Located within the municipality of Antibes, Cap d'Antibes is a wooded peninsula spanning 3.7 square kilometres (1.4 square miles) and is famous the world over for its many luxurious villas nestled in lush vegetation. Antibes expanded towards its cape in tandem with the creation, in 1882, of the seaside resort of Juan-les-Pins, which went on to become the first large fashionable summer destination with the birth of the French Riviera. Legend has it that the location of Juan-les-Pins was discovered by the Duke of Albany, son of Queen Victoria… Ideally situated between Cannes and Nice Côte-d’Azur International Airport, Cap d’Antibes steals the limelight several times a year on occasions such as the Cannes Film Festival each May, when it plays host to its most glamorous parties, or Jazz à Juan, the Antibes Juan-les-Pins jazz festival held each July. Those who buy here – whether a villa (with a swimming pool, of course), a luxury property right on the water’s edge, or an apartment – can enjoy its unique cultural and social life from January right through to December! Following in the footsteps of the stars of bygone days who shaped its legend – starting with Charlie Chaplin, Rita Hayworth, Walt Disney, Marlène Dietrich and Pablo Picasso, not forgetting F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was inspired to write his wonderful novel Tender is the Night while living here – some of the world’s very wealthiest people now own properties here, often in discreet enclaves away from prying eyes. The sumptuous Belle Époque villas, châteaux and Hollywood-style residences overlook a breathtaking unspoilt coastline that has been jealously preserved. Its most emblematic beach, which for decades could only be reached by boat, is perhaps the one at Baie des Milliardaires, at the south end of the cape, in a natural setting that feels a world away. It lies at the foot of the magnificent Belle Époque Villa Eilenroc, built in 1860 by Charles Garnier, the architect who also designed the Paris and Monte-Carlo opera houses.
Rare and discreet transactions
Last but not least, those who buy a property on Cap d’Antibes relish the art de vivre of Antibes, with its old town surrounded by sixteenth-century ramparts which remains vibrant all year round, and its port which has long provided moorings for luxury yachts hailing from all over the world. Antibes has preserved the rich historical heritage of its fortifications, which have lost none of their splendour over the centuries and make for a striking contrast with its 25-kilometre (16-mile) coastline, dotted with fine sandy beaches and secluded coves that can be often found deserted.
But the nec plus ultra is perhaps being a regular at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, which the locals refer to simply as “the Eden-Roc”. Considered to be one of the ten most stunning luxury hotels on the planet, it was built in 1870 at the tip of the cape by Hippolyte de Villemessant, founder of the Figaro newspaper, to use as a retreat for Parisian journalists and writers (the lucky guests included Jules Verne and Anatole France). The Eden-Roc is only open from May to September and is renowned just as much for its swimming pool carved straight out of the rocks overlooking the Mediterranean as for its gourmet restaurant, its bars and its 31 ‘cabanas’, secluded cabins right by the water’s edge and with their own private terrace, two deck chairs and a parasol. The ultimate in luxury, French Riviera style!
Needless to say, the Cap d’Antibes real estate market has its own dynamics. Property transactions here are rare, kept under wraps, and often reach stratospheric prices. But then again anything that’s rare commands a high price! And in the long term, buying a property in such a prestigious location guarantees an investment as solid as the rock it is built on.
Living on the French Riviera means choosing elegance and exceptional surroundings. Cap d’Antibes and its surroundings embody the ultimate lifestyle for those seeking privacy, luxury, and sea views. From the refined charm of Antibes to the Belle Époque spirit of Juan-les-Pins, each destination offers a unique atmosphere. The prestigious Cap d’Antibes real estate for sale includes exceptional villas, often hidden in pine forests or overlooking the Mediterranean. Whether as a primary residence or a second home, this area is a timeless destination for luxury buyers.
