Set on the French Riviera, close to Antibes and Cannes, is the Provencal village of Valbonne. Thanks to its location, the quaint village feel offers the best of both worlds: you’ll be close to the coast and the vibrant atmosphere of the surrounding Cote d’Azur towns while living in a relaxing, slower-paced setting. Even if you’ve never visited France before, you’ll recognise Valbonne – it looks like the classic version of the French lifestyle, as though the village leapt off the pages of a book and came to life.
The village of Valbonne was founded in the early 16th century, and it’s remained a lesser-known gem of the Cote d’Azur – which is why it’s so appealing to property buyers. With the French Alps on one side and the sea on the other, property for sale in Valbonne offers the chance of a wonderful lifestyle. Homes range from charming village houses, to contemporary villas to farmhouses buried in the countryside.
There’s a lot of space in Valbonne, unlike some other parts of the French Riviera, and properties here often include bedroom suites, terraces, heated pools, summer kitchens and extra amenities, like fitness areas and Jacuzzis. If you’d rather be close to the village centre, consider buying a village house – you may lose a bit in space, but you’ll be in the heart of the village. (The village is designed in a rectangular grid that surrounds the main square.)
Valbonne has an interesting and exhilarating combination of the old world and contemporary life. Visitors will find that much of Valbonne has been restored to reflect its original appearance. The town square is where you’ll head if you want to sit at a cafe or explore one of the area’s three gardens. The square is well-maintained, with stone architecture, fountains, sundials and ancient buildings, and this is also where you’ll see a number of fanciful, pastel-coloured homes.
Make it your Sunday outing to head to the square for a coffee in the morning or a glass of local wine with a leisurely lunch – there are several well-known restaurants near the square. Plus, every Friday, the traditional market opens to sell fresh fruit and vegetables; cheeses, meats and spices; as well as clothing, jewelry and leather products.
Expat families opt for Valbonne because of its proximity to highly regarded international schools. It’s also a great place if you are looking a new job upon relocating, especially if you’re in the tech industry, because it’s referred to as the Silicon Valley of Europe. Sophia Antipolis, the science and technology park that was opened in the early 1970s, is today a prominent hub for global business. The green spaces that are beautifully landscaped with Mediterranean plants offer a welcome balance to the otherwise high-tech domain.
This part of France gets a lot of sunshine, and you’ll experience superb weather for most of the year. Even the winters are mild, and it can be comfortable enough in January to dine al fresco. When you’re not exploring a gallery or museum, head outside for canoeing, mountain biking or golf. There’s also an antique fair that takes place the first Sunday of the month, and family-friendly festivals with music and parades are held year-round.
HOMEHUNTS are able to search and find you some of the finest luxury properties for sale in Valbonne. Search our website and browse our selection of luxury homes in Valbonne. You can also speak directly to one of our consultants by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
