Stretching from the Bay of La Garoupe to Juan-les-Pins, Cap d’Antibes remains one of the most sought-after locations on the French Riviera. While the property market may see occasional shifts, it rarely slows down. Demand stays consistently high, just behind the ultra-exclusive Cap Ferrat.
It’s surprising to think that this now-lush peninsula was once little more than bare rock. In the late 19th century, Scottish yachtsman James Wyllie brought in soil to make rose cultivation possible. Families like Meilland, Leonetti, Astoux, and Richardier soon settled and divided the land. British holidaymakers followed, building the first grand villas and setting the stage for Cap d’Antibes as a luxury residential destination.
The Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, often regarded as one of the most beautiful hotels in the world, opened in 1870. Fifteen years earlier, botanist Gustave Thuret had introduced exotic species to the cape, including palm trees and eucalyptus, transforming the local landscape. As Antibes continued to grow, its port became a favorite among sailing enthusiasts.
Juan-les-Pins began to establish its identity in the 1920s, with rapid development from the 1950s through the 1960s — the era of jazz and a growing influx of American visitors.
Today, Cap d’Antibes feels much like a village in its own right, with local shops and a school. It is home to around four to five thousand villas, many of which are used primarily as holiday residences.
Some of the most prestigious properties on Cap d’Antibes include the Château de la Garoupe, set within an expansive 32.5-acre park, the iconic Villa Aujourd’hui, designed by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens for American businessman John Warner, and the Château de la Croë, once owned by Prince Edward VIII and later by Aristotle Onassis.
While residents of Cap Ferrat value their proximity to Monaco, those who choose Cap d’Antibes appreciate its location midway between Cannes and Nice International Airport. The area attracts a diverse international clientele — primarily from Europe, the UK, the US, Eastern Europe, Brazil, and Argentina. Buyers typically prefer the western side of the peninsula, and many set their sights on the exclusive Bay of Billionaires in the south, though properties there rarely come to market.
Most buyers are open to undertaking renovation projects, understanding that opportunity on the Cap often comes with the need for vision and patience.
Real Estate on the Cap d’Antibes
A number of private estates have also become increasingly popular in recent years. These include Le Parc Saramartel, the largest with 52 villas; Empel with around 10; Le Cap with 25; Eden du Cap with 9; Les Chênes Verts with 15; Les Hauts de la Garoupe with 11; and La Presqu’île du Cap, an exclusive enclave of just 4 properties.
Seasonal Rentals
Seasonal rentals are an important source of income that buyers take seriously. In fact, prospective owners almost always ask about a property’s rental potential. Renting out a villa can not only cover running costs, but also generate significant profit. In peak season, particularly July, occupancy rates can reach close to 50%.
