The French Riviera (also known as Côte d’Azur) is one of the most affluent and desirable destinations in the whole country, if not the world.
If you’re considering the French Riviera as your retirement destination then you obviously have your heart set on a certain standard of living.
Even so, you likely have questions about retiring to the Côte d’Azur. In this guide we’ll cover all the useful information you might need, such as the best retirement destinations, cost of living, and the status of the region’s expat community.
Living In The French Riviera
Moving to the French Riviera (the Côte d’Azur) in retirement
The French Riviera has long been seen as the stomping ground for the world’s most rich and famous. But the region still offers plenty of opportunities for affordable retirement that’ll grant you access to a very high standard of living.
Whether you’re interested in the long history of cities like Nice or Marseilles, the lifestyle of Monaco, snowboarding in the Alps, or simply taking in some of the amazing food and beautiful nature, the Côte d’Azur has so much to offer.
It’s no secret that the area is home to big money. This translates into great healthcare services, plenty of amazing restaurants, and loads of interesting activities – both on the sea and the land.
But the area also sees plenty of tourism, meaning there are a wealth of daily activities and some interesting nightlife. The French Riviera would be perfect for retirees looking for an active lifestyle, but would also be ideal for those looking for something more relaxed.
Property prices in the French Riviera are understandably higher than the rest of France, but you’re paying to live in a premium area. It’s probably fair to assume you already knew this seeing as you’re considering it as a retirement destination!
Overall, the Côte d’Azur offers plenty of attractive prospects for expats looking for a varied and interesting life in retirement. It’s a large stretch of coastline, so you have plenty of variety in retirement locations too.
French Riviera vs Italian Riviera (Amalfi Coast)
Perhaps your main criterion for retirement is a Mediterranean coastal area, and you’re wondering whether the French Riviera or Italian Riviera would be better. Realistically, both offer glamour and unforgettable experiences, but the main deciding factors are:
Language
This is an obvious one, but the French Riviera is French-speaking and the Italian Riviera is Italian speaking. If you already have knowledge of one language, this might sway your decision.
If you don’t have much knowledge of either, the general consensus is that basic Italian is easier to learn. There’s a clearer relation between spelling and pronunciation. But the more advanced you get, the easier French becomes.
Food
Another obvious but important factor is the food. The Côte d’Azur features a lot of seafood (and of course salade niçoise), along with French specialties such as duck and veal.
The Italian Riviera will feature more pasta (obviously) with lots of pesto. Similarly, the area is big on white wine, while the French Riviera is big for rose wine.
Ultimately there’s no way of saying which is better because it depends on the type of lifestyle you want. It might be worth spending some time touring both in order to make a more informed decision about where to settle down.
The pros and cons of living in the south of France
The Côte d’Azur might seem like the perfect place, what with its affluent lifestyle and amazing scenery, but it’s worth knowing the pros and cons before making your decision.
The pros of living in the south of France
1. The weather is pretty great
While there is some variation depending on geography, the French Riviera’s climate is pretty constant. In the east (Cannes) it reaches 28 degrees in the summer, while in the west (Marseilles) it gets to about 30. Winters are fairly cool but much milder than in the UK.
The main advantage is that the Alps block much of the poorer weather coming from the north. The sea’s proximity keeps away much of the weather spikes too, although it does increase rainfall.
2. Plenty of opportunity for star spotting
If rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s most rich and famous is top of your list, then the French Riviera is for you. Whether it’s finding movie stars during the Cannes Film Festival or playing blackjack with socialites in Monte Carlo, the area has plenty to offer.
3. Close proximity to the sea
This almost goes without saying, but living on the Côte d’Azur puts you right on the edge of the Mediterranean. This gives you plenty of opportunities for sailing, swimming, or any other water sports you might enjoy.
4. Varied history and culture
The French Riviera is a collection of towns and cities, and so has plenty of variation in its history and culture. If that’s your thing then you could do a lot worse for a retirement destination.
You’ll find Roman ruins (like the ones in Climiez), ruined castles (such as Grimaldi near Saint-Tropez), and plenty of evidence of the region’s popularity with the Georgian and Victorian upper classes. It’s a history lover’s paradise.
5. Great food and wine
The pro of great food and wine is applicable to pretty much all of France. The Côte d’Azur is no exception, as it features amazing seafood, excellent wine, and very affordable fresh produce.
The best way to buy much of this food is still at the local open-air markets, which will usually be weekly in almost every town and city. The French are big on locally sourced produce, and it would be silly to not take advantage of this.
