area. Work is expected to commence in early 2009 with inauguration planned for 2011.

The Acropolis centre is to undergo renovations at the start of next year, early 2009, at a cost of 19 million Euro to the local government.

Tourism is one of the most important economic activities on the French Riviera, accounting for 54% of GDP in the Alpes-Maritimes district.

This major announcement is likely to increase investment in the Old Town area of Nice. Currently, the district has one of the lowest prices per square metre in the centre of Nice (around 4,000 Euro per square metre) but this figure is likely to grow in parallel with the increasing importance of the area as a mecca for holiday-makers. A plethora of restaurants, bars and clubs have sprang up in recent years, ranging from traditional Nicoise restaurants such as Lu Fran Calin or chic international bars such as Base on the Promenade.

Mont Boron apartment for sale

Located in the hills of Mont Boron, East of Nice, this luxury apartment has been completely renovated. The building was built in 1880 and has been recently restored to its past glory. The architecture is a mix of Haussmanian and ‘Riviera’ style, with views to be enjoyed of the Baie des Anges, Cap d’Antibes and the Esterel mountains behind Cannes. One enters a beautiful communal areas with marble floors and a new elevator. The apartment is on the first floor with a large terrace from which to enjoy the views. A modern kitchen and dining area lead onto a spacious living area of 69 square metres, with large windows and a southern aspect, ensuring constant sunshine and light. The interiors have been finished to a high standard with contemporary designs. The apartment is sold with four parking spaces in the residence. As it is legally classed as a new construction in France, buyers benefit from reduced Notary fees of 2.5%.

Villa for sale above Villefranche sur mer

This modern, contemporary villa is perched on top of Villefranche-sur-mer in the exclusive Domaine de Castellet. Just off the Nice-Monaco link road, both locations are less than 20 minute drive. The Domaine has a lot of trees and vegetation so privacy is assured. A double garage and outdoor space offer up to around 4 parking spaces. The South-facing exposure guarantees sun most of the day. One enters the villa in a large living area with semi-independent kitchen tucked away in the corner. An abundance of windows offer plenty of light and opportunites to admire the views over Nice, the Baie des Anges and the Esterel mountains in the distance. Four bedrooms can be found throughout the villa, including a master bedroom with a terrace to enjoy the views. The lower floor has a large games room with pool table and bar, all of which leads out onto a swimming pool and outdoor terrace. The gardens are mature and well maintained. This villa is large, modern and perfectly located.

Beaulieu sur mer villa for sale. French Riviera.

Located just outside the beautiful town of Beaulieu sur mer, in the famous golden triangle that also incorporates Villefranche sur mer and St Jean Cap Ferrat, this property has been completely renovated and is ready to move into. Stunning sea views can be enjoyed  and of the Cap Ferrat and the surrounding mountains. Perched on a hill, the villa is secluded yet around 7 minutes walk to the centre of Beaulieu. One enters through a secure gate with steps leading to the entrance to the villa where one passes the infinity pool. The lower floor is currently used as a tv room but can be easily converted into a fourth bedroom. The first floor comprises a vast living area with two balconies with super views. One can find a fully equipped, modern kitchen just off the living area. The second floor comprises three large bedrooms, two of which enjoy the sea views. The remaining bedroom has access to a large terrace to the rear of the villa.

Mont Boron villa for sale – luxury renovation

Located on the prestigious hill of Mont Boron, this villa is in the middle of complete renovation that will result in a luxury villa in a great location outside Nice. Panoramic sea views can be enjoyed from this villa, the 4 terraces and on the grounds of 650 square metres that it sits on. A rooftop solarium of 60 square metres, which has a new swimming pool, is the ideal place from which to enjoy the views and the weather. This villa is sold with a garage and additional parking spaces.

For more photos, go to www.chezriviera.com

Apartment for sale in Nice, Place Massena

Located a short stroll from Place Massena, the pedestrian area, the Old Town and the beach, this property is in the heart of Nice. Completely rernovated last year, it features wooden floors and a new kitchen and bathroom. A double exposure garanties light throughout the day and a refreshing breeze when it gets too hot. The bedrooms are on the quieter interior side, while the living area and open kitchen are looking onto a lively street. Double glazing ensures noise is kept to a minimum. The communal areas have been recently redone and the facade is magnificent. Great value for the area.

For photos, go to http://www.chezriviera.com/property/132

Apartment for sale St Jean Cap Ferrat

Located on the 2nd of 3 floors overlooking the bay of Villefranche. Completely renovated Duplex, with a private port and beach on your doorstep, in absolute calm. Probably the only apartment block on the Waters edge in St. Jean Cap Ferrat, this exclusive location alone merits the price – extremely quiet with stunning views. The lower floor contains a lounge room with terrace, kitchen, entrance and guest WC. The upper floor contains 3 bedrooms – 2 with ensuite bathrooms, landing and guest WC. Dedicated exterior parking, marble and parquet floors.

Mont Boron villa for sale

Turn of the century villa with large flat grounds of 1,715 m² – quite rare in this area – minutes by foot to the Port and beaches of Nice. Located in a very sought after Domaine at the foot of Mont Boron, the main villa of 550 m² is on 3 floors. Facing fully south over the large pool, the “Hotel Particulier” has ample rooms on the ground floor of 208 m², including kitchen, double lounge room, dining room, study, guest WC and entrance hall, with most rooms joined and leading onto the gardens. Upper floor of 154 m² contains 4 bedrooms and bathrooms, with 3 facing South and leading onto a large terrace of 77 m² overlooking the pool. The lower floor has numerous bedrooms, play rooms, laundry, technical, staff and service rooms plus cellars, totalling 200 m². Wonderful wooden floors throughout, high ceilings with plenty of volume and charm, automatic watering system for the strawberries, avocado, orange and lemon trees, the pool comes with a change, shower and WC room, and the property is well secured with an automatic gate and alarm. Some renovation and decoration are needed. Possible to buy the adjoining house of 200 m² for 800,000 €.