The Old Time Charm of Nice Port

A Port with a new Visage

As you walk from the Quai des Etats Unis around the point into the port of Nice, also known as Lympia port from when the work on the port first began in 1745, you just can't help but feel that lively notion of the past when Nice used to be a small fishing village.  Whether you are taking a morning jog, or an afternoon leisure walk, the spirit of this area still lingers in the air.

Although the times have changed since the days of the local fisherman bringing in their daily catch, (which is now around 10 fisherman), polished streamlined yachts and leisure boats now fill the harbor along with the daily ferries to and from Corsica. There are two ferry terminals in the port and can accomodate  ships of 180 meters long (a bit larger than the size of a football field). However, you will still find those small and colorful small sailboats that gives the port its authentic charm and they make for great sightseeing photo opportunities.

In the last few years, the port has also received a "make-over" expanding the pedestrian and cycling lanes.  The investment made by the City of Nice and the Conseil General came at 180 million euro price tag and provides locals and tourists alike with a larger, safer and more pleasant area to walk and enjoy the vivid scenery of the port.

Surrounding the port are the picturesque colorful facades of the Nicois style apartment buildings with many busy al fresco cafes and pubs down below.  It is a great place to have a seafood lunch or to simply enjoy a beer in the sun with your friends.

Realistic Motivations to Buy Property in the French Riviera

Let the truth be told...the effects of global warming are clearly evident now.

As the world recently watched in horror and disbelief the fierceless destruction of Hurricane Sandy as it tore through the eastern seabord of the United States, the effects of global warming can no longer be ignored. It is the unfortunate reality we face globally and one that will affect future decisions we make.

When it comes to real estate, weather is a realistic motivation.  Whether (no pun intended) you are considering buying a vacation property or primary residence abroad such as  the Carribean, Tahiti, or any other destination, considerations with the changing global climate should be included in the decision making process of your real estate investment.

Factors like frequency of storms or hurricanes and harsh seasonal weather are things that will eventually affect your real estate investment.  Obviously, a property located in a place that undergoes frequent harsh seasonal weather would probably require more repairs and conditioning (new paint, wood treatments, mold, etc).  It is not to say that you shouldn't buy real estate in tropical places, rather it is more about taking a step back to further consider where you purchase and what your purchase.  A dream house on the beach in one place might be more vulnerable than somewhere else, or perhaps a condo might be less maintenance than a house in a tropical climate.

There are many wonderful places to live or vacation in the world, however we just need to be a little more savvy these days.

Sunshine 300 days a year

The French Riviera has always been known for its year long pleasant and weather.  It is one of the reasons throughout its history of why so many people were drawn here. A true Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and mild winters, sunshine averaging 300 days a year and 4 distinct seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter to enjoy.

Temperatures in the hot season from June-September average above 24˚C(75.2˚F) and in the cold season average below 15˚C (59˚F), which makes for perfect skiing weather. www.weatherspark.com

The French Riviera does experience the strong cold winds of the Mistral which tends to be the strongest in winter and sometimes in spring and can get up to 100km (62miles) in velocity lasting a few days.

In respect to rainfall, moderate precipitation is most common type of rainfall during days with precipitation with thunderstorms more common in the warm season precipitation.

Although the French Riviera is not immune to the effects of global warming, it is definitely a place that has a more stable weather pattern all year long, and that is an added value to any property investment made here.