Add Nice to Your New Year’s Resolutions

Last week, Interior Architect Martine di Mattéo, Mosaïste Véronique Husson and I flew to Nice to visit the chantier (construction site), meet with the contractor at “Le Matisse” and also meet with our clients who were scheduled to sign their Acte de Vente (final title deed) of the adjacent apartment on Friday.

Martine came for just one day – enough time to measure the windows for the draperies and discuss the design elements of both apartments. The apartments were once one apartment now divided into two, with one main entrance and then a door to each. Mine was a large studio, but has been reconfigured to a one-bedroom by virtue of a glass atelier-style wall dividing the space so that it can sleep four (with a sofa bed in the living room). The bathroom has been enlarged to accommodate a luxurious oval bathtub and an entrance from the living room so that those who sleep in the living room won’t disturb those in the bedroom.

Yes, the cost to install an artist’s rendering in mosaic tile is considerably more expensive than standard tile work, but the value is in the artistry and personality it lends to every apartment she has done. It is difficult to describe the feeling one gets when surrounded by such hand-created artistic beauty in comparison to the usual squares…but anyone who has experienced it will tell you it changes their experience!

Our clients (and my new neighbors) signed their Acte de Vente on Friday at the Notaire’s office in Nice very near the apartments. They are two couples who share in the apartment – a spacious two-bedroom, two-bath that will accommodate up to six people, with windows on both the street and the courtyard and like mine, has a balcony. Martine and Véronique are assisting them, too, to bejewel and decorate.

The apartments are located in the “Carré d’Or” area of the city just near Place Masséna – the center of Nice shopping, the pivot point for the new Tramway and an entrance to Vieux Nice. Every time I travel to Nice I get to know the city and the Riviera a little better…naturally. The more time I spend in the district, the more it feels like home and the benefits become even more acute.

Transportation is one big advantage. Nice’s international airport is a 15-minute ride by bus for the whopping cost of 4€ to a stop only a block or two from the apartments. The train station is a 15-minute walk and virtually directly north with no turns. The tramway is just down the street. The bus to Monaco, Villefrance-sur-Mer and all the way to Menton (1€) is a 10-minute walk away. On a small place just behind the apartment are dozens of buses to every part of the city and to other cites nearby.

Convenience to everything you need is another reason to be here. The beach is one block away. Vieux Nice is a short walk just on the other side of Place Masséna. The rental car companies are one block away and public parking surrounds the immediate area. The Park Albert 1er is one block away, too, and the apartment is dead center to an abundance of shopping of the best kind, overflowing with restaurants and activities.

While Vieux Nice is the center for first-time tourists, Le Carré d’Or is the center for the native Niçois and more experienced visitors who have a deeper appreciation for the city – those who can say they have “been there, done that” for Vieux Nice, its touristy shops and loud bars…now it’s time to really settle into life in Nice.

The reasons for our expanding our interests into Nice and the Riviera are many.

First, there is tremendous growth in the area and property values are increasing steadily. In addition, prices are one-third to one-half what they are in Paris so property is much more affordable.

Secondly, tourism is strong, the rental market is growing and the return on investment is currently better than Paris. While the area has largely been seasonal, the season stretches to include events such as the “Nice Carnaval” and the Film Festival at Cannes, and therefore we see more year-round rental possibilities.

Thirdly, the North American market is poorly served and there is potential to attract and serve a growing following. While the British and Italians have long held a large part of the foreign market, their offerings do not well serve the American market that demands better service and more luxury than they do. Our apartments are designed to give them real competition!

Fourthly, sheer pleasure…of the sun, the surf and the lifestyle of the French Riviera. I’ve never known anyone who didn’t love it for its beauty and “richesse.” (Who knows, perhaps I’ll retire there!)

Meanwhile, I’ll be back mid January and Le Matisse will be ready for occupancy as of February 1st. For those of you who trust that it’s going to be every bit as beautiful and luxurious as I promise, as an introductory offer, all reservations we receive before January 31st for 6 nights or more will get one night absolutely FREE! For now (until our own Web page is up), visit Le Matisse for more information and put in your request or email [email protected].

In addition, we have a Property Consultant on the Riviera who is experienced, knowledgeable and ready to assist our clients in finding great properties!…should you decide to join with us in creating our North American community on the beautiful Côte d’Azur.

So, if you are interested in learning more about what the area offers for investors, particularly those who have smaller budgets than what Paris demands, we would be very pleased to speak with you and help you make this important decision to invest in the South of France.

Might it be your New Year’s Resolution? Email [email protected] to get started.

A bientôt,

Adrian Leeds
Editor, French Property Insider

Email: [email protected]

 P.S. To all, have a wonderful holiday season! Next week, for our final issue of the year, I’ll be writing from “Nouvelle Orléans,” my home town and a city for which we have the French to thank!