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.
The lovely, ancient village of Valbonne is set in the French Riviera, close to Antibes, Cannes and Nice. You’ll be right near the coast and the Mediterranean, but Valbonne has a notably slower pace than some of the other bustling parts of the Cote d’Azur. Also, its location means you’ll have easy access to the French Alps, where you can head for a ski weekend during the colder months or for a hiking trip the rest of the year.
The French Riviera is known for its unbeatable weather, with nearly 300 days of sunshine each year. Even the coldest winter months tend to be on the mild side, and being so close to the French Alps means you can head into the mountains for skiing or snowboarding.
Lifestyle in Valbonne
Valbonne’s appearance is exactly how you’d picture a Provencal village, with the main square surrounded by a rectangular grid. Pleasantly combining the old world with modern times, much of Valbonne has been restored to show what it looked like centuries ago. Start at the town square to explore a variety of gardens or sit and sip at a cafe. You’ll also be amongst ancient buildings, fountains, stone architecture and pastel-colored buildings, as well as renowned restaurants.
On top of dining and exploring the centre of Valbonne, there’s a lot to do here. Visit a gallery or museum, stop by an open-air pop-up market or antiques fair, and go canoeing, golfing or mountain biking – when you take a break from sunbathing by the sea, that is. You’ll never be at a loss for what to do, especially with the festival, music events and parades that make their way to Valbonne several times a year.
What Makes Valbonne Popular With Property Buyers?
While many French Riviera towns and cities are popular destinations for tourists and property buyers, Valbonne’s one of the area’s lesser-known gems. Not only is it not heavy on tourism, but there’s a lot of space here, with properties that are more spread out and roomy than in other nearby towns. Homes in Valbonne often have bedroom suites with their own terraces, heated pools and summer kitchens, and other upscale features like gyms and Jacuzzis.
Valbonne is also a prime spot for expat families to purchase property, as it’s close to respected international schools. And its proximity to Sophia Antipolis, a science and technology park that opened in the 1970s, means there are a lot of job opportunities in the area for both established professionals and college students. Additionally, the French Riviera’s phenomenal weather and Valbonne’s setting between the sea and the mountains make it a perfect location for a main residence or a holiday home
Types of Property in Valbonne
Property on the market in Valbonne ranges from contemporary villas to countryside farmhouses, many of which have unobstructed views of the landscape. To be closer to the heart of Valbonne, consider a village house – you may have to sacrifice a bit of space, but you’ll be nearer to the hubbub. Like the village itself, property in Valbonne often combines traditional style with modern features.
Sinc Valbonne has more space for property than other parts of the Cote d’Azur, homes here tend to be large, with every amenity you could want and even outbuildings for additional living space. A lot of the homes in Valbonne have ample outdoor areas, too, so that you can take advantage of the French Riviera’s gorgeous weather.
You’ll also find an assortment of luxury apartments in Valbonne. Often, they range from two-room to four-room homes, with plenty of natural light and high-end features. If you’re looking for a holiday home or a rental property, you may want to consider an apartment instead of a villa. They’re easier to maintain when you’re not there, and there’s a great rental market for them, as they tend to be closer to the heart of town.
Next Steps: Guide to the Process of Buying Property in Valbonne
When searching for property to buy in Valbonne that meets your requirements, consider hiring an property agent. They’ll be able to show you listings you wouldn’t find otherwise, as some homes for sale remain unlisted. Also, an estate agent will know the ins and outs of he area and the French property buying process.
When you’ve found a home you love, you’ll make an offer in writing, which will be presented to the owner. Once accepted, both parties will sign the Compromis de Vente, which is the initial contract that details the property and the pending sale.
Next, there’s a 10-day cooling-off period. You’re allowed to change your mind about the purchase during this time, and you’ll get your deposit back if you decide to not go through with it. Once the cooling-off period is over, a 12-week conveyancing process will start. During this time, several assessments of the home will be carried out. This will give you the chance to address issues with the seller and negotiate based on any work that needs to be done.
After that, the Acte de Vente (the deed) will be drawn up and signed by both parties. You’ll make the final payment at this time, too, and the home will be officially yours!
HOMEHUNTS estate agents are able to search and find you some of the finest luxury properties in Valbonne. Search our website and browse our selection of luxury property to buy in Valbonne. You can also speak directly to one of our consultants by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
The lovely, ancient village of Valbonne is set in the 
