It is the first real decision in choosing a Riviera villa: the water at your feet, or the whole coast laid out beneath you. Both are wonderful; they are simply different, and the right answer depends on how you intend to spend your days.
The case for the waterfront
A waterfront estate offers the rarest thing on the coast — the sea as an extension of the garden. Direct access for swimming and tenders, the sound of the water, a berth for a chartered yacht. On Cap d’Antibes and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, these are the most coveted, and most expensive, addresses of all.
The case for the hills
A hillside villa trades immediacy for perspective — the long, panoramic view, more privacy, larger grounds and, often, better value. From the heights of Super Cannes or the hills above Saint-Tropez, the coast becomes a vista, and the sea is a short, chauffeured drive away.
What “waterfront” actually means
Not all waterfront is equal. Some estates open onto a private cove; others sit above the sea with no beach of their own. Clarifying exactly what access a property offers — and how private it truly is — is essential before you commit.
Making the choice
If your days revolve around the sea and a yacht, choose the water. If you value the view, the space and the privacy, choose the hills — and let a concierge bridge the short distance to the shore. For figures, see our guide to villa rental costs, or browse the full collection.