Sospel is a more of a mountain town than a quaint little village; as well as having its fair share of crooked back streets and ancient buildings, it also has quite a large population of residents and attracts lots of hikers and bikers, so it doesn't rely entirely on coachloads of sightseers to get by.
Sospel
Outdoor sports mecca with plenty of medieval charm
On leaving the train station it's a short walk cut through a charming little park to get to the Place des Platanes; a large square with benches, shaded promenades, flowerbeds and a boules club. There is a large market here every Thursday morning and you can still see some 15th century columns dotted about – they are all that remains of the old church of Saint Pierre.
Once you arrive at the River Bévéra look left for a wonderful view of the colourful houses with their trompe l'œil façades on the opposite bank and the old bridge with its fortified gate house. Le Pont Vieux was built as a toll bridge for travellers in the 12th century and was damaged in the Second World War, then rebuilt using the original stones.
Sospel has lots of faded charm in its chipped stones and peeling paintwork; the dark alleyways and hidden courtyards are cool even in the height of summer and far less frenetic than some of the more touristy villages.
Events in [locality]
Events in Monaco
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in [locality]
If you're a fan of military history then it may be worth making a short journey to the outskirts of Sospel to visit the three forts – Saint-Roch, Barbonnet and Agaisen – all of which are open to the public (although check opening times before you visit as they can be limited).
The famous Maginot Line runs past Sospel, just 3km from the town.
To get a sense of the full history of Sospel (and to have a peek at the locals' gardens), follow the signposts up to the “Ruines du Donjon Romaine et Remparts”, where you'll find the ruins of the Château de Sospel, home to the Counts of Provence. Not much more remains than a few crumbling walls but it's evocative nonetheless and gives you an insight into a different aspect of the town.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
The magnificent Catédral de Saint Michel dominates the centre of “old” Sospel; its vivid colours glowing against the dark wood and sombre grey stonework of the neighbouring streets.
The cathedral soars higher than all the surrounding buildings and the square in front has been recobbled with white and grey stones that contrast beautifully with the warm yellow and red tones of the façade.
The 13th century Romanesque bell tower is the only original part of the building, the rest having been rebuilt in the Baroque style during the 17th century.
Sights in Monaco
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Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology
Museum tracing the history of evolution through the ages
The area around the Cote d'Azur is rich in prehistoric artefacts, many of which can be found in this fascinating museum.
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Collection des Voitures Anciennes (Vintage Cars Collection)
Collection of vintage cars owned by the royals of Monaco
Prince Rainier III was a huge car enthusiast and amassed a vast collection of vintage cars.
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Saint Michel Basilica, Menton 
Saint Michel Basilica, Menton
17th-century church in the centre of Menton
The first stone of the Saint Michel basilica in Menton was set in 1619, but it was not finished until 1653, and consecrated in 1675. Located in the old town, it boasts a beautiful Baroque style.
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Parfumerie Galimard, Eze
Perfume factory & museum with guided visits & workshops
Free guided tours of a historic perfume factory in the medieval village of Eze.
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Le Jardin Exotique de Monaco
Wonderful exotic succulents, cave and museum of anthropology
Monaco's exotic garden was opened to the public in 1933. In its prestigious, open-air setting, it brings together a wide variety of succulent plants.
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Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Monaco
Monaco's most important religious building, perched atop the Rock of Monaco
The cathedral of Monaco is dedicated to the Virgin, although popularly known as Saint Nicholas because of the church that previously stood on its site. The current building was built in the 19th century.
Beaches in [locality]
Beaches in Monaco
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Baie de Garavan Beach, Menton 
Baie de Garavan Beach, Menton
Sandy beaches situated to the east of the Port in Menton
Set to the back drop of Menton's colourful and pretty old town, these beaches stretch eastwards from the Port towards the Italian border.
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Baie du Soleil Beach, Menton 
Baie du Soleil Beach, Menton
A stretch of beaches situated to the west of the Port
Made up of a selection of private and public areas, with the most popular stretch being Plage de Fossan to the east.
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Plage du Buse Beach, Roquebrune 
Plage du Buse Beach, Roquebrune
A quiet pebble beach near the Cap Martin peninsula
Plage Buse is a pretty and undulating stretch of pebbly coastline tucked away to the west of the Roquebrune Cap Martin peninsula.
