Executive Summary
The French Riviera is one of the world’s premier destinations for luxury holiday rentals, renowned for its stunning coastline, exclusive properties, and vibrant culture. As we approach the summer 2024 season, demand for holiday rentals in key areas like Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Cap d’Antibes, Mougins, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is reaching new heights. This report provides a detailed analysis of the market in each of these iconic locations, including rental trends, average prices, and unique market characteristics.
1. Cannes: The Heart of Luxury Rentals
Cannes is synonymous with luxury living, particularly during the summer months when the city becomes the focal point of the French Riviera. Known for its glamorous events, such as the Cannes Film Festival, the city sees a significant influx of high-net-worth individuals seeking premium accommodations.
- Market Characteristics:
Cannes’ rental market is dominated by high-end properties, including luxury villas and penthouses near La Croisette. The demand peaks during major events, with bookings typically made months in advance. - Average Rental Prices (2024):
- Luxury villas: €18,000 – €30,000 per week
- Apartments near La Croisette: €5,000 – €12,000 per week
- Mid-range rentals: €4,500 – €7,500 per week
- Booking Trends:
Cannes is expected to see a 15% increase in bookings compared to 2023, driven by a resurgence in international tourism and the return of large-scale events. - Key Demand Drivers:
Proximity to beaches, nightlife, and cultural events. Properties with private pools, sea views, and concierge services are highly sought after.
2. Saint-Tropez: Glamour and Seaside Charm
Saint-Tropez remains one of the most glamorous destinations on the Riviera, attracting celebrities, socialites, and luxury travelers from around the world. The demand for holiday rentals is consistently high, particularly for beachfront villas and properties with private pools.
- Market Characteristics:
The Saint-Tropez rental market is characterized by a mix of historic Provençal homes and contemporary luxury villas. There is strong demand for properties near Pampelonne Beach and in the town center. - Average Rental Prices (2024):
- Luxury villas near the beach: €25,000 – €40,000 per week
- Historic townhouses: €8,000 – €15,000 per week
- Mid-range villas: €5,500 – €10,000 per week
- Booking Trends:
Expect a 12% growth in booking rates for 2024, with a significant number of reservations being made for extended stays (2+ weeks). - Key Demand Drivers:
Beach clubs, nightlife, shopping, and dining. The Saint-Tropez market is particularly popular for private events and large group gatherings.
3. Cap d’Antibes: A Blend of Tranquility and Luxury
Cap d’Antibes offers a unique combination of luxury, privacy, and natural beauty. Known for its exclusive villas surrounded by lush gardens, Cap d’Antibes appeals to families and groups seeking a more secluded stay.
- Market Characteristics:
The area is famous for its high-end villas with large gardens and private beach access. It attracts both long-term visitors and short-stay vacationers. - Average Rental Prices (2024):
- Seafront villas: €20,000 – €35,000 per week
- Modern villas with pools: €12,000 – €18,000 per week
- Mid-range properties: €6,000 – €9,000 per week
- Booking Trends:
Cap d’Antibes is experiencing steady growth, with a 10% increase in demand projected for 2024. The area’s appeal for families and couples drives much of this growth. - Key Demand Drivers:
Private beaches, luxury yachting, and proximity to Antibes’ historic town center.
4. Mougins: A Taste of the Provencal Countryside
Mougins is renowned for its scenic beauty, charming village atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage. Located a short drive from Cannes, it offers a peaceful retreat while still being close to the coast.
- Market Characteristics:
Mougins appeals to travelers seeking a more relaxed, countryside vibe. The area is known for its art galleries, golf courses, and Michelin-starred restaurants. - Average Rental Prices (2024):
- Luxury villas with views: €10,000 – €18,000 per week
- Traditional Provencal houses: €5,500 – €8,000 per week
- Mid-range properties: €4,000 – €6,500 per week
- Booking Trends:
Mougins is seeing a revival in bookings, with a 9% increase anticipated in 2024. Many visitors opt for longer stays, enjoying the village’s tranquility. - Key Demand Drivers:
Art and culture, gastronomy, golf, and proximity to Cannes.
5. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: The Epitome of Luxury Living
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is one of the most exclusive areas on the Riviera, famous for its opulent villas, pristine beaches, and high-profile visitors. The area offers an unmatched level of privacy and exclusivity.
