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The best places in France to buy a seaside villa in 2025

Mahaut Fauquet
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Modified on
2/28/2025
Seaside
Summary

Find your luxury villa by the sea

Buying a villa by the sea means enjoying a privileged location between the beach, panoramic views and maritime atmosphere. In Brittany, in Saint-Malo or Saint-Brieuc, some residences offer a unique authenticity, while on the Côte d'Opale, in Calais, Dunkirk or Dieppe, the landscapes of cliffs and vast grounds appeal to lovers of unspoilt nature.

In the south, cities such as Cannes, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Narbonne offer unique opportunities with properties that have a swimming pool, a double garage and large windows overlooking the sea. In Lacanau and La Rochelle, holiday rentals are particularly sought-after, especially for strategic investments. Whether you are looking for a magnificent single-storey villa, a property with a large terrace or an apartment with a view, each region has its own attractions.

Brittany

Brittany is an ideal region for buying a farmhouse, an old house, a stone house or a mill, offering a preserved setting between green countryside and wild coastline.

The farmhouses, typical of Morbihan and Finistère, are often long, stone buildings with outbuildings, large plots of land and slate roofs. They appeal to those interested in renovation and agricultural projects or tourist accommodation.

The old houses of Finistère and Morbihan are recognisable by their thick granite walls, exposed beams and monumental fireplaces. They are located in towns and villages of character, such as Quimper, Pont-Aven or Vannes, and offer timeless charm.

The stone houses of Morbihan are ideal for those looking for a characterful home close to the ocean or in the countryside, with materials typical of Breton architecture.

Breton mills, often nestled by rivers or streams, are rare and sought-after for their bucolic setting, their history and their potential for renovation. They can be found in the Blavet and Oust valleys, among others.

Prices are generally affordable, with an average of €2,500 per square metre, although coastal areas (Morbihan, southern Finistère) are more expensive. Easily accessible by TGV (Rennes, Brest) and with several regional airports, Brittany also attracts visitors with its many activities: hiking on the GR34 trails, sailing and cultural festivals. Ideal for: lovers of nature, the coast and traditions.

Country houses for sale in Brittany

Authentic Brittany

Brittany is an ideal region in which to acquire a manor house or a castle, offering a unique architectural heritage and a preserved natural environment between wild coastline and legendary forests. In the Côtes-d'Armor, particularly in Guingamp, the Breton granite manor houses are characterised by their slate roofs, monumental chimneys and vast wooded estates.

Often steeped in history, these properties offer a rare authenticity, perfect for a prestigious residence or a charming accommodation project. The Breton châteaux, scattered throughout the region, bear witness to Brittany's noble history.

Whether in Morbihan, Ille-et-Vilaine or Finistère, these residences offer landscaped parks, outbuildings and breathtaking views of the countryside or the sea.

The Brittany coastline

Brittany is a prime destination for buying an apartment, house or villa by the sea, offering an unspoilt coastline and a unique living environment of cliffs, beaches and characterful ports.

In Morbihan, seaside apartments, particularly in Vannes, Carnac or Quiberon, offer panoramic balconies, direct access to the beach and breathtaking views of the gulf. These properties are very popular as second homes or upmarket rental investments.

The seaside houses, located in Finistère, Morbihan, Côtes-d'Armor, Dinard or Saint-Malo, are appealing for their granite architecture, their vast gardens and their proximity to wild beaches. These typically Breton residences combine traditional charm and modern comfort, with breathtaking views of the ocean. The more exclusive seaside villas are nestled in privileged environments with swimming pools, panoramic terraces and private access to the beach. They can be found in particular in La Trinité-sur-Mer, Perros-Guirec and Belle-Île-en-Mer, true havens of peace for a clientele in search of prestige.

The Brittany region

Brittany offers a wide choice of contemporary, manor, architect-designed and luxury houses, combining character and modernity.

  • Contemporary houses: By the sea or in the countryside, these residences favour clean lines, large openings and natural materials such as wood and stone. Manor houses: Large granite or tufa mansions, particularly in Morbihan, with high ceilings and landscaped gardens, ideal for an elegant and authentic setting.
  • Architect-designed houses: Bold creations integrated into the Breton landscape, playing on light, volumes and sea panoramas.
  • Luxury houses: Exceptional villas on the coast, often with swimming pools, panoramic terraces and direct access to the beach.

Corsica

In Corsica, traditional stone houses are often made of granite, with thick walls and slate roofs. They can be found both by the sea and in the heart of hilltop villages, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean or the mountains.

