Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a haven of tranquility
Less than ten minutes from the coast, this medieval village continues to find favour with an international clientele fond of art and history, serene, countrified settings....
More than an address, it offers an art of living in its own right. In the 17th century, this rocky spur, then under the aegis of Antoine Godeau, Bishop of Vence, won its letters of nobility. Magnificent private mansions were built on either side of the Rue Grande. Today, in this site drawing millions of tourists each year, less than 3,500 people live year-round in the village itself or in villas in the surrounding area. Some visitors come for the legendary village prized by intellectuals, others stroll through the art-galleries, pause for coffee on the square, or go to see the latest exhibition at the Maeght Foundation.
“In Saint-Paul, you still find genuine character, intimacy, an atmosphere steeped in mystery and medieval charm... And above all, this delightful art of living,” says Laurence Chaleil of Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s Realty. English and Scandinavian clients appreciate these generous houses ideal for family get-togethers, offering a pleasant, natural life-style and authentic values far from the bustling coast, yet so close to Nice’s international airport. New to the area, Chinese buyers are showing a real interest in these ancient stones. Saint-Paul is a great place to raise children, though the one thing missing here is an international school. Which explains to a certain extent why Mougins, which does have one, is the main rival of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. A full range of shops are less than 10 minutes away, starting with Polygone, a new centre for trendy shopping. In its elevated position, the fortified village offers magnificent views down to the sea, and a varied choice of properties.
“In Saint-Paul, luxury is still affordable,” say Gilles Paolini and Raphaël Maura of GIRAF agency. Around 1 million euros, the market is buoyant, mostly underpinned by interest from French clients. A new trend, residents of Monaco in search of gardens and spaciousness set their sights here on weekend retreats just 30 minutes from the busy Principality. Foreigners contact agencies with budgets of up to 6 million euros, the amount required for a residence of 500 m2 in about 6.25 acres of grounds on a gated estate with high security. A Chinese buyer recently paid 2.5 million euros to acquire one of Saint-Paul’s oldest “mas”, in which the Dukes of Savoy used to stay, and which apparently inspired architect André Svetchine when he renovated the widely renowned Colombe d’Or hotel. A property of approx. 350 m2 in grounds of 3,000 m2 a few minutes’ walk to the village. While bargaining is tough and the “safe haven” aspect undeniable, acquisitions here are definitely affairs of the heart. High-level athletes are also drawn to Saint-Paul, often in search of a contemporary residence, a rare commodity here.
Michael Deckers of Capital Immobilier was a certified public accountant in England when he envisaged acquiring a property in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. It was in the year 2000. An adventure which involved a complete change of life, a plan to set up an estate agency complying with UK practices. His clients are mainly north Europeans and Americans, nationalities joined by French buyers, particularly active in the fourth quarter of 2016. Many of his clients have a connection with the address, seen as something of a label, guaranteeing a sound long-term investment and the possibility of a rapid re-sale. An English couple recently paid 330,000 € for a small house of 60 m2, renovated throughout, in a surprising horizontal co-owned property, a former hotel built in the 1950’s. An Australian client, already renting accommodation in Saint-Paul, finally parted with just under 1.5 M € to acquire a Californian-style house of 300 m2 in need of restoration, in 4,000 m2 of grounds. A wide diversity of properties, budgets, buyer profiles... Saint-Paul clearly continues to be synonymous with open-mindedness, sharing and congeniality.
