Image courtesy of Marie Aurore Llorca (https://www.instagram.com/maria__ll/)

The Cote d'Azur is a fantastic location for a long term rental in South France. The weather is glorious and there is always something going on - be it an international convention, a local festival or a weekly farmer's market. The Cote d'Azur is an eclectic combination of glitzy resorts and quaint old French villages.

The Cote d'Azur has over 71 miles of coastline (often referred to internationally as the French Riviera). It also welcomes over 50% of the World's Super Yachts every summer. But the Cote d'Azur is not just about beaches. The region receives over 9.2 million visitors each year and it is estimated that the holiday and travel sector accounts for over 15% of the local economy and over 150,000 jobs. There are over 3,000 restaurants in Cote d'Azur, 18 golf courses and 14 ski stations. The region is also home to one of the most important Technology parks in France (Sophia Antipolis - home to over 2,500 companies such as Dell, IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Ericsson). Nice, Aix-en-Provence and Marseille all have well-regarded Universities and there are 2 excellent International Schools in Mougins and Aix.

The town of Grasse is a World renowned centre for perfume manufacture. Cap Ferrat, is reportedly one of the richest areas of Europe. It rivals Monaco for more millionaires per hectare. Cannes is famous throughout the World for its annual film festival, but it also hosts 14 other international events throughout the year, attracting 1 million visitors per year, including over 350,000 cruise ship passengers.

The Cote d'Azur has always attracted many famous artists and writers, such as Picasso, F Scott Fitzgerald, Marc Chagall, Jean Cocteau, Renoir, Cézanne, Ernest Hemmingway and Henri Matisse. There are important art museums in Mougins, St Paul de Vence, Antibes and Aix-en-Provence - all demonstrating the rich culture of this special part of France. In fact, Nice is home to no less than 17 museums, the most for any city in France outside of Paris.

When to visit the Cote d'Azur?

Perhaps the best time to visit the Cote d'Azur is actually during the low season. The mild winters - when temperatures during December can reach 15°C/59°F during the daytime - mean that you can still enjoy outdoor meals and pleasant strolls along the beach. The long hot summers also provide endless opportunities for picnics, browsing around Provencal markets or lazing on the beach. 

The French Riviera has some of the most spectacular coastline in Europe. With turquoise waters, rocky cliffs plunging into the sea and beautiful coastal villages it is easy to see why film stars and celebrities have flocked to the Cote d'Azur for decades. Once you get to know the area, you will find quieter beaches and coves where you can enjoy the area like a local.

The principal cities on the Cote d'Azur are of course Nice and Cannes, but other celebrated resorts include St Tropez, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Juan-les-Pins, Saint-Raphaël, Fréjus and Sainte Maxime. My personal favourite places on the French Riviera are some of the smaller towns like Antibes, Menton and Cassis. 

Cote d'Azur long term property rentals France 2024-2025

The Cote d'Azur does get incredibly busy during August and rental prices rocket during this month. The summer property rental prices in Cote d'Azur are among the highest in the world. However, there are still some affordable long term rental options if you shop around. Renting over the high summer season is going to be expensive, mainly because the property Owners can charge at least 50% more per week during July and August, than they can earn from monthly rentals at other times of the year.

Unless you have an unlimited budget, then you may want to find other quieter towns and villages in which to be based, away from the tourist throng. Amongst the destinations you may want to consider include: 

