From east to west, these treasures include La Croix-Valmer and the Gigaro beaches, Cavalaire-sur-Mer, Le Rayol-Canadel, Cap Nègre and Cavalière, located within the municipality of Le Lavandou, followed by Le Lavandou itself, and neighbouring Bormes-les-Mimosas which encompasses Cap Bénat. The route is often very steep, switching between wild coves and white sandy beaches, with the foothills of the Massif des Maures guaranteeing a degree of exclusivity for spots that in some cases are difficult to reach by car. As regards real estate, the portfolio includes an array of magnificent and highly luxurious properties set on estates covering several hectares in elevated locations with views over the Mediterranean, listed at prices in excess of 5 or even 10 million euros, but also more reasonably priced apartments with terraces starting from €600,000 for 100 sq.m (1,076 sq ft) and three bedrooms. It goes without saying that residences with a concierge and swimming pool are particularly sought-after by French and international families.
La Croix-Valmer is renowned – with good reason – as one of the gems of this glorious coastline, its village nestling in a protected natural environment including two rugged headlands: Cap Lardier and Cap Taillat. The municipality also boasts seven beaches with mesmerising, crystal-clear waters, including Gigaro beach, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful on the French Riviera. The site is steeped in history, as it was here, on 15 and 16 August 1944, that French General de Lattre de Tassigny and American General O'Daniel landed with their armies to mark the start of “Operation Dragoon” and the liberation of Provence. The vineyards of La Croix-Valmer are famous too, among them Domaine de la Croix and Château de Chausse, whose wines produced using sustainable and organic methods are becoming increasingly popular with each passing year.
Contemporary villas and refurbished old-builds
Another highly sought-after area is Cap Nègre, particularly its private estate with 58 magnificent residences, each more stunning than the last (starting with Château Faraghi, owned by the Bruni Tedeschi family and once the second home of Nicolas Sarkozy while he was President of the French Republic). Further on, Cavalière beach is the place to be for lovers of chic water sports, with the five-star Club de Cavalière & Spa at its centre. But shhh! – the owners of the nearby villas are keeping this exclusive address hush-hush, to prevent it becoming too well-known!
The next unmissable stop on the road to Cap Bénat is Le Lavandou, a charming town full of life all year round and that has preserved its authentic Provençal feel and its variety of attractions, including its harbour, beaches, markets and vineyards. In terms of real estate, the offering here is vast, between luxury properties high up with panoramic views across to the Levant and Port-Cros islands, old or recent villas with swimming pools, and apartments in gated estates. Prices range from €7,000 to €10,000 per sq.m for a well-located apartment and 1.5 to 4 million euros for a villa with a garden and pool.
Meanwhile Cap Bénat seems to be one of the best-kept secrets on the French Riviera, with stunning contemporary villas nestling alongside refurbished traditional houses, particularly in the privately-owned Domaine du Cap Bénat and Domaine du Gaou Bénat, where sale prices vary between 1 and 4 million euros. And on the other side of Cap Bénat lies a property that is truly one of a kind: the Fort of Brégançon, the official residence of the current President of the French Republic,!
The area stretching from La Croix-Valmer to the private enclave of Cap Bénat is a coveted region for buyers seeking luxury villas for sale on the Côte d’Azur. From the coastal retreats in Rayol-Canadel and Le Lavandou to the peaceful charm of Bormes-les-Mimosas and Cavalaire-sur-Mer, this region promises exceptional lifestyle and investment value.