The average price per square metre varies greatly: from €3,500 to €6,500/m² depending on the location. With a population of 340,000, the island is accessible via several airports (Ajaccio, Bastia, Figari) and ferries connecting it to the mainland.

With its heavenly beaches, hikes through the maquis and villages steeped in history, Corsica is a unique setting for a stone house.

The island of Corsica

Corsica is a favourite destination for buying an apartment, house or villa by the sea, offering a wild coastline, turquoise waters and an unspoilt setting between the sea and the maquis.

The seaside apartments, particularly in Ajaccio, Bastia, Porto-Vecchio and Calvi, are appealing thanks to their large terraces with unobstructed views, direct access to the beaches and high-end services. These properties are highly sought-after as second homes or upmarket rental investments. The seaside houses, spread across the island, particularly in Bonifacio, Saint-Florent and Propriano, combine traditional stone architecture and modern lines, offering a lifestyle that is both authentic and comfortable. These properties often have Mediterranean gardens and are very close to the beach.

The more exclusive seaside villas are located in privileged areas such as Porto-Vecchio, Palombaggia or Île-Rousse, and offer exceptional amenities: infinity pools, panoramic terraces and private access to the sea.

The Corsican territory

Corsica is a popular destination for buying a luxury home, offering contemporary villas with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, often with infinity pools and private access to the beach.

With its heavenly beaches, steep mountains and hilltop villages, the island offers an exceptional setting. The average price per square metre varies between €7,000 and €15,000, with peaks of €20,000 for exceptional properties in Porto-Vecchio or Calvi.

With its yachting and Mediterranean gastronomy, Corsica is the ideal place for a prestigious seaside residence.

The department of Var

Var, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, offers a sunny setting popular with lovers of Provençal houses with gardens and swimming pools. Here, property is more expensive with an average of €3,800 per square metre, particularly on the coast and in the hilltop villages of the hinterland. Very well connected (motorways, TGV in Toulon, Nice and Marseille airports), the Var is ideal for those who wish to combine nature, sunshine and quick access to the beaches. Activities include hiking in the Esterel Massif and water sports.

Ideal for: those who want a second home in the southern sun.

Country houses for sale in the Var

The Var coastline

The Var is a dream location for buying a villa with a sea view, often with Mediterranean gardens, swimming pools and direct access to the beach. The most prestigious properties are located between Saint-Tropez, Hyères and Bandol.

With its fine sandy beaches, wild coves and wooded hills, the department offers an exceptional setting. The average price per square metre varies from €6,000 to €12,000 depending on the location. With a population of over 1.1 million, the Var is well served by the A8 motorway, the Toulon TGV station and Hyères airport.

The city of Marseille

Marseille is an ideal city for purchasing a penthouse, particularly in prestigious neighbourhoods such as Le Roucas-Blanc, Les Goudes or La Corniche, which offer panoramic terraces overlooking the sea. These exclusive properties combine modernity with a Mediterranean setting, often with a private swimming pool and a furnished rooftop. With its sunny coastline, creeks and lively Old Port, Marseille offers a dynamic and cosmopolitan lifestyle. The average price per square metre for a penthouse varies between €7,000 and €15,000, depending on the location. With a population of over 870,000, the city is a major hub with a TGV station connecting it to Paris in 3 hours and an international airport.

Marseille

Marseille offers magnificent seaside villas, particularly in the districts of Malmousque, Roucas-Blanc and Les Goudes, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

Between creeks, ports and hills, the city offers a unique contrast between nature and urbanisation. The average price per square metre for a seafront villa is between €6,000 and €10,000. With a population of over 870,000, Marseille has a TGV station and an international airport, as well as quick access to the A7 and A50 motorways.

The Phocaean city

Marseille offers a wide variety of exceptional properties, combining modernity and Mediterranean charm.

  • Contemporary houses: Clean-lined villas, often perched on the hills with sea views and infinity pools, in neighbourhoods such as Roucas-Blanc or Les Goudes.
  • Townhouses: Le Panier, Endoume or Vauban are home to renovated houses with terraces and patios, combining authenticity and urban dynamism.
  • Architect-designed houses: Avant-garde creations with raw materials, plays of light and integration into the landscape, often close to the coast or the Calanques.
  • Luxury houses: Provençal country houses or ultra-modern villas, nestled in exclusive neighbourhoods such as Malpassé, Bompard or the Corniche Kennedy.
  • Luxury apartments: From penthouses with rooftop terraces to Haussmann-style residences, Marseille offers rare properties with panoramic terraces overlooking the Vieux-Port or the Mediterranean.

