In the early 16th century, Augustin Grimaldi, Lord of Monaco and Bishop of Grasse, united the people living in the surrounding hamlets to build a single fortified village based on the traditional Roman grid pattern, with a central street and square and houses built into the ramparts. That grid layout remains more or less the same today! Up to the mid-20th century, life in the village of Valbonne revolved around growing olive trees and vines, as well as roses and jasmine for the perfume makers of Grasse. But the growth of tourism along the French Riviera from the 1950s onwards gradually led to the emergence of new activities in the village, such as craft businesses and excellent hotels and restaurants. It received its biggest boost in 1969, however, with the creation of the Sophia Antipolis science and technology hub, inspired by the American technology park concept offering outstanding working conditions and quality of life, which would attract scientists and engineers from across the world. Its visual hallmark is an architectural style that makes extensive use of glass, reflecting the surrounding vegetation!
Key dates of Sofia Antipolis:
• 1969: decision to create a science, technology and knowledge centre in the municipality of Valbonne Sophia Antipolis.
• 1972: Creation of a joint association to manage developments and the installation of facilities at Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, now called SYMISA.
• 1974: Arrival of the first company at the site.
• 1988: operational management of the Park is outsourced to a semi-public limited company, better able to keep pace with its growth.
• 2019: Sophia Antipolis marks its 50th anniversary, and the village of Valbonne celebrates its 500th anniversary.
(Source: https://www.ville-valbonne.fr/#) ((https://www.ville-valbonne.fr/decouvrir/decouvrir-la-ville/sophia-antipolis-modernite-innovation/#))
Today, more than half of the technology park lies within the territory of Valbonne (renamed Valbonne Sophia Antipolis), as a result of which the town’s permanent population has rocketed from 3,000 in 1980 to nearly 13,000 in 2024! Engineers, researchers and technicians from firms such as Air France, France Télécom (later renamed Orange), Thalès and IBM restored or built from scratch hundreds of modern, spacious, bright and fully equipped villas for themselves and their families. With swimming pools, of course. In doing so, they shaped a real-estate landscape with two facets:
- first, the old village centre, beautifully preserved with its ochre stone façades and pastel-coloured shutters, bougainvillea, and numerous small restaurants with tables lining the narrow streets leading to Place des Arcades, a listed historic monument since 1992. Its townhouses and, especially, its private mansions – some of which date back to the 17th century – are the ultimate rare finds;
- and second, villas with at least five bedrooms, grounds and swimming pool – if possible fully renovated and ideally located on a private estate.
Properties sell for between €1 million and €3 million, depending on their amenities, which offer a guarantee of excellent medium- and long-term – and even very long-term – prospects.
Ideal location
Valbonne, 20 minutes from Nice International Airport and the richest city on the French Riviera, welcomes families from all around the world, and proposes an exceptional quality of life: walks in the old narrow streets, new gastronomic experiences on the Provencal market, trekking, local cuisine, golf, high-end sports complexes…
Skiing is within easy reach, the village being located less than one hour from Gréolières, and less than two hours from upmarket ski resorts. Water activities and sunbathing are also daily pleasures, with Cannes and its beaches less than 15 minutes’ drive. With its ideal location between the hinterlands (Le Rouret, Roquefort les Pins, Opio, Plascassier) and the coast, Valbonne is a true jewel of Provencal cultural heritage.
Education in English in international schools also allows families to choose Valbonne for their principal dwelling place, and makes of this premium location a perfect home.
The medieval village of Valbonne is one of the most desirable addresses for luxury property on the French Riviera. Famous for its cobblestone streets, bustling village square, and artisanal charm, Valbonne also offers spacious villas with landscaped gardens, pools, and views over the surrounding hills. Just a few kilometers from Sophia Antipolis and the coast, it combines lifestyle and practicality. Many high-net-worth individuals choose Valbonne for its balance between serenity and accessibility. Discover neighboring gems like Grasse and Châteauneuf-de-Grasse, or explore the full offer via Valbonne and surroundings.
