Sospel
Outdoor sports mecca with plenty of medieval charm
Sospel is a more of a mountain town than a quaint little village; as well as having its fair share of crooked back streets and ancient buildings, it also has quite a large population of residents and attracts lots of hikers and bikers, so it doesn't rely entirely on coachloads of sightseers to get by.
On leaving the train station it's a short walk cut through a charming little park to get to the Place des Platanes; a large square with benches, shaded promenades, flowerbeds and a boules club. There is a large market here every Thursday morning and you can still see some 15th century columns dotted about – they are all that remains of the old church of Saint Pierre.
Once you arrive at the River Bévéra look left for a wonderful view of the colourful houses with their trompe l'œil façades on the opposite bank and the old bridge with its fortified gate house. Le Pont Vieux was built as a toll bridge for travellers in the 12th century and was damaged in the Second World War, then rebuilt using the original stones.
Sospel has lots of faded charm in its chipped stones and peeling paintwork; the dark alleyways and hidden courtyards are cool even in the height of summer and far less frenetic than some of the more touristy villages.
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History & Culture in [locality]
If you're a fan of military history then it may be worth making a short journey to the outskirts of Sospel to visit the three forts – Saint-Roch, Barbonnet and Agaisen – all of which are open to the public (although check opening times before you visit as they can be limited).
The famous Maginot Line runs past Sospel, just 3km from the town.
To get a sense of the full history of Sospel (and to have a peek at the locals' gardens), follow the signposts up to the “Ruines du Donjon Romaine et Remparts”, where you'll find the ruins of the Château de Sospel, home to the Counts of Provence. Not much more remains than a few crumbling walls but it's evocative nonetheless and gives you an insight into a different aspect of the town.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
The magnificent Catédral de Saint Michel dominates the centre of “old” Sospel; its vivid colours glowing against the dark wood and sombre grey stonework of the neighbouring streets.
The cathedral soars higher than all the surrounding buildings and the square in front has been recobbled with white and grey stones that contrast beautifully with the warm yellow and red tones of the façade.
The 13th century Romanesque bell tower is the only original part of the building, the rest having been rebuilt in the Baroque style during the 17th century.
Sights in Nice
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Train des Merveilles
Merveilles means “marvels” and it’s hard to know whether they named the area for the stunning scenery, the beautiful old medieval villages or the archaeological findings going back 5000 years. The railway carriages are painted with designs inspired by the prehistoric rock carvings that have been discovered in the region.
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Musee Nationale de Fernand Leger, near Biot
A few months before his death in 1955, artist Fernand Léger acquired a farmhouse at the foot of the village of Biot. It was here that his widow Nadia Leger, decided to create a museum to honour him and showcase his life's work.
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Ferrero Gallery
Founded as a photographic studio in 1958, and opened as a gallery in 1972, Jean Ferrero exhibited works from the School of Nice and the New Realism genre.
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Matisse Museum
A small collection of some of Matisse's works and items from his own personal collection and that of his descendants are housed in an impressive 17th century Genoese mansion.
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Fine Arts Museum (Musee des Beaux Arts)
Located in the Baumettes neighbourhood, this Fine Arts museum is housed in an impressive 19th-century villa and contains an important collection of paintings and sculptures.
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Cote d'Azur Observatory
This astronomical observatory is located on top of mont Gros. It was built in 1881 and was designed by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opera House, and Gustave Eiffel, the celebrated creator of the Eiffel Tower.
Beaches in [locality]
Beaches in Nice
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Plage du Buse Beach, Roquebrune
Plage Buse is a pretty and undulating stretch of pebbly coastline tucked away to the west of the Roquebrune Cap Martin peninsula.
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Plage du Golfe Bleu Beach, Roquebrune
This family-friendly beach is easy to get to but not so easy to find, which is perhaps why it always stays fairly quiet even in peak season.
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Plage Marquet Beach, Cap d'Ail
Plage Marquet is the most easterly of the Cap d’Ail beaches and is right on the border with Monaco.
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Plage Mala Beach, Cap d'Ail
This is a small and secluded beach with two excellent restaurants and safe swimming. Plage Mala is a little haven.
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Plage Gramaglia Beach, Cap d'Ail
Located just beneath Restaurant La Pinede along the Sentier Littoral, Plage Gramaglia is more a series of rocky coves than a traditional beach.
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La Plage d'Eze Beach, Eze
Eze-Sur-Mer has only one beach but it’s a lovely one; great for swimming as the water comes very high up the beach and it's in a calm bay.