Arcachon

Arcachon is an ideal setting for a villa with a view of the Atlantic, particularly in the popular districts of Ville d'Hiver and Pyla-sur-Mer. The landscape alternates between dunes, beaches and pine forests, offering an exceptional natural setting.

The average price per square metre varies between €7,000 and €12,000. With 11,000 inhabitants, Arcachon is easily accessible thanks to the A63 motorway, the TGV station and Bordeaux-Mérignac airport. With its sailing, surfing and the Dune of Pilat, Arcachon is a popular destination for a villa by the sea.

The city of Cannes

The refinement and prestige of Cannes offer modern lofts and luxurious penthouses with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

The lofts are mainly located in renovated buildings in the city centre or in converted former industrial buildings, offering large open spaces, bay windows and contemporary decoration. Ideally located near the Croisette or Le Suquet, they appeal to a clientele looking for an elegant and dynamic living environment.

The penthouses, real real estate gems, are perched on the top floor of prestigious residences, offering spacious terraces, private swimming pools and panoramic views of the bay of Cannes. These exclusive properties are highly sought-after in neighbourhoods such as Californie, Pointe Croisette and Palm Beach.

Cannes: the French Riviera

In Cannes, seaside villas are synonymous with prestige, often located in sought-after neighbourhoods such as La Californie or Super-Cannes, with panoramic views and private access to the sea.

The setting is idyllic, with fine sandy beaches, palm trees and green hills. The average price per square metre varies between €10,000 and €25,000. With a population of 75,000, the city is easily accessible thanks to the A8 motorway, the TGV station and Nice-Côte d'Azur airport. Cannes is a perfect destination for an exclusive villa by the sea, with the Cannes Film Festival, private beaches, yachts and luxury shops.

The city of Cannes

Cannes embodies exclusivity with its luxury houses and apartments, prized for their breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and their proximity to the Croisette.

Contemporary luxury homes or Belle Époque mansions, often located in Super-Cannes, La Californie or on the Cap d'Antibes, with infinity pools, landscaped gardens and private access to the beach.

Luxury apartments such as penthouses with rooftop terraces, residences with top-of-the-range services and Haussmann-style apartments, offering terraces with sea views and close proximity to luxury hotels and shops.

Cannes remains an unmissable destination for a prestigious investment on the French Riviera.

The city of Nice

Nice offers an exceptional property market, ideal for the purchase of a townhouse or penthouse with a panoramic view of the Mediterranean.

The townhouses, located mainly in historic districts such as Cimiez, Mont Boron or the Carré d'Or, display Belle Époque or Art Deco architecture, with elegant facades, vast private gardens and interiors adorned with mouldings and period parquet flooring. These prestigious residences are sought-after for their timeless charm and their privileged location.

The penthouses, truly exceptional properties, are located on the top floor of high-end residences, offering large terraces, private swimming pools and breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges. These ultra-luxurious apartments are particularly popular on the Promenade des Anglais, the Colline du Château and in Fabron.

The capital of the French Riviera

Nice offers exceptional villas with panoramic views, particularly over the Promenade des Anglais, Mont-Boron or Cimiez, combining elegant architecture and proximity to the beach.

With its azure coastline and sunny climate, the city appeals to seaside lovers. The average price per square metre for a villa is between €7,000 and €15,000. Nice, with its 340,000 inhabitants, benefits from a TGV station, an international airport and quick access to the A8 motorway. Between old Nice, beaches and cultural life, the city combines luxury and the good life.

Nice

Nice seduces with its varied architecture and prestigious setting, with luxury properties in the city centre and on the hillsides.

  • Townhouses: In sought-after neighbourhoods such as Mont Boron, Cimiez and Gairaut, townhouses offer private gardens, panoramic terraces and proximity to the sea. Luxury houses: Contemporary villas or Belle Époque mansions, often located on the hills, with swimming pools and breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges. Luxury apartments: penthouses with rooftop terraces, Haussmann-style or modern apartments, offering high-end amenities and a prime location on the Promenade des Anglais or in the Carré d'Or.
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Buying a prestigious beachfront home

A beachfront villa is much more than just a purchase: it is a true art of living. Properties located close to major cities, such as Paris, are prized for their accessibility, while those nestled in more exclusive corners of the French Riviera or the Atlantic coast guarantee a more intimate setting.

With several square metres of space, elegant architecture and sometimes even the legacy of coastal castles, these buildings are solid investments. Our online listings provide detailed information on these exceptional properties, whether it is a single-storey house with large spaces or a villa with high-end finishes. All that remains is to define your tastes and find the ideal opportunity to realise your seaside project.

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