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Plage du Golfe Bleu Beach, Roquebrune 
Plage du Golfe Bleu Beach, Roquebrune
Great family friendly beach, a short walk from Roquebrune
This family-friendly beach is easy to get to but not so easy to find, which is perhaps why it always stays fairly quiet even in peak season.
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Plage du Larvotto Beach 
Plage du Larvotto Beach
Stretch of man-made beach at the east end of Monaco's coastline
Larvotto is the principality of Monaco's most popular sandy beach and the main one with free public access. Covered in smooth imported fine gravel this man-made beach is made up of both private and public areas of beach.
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Plage Marquet Beach, Cap d'Ail 
Plage Marquet Beach, Cap d'Ail
A popular beach close to the Monaco border
Plage Marquet is the most easterly of the Cap d’Ail beaches and is right on the border with Monaco.
Dining in [locality]
The old bridge leads to Place Saint Nicolas, a small but very charming square with an 18th century fountain, colourful buildings and Italian-style loggias. Here you'll find a typically French café with a pretty terrace and daily specials.
Alternatively, there is a small cluster of café-bars and brasseries beside the river at Place de Cabraïa, which is local dialect for “goat” and refers to the days when farmers would gather their herds here before leading them to the pastures. The fountain is split in two levels, the lower one for animals and the upper one for people.
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Private Caterers
Excellent gastronomic meals in your own accommodation
Turn your dining room into a high-class restaurant where you can enjoy delicious meals prepared for you by Philippe Lescot, a passionate private chef who has had a wealth of experience working in various restaurants around the world.
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L'Orange Verte Restaurant 
L'Orange Verte Restaurant
Laid-back restaurant with take-away service
Located in the prestigious Monte-Carlo Bay Resort, this restaurant serves Chef Marcel Ravin's travel-inspired cuisine, with tartares, salads, burgers, fried noodles and a wide selection of “Tchôk” pastries.
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La Table de Patrick Raingeard Restaurant, Eze
Excellent food showcased directly from the kitchen garden
The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
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Le Grill Restaurant 
Le Grill Restaurant
Mediterranean restaurant with stunning views
Situated in the luxury Hotel de Paris, this restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine qith great panoramic views of the sea.
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La Maree Restaurant
Seafood restaurant overlooking the impressive Monaco port
'Fish chic' restaurant in Port Hercule that is located on the sixth floor of the Port Palace Hotel, overlooking the marina.
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La Chevre d'Or Restaurant, Eze
Michelin-starred restaurant serving sophisticated, fresh tasting cuisine
This gourmet restaurant offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean and gained two Michelin stars in 2011.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Monaco
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Brasserie du Cafe de Paris 
Brasserie du Cafe de Paris
Café de Paris is the most popular venue for a “rendez-vous”
With Belle Epoque style windows, recalling the old Parisian bistros, the building creates a bright and friendly atmosphere.
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Crystal Bar & Terrace 
Crystal Bar & Terrace
If you’re the type to like champagne & cigars, this one’s for you
Sit back in this lounge and take in the magnificent views across the Mediterranean, Port Hercule and the Rock of Monaco, while luxuriating in the atmosphere of exclusivity.
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Blue Gin Bar 
Blue Gin Bar
Late night bar at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel
With seaside terrace and billiard tables this place is sophisticated and fun, with lounges and icy-cool décor.
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Saphir 24 Bistro Lounge, Restaurant & Bar
Bistro, lounge and bar at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo Hotel
The relaxed atmosphere and sublime vista make it the perfect spot to enjoy, 24 hours a day, according to your rhythm and fancy...
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Bar Americain 
Bar Americain
Views to the world famous casino at this classic venue in Monte-Carlo
The Hôtel de Paris' fantastic cocktail bar and lounge oozes old world class. It has a cosy, elegant low-key ambiance, with big leather armchairs, sea views and live music from Doctor Gabs' piano.
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Monte-Carlo Bay Casino 
Monte-Carlo Bay Casino
Ultra-modern casino offering customers a fantastic choice of games
In the heart of the spectacular Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, this ultra-modern casino offers a choice of around 150 new generation slot machines which all work without tokens.