The cons of living in the south of France
1. Tourist crowds
Tourism isn’t always a bad thing because it does bring benefits, but often isn’t what you’re after when looking for the best retirement destination in France. Of course, larger cities like Nice, Marseilles, and Saint-Tropez will see much more tourism than others.
The easiest way to avoid this, if it will be a problem for you, is to live in one of the smaller towns in the region. Not only will this offer a quieter lifestyle, but property prices will be more attractive too.
2. Its reputation does come with some downfalls
The New York Times once described Saint-Tropez as full of “see-and-be-seen restaurants”. Similarly, playwright Somerset Maugham described the region as “a sunny place for shady people”.
This shouldn’t put you off the French Riviera but should make you consider it as a realistic retirement destination. Living there permanently is different to visiting it on holiday. That said, this issue is completely avoided by living in a smaller town outside the main hotspots.
3. Things are fairly relaxed
This might sound like a big pro, and it usually is, but not when it comes to important things. Like much of France, shops shut for lunch every day, but compensate by staying open a bit later.
Also, don’t expect a British timescale for things like house repairs or resolving issues with utility providers. The French don’t seem as bothered as the British, but it shouldn’t be a problem once you acclimatise to it.
What is it like to live on the French Riviera?
Explaining what it’s like to live on the French Riviera can’t really be summed up in a simple sentence or two. As the area covers a large number of towns and cities there’s a lot of variation. It stretches around 550 miles, so would be like wondering what it’s like living on the west coast of Britain.
That said, the cities do share some similarities. The weather is fairly constant (and amazing), the food and wine quality has small variations but remains consistent, and there’s plenty for those seeking an active lifestyle.
Living on the French Riviera is like living in a permanent holiday on a film set. From the Cannes Film Festival to the Monaco Grand Prix, and sailing the Mediterranean to skiing in the Alps, the Côte d’Azur has almost everything you could need.
That said, it’s always worth being realistic that the area can offer everything you actually need. Luckily it has a great healthcare system and excellent international connections, so the answer is likely yes.
Is the French Riviera safe?
The crime rates in Nice are all moderate to low. Safety walking alone (both day and night) is moderate to very high.
The French Riviera is relatively safe. As usual, as a more affluent area, it benefits from a lower crime rate because of its larger police force.
It’s definitely safer than Marseille or London, for example. In Marseille, the crime index is 58.5, and the level of crime is 63.7. Marseille is more on par with London, as its crime areas rate from moderate to high.
But then you look at somewhere like Antibes, located between Cannes and Nice, and the crime index drops to 21. Its level of crime is lower still – 19.4 – and all areas of crime are low to very low.
As you can see, it really depends on where you live as to the safety level. Realistically, there shouldn’t be any concerns regardless of where you decide to call home, but living away from the bigger cities guarantees a safer life.
Why is the French Riviera so popular?
As you may have guessed by now, the French Riviera is a popular destination for many, particularly the rich and famous. But why is it so popular?
The most obvious reasons for the French Riviera’s popularity are its beautiful scenery, perfect sailing waters, excellent food, and numerous opportunities to spend money.
Along with events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, you’ll find plenty of other cultural activities ranging from art galleries and museums to water sports. Arguably, there’s something for everyone.
And if celeb spotting is on your list, here are just a few of the famous faces you might see walking the streets:
Johnny Depp
Depp owns a (comparatively) small villa near Saint-Tropez, along with a nearby vineyard. It’s located in a small village called Plan De La Tour, around 30 minutes from Saint-Tropez.
Elton John
Elton owns a beautiful villa at the top of Mont Boron, not far from Nice. Expect a big mountain hike if you want to see this property!
Tina Turner
This famous pop star owns an impressive villa in Villefranche-sur-Mer, near Nice. The town granted her honorary citizenship back in 1995.
Bono
U2 frontman Bono owns a stunning villa in Eze-sur-Mer, a small seafront villa. The band’s guitarist owns a neighbouring villa on the same stretch of beach, so you might even get double the stars for your money!
How much does it cost to live in the French Riviera?
With all this glitz and glamour, you might be wondering, is the French Riviera expensive?
The Côte d’Azur cost of living largely depends on where you choose to settle down. There’s variation between towns and cities, and between central and peripheral city regions.
Take two prominent French Riviera cities, Marseille and Nice, as examples. The cost of living in Marseille is 5.2% lower than in London, but the cost of living in Nice is 5.5% higher than in London. Having a higher cost of living than London is fairly impressive.
