LOCATION Vallauris was briefly the
home of Pablo Picasso, who produced artworks including the famous ‘War and Peace’ while there. The Picasso museum was opened as a tribute to the late legend, while fields he once dabbled in, such as ceramics, have a 2,000-year history here. The thriving arts scene has
gone from strength to strength since Picasso revived it in the 1950s, with countless ceramics studios, shops and even a school for the craft in the town. Business opportunities exist for anyone interested in linking their love of art with the local culture. Back in Napoleon’s day,
it was just a humble seaside village, passed over by Coco Chanel in favour of the larger Riviera towns, but it’s hugely
Statue of Napoleon in Laffrey
five years or so and offer great investment potential.” Tim also points out that Liam Gallagher recently purchased a property in Grasse, giving it the stamp of approval from a rock star. Leggett Immobilier agent
The rich and famous berth their yachts at Cannes’ bustling marina
Jenny Bagshaw agrees: “Peaceful village squares and quaint markets seem a world away from the glitz and bustle of Cannes and Nice, yet in only a 30-minute drive, you can be sipping champagne on La Croisette in Cannes, strolling along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice within an hour, or skiing within an hour and a half.”
Spectacular Gorges de la Siagne where Napoleon fell and almost lost his life Tim Swannie of Home
celebrity spotting and fine dining, but back on the road, it won’t take long before you’ll have reached the fragrant commune of Grasse.
GRASSE ROOTS This town holds Unesco World Heritage Status as perhaps the most renowned perfume centre in the world. In 2015, the perfume house Galimard – which once served the royal court – even released a fragrance inspired by the emperor, called Napoleon 1815.
historically significant, with a marble statue of the emperor marking the location where his journey began. There’s also a plaque with the words: “Here landed Napoleon on March 1 1815.” Just one day later, the
emperor had descended on nearby Cannes, famous for a film festival that requires no introduction and a distinctive old Hollywood atmosphere. Detours take travellers to the peaceful hilltop village of Mougins, where many starlets stay during festival season to avoid the prying eyes of the crowds in the city below. Meanwhile, in the city itself,
the Notre-Dame de Bon Voyage church marks the spot where he set up camp, just one street back from the legendary La Croisette promenade. Potential buyers can while away some time here with beach clubs,
Hunts, a Grasse resident himself, highly recommends the town, as well as Vallauris, for property options at a lower price than in the larger Riviera cities. “Vallauris and Grasse are both busy and popular towns on the Riviera, but they are not as well-known as some of their neighbouring locations such as Mougins and Cannes, and because of this, you get more value for money,” he explains. “Both towns have had a lot of investment over the past
GORGE-OUS Back on the road, the route turned treacherous for Napoleon shortly after Grasse as the altitude increased, and around the gorges of Siagne, he is said to have almost plunged down a cliff to his death. A mule carrying precious gold also took a tumble into a ravine. However, Napoleon marched
triumphantly into Castellane, preceded by military fanfare from trumpets to pounding drums, while wearing full regalia – and was greeted by cries of “Long live the emperor!”. While that kind of welcome might not be extended to an expat property buyer, Castellane is a firm favourite for Tim.
“Starting in Golfe-Juan and finishing in Grenoble, the powerfully picturesque route regularly has people on the edge of their seats as they pass through the beautiful mountain roads”
On the market FIND MORE PROPERTIES ON
FRANCEPROPERTYSHOP.COM
4
€1.59m, Vallauris: Stunning 11-bedroom Belle Époque villa with its own pool, in a more affordable resort than Nice or Cannes; it could be divided into several apartments (Home Hunts)
€998,000, Grasse: Surrounded by lush fields and with a glimpse of the sea, this gorgeous four- bedroom 19th-century farmhouse has a pool and is within walking distance of the town (Home Hunts)
€395,000, Vallauris: Those on a budget but who hanker aſter the glamour of the Riviera’s tourist hotspots will love this charming apartment with breathtaking balcony views (Leggett Immobilier)
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: November/December 202353
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