Things to do in [locality]
Sospel is a nature junkie's paradise with no less than five GR trails heading out from the town as well as various other hiking and mountain biking routes – you'll often see people checking tyres and brakes in Place des Platanes prior to a day out riding the cross-country trails.
It's also a popular destination for road bikers, with plenty of cols and long challenging itineraries within reach. Rock climbers can find limestone crags with bolted routes up to grade seven – check at the tourist office for information on where to find them.
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Motorbike hire
Wide selection of BMW, Ducati, Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycles available for rent
Based in Menton, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Motor Yacht REHAB - French Riviera Weekly Yacht Charter
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to twelve people
Take a trip on board this luxury yacht along the Riviera, to any destination of your choosing.
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Road bike hire
Quality road bike rentals to explore the French Riviera
This company is based in Menton and offers a range of road bikes.
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Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury Jack III Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to ten people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Specialised yacht charter itineraries to truly experience the French Riviera, leaving from Monaco
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
Yachts & Sailing in [locality]
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So Chic Superyacht - 19m Yacht Charter for up to 10 people
So Chic is an elegant 19.5-metre Azimut motor yacht that perfectly lives up to her name. Based on the French Riviera, she offers a stylish and comfortable way to explore the beauty of the Mediterranean in relaxed luxury. With her refined design and inviting onboard spaces, she is an ideal choice for intimate escapes with family or friends.
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O'Leanna Superyacht - 44m Superyacht for up to 12 people
O’Leanna is an exceptional 44-metre Marin Teknikk motor yacht that combines striking design, expansive living spaces and outstanding onboard amenities. Refitted in 2015 and maintained to an excellent standard, she is one of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after charter yachts, offering a luxurious platform for unforgettable cruising holidays with family and friends.
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St David Superyacht - 60m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people
The 60m Benetti superyacht St David is one of the most acclaimed charter yachts on the market, designed by Andrew Winch Design and built with unmistakable Italian flair. Her sleek profile draws inspiration from luxury supercars, creating a striking presence on the water and an unforgettable first impression.
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Rehab Superyacht - 21m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people
Rehab is a much-loved Sunseeker Predator 68, renowned on the French Riviera for her exceptional crew and unforgettable day charters. A longstanding favourite at 212 Yachts, she has earned a stellar reputation thanks to the outstanding service of Captain Chris and Stewardess Carolina, whose warm hospitality and professionalism make every charter truly special.
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Menorca Superyacht - 49m Superyacht for up to 12 people
Menorca is a magnificent 49m classic motor yacht, extensively refitted in 2017 and now celebrated for her award-winning design and timeless elegance. Based year-round in Mahón, she is perfectly positioned for discovering the Western Mediterranean in exceptional style. Having welcomed high-profile guests over the years, she remains one of the most iconic and sought-after charter yachts in the region.
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Maxi Beer Superyacht - 27m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people
Maxi Beer is a beautifully appointed Ferretti 881 RPH offering an exceptional Mediterranean yacht charter experience. Inspired by the hugely popular Ferretti 881 and enhanced with an elevated pilot house design, she combines elegant styling, generous deck space and impressive performance for unforgettable cruising in the West Mediterranean.
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Watersports in [locality]
Watersports in Monaco
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Private Aqua Fit Classes
Private aqua fit sessions at your villa in Monaco for all ages and abilities
Aqua Fit sessions delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
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Monte-Carlo Beach Club 
Monte-Carlo Beach Club
A whole host of watersports from parasailing to flyboaring
Indulge in some energising or relaxing water activities for young and old alike to enjoy at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel.
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Yacht Club de Monaco
Founded in 1953 this yacht club is an integral part of Monaco
Many of the world’s most prestigious private yachts fly the Yacht Club de Monaco’s burgee, testimony to its unique position on the international yachting scene.
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Aviron Monaco - Rowing Club
Originating from the Regatta Society set up in 1888, now the Aviron Monaco
A rowing club that supports athletes and amateurs in Monaco to reach their goals, whether they are leisure based or competitive.
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Centre de Sauvetage Aquatique de Monaco
Aquatic Rescue Centre Monaco offers diving, snorkeling, water rescue & civic aid
This facility offers an excellent opportunity for all those wishing to train and/or specialise in aquatic and underwater areas.
