Buying in the centre, the Vieux-Port and Santa Lucia, Saint-Raphaël

Streets and micro-sectors

1. 01

   The Vieux-Port, at the foot of the basilica

   The heart of the resort, in the town where Bonaparte landed on his return from Egypt in 1799: the fishermen’s quay, the basilica above, the café terraces. The buildings overlooking the harbour offer apartments with views of the boats and the sea, the station a few minutes away: the address for those who want to do everything on foot. The trap: the bustle of the quays on summer evenings, to be heard at real hours during the video pre-viewing.

2. 02

   The Promenade René-Coty and Veillat beach

   In the heart of town, the Promenade René-Coty runs along the sandy beach of the centre, with views of the islets of the Lion de Terre and the Lion de Mer. On the front line, the upper floors look straight out to sea: this is where the sea-view apartment in the town centre is sought, up to the top floor on the seafront. The trap: the summer crowds, and residences whose voted works must be read before the view.

3. 03

   The old quarter, around the church of San Rafeu

   Set back from the seafront, around the Romanesque church of San Rafeu and the shopping streets, the old quarter mixes old and Belle Époque buildings and, more rarely, a town house. Few sea views, but the market, station, schools and shops within a few minutes: the entry point to the area for a pied-à-terre or a year-round life. The trap: buildings without a lift, façades in need of work, and the protected area, which regulates exterior works.

4. 04

   The harbour of Santa Lucia and its residences

   East of the centre, the marina of Santa Lucia, the largest in the commune, is lined with residences from the 1960s to the present day, with terraces over the harbour or the sea. An apartment in Santa Lucia appeals to sailors and to those who want a second home that is simple to lock up. The trap: a view that depends on the building and the floor, harbour noise in season, and a coastal strip that is also a protected heritage area.

Three finder’s reflexes in the centre, the Vieux-Port and Santa Lucia

1. 01 Read the minutes before the view

   On the seafront, residences from the 1960s and 1970s age under the sea spray. Before becoming attached to a view, ask for the minutes of the last three general meetings, the maintenance log, the works fund and the quotes under discussion: façade renovation, waterproofing, lift. Have what remains to be voted costed, and settle in the preliminary contract who will pay for works already voted.

2. 02 Check the parking on the title deed

   In the centre as around the harbour, parking is scarce, even more so in summer. A space or a garage is checked on the title deed and in the co-ownership rules: a private unit or a mere right of use, location, access. A space rented by the year is not a space bought. Have the access filmed during the video pre-viewing, and count its absence in the negotiation.

3. 03 Look at what lives below the windows

   The centre lives loudly in summer: terraces, the promenade, morning deliveries, lively quays in the evening. An apartment that is quiet in winter may be much less so in season. Have the video pre-viewing filmed with the windows open, check the orientation of the bedrooms and what occupies the ground floor: bar, restaurant, shop. The co-ownership rules state which activities those premises may host.