The essential resource for Americans
by Léa Mocher · French Riviera property specialist
Cannes · La Croisette
Îles de Lérins
Welcome
Buying property in France —
and everything that comes with it.
From the notaire's office to the international school deadline, from your dog's EU passport to the right visa — the one resource Americans need before making the move to France.
The Buying Guide
I
The French Buying Process
Step by step — from search to signed acte de vente.
II
Costs & Taxes
Notary fees, agency fees, taxes and what to budget beyond the price.
III
Financing as a Non-Resident
French mortgages, US lenders, down payments and currency risk.
IV
The SCI Structure
Why many Americans buy through an SCI and when it makes sense.
V
The French Riviera
Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Antibes, Mougins — which market is right for you.
VI
Visas & Residency
Long-stay visa, Passeport Talent, carte de séjour — what you need.
VII
Mistakes to Avoid
The most common errors American buyers make — and how to sidestep them.
Latest Articles
Private Chefs and Staffing: Setting Up Your Luxury Household on the Riviera
There is a moment, usually a few weeks after the keys change hands, when the romance of owning
Managing Property from Abroad: Top Property Management Services in Cannes
One of the first questions my American clients ask, often before we have even found the right villa,
Beach Clubs of Cannes: Where to Network and Relax in the Summer
In Cannes, the beach is not merely where you swim. It is where business gets done, where friendships
Market Update: Cannes Real Estate Trends Post-2025/2026
Every few months, a client in Palo Alto or Tribeca sends me the same message: "Léa, is
High-End Security: Protecting Your High-Net-Worth Assets on the Riviera
When my American clients first start house-hunting on the French Riviera, security is rarely the first thing
