Nice and easy! Improved accessibility increases popularity of south of France…
Having served over 100 million customers since its launch on 14th November 1994, Eurostar – the high-speed train link between the UK and France and Belgium – recently celebrated its 15th birthday. Announcing that in the past 15 years they have totted up mileage equivalent to 338 journeys to the moon the service has opened up Europe to a much wider audience, allowing travellers greater choice and making their trips to the continent easy and hassle-free.
The Eurostar service and its attributing ease of accessibility is a key reason why France has become renowned as a top global tourist destination, with the World Tourism Organisation announcing that it was the most popular tourist destination in the world in 2008 with 79.8 million visitors, as well as being a very popular destination for second home owners.
With its cultural treasures, wealth of gastronomic treats and air of sophistication, Paris is not only the country’s capital but also France’s top tourist destination, with the Eurostar service connecting directly to the city from three destinations in the UK. Succeeded only by Paris, however, the city of Nice on the Côte d’Azur or French Riviera has been ranked as the second most popular destination for tourists in France, according to the CRT Riviera Côte d´Azur – Observatoire du Tourisme.
Especially ever-popular with British holidaymakers, and those buying property outside of the UK, the city of Nice in the south of France is famous for its long sandy beaches and glamorous sea-fronts and has certainly benefited from increased accessibility in recent years.
Kirkor Ajderhanyan, MD and Owner of Agence 107 Promenade, agrees,
“Since the launch of the Eurostar service 15 years ago as well as the improved road network and flight routes in recent times, Nice – and the Côte d´Azur in general – has benefited greatly by a growth in tourism. Always having been popular due to its stunning scenery and sophisticated Promenade, improved accessibility certainly makes for more people visiting the region and this is good news for those investing in property in Nice as they are able to rent out to the tourist market as well as use the property personally.”
Connecting services from the Eurostar offer customers the chance to travel from the UK to the south of France by train in approximately 8-9 hours. Departing from St Pancras International in London, Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International in Kent, travellers take the Eurostar to either Paris or Lille and then a connecting TGV train to the beautiful Nice-Ville Station. Travelling by train allows a stress-free journey that is most suitable for those looking to enjoy the French scenery but still arrive at their destination on the Côte d´Azur the same day, as well as those conscious of their carbon footprint as the Eurostar is a carbon-neutral way to travel, generating just one tenth of the CO² of an equivalent flight. A single fare from St Pancras International to Nice, costs from £58 one-way.
Alternatively, the more traditional means of travel to Nice would be by plane – jetting off from destinations across the UK and arriving at Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport, the second largest airport in France with October 2009 seeing 854,607 passengers pass through. With a range of carriers flying to Nice, there is a wide choice of charter and scheduled flights available. Air France, for example, is one scheduled carrier that operates a service to Nice from 225 world cities, and having seen a successful summer 2009 with an increase of 14% in passenger numbers, this a suitable option for those based outside of south-east England as well as those interested in a short journey-time to the south of France, such as families with children.
When flying, however, the choice does not have to be limited to scheduled flights, for those looking for greater flexibility and a more luxurious travel option, private jets also offer services to Nice. This option is clearly for those with deeper pockets but as Jon Ingi Jonsson, Managing Director of private jet company Icejet comments,
“Aircraft charter is not just for the super rich… Our Dornier 328 aircraft can carry a large group in comfort with a generous 750kg cargo hold with enough space for all their luggage, ski gear or golf clubs. At a more cost effective price than a Gulfstream 4 or 5, Falcon or Challenger 600 Series it is ideal for the short-haul leisure market.”
If, however, you see your holiday starting the moment you leave home, driving to the French Riviera may be the option for you. Travelling to the south of France by road allows time to enjoy the French scenery and make the most of the travelling time as well as the time spent at your destination. There are many classic routes through France that can be enjoyed by car, taking travellers through the rolling hills of Provence’s wine-country and quaint French villages, with views of breathtaking mountains and vineyards. Nice is an easy destination to reach as it is connected by a motorway route that has five entrances to various parts of the city and the surrounding area: Promenade de Anglais, Saint-Augustin, Saint-Isidore, Nice-Nord and Nice-Est.
With so many easy ways to reach the south of France and to take advantage of its accessibility and popularity, there are also various choices when investing in property in and around Nice. In central Nice, in the heart of the city Place Masséna, is a beautiful third floor two bedroom apartment, with entrance, American kitchen, living room, bathroom and terrace of 35 sqm. In excellent condition, the apartment is on the market at € 560,000.
Alternatively, if the famous Promenade des Anglais is more your scene, a seventh floor apartment on the seafront might well be the ideal choice. With living room, two bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, separate WC and balcony with sea views, the apartment is close to the town and is for sale at €228,000.
If, however, you would rather be situated outside of the hustle and bustle of the city itself, a villa next to the famous village of Saint Paul is available, with a private pool and flower garden as well as three bedrooms, three bathrooms, living room with fireplace, dining room and an independent studio. With 175 m² of living space on a plot of 1550m², the villa is in good condition and on the market for €950,000.
For further information on any of the properties, and other options available, contact Agence 107 Promenade on 00 33 4 93 44 83 83 or visit www.107promenade.com.