• Bormes-les-Mimosas - a coastal town located in between Toulon and St Tropez and home to the official retreat of the President of France.
• Cogolin - a charming medieval village with old cobbled streets located in the hills above St Tropez. Cogolin enjoys panoramic views over the Golf de St Tropez.
• Hyères - a medieval town dating back to 963 and located close to Toulon and the nearby Mediterranean beaches. Hyères is home to Toulon airport and is the gateway to the Golden Islands of Porquerolles, Île du Levant and Port-Cros. Hyères has reportedly 7,000 palm trees growing around the town and it is one of the largest producers of cut flowers and exotic plants in France. The town also holds the annual International Fashion and Photography Festival during April and the MIDI French Riviera Music Festival during July.
• Le Lavandou - a beach resort close to Bormes-les-Mimosas. The town boasts 12 beaches and holds a range of festivals throughout the year.
• Biot - one of my favourite places along the Cote d'Azur. Biot has a really friendly village atmosphere. It is just 3 kms from Antibes and enjoys lovely views over the French Riviera coastline.
• Valbonne - a popular location just above Cannes, which is also home to the large Sophia Antipolis science and technology park. Valbonne has a lovely central market square and there a 2 weekly markets held on Tuesdays and Fridays. 
• Mougins - the beautiful hilltop above Cannes which for a long time was the home of Picasso. Today the village is home to the celebrated
• Vence - this hilltop town was the original gateway to the Provence region and home to one of the smallest Cathedrals in the South of France. The nearby village of St-Paul-de-Vence is one of the most beautiful villages in France.
• Grasse - the perfume capital of the World. Grasse has good transport connections, with its own railway with services to Cannes and Nice and a fast road which can get you down to the Cote d'Azur coast in 20 mins.
• Fayence - a hilltop village located on the eastern edge of the Var department. Fayence, lies at the centre of a string of stunning medieval villages such as Tourettes, Le Puy, Seillans and Callian. 
• Menton - a lovely coastal town on the border of France and Italy. Menton is famous for its production of citrus fruit and every year the town holds the Menton Lemon Festival, featuring sculptures and floats made from lemons and oranges. Menton is also home to the celebrated 3 Michelin star restaurant, Mirazur, run by Chef Mauro Colagreco. The French artist and film producer, Jean Cocteau, stayed in Menton for a long period of his life.

House rental prices Cote d'Azur France 2024

As a rough guide, you should expect to pay the following monthly rental rates. The prices exclude the utility bills, which are usually around 18% of the monthly rental price. The rates will obviously vary according to the location (add +15% for coastal properties):

For our full selection of long term rental properties in Cote d'Azur please visit the Cote d'Azur property page. Here are 12 popular long term rental properties from across the Cote d'Azur, available for rent during 2024-2025:

1. Grasse 7 bed farmhouse long term rentals Cote d'Azur France Ref: 1990

A beautiful 7 bedroom farmhouse for long term rentals in Grasse, Cote d´Azur. The farmhouse has been finished to a very high standard and comes with air conditioning and provides very comfortable accommodation for up to 14 people. The farmhouse is located in the exclusive residential area of Les Hautes-Ribes, overlooking the town of Grasse and with views down to the Mediterranean coast.

The property is built on a large plot of 2 hectares featuring Olive groves, a private swimming pool and shaded terraces. The nearest beach is just 20 kms and there are 3 excellent golf courses within 15mins drive.

This property for long term winter holidays comprises:

• 4 bathrooms
• 7 bedrooms
• Large enclosed garden
• Private pool
• Private off-street parking for 3-4 cars
• 5 hectares of grounds

The farmhouse is available for long term rentals between October to May from €3,300 pcm + bills. 

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2. Villa Plascassier 4 bed long term rentals Cote d'Azur France Ref: 1996

This lovely large 4 bed villa in Plascassier, Cote d'Azur, is available for long term rentals between October to April. The villa comes with 5,000 m2 of land and has a private swimming pool, garage, electronic gates and plenty of parking. Plascassier is a lovely medieval hillside village, that was once home to Edith Piaf. The village has 2 excellent restaurants and is surrounded by olive groves and fields of Jasmine and Roses (grown to supply the local perfume factories in Grasse).

The villa features:

• 4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
• 3 bathrooms
• 12m x 5m private pool
• Well-equipped kitchen + laundry room
• Private parking for 4 cars
• WiFi and international TV channels
• Lovely views
• 5,000m2 of grounds
• Quiet residential location on the edge of village

This 4 bed villa in Plascassier, Cote d'Azur, is available for long term rentals between October to April. Prices are based on a 6 month rental period. Minimum stay is 3 months. Not available May to September. The rental price does not include the utility bills (there is a monthly provision of €350 towards the electricity, water, WiFi and communal taxes). Firewood to be purchased separately.

Long term rentals (October to April): from €3,850 per month + bills. The villa is available for monthly rentals from October 2024.

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3. Le Jardin - Mediterranean villa long term rentals Valbonne South France (Ref: 2046)

This beautiful Mediterranean villa for long term rentals near Valbonne, South France, comes with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and has stunning views over the surrounding countryside. The villa is set within a 4000m2 private garden in the heart of the glamorous Côte d’Azur and has multiple terraces, dining areas and BBQ as well as ample private parking space. This spacious villa boasts a 70m2 open plan living room, with views of the garden and countryside beyond.

The villa is conveniently located for accessing Cannes, the Sofia Antipolis technology park, and the International School in Mougins. You can also reach Nice International airport in 30 minutes and the Mediterranean beaches are just 20 mins drive. There are two 18 holes golf courses within 10 Km and tennis courts within walking distance. The famous Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in Biot, is just down the road.