Dining in [locality]
The old bridge leads to Place Saint Nicolas, a small but very charming square with an 18th century fountain, colourful buildings and Italian-style loggias. Here you'll find a typically French café with a pretty terrace and daily specials.
Alternatively, there is a small cluster of café-bars and brasseries beside the river at Place de Cabraïa, which is local dialect for “goat” and refers to the days when farmers would gather their herds here before leading them to the pastures. The fountain is split in two levels, the lower one for animals and the upper one for people.
Restaurants in Nice
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La Chevre d'Or Restaurant, Eze
This gourmet restaurant offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean and gained two Michelin stars in 2011.
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Restaurant, Grasse
Michelin-starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine offers a refined retreat near Cannes, where chef Jacques Chibois creates inspired Provençal cuisine. Set in a stunning country house with lush gardens and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect blend of gastronomy, elegance, and tranquillity.
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La Table de Pierre Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
La Table de Pierre offers refined, garden-led cuisine by Chef Emmanuel Lehrer in a romantic setting with views over the estate.
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Le Cap Restaurant, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Michelin-starred chef, Didier Anies, recognised as Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000, has created a gourmet cuisine at this restaurant; one which is unfussy, full of flavour and low key yet elegant.
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Chateau Eza Restaurant, Eze
Château Eza offers a Michelin recommended restaurant serving à la carte French and Mediterranean cuisine against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera.
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Le Saint-Martin Restaurant, Vence
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
Events in [locality]
Events in Nice
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Beaulieu Classic Festival
The Beaulieu Classic Festival showcases both local and international talent set in the most mythical and enchanting surroundings on the French Riviera.
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Nice, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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Trail des Alpes Maritimes
Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.
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Live music at the Opéra de Nice
The wonderful Opéra de Nice venue, on the Promenade des Anglais in the old town of Nice, hosts some of the best classical music concerts in the French Riviera.
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'Un Festival C'est Trop Court' Short Film Festival
The festival is a much-anticipated event in the European cinematic calendar and has become a popular rendezvous for young creators.
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Les Gourmand'Eze Gastronomic Festival, Eze
Three days with a packed programme of show cooking, workshops, tastings, conferences, amateur contests and a lot more.
Things to do in [locality]
Sospel is a nature junkie's paradise with no less than five GR trails heading out from the town as well as various other hiking and mountain biking routes – you'll often see people checking tyres and brakes in Place des Platanes prior to a day out riding the cross-country trails.
It's also a popular destination for road bikers, with plenty of cols and long challenging itineraries within reach. Rock climbers can find limestone crags with bolted routes up to grade seven – check at the tourist office for information on where to find them.
Things To Do in Nice
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Motorbike hire
Based in Nice, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Solar Powered Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
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Provence self-guided motorbike tour
A trip for intermediate riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads in Provence.
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
Cycling in [locality]
Cycling Routes in Nice
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Col de la Madone de Gorbio Cycle Route
When Lance Armstrong describes a training route as “mythical” you know it’s not going to be easy…
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Aspremont Tourette Falicon Cycle Route
This half-day ride takes you on a panoramic tour via four of the region’s famous sixteen “perched villages” - ancient towns built high amongst the mountains of the Alpes-Maritime. There is a fair bit of climbing involved in this ride, 1500m over just under 60km, but there are also plenty of long flowing descents where you can drink in the magnificent views of mountains in one direction and sea in the other. The biggest climb is the first one up to Aspremont, so once you’ve nailed that you can relax and take the rest nice and easy.
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La Grande Corniche Cycle Route
La Grande Corniche is one of the classic cycle routes of the Riviera and this ride takes you from the heart of Nice all the way to Menton on the Italian border and back.
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Mont Lauze Cycle Route
This intense little loop packs quite a lot into a short ride, taking you up to the serenity of the high mountains and back down to the hustle of the seafront in just 30km.
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Col de Vence Cycle Route
A challenging ride up a steep mountain pass to a summit of 963m, the Col de Vence is a classic cycling route of the Cote d’Azur. Starting from Nice along the Promenade des Anglais, follow the cycle path past the airport to Cagnes-Sur-Mer; you’ll know you’ve reached Cagnes-Sur-Mer when you come to a long stretch of seafront and a dangling rhinoceros (you’ll understand when you see it), turn right up Avenue General Leclerc - it’s the second road after the church.
Hiking in [locality]
Walking Routes in Nice
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Le Corbusier walk
Cap Martin is a rather exclusive peninsula between Monaco and Menton, which houses a number of large, discrete villas of the rich and famous. Happily, there is also a rather fabulous coastal walk around the headland which allows everyone to access the wonderful views of Monaco and the sea.
