From its ochre-coloured stone façades with pastel-coloured shutters and porches drowning beneath the weight of vines or bougainvillea to its door lintels decorated with the emblems of penitents, the medieval Provençal village of Valbonne is certainly not lacking in charm. Time seems to stand still as you stroll through its narrow streets, animated by great fashion, homeware, antique stores and small restaurants with outdoor tables that all lead to the alluring Place des Arcades square. Close to both the sea and Mercantour National Park, and adjacent to Europe’s largest technology park, Sophia-Antipolis, it truly is a magical destination.
The real estate market
Real estate prices have risen by 15 to 25% in five years and now average €8,000 to €12,000 per sq.m. Modern villas with swimming pools, bastides, Provençal stone farmhouses and exceptional estates with landscaped grounds and panoramic views are the most sought-after properties among international clients.
Our advice
“With its proximity to international schools, beaches, the airport, ski resorts and gourmet restaurants, you really are spoiled for choice here. You can trust us to guide you in choosing the right property for you. Buy a property to rent”.
The secret to Valbonne ? Our sector is a real hotspot for seasonal rentals or rentals spanning a few months at a time, with the various international schools in the area attracting a foreign clientèle all year round and guaranteeing a high rental income”. - Caroline Bertignon-Metout, director of BARNES Valbonne.
Art of living
A rich source of inspiration for artists, the region is bursting with cultural gems and has an undeniable passion for sun-kissed cuisine. Here are the BARNES hot tips.
Culture
The National Picasso Museum
@The National Picasso Museum
The National Picasso Museum, which houses two of the master’s works, War and Peace, has been built in Vallauris, the Provençal village that was the painter’s favourite holiday destination.
Place de la Libération, 06220 Vallauris
Provence Art and History Museum.
@Provence Art and History Museum
Housed in a private mansion, the museum tells the story of day-to-day life in Provence through a collection of works dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
2 rue Mirabeau, 06130 Grasse
The Museum of Biot History and Ceramics
@The Museum of Biot History and Ceramics
The Museum of Biot History and Ceramics showcases local pieces and highlights the important role that ceramics play not only in Biot but also throughout the entire region.
9 rue Saint-Sébastien, 06410 Biot
The Abbey of Valbonne
The Abbey of Valbonne, built back in the 13th century, is a prime example of Chalaisian art that very closely resembles primitive Cistercian art. The bell tower was added later, in the 19th century.
2 rue de la Paroisse, 06560 Valbonne
Shopping
Numéro 7
@Numéro7
Boutique Numéro 7 sells a wide range of ladies’ clothing and has a real Provençal feel to it.
7 rue Eugène Giraud, 06560 Valbonne
L'Atelier Blanc
@l'atelier blanc
Concept store L'Atelier Blanc sells a range of high-end household linen, among other things. Opened in 2015 by Brigitte Chokron, it’s so much more than just a homeware store, with experts on hand to offer valuable advice on your interiors.
12 rue de la Mairie, 06560 Valbonne
La Cabane
@la cabane
La Cabane offers a wide selection of ready-to-wear (ladies’, men’s and children’s) fashion, homeware and beauty products, including the iconic Dyptique products.
7 rue Grande, 06560 Valbonne
Le Palmier aux Chouettes
Le Palmier aux Chouettes is a real Ali Baba’s cave. Located in Valbonne town centre, it’s the perfect place to pick up a tasteful gift for a friend, or maybe even treat yourself!
14 rue Eugène Giraud, 06560 Valbonne
The hottest reservations in town
Le Clos Saint-Pierre
@le clos saint pierre
Le Clos Saint-Pierre is located in Le Rouret, some 10km (6 miles) north of Valbonne, and serves a unique menu designed to place the spotlight on local market produce overlooking the village church.
Chemin de Saint-Pons, 06650 Le Rouret
The Bastide Saint-Antoine
@the bastide Saint Antoine
The Bastide Saint-Antoine, housed in a 17th-century building, is lined with olive trees that complement the sun-kissed cuisine of Chef Jacques Chibois. The menu includes various dishes incorporating citrus fruits, herbs, local vegetables and regional specialities.
48 avenue Henri Dunant, 06130 Grasse
La Place de Mougins
La Place de Mougins is located on the village square and showcases the culinary creativity of Chef Denis Fetisson through a menu that includes everything from black truffle, Menton lemon, Mallemort asparagus, free-range egg and spiny artichoke to flat peach, violin courgette, tomatoes, boletus mushrooms, scallops, eggplant and even chocolate. The morel is the current flavour of the month.
41 place du Commandant Lamy, 06250 Mougins
Les Dilettants
Restaurant Les Dilettants was opened by former pétanque ball salesman Thomas Filiaggi. He now serves up a surprising selection of dishes with a very personal twist created using vegetables and aromatic produce from his own garden to satisfy even the most hardened of foodies.
1193 chemin de Saint-Bernard, 06220 Vallauris
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