The villa is ideally set up for winter rentals with reversible air conditioning and a lovely working fireplace in the living room. The large garden provides plenty of privacy and you can enjoy the amazing views from the terrace.

The villa is available for long term rentals between September to May from €3300 per month + bills. The minimum stay is normally 3 months.

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4. Cannes property for long term rentals France (Ref: 1433)

This villa for monthly property rentals near Cannes, South France, comes with stunning sea views, 3 terraces and an infinity swimming pool. The villa is located only a short walk from sandy beaches and is close to the centre of Theoule-sur-Mer village, with its numerous shops and restaurants. This private villa in South France near Cannes is spread over four floors and comes with:

• 4 double bedrooms
• A private lift to all floors
• Air conditioning
• Private off-road parking
• WiFi internet.

The villa is situated in a quiet residential area on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean sea and the Bay of Cannes. Just next door there is the iconic Pierre Cardin's "Bubble House". This villa in Theoule-sur-Mer near Cannes is the perfect place for monthly property rentals for corporate clients attending the many conferences in Cannes. Rental prices start from €4000 pcm.

The villa is currently available to rent from October 2024 to mid-April 2025.

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5. La Réserve 3 bed house long term rentals Nice France (Ref: 2162)

La Réserve is a lovely 3 bedroom town house for long term rentals in the Port area of Nice, South France. This semi-detached house is located on a small private estate and comes with lovely views down to the sea from the roof terrace. The house has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a garden, balcony, roof terrace, Jacuzzi and parking for 2 cars.

From the house, you can walk down to a number of lovely coastal restaurants, including the elegant 19th Century restaurant, La Réserve de Nice. There are also 3 bus stops within 2-3 minutes walk of the house. You can be in the centre of the Vieux Ville of Nice within 20 mins. The house also provides easy access to the beach and port area.

This house is available for long term rentals from September 2024 and can either be rented as a furnished or unfurnished property. The monthly rental price is €3,300 euros + bills per month. The property is available for rentals of up to 2-3 years.

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6. Aups Cote d'Azur villa for long term rentals France (Ref: 1592)

This Cote d´Azur villa for long term rentals is a spacious contemporary property, with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a large open plan living room. The villa is situated on a large plot of land (3500 m2) with olive trees, cherry trees and fig trees. The villa is located just 2 kms from the charming village of Aups, which is located 1 hour inland from St Tropez, 1 hour 20 mins from Marseille airport and 1 hour 15 mins from Nice airport. This Cote d´Azur villa is available for long term rentals between October and May. The villa comes with:

• 3 bedrooms
• 3 bathrooms
• 3500m2 garden
• Spacious interior
• WiFi internet.
• Heated swimming pool
• 2km from village

This villa in Aups, Cote d´Azur, is available for long term rent between November and April each year. Rental prices start from €2620 pcm + bills. The villa is currently available for rent from October 2023.

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7. Apartment for long term rentals near Menton France (Ref: 1918)

Photo courtesy of www.castellar.fr

A spacious 2 bed apartment with a coastal view in the beautiful village of Castellar, just above the resort town of Menton. 

The hilltop village of Castellar is set among olive groves and citrus trees, just 4 miles from the beaches at Menton. The apartment enjoys spectacular views down towards the French Riviera coastline. Being situated on the French/Italian border you have easy access by road or motorway to the glamorous resorts of Monte Carlo, Nice, Cap Ferrat, Ventimiglia, San Remo and Imperia. 

The apartment comes with:

• 2 bedrooms
• 1 bathrooms
• Private balcony
• Well-equipped kitchen
• Beach 10km away
• Walking distance to boulangerie, cafes, restaurants

The long term monthly rental prices for this Castellar apartment are determined by the season and length of stay. Utility bills are in addition to the rent. Minimum stay is one month. Rental prices start from €800 pcm + bills. Currently available to rent from January-June 2024 and again from mid-September 2024 to June 2025.

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8. Maison Frejus Cote d'Azur long term rentals sleeps 4 (Ref: 2034)

If you are looking for a cheap house to rent by the coast in Cote d'Azur, then this 2 bedroom villa in Frejus is perfect. The coastal town of Frejus is a popular French Riviera beach resort, close to Saint Tropez. The villa is just 900m from the historic centre of Frejus and the beach is 1.5km away

The villa is located on a quiet cul-de-sac, close to the historic centre of Frejus. The villa comes with a garden (400m2), large open plan living room with fireplace, reversible air conditioning and private parking.