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Hike from Nice along the Plateau St Michel
This is a fairly easy but rewarding hike starting from Eze-sur-Mer and finishing in Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, both villages are on the train and bus line.
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Aspremont Mont Chauve Circuit
This circuit starts from Aspremont, one of the famous “perched villages” of the Cote d’Azur, and climbs up to Mont Chauve at 853m to give spectacular views of the Baie des Anges and the “collines”, or hills, surrounding Nice.
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Villefranche Sur Mer to Cap de Nice
This rugged coastal footpath runs from Villefranche-Sur-Mer all the way to Nice, providing excellent views of the harbour and lots of opportunities for secluded swimming and sunbathing along the way.
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Sentier Littoral : Tour du Cap Ferrat
This easily accessible promenade starts at the Port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and finishes at Plage de Passable, taking you right around the peninsula of this beautiful coastline.
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Circuit de la Rade
Leave the old town of Villefranche-sur-mer and escape into the wooded hills as far down as Cap Ferrat. Take a tour of the old city via Rue Obscure, a shady path the winds its way through vaulted cellars from the old harbor.
Yachts & Sailing in [locality]
Watersports in [locality]
Watersports in Nice
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Parasailing, Villefranche Sur Mer
Fly at 50 metres above the sea by yourself or with friends security attached, enjoy a spectacular view of the gorgeous Baie des Anges, mountains and surroundings.
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Paddleboarding along the coast is a fun for the whole family!
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Club Sous l'Eau Diving School, Saint Raphael
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
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Cap Ferrat Diving School
Whichever excursion you choose, you will be closer to discovering the many secrets of the underwater world.
Families in [locality]
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Nice
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Le Bar du Negresco
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
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Casino de Beaulieu
Reopened in December 2014 and restored to its original elegance with a touch of modern glamour this is 'must see' building as well as fantastic entertainment venue.
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Casino du Palais de la Mediterranee
Situated right on the seafront of the Promenade des Anglais this stunning building plays host to some of the city's biggest events.
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Ma Nolans Restaurant, Vieux Nice
Ma Nolan’s, Vieux Nice has a large inviting terrace, high vaulted ceilings, authentic bar counters and wooden floors.
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Cave Wilson Restaurant, Nice Centre
This is one of the oldest jazz bars on the Mediterranean - been around since 1904. The atmosphere in Cave Wilson is very pleasant, and Antoine, the owner, offers excellent wine with a plate of cheeses, bread and quality music.
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Nomad Bar, Vieux Nice
Located in Vieux Nice, this bar serves breakfast, lunch, tapas and drinks. A great place to soak up the sun while enjoying a meal.
Villas in [locality]
Villas in Nice
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Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
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Hsud0081 Villa
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
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Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
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Aurelia Villa, Vence
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
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Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Nice
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Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
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Hsud0081 Villa
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
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Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
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Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
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Aurelia Villa, Vence
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Nice
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Le Mas de Pierre Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
This five-star Relais & Châteaux resort offers elegant rooms, exceptional facilities and a peaceful setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
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Le Saint Paul Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
Tucked inside the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, Hotel Le Saint Paul offers timeless charm, artistic flair, and refined hospitality in a Relais & Châteaux setting.
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Cap-Ferrat Grand Hotel, Cap-Ferrat
Distinguished turn-of-the-century resort hotel with a sophisticated aura, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 14-acre park.
Price: €43,885
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Suisse Hotel
The Hotel Suisse is ideally situated between right on the beach front and offers fantastic, uninterrupted sea views right in the heart of Nice.
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La Colombe D'Or Hotel, St Paul de Vence
This celebrated Provençal inn combines elegant accommodation with a private collection of modern art by renowned 20th-century artists.
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Windsor Hotel
Charming hotel with a secluded tropical garden set in the heart of Nice within a walking distance to the city's main attractions.
Campsites in [locality]
How to get to [locality]
Getting to Sospel is relatively easy on public transport; you can either take the Train des Merveilles from Nice or there is a bus that runs from Menton.
If you're driving you can take the A8 and the D2204 from Nice (40km), or the A8 then D2566 from Menton (15km).
Transfers for Nice
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Private airport transfers
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Nice
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Apartment for Sale
Live in the heart of Nice's most vibrant neighbourhood: renovated three room apartment
Price: €635,000
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Land (Plot) for Sale, Alpes-Maritimes
Provençal villa with swimming pool and landscaped garden
Price: €2,480,000
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