- Market Characteristics:
The rental market here consists almost entirely of luxury villas and estates, many featuring private beaches, pools, and extensive grounds. - Average Rental Prices (2024):
- Luxury villas: €30,000 – €50,000+ per week
- Mid-range villas: €12,000 – €20,000 per week
- Booking Trends:
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat sees steady demand for luxury rentals, with a 7% growth expected for 2024. The majority of bookings are made well in advance, often a year before arrival. - Key Demand Drivers:
Privacy, luxury yachting, and proximity to Nice and Monaco.
Graphs and Charts to Visualize the Data:
- Bar Graph: Average weekly rental prices in each location.
- Pie Chart: Distribution of rental types (luxury, mid-range, simple) in each area.
- Line Graph: Projected booking growth by area from 2023 to 2024.
The visualizations illustrate the holiday rental market dynamics across key locations on the French Riviera for the 2024 summer season:
- Bar Graph – Average Weekly Rental Prices by Location (2024):
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has the highest average weekly rental prices (€40,000), followed by Saint-Tropez (€32,500) and Cap d’Antibes (€27,500). Mougins offers a more affordable option, averaging €14,000, while Cannes remains a popular choice with an average of €24,000.
- Pie Charts – Distribution of Rental Types by Location (2024):
- Luxury rentals dominate the market in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (75%) and Saint-Tropez (65%), reflecting the high demand for premium accommodations in these areas. Mid-range rentals have a stronger presence in Mougins (40%) and Cap d’Antibes (35%), offering more diverse options. Simple rentals make up a smaller share, with the highest availability in Mougins (15%).
- Line Graph – Projected Booking Growth by Area (2023 vs. 2024):
- All regions show positive growth, with the highest projected increase in Cannes (15%) and Saint-Tropez (12%) due to event-driven demand and rising tourism. Cap d’Antibes and Mougins also see growth, albeit at a slightly lower rate (10-9%), while Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat expects a steady 7% rise.
These insights underscore the growing appeal of the French Riviera for holiday rentals, with varying levels of luxury and demand across different locations.
Closing Remarks: A Promising Outlook for the Holiday Rental Market on the French Riviera
As we look ahead to the 2024 summer season, it’s clear that the French Riviera remains a top destination for holidaymakers, particularly those seeking luxury and exclusive experiences. The diverse market across regions such as Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Cap d’Antibes, Mougins, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat showcases the Riviera’s ability to cater to a wide range of travelers—from those looking for simple rentals to those pursuing the pinnacle of luxury living.
The demand for high-end properties is notably strong, especially in areas like Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Saint-Tropez, where discerning travelers prioritize privacy, premium amenities, and bespoke services. Mid-range and simple rental markets are also thriving, with Mougins and Cap d’Antibes offering more accessible yet still luxurious options. The projected growth in bookings for 2024 indicates a return to pre-pandemic levels and beyond, driven by the region’s unmatched appeal, increased international tourism, and the resurgence of high-profile events.
Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate an even bigger year for the holiday rental market on the French Riviera. Several key factors point toward continued growth:
- Expansion of High-End Offerings: More luxury properties are being developed or renovated to meet the rising demand for premium accommodations, further enhancing the region’s portfolio.
- Growing Popularity of Extended Stays: The trend of combining work and leisure is set to continue, leading to an increase in longer rental durations, particularly for luxury villas with dedicated office spaces.
- Sustainability and Luxury Convergence: There is a growing appetite for sustainable luxury rentals, with properties incorporating eco-friendly features and services. This shift aligns with evolving consumer values and regulatory changes.
- Event-Driven Demand: The region’s iconic events—such as the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix, and numerous cultural festivals—are expected to draw even larger crowds in 2025, pushing up the demand for rentals in nearby areas.
Overall, the future of the holiday rental market on the French Riviera looks exceptionally bright. Riviera Luxury Rentals is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, offering an unmatched selection of properties and personalized experiences to meet the needs of our clients. With a significant uptick in bookings already for 2024, we are forecasting a record-breaking year for 2025, making it the perfect time for travelers to secure their dream rental on the Riviera.
Whether you’re seeking a luxurious villa by the sea, a charming countryside retreat, or a chic apartment in the heart of Cannes, we are here to help you find the perfect home away from home. The Riviera is ready to welcome you—make sure you’re ready to experience it at its finest.