Frejus is ideally located for exploring the South of France, both by road and by using the local train station. The local train station is 900m and there is a bus stop 100m from the villa. In the local neighbourhood (100-200m away) you will find a bank, pharmacy and supermarket(s).

The villa is available for long term rentals from November to May from €1250 per month + utility bills. Pets may be accepted through prior agreement of the Owner.

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9. Villa Chesnaye 5 bed property for long term rentals Cote d'Azur (Ref: 2135)

This wonderful large modern villa for long term rentals is located close to the popular hilltop villages of Mons, Fayence, Tourettes, Callian and Seillans. This the perfect place to explore the Cote d'Azur region without the summer crush. The villa provides comfortable long term accommodation for a family or a couple with frequent guests.

The villa comes with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. There is plenty of living space and the kitchen has been newly refurbished. Outside there is a large garden, heated pool and plenty of parking. The villa is located on a quiet private estate, surrounded by a forest and offers plenty of peace and tranquillity. 

This Cote d'Azur rental property is an ideal base whether house hunting or on an extended holiday. The villa is available for long term rentals between October to May from €2500 per month + bills.

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10. Les Mimosas Cote d'Azur villa for long term rent France (Ref: 2129)

Les Mimosas is a high quality 5 bedroom villa for long term rent on the Cote d'Azur coast in the South of France. The villa comes with superb views of the coastline and the bay of Lavandou. The villa has been finished to a very high standard and comes with air conditioning throughout. It provides very comfortable accommodation for up to 8 people. The villa is located in a quiet residential area just below the delightful village of Bormes-les-Mimosas, close to Toulon and St Tropez. 

The villa is situated in a quiet residential area and only 2km away from the nearest beach. The villa comes with a spacious open-plan living room, five air-conditioned double bedrooms, a large outdoor seating area and an 8m x 4m heated swimming pool.

Available for long term rent between November to April from €4,000 per month + bills. Pets maybe accepted.

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11. Cap Esterel beach apartment Cote d'Azur South France (Ref: 2041)

This nice one bedroom beach apartment for long term rentals in Cote d'Azur comes with a private terrace with sea views. The apartment is located within the popular beach resort of Village Cap Estérel in Agay/Saint-Raphaël, just 900m from the sea. The resort comes with its own services and a local bus takes you into the centre of Agay, for a larger choice of restaurants and shops. The apartment will ideally suit a single person or couple. The apartment comes with:

• 1 bedrooms
• 1 bathrooms
• Private terrace
• Well-equipped kitchen
• Sea view
• Beach 60m away
• Walking distance to boulangerie, cafes, restaurants

The long term monthly rental prices for this Menton apartment are determined by the season and length of stay. Utility bills are in addition to the rent. Minimum stay is one month. Rental prices start from €650 pcm + bills. The apartment is currently available from October 2024 to April 2025.

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12. Le Panoramic - Nice 1 bed apartment rentals France Ref: 2170

A top floor 1 bed apartment in an excellent area of Nice, with bus and tram routes within walking distance. The Cimiez district in Nice is home to a number of museums (Marc Chagall Museum and the Museum of Archaeology), as well as many magnificent palaces and Mansion houses.

Location: Cimiez district in central Nice, Cote d'Azur. 

Key features: newly refurbished apartment with parking, large balcony.

Best feature: The apartment is just 20 mins walk into the heart of Nice and the Basilica de Notre-Dame. The University of Cote d'Azur campus in Nice is also 20 mins walk.

Price: from €1,100 per month + bills (monthly provision of €150)

Minimum rental period: 6 months (although 12 month rentals preferred

Available from: 1 May 2024

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Thinking of moving to Cote d'Azur . . . ?

If you are thinking of planning a long stay on the Cote d'Azur during 2024 or 2025, but you are hesitating about taking the plunge - don't worry! We can help you find the right property to rent, as well as introduce you to some excellent relocation experts that can help you with French bureacracy, enroling in schools and taking care of your tax liabilities. For further information please see:

Read our article on the Moving to France with your family 

Interested in long term rentals on the Cote d'Azur? Check out our selection of currently available Cote d'Azur long term rentals France

Read our Checklist on renting in France long term

Search for Large long term rental properties in France

Contact Iain by Email if you have any particular questions you would like to ask about living in the South of France.