In Marseille, renting a one-bedroom central apartment will cost around €581 (£525) a month.
Buying an apartment in the city centre will cost around €3,200 (£2,891) compared to London’s £11,665 (€12,910). The same space in Nice will set you back €809 (£731) and €6,635 (£5,995), respectively.
Groceries in Marseille are about 30% cheaper than in London, while in Nice they’re about 20% more expensive. Eating out is cheaper in both French cities by around 25-30%.
In Nice, you could expect to pay around €40 (£35) a month for a gym membership, which would cost €28 (£26) in Marseille and £45 (€48) in London.
But then if you look in the smaller towns around the Côte d’Azur, the cost of living drops dramatically. For example, in Antibes, house prices are a whopping 140% lower than in London!
Living on the French Riviera can be as expensive as you want it to be. Realistically, it’s not a penny-pinching destination, but this isn’t a secret. For a fairly comfortable, no-frills retirement, you’ll probably want to budget around €1,100 per person. This won’t include hobbies or healthcare.
Healthcare in the French Riviera
The French Riviera has an excellent healthcare system, much like the rest of France. Obviously, the big money found in the region means there are plenty of private hospitals, but the public ones are excellent too.
Some notable public hospitals include the Hospital Centre Cannes, the Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco, and Cimiez Hospital in Nice. You also have private healthcare facilities like Polyclinique Saint Jean in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Institut Arnault Tzanck in Mougins, and Hopital Grasse.
All hospitals have excellent English-speaking facilities too, making communication a bit easier. In short, healthcare shouldn’t be a big concern when considering the French Riviera as a retirement destination.
- Healthcare In France For Expats – how to register with public healthcare, your health insurance options and everything else you need to know to keep healthy in France.
Where should I live on the French Riviera?
Choosing a retirement destination in a single city can be a challenge, let alone along 550 miles of the beautiful French coastline! If you want bustling city life then there are the big ones to choose from (Nice, Marseille, Saint-Tropez, etc.).
- What’s It Like Living In Nice – the cost of living, the pros and cons, the highlights of the expat lifestyle, and some of the best areas to live in Nice.
But if you want something a bit quieter and off the beaten track, here are some suggestions for the best places to live in Côte d’Azur.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
This village is located about a 25-minute drive away from Nice and is almost a different world. It still retains its quiet fishing-village charm featuring ochre houses and wide, open seafront promenades.
It’s a great choice for those looking for an active lifestyle, as there are plenty of walking trails along the coast and around the surrounding hills. With Nice only a short drive away, you can have amenities in easy reach but peace and quiet when you want it.
Menton
Menton is a hidden gem on the Côte d’Azur. Only a 20-minute drive from Monte Carlo and very close to the Italian border, this would be a great choice for those with travelling in mind.
Here you’ll find museums and beautiful green spaces, such as the Botanique Exotique de Menton and Serre de la Madone. There are also some great beaches, and being so close to Monte Carlo means you can pop up for a spot of gambling whenever the mood takes you.
Antibes
Antibes is a small resort town found between Cannes and Nice. It’s got a rich history, including a 16th-century fortification wall and an archaeological museum. What’s more, it was once home to Picasso for a period of his life.
Round the corner from the main town, you’ll find the Cap d’Antibes, home to luxury hotels and “Billionaire’s Bay” featuring some of the biggest and most impressive villas you’ve ever seen. Antibes will be a good choice if you want culture and don’t might the annual tourism boom.
Cannes
If you’re in the market to spend some serious money, you can’t go too wrong with Cannes. Property prices here can exceed €30 million! You’ll find a mix of stunning modern villas (with their own pools) and 18th-century mansions depending on your tastes. There’s even plenty of space in the harbour to moor your yacht!
Making friends and meeting people in the French Riviera
Although it’s always worth trying to get involved in local communities, having an expat community to enjoy is also helpful. Luckily the Côte d’Azur is popular with expats and there are plenty of vibrant clubs and social groups.
Of course, it’ll depend on the city or town you settle down in, but here are some of the biggest:
Nice Expat Meetup Group
This group is exactly what it sounds like: an online meeting place for expats based in Nice and the surrounding area. There’s always a list of upcoming social events that are great for meeting new people and getting settled in the community.
British Association of Monaco
The BAM is a similar group, just based in Monaco and only open to Brits. They have a collection of resources to help you get settled, and a list of events where you can meet people in the area.
International Women’s Club of the Riviera
The IWCR is a place for English-speaking women to meet up. They style themselves as an active club and go on lots of outdoor trips and arrange regular meetings. This will be a good group for women to learn about the area and try some amazing local food.
