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.
Sospel
Outdoor sports mecca with plenty of medieval charm
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.
Events in [locality]
Events in Nice
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
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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Parfumerie Fragonard, Grasse
Perfume museum in one of the oldest parfumerie's in Grasse
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
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Musee Nationale de Fernand Leger, near Biot
Museum dedicated to the life and work of Fernand Léger
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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Saint-Martin-Saint-Augustin Church
17th-century Baroque church housing a Pietà by Bréa
This church, dedicated to Saints Martin and Augustin, was built in the 17th century and holds a number of important works including one considered to be a Bréa panel from the turn of the 16th century.
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Prieure du Vieux-Logis Museum
Traditional villa housing art from the Middle Ages
This priory owned by Father Lemerre was converted into a museum at the end of the Second World War and houses his collection of objets d'art from the late Middle Ages and early modern period including French furniture, glass, sculptures and religious paintings.
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Chateau Museum Grimaldi, Cagnes sur Mer
A palatial art museum and historic monument in its own right
Chateau Grimaldi may take you somewhat by surprise if you are expecting the usual historical museum experience - it also holds regular exhibitions of contemporary art and isn’t afraid of displaying bizarre and sometimes challenging installations. The artworks are incongruous in such a traditional context and the collection changes regularly, so you never know quite what you’re going to get when you visit!
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Musee de la Mer, Ile Sainte-Marguerite
A museum of underwater archeology and land plus Iron Mask prison cell
Situated within the Royal Fort on Ile Sainte-Marguerite in the Bay of Cannes, this museum is a place not only of learning but also of rich history.
Beaches in [locality]
Beaches in Nice
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Plage du Buse Beach, Roquebrune
A quiet pebble beach near the Cap Martin peninsula
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
Great family friendly beach, a short walk from 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
A popular beach close to the Monaco border
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
A find pebbly beach with a safe swimming area
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
Rocky cove suited to strong swimmers - ladder access to the sea
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
A great beach for swimmers and watersports fans
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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Chateau Eza Restaurant, Eze
Luxury restaurant serving French and Mediterranean cuisine
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
Michelin starred restaurant north of Vence
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
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Le Saint-Paul Restaurant, Saint Paul de Vence
Gourmet Mediterranean cuisine cleverly devised by Laurent Paccini
Laurent Paccini is the chef at this Relais & Châteaux hotel and brings the food of different cultures to his excellent Mediterranean restaurant in Saint-Paul de Vence.
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Hostellerie Jerome Restaurant, La Turbie
Michelin starred restaurant in the heart of La Turbie
Chef Bruno Cirino prepares Mediterranean dishes that carefully showcase the flavours of local produce. A light and creative cuisine that you can enjoy in their elegant dining room with vaulted ceilings and frescoes or their shaded terrace overlooking the sea.
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La Table de Pierre Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Seasonal gourmet dining inspired by the Provençal countryside
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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La Chevre d'Or Restaurant, Eze
Michelin-starred restaurant serving sophisticated, fresh tasting cuisine
This gourmet restaurant offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean and gained two Michelin stars in 2011.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Nice
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Le Bar du Negresco
Atmospheric bar of the Hotel Le Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
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La Cave Nature Restaurant
Restaurant, bar and wine cellar in Villefranche
In a simple and relaxed atmosphere, La Cave Nature is a place of tasting organic wines and specialities of the house such as sandwiches, Mediterranean products freshly prepared, and tastings of cheeses and Italian delicatessen.
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High Club Nightclub
Every weekend the biggest DJ's & international artists perform here
This night club is one of the highest rated discos in Nice. Some of the most reputed DJs are constantly invited here to perform to the satisfaction of the public thrown in a raving dancing trance.
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Nomad Bar, Vieux Nice
Bar with a large terrace on Place François
Located in Vieux Nice, this bar serves breakfast, lunch, tapas and drinks. A great place to soak up the sun while enjoying a meal.
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Casino du Palais de la Mediterranee
A luxurious casino in the centre of Nice
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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Cave Wilson Restaurant, Nice Centre
Wine, food to go with wine, music and dance
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.
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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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Specialised yacht charter itineraries to truly experience the French Riviera, leaving from Nice
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.
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Motor Yacht REHAB - French Riviera Weekly Yacht Charter
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to twelve people
Take a trip on board this luxury yacht along the Riviera, to any destination of your choosing.
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Motorbike day tour
Seven-hour guided motorcycle tour through the Verdon Gorge
A fantastic way to experience the breathtaking scenery of the South of France.
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Sunset Boat Trip
Sunset motor boat tour along the French Riviera
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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Road bike hire
Quality road bike rentals to explore the French Riviera
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
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Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to twelve people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Yachts & Sailing in [locality]
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Good Times Motor Yacht - 21.45m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people
Motor yacht in Nice for up to twelve people (sleeps nine)
Good Times is a stylish 21.45m Jeanneau motor yacht built in 2016, offering a refined and comfortable charter experience on the French Riviera and beyond. Combining elegant design with modern amenities, she is perfectly suited to family holidays and relaxed escapes with friends in the Mediterranean.
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Shane Superyacht - 39m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people
Superyacht in Nice for up to twelve people (sleeps ten)
Shane is a striking 39.5m Mangusta 130’ Open, offering a perfect blend of speed, style and contemporary luxury. Refit in 2015, she showcases a bright, modern interior and sleek exterior lines, making her an excellent choice for cruising the French Riviera or attending prestigious events such as the Cannes Film Festival or Cannes Lions.
