Conveniently close to the coast yet far enough away to feel removed, the villages and towns in the hills north of Cannes are extremely popular with house-hunters looking for property for sale in South of France.

Perhaps the most well-known of all the towns in the Arrière Pays Cannois is Grasse, which has been a successful tourist destination for decades. The thriving town became famous as a winter retreat in 1807 when Princess Pauline Bonaparte, the Emperor‘s sister, spent several months there to recuperate from illness.

The town lies at around 400 metres, and those searching for luxury Grasse real estate will quickly discover that it’s air is a great deal fresher and cleaner than that on the coast, especially in the summer. A sprawling town situated 15km north of Cannes, Grasse is now also renowned for its perfumeries.

Those interested in Grasse real estate will discover that Grasse is known as the ‘perfume capital of the world’, with the first perfume factories having been established in the town more than four hundred years ago. Its climate – with plentiful sunshine and mild temperatures – made the town and the surrounding countryside ideal for flower growing, hence its success in perfume production. There are many perfumeries in the region, including Molinard, Galimard, and Salon des Parfums, which are all open year-round to the public.

Also hugely popular amongst those looking for property for sale in South of France are the neighbouring villages of Châteauneuf de Grasse and Magagnosc. These villages both lie at an even higher altitude than Grasse, enjoying the same quality of air and incredible views over the Esterel mountains. However their diminutive size means that the way of life here is much gentler than that of the relatively bustling Grasse.

Lying to the east of Grasse are the villages of Cabris, Peymeinade, Le Tignet and finally Les Ardrets, all very unique in their charms, but all sharing similar qualities: stunning views towards Cannes in the east, and the Esterel Mountains in the west.