Moving to Cote D'Azur

[bumblecat7]

Hi there,

Wondering if any Mumsnetters out there can give me some advice - there's a lot I need!

We are planning on moving to Cote D'Azur this summer (July / August '11) and plan to live just north of Nice - Tourettes sur Loup, Vence, Valbonne, that sort of region.

My questions are mostly around maternelle schools (our kids will be 5 & 3 then). Does anyone in the area know which schools are good... or bad...?!? What are the different towns and villages in the area like - are there any 'to be avoided'..?!?

We're also looking for a house / villa to rent, so any advice on that very warmly welcomed, but to be honest it would be great to hear from anyone who lives in the area to get the 'inside view' on the area. What's it like to live there?!?!?

Thanks!

No advice - but

Hi Portofino

Thanks... (although your name suggests you live somewhere pretty special already..?!)

Sory, no advice either...but I lived in Grasse for a year and used to travel by bus through the towns you mention to get to Nice. An absolutely beautiful part of the world. I'm very jealous

Hi Stressheaderic

What was Grasse like? The main thing is for me to be able to commute easily to nice airport (I'll be coming back to the UK every week to work.. )?

Grasse was a bit genteel for me - hence the travelling to Nice and Cannes (and Monaco if feeling flush) for shopping, meals out etc.
Quite a large elderly population, and quite spread out therefore difficult without a car (I had a scooter!). Also very steep hills.
Still beautiful though, amazing views over the Med.
Very mild in winter, we ate outside over Christmas with just light jackets on, and were sunbathing by April. I miss it.

bumblecat, oh yes I live abroad already.....in Belgium

Hi bumble - I live in the area. I'm more familiar with the larger towns (Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Antibes, etc) but I've also been to some of the villages you mention. Grasse has a largish English population. If it has a town center, I have never seen it - very scattered and unsociable imho. Valbonne is larger, again popular with the English, and probably best for schools among the little towns in the area.

Do you intend to stay here for the long term? I'm asking this to understand if you would rather put your kids into French school system. If not, there is a well-reputed international school in Mougins.

If you have any questions, fire away. I'd be happy to answer them.

Holidayed there last summer

I've just started a similar thread, I'm looking to move to this area too with a 6 month old. Have you had any luck with finding a rental? I've found it almost impossible!