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Club d'Exploration Sous Marine de Monaco Diving School
C.E.S.M.M. is ready to help you discover the underwater wonders
This historical club was created in 1951, a time when diving was made more popular thanks to Captain Cousteau and his famous red cap.
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Holiday Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Monaco
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Serra Villa, Calvi
Surrounded by cypress and myrrh trees, this typically Mediterranean holiday home, Villa Serra, overlooks the citadel of Calvi in Haute-Corse.
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Chateau Perigord Residence Apartment
Set on a high floor of an exclusive residence with 24h security situated walking distance to the beach, this fantastic 4 bedroom apartment provides renovated interiors and a panoramic sea view. Casino Square is 10 minutes away.
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Le Metropole Apartment
This apartment is close to the Casino Place, set in a prestigious building with pool, spa, fitness , 24h concierge and a room service.
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La Vigie Villa
Set on a promontory on the same cape as Monte-Carlo Beach, the Villa has a magnificent panoramic view of the Mediterranean, the Principality of Monaco and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Bay.
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Monaco Condamine Apartment
Charming one bedroom apartment located in the Condamine area close to all Port restaurants and shops, with views over Place D'Armes.
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Park Palace Apartment
At the heart of the ''Golden Square", set within one of the most prestigious building in the Principality with indoor pool, fitness, sauna and 24h security service, this 2 bedroom apartment enjoys pleasant views of the gardens and the city.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Monaco
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Cap Estel Hotel, Eze
A beautiful 5 star boutique hotel in its own gated estate
Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has wonderful panoramic views. With only 28 rooms spread over four separate locations, it is a very private and luxurious place to stay.
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Metropole Monte-Carlo Hotel
Elegant and luxurious hotel in the heart of Monte-Carlo
In 2004, the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo was refurbished to keep it in tune with its time, but has kept all its spiritual qualities to uphold its concept of luxury.
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Jerome Boutique Hostellerie Hotel, La Turbie
Small boutique hotel in the centre of La Turbie
Former 13th-century Cistercian monastery tastefully renovated offering 5 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
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Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel
One of the largest luxury hotel's in Europe
The Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel is a unique four-star luxury resort. The hotel is one of the largest in Europe with its 602 guest rooms, residences and suites, two restaurants, a bar and a new pool space on the roof which integrates a contemporary touch.
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Port Palace Hotel
The first boutique hotel in the principality of Monaco
With urban elegance, chic interiors and just steps away from the casino, boutique shopping and the legendary F1 Grand Prix circuit, this hotel is a gem in the heart of Monaco.
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Le Chateau de la Chevre d'Or Hotel, Eze
Chic hotel with stunning views, Michelin starred dining & spa facilities
Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
How to get to [locality]
Getting to Sospel is relatively easy on public transport; you can either take the Train des Merveilles from Nice or there is a bus that runs from Menton.
If you're driving you can take the A8 and the D2204 from Nice (40km), or the A8 then D2566 from Menton (15km).
Transfers for Monaco
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Private Airport Transfers
Nice Airport to Monaco from €187 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
With years of Alpine transfer experience through its sister brand, this private airport transfer service brings reliable, professional travel to the Côte d'Azur, with trained, English-speaking drivers who know the local area. Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, including Mercedes models and spacious people carriers, offer Wi-Fi and complimentary mineral water, while airport meet and greet, flight and traffic monitoring, free child seats and clear pricing help make your journey easier. With automated pick-up reminders, door-to-door service and twenty-four-hour summer telephone support, you can arrange your transfer with greater peace of mind.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Luxury helicopter transfers to the French Riviera & the French Alps
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Monaco
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Apartment for Sale | bsm260480
Penthouse Apartment with Panoramic Sea Views
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Villa for Sale | VAL250053
Exceptional property with stunning sea views.
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Villa for Sale | bsm260441
Elegant charming villa on the French Riviera. Set in a privileged environment on the French Riviera, this character property beautifully combines contemporary elegance with Provençal charm.
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Apartment for Sale | bsm260494
4-room duplex flat with sea view
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Apartment for Sale | BSM260405
In Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, charming one-bedroom apartment, located on the ground floor of a recent and very well-maintained residence, in a very quiet neighbourhood yet close to shops, hospital and a 5-minute drive from the sea.
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Villa for Sale | bsm260475
Contemporary Villa with Spectacular Sea Views