Another generally foolproof option is to see what groups are on social media, such as Facebook. Expat communities regularly set up events there and this will be a good way of meeting people in your local area.
Things to do in the French Riviera
There’s definitely no shortage of activities in the Côte d’Azur, regardless of where you decide to settle down. Of course, many of them reflect the region’s glamour, but what better way to spend your retirement?
Sailing
You’ll find plenty of places to rent a yacht from a number of towns, including Cannes, Nice, Monaco, and so on. You can rent yachts by the day or week, with or without a skipper, and have plenty of flexibility over what you do with it. Alternatively, if you’ve got a bit of spare cash, you could always buy your own!
Golf
As with all places not short on money, the French Riviera is home to some world-renowned golf courses. Here are just a few of the most popular:
- Golf de la Grande Bastide, Chateauneuf de Grasse
- Royal Mougins, Mougins
- Golf d’Opio Valbonne, Valbonne
- Golf de Sainte Maxime, Sainte Maxime
The Royal Mougins is where you’ll most likely bump into some celebrities, particularly when the club hosts its annual Monaco-US Celebrity Golf Cup.
Water sports
If water sports are your thing, then you’ll be pleased with the range of diving activities on offer along the Côte d’Azur. You’ll find diving schools in cities like Nice, but also in smaller towns like Vallauris and Ramatuelle. Many of these places also offer things like jet skiing and wakeboarding too so you won’t be short of options.
Dining
Of course, you can’t overlook dining in such an affluent region as the French Riviera. Whether you’re looking for a local eatery or a fine-dining experience, it won’t be difficult to find the perfect spot for some food. Here are the highlights:
- La Vague D’Or
Saint-Tropez is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants, and this is one of them (it actually has 3 Michelin stars!). It’s big on seafood and on prices; the menu starts at €200!
- Carte Blanche
This restaurant is located in Hyeres and is smaller and less expensive than some other fine-dining places, but is no less excellent. It features a seasonal menu that changes regularly, meaning you’ll always be in for a new surprise.
- Hostellerie Jerome
Located in La Turbie, not far from Monte Carlo, this restaurant has 2 Michelin stars. The food is local but elevated; menu prices start at €78 a head.
- Le Parc 45
Found in Cannes, this one-Michelin-star restaurant is famous for its invention. Considering it’s found in such a bustling city, it has to do something to stand out, and it really does.
Shopping
There is no shortage of shopping malls in the Côte d’Azur, many of which stock only designer goods (as you’d expect). Some of the highlights include Le Metropole in Monaco, Nice Etoile in Nice, and Polygone Riviera in Cagnes-sur-Mer.
But don’t forget to check out small boutiques in places like Monaco and Monte Carlo. Many of the hottest brands wouldn’t be seen in a shopping mall, so you have to go hunting for them instead.
Snowboarding in Côte d’Azur
Considering the proximity of the Alps, it would be wrong to overlook the opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in the French Riviera. Whether you’re looking for a day trip from home or somewhere to spend the whole winter, there are plenty of great locations for snowboarding in Côte d’Azur.
- Valberg
Valberg is a great family-orientated ski resort that boasts skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. There are a number of great hotels to choose from, and the slopes are great for people of all ages and abilities.
- Isola 200
Isola 200 is the highest ski resort in the French Riviera, meaning it gets snow earlier and for longer than everywhere else. It’s also the region’s largest, so you’ll have plenty of options for skiing and snowboarding.
- Val d’Allos
Val might not be much to look at, but it is massive. If you’re thinking of spending your whole winter somewhere, it might not be here.
- La Colmiane
La Colmiane is another family-style resort that’s perfect for all ages and abilities. It has hotels and condos to choose from so would be ideal for a whole winter family getaway.
Final thoughts on living in the French Riviera
Retiring to the French Riviera has the potential to be a life-changing decision. Its affluence and luxury is so vastly different from the UK or the USA, and much of its stunning scenery will never get old.
That said, it won’t always be a film-set location. There are some serious points to consider when weighing up retirement in the Côte d’Azur, but many of these are overcome by moving to a smaller town outside the big cities.
Overall, the French Riviera has lots to offer as a retirement destination. There’s great food and culture, variety, and vibrant expat communities to help you settle down. It’s fair to say you won’t do much better for a retirement location.
You might find useful:
- Living In France Guide – everything you need to know to plan your move and settle down in France;
- The Best Places to Live in France – a detailed overview of France’s most popular locations for expats.