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Aquaholic Superyacht - 29m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people
Superyacht in Nice for up to twelve people (sleeps twelve)
Step aboard Aquaholic, a sleek twenty-nine-metre motor yacht built by Custom Line, and enjoy a refined charter experience on the French Riviera. Delivered in 2009, she showcases modern design, generous spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere throughout.
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Never Enough Superyacht - 20m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people
Superyacht in Nice for up to twelve people (sleeps eight)
Never Enough is a stylish Princess 64 motor yacht, built in 2014 and perfectly positioned in Antibes for exploring the French Riviera, Corsica and Sardinia. Combining modern comfort with a sociable layout, she is an excellent choice for day charters, weekend escapes or longer stays at sea.
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Tenaz Sailing Motor Yacht - 40m Yacht Charter for up to 10 people
Sailing yacht in Nice for up to ten people (sleeps eight)
The 40m sailing yacht Tenaz is a standout sloop from the renowned Dubois design studio, offering a refined and spacious charter experience. Built by Pendennis and extensively refitted in 2016, she combines classic sailing performance with modern comfort and style.
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Addiction Superyacht - 54m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people
Superyacht for up to twelve people (sleeps ten)
Step aboard Addiction, a striking 54-metre superyacht built by Amels, and experience refined luxury at sea. Delivered in 2010, she showcases the timeless exterior styling of Tim Heywood, paired with elegant interiors by Laura Sessa. With a dedicated crew of thirteen, every moment on board is designed to be effortless and memorable.
Watersports in [locality]
Watersports in Nice
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Inflatable Rides, Villefranche Sur Mer
10min rides on inflatable tubes and sofa boats
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding
2hr session including 1 hour tuition suitable for all ages and abilities
Paddleboarding along the coast is a fun for the whole family!
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Parasailing, Villefranche Sur Mer
Single, double or triple flights from age 5 years up!
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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White Water Rafting
Half day trips for 4 to 8 people suitable for all abilities from age 7
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Glisse Paradise Watersports, Saint Laurent du Var
Join a team of professionals for a great experience
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
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Club Sous l'Eau Diving School, Saint Raphael
Friendly diving centre for enthusiasts & newcomers to the sport
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
Holiday Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Nice
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Hsud0081 Villa
4 bedroom Villa in Nice. Sleeps 8
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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Aurelia Villa, Vence
5 bedroom Villa in Vence. Sleeps 10
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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Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
3 bedroom Villa in Vence. Sleeps 6
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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Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
4 bedroom Villa in La Roquette-sur-Var. Sleeps 8
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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Hsud0145 Villa
3 bedroom Villa in Nice. Sleeps 10
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
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Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
4 bedroom Villa in La Gaude. Sleeps 8
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.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Nice
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Cap Estel Hotel, Eze
A beautiful 5 star boutique hotel in its own gated estate
Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has wonderful panoramic views. With only 28 rooms spread over four separate locations, it is a very private and luxurious place to stay.
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Le Negresco Hotel
Traditional hotel with two star Michelin Restaurant on the sea front
Famous hotel and site named after Henri Negresco with an equally famous restaurant Le Chantecler, located on the Promenade des Anglais.
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Exedra Hotel, Nice Centre
Excellent location, close to all sights and shops within walking distance
The 5-star Luxury Boscolo Exedra Nice is located in the centre of Nice, a few minutes from the old town, the boutiques of Place Masséna, the famous Promenade Des Anglais and the Conference Center.
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Le Saint Paul Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
Five-star boutique hotel blending Provençal elegance, art, and gourmet dining
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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Le Mas de Pierre Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
Luxurious Provençal retreat with a spa, lagoon and gourmet dining
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 Palais de la Mediterranee Hotel
Grand seafront hotel ideal for both business & luxury holidays alike
Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this contemporary hotel features a casino, an indoor & outdoor pool and spa facilities.
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
Effortless and reliable transfers from Nice Airport to the city centre
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
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera 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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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
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.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Luxury helicopter transfers to the French Riviera & the French Alps
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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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Nice
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Apartment for Sale | bsm260470
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 74.72m², Apartment in Nice
Waterfront Penthouse with 150 sq m terrace
Apartment for Sale | bsm260470
€1,290,000 -
Apartment for Sale | BSM260412
2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 129m² Apartment in Alpes-Maritimes
In immediate proximity to the port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and its beautiful beaches, this exceptional 129 sq m apartment embodies the elegance and exclusive lifestyle of the French Riviera.
Apartment for Sale | BSM260412
€3,100,000 -
Villa for Sale | bsm260467
3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 107m², Villa in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villa overlooking the Villefranche bay
Villa for Sale | bsm260467
€2,100,000 -
Apartment for Sale | BSM260396
2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 95.40m² Apartment in Alpes-Maritimes
Elegant and refurbished penthouse in Les Musiciens.
Apartment for Sale | BSM260396
€890,000 -
Villa for Sale | bsm260443
5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 544m², Villa in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Co-sole agent: An authentic provençal style Château of exceptional proportions set in private walled grounds in the heart of the residential hillside looking south over the village and Villefranche bay.
Villa for Sale | bsm260443
€15,500,000 -
Villa for Sale | bsm260483
3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 191.53m², Villa in La Turbie
Country house offering great potential
Villa for Sale | bsm260483
€790,000






























































































































