My senior researcher, Margaret Summerfield, is on the move again To remind you, over the past six months Margaret has been slow traveling through Europe in search of a new base. On each step of her journey, she has reported back to us about what she's found: her assessment of each real estate market, the livability of each destination, and why she would or wouldn't consider it for a permanent base. Stay tuned for her next report By Margaret Summerfield. They're both established jet-set destinations.
They both have similar populations 70, or so and similar climates hot, dry summers and mild winters. The language is the same, the currency is the same. But scratch the surface and you'll soon see that they're very distinct, each with its own style and appeal.
Here's my take on these two Riviera getaways. Both towns have good road and rail connections. Antibes just nudges ahead for airport access because it's 20 minutes' drive to Nice airport, while Cannes is Nice is the third-busiest airport in France and has excellent connections across Europe.
As an established tourist destination, the Cote d'Azur is easy to get to. For Europeans, it's like flying from New York to Florida. Both destinations also offer easy access to ski resorts and mountain hiking close by, so you can enjoy the best of beach and mountain living.
This category is very much a draw. When I arrived in Cannes, I was impressed by the views. There are lovely sea views, with the Alps rising in the distance, the peaks covered in snow. But when I got to Antibes, the views were better. Wider sea vistas, the Alps seemingly closer, and the city of Nice in the distance. Up close, Antibes wins again. It has a nicely preserved Old Town, ancient city walls, a marina, some small beaches, nice walking trails, and a Picasso museum sadly closed during my stay.
