Remote Working Abroad in 2025: French Riviera & Alps Property & Lifestyle
As remote working abroad continues to evolve, owning a property in a location that combines lifestyle and practicality is increasingly attractive. Whether it’s a villa on the coast or a chalet in the mountains, living and working in inspiring surroundings is more accessible than ever. This spring, we’re highlighting some of the most desirable locations in our focus regions, each offering a balance of tranquillity, convenience, and quality of life.
“If your world doesn’t allow you to dream, move to one where you can.” – Billy Idol
The French Riviera: Sunshine and Sophistication
A Mediterranean Climate
The French Riviera offers a consistently warmer climate than the UK, with average spring temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It also benefits from far more days of sunshine, providing an appealing escape from the grey skies of the UK.
Well-Connected Towns and Relaxed Living
Nice Airport sits on the beautiful Bay of Nice, offering a smooth and scenic arrival. From here, you’re only a short drive from sought-after destinations. Nice itself is known for its elegant Promenade des Anglais and cultural vibrancy. Within 30–40 minutes by car, you can reach Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Antibes, Èze, and Cannes.
- Villefranche-sur-Mer: Colourful waterfront and laid-back atmosphere.
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: Exclusive and green, with a focus on privacy.
- Antibes: Historic old town and a chic marina.
- Èze: A hilltop medieval village with panoramic views.
- Cannes: Luxury shopping, fine dining, and sandy beaches, with the renowned film festival each year.
Monaco is also just a 30-minute drive from the airport, ideal for those who value world-class dining, events, and business connections.
Spring Activities in the Riviera
Spring is an excellent time to explore the region. Visit the Matisse Museum, discover the beauty of Èze, or enjoy a peaceful trip to the Lérins Islands. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the Esterel Mountains, take coastal walks, or play golf at Golf de Biot and Royal Mougins Golf Club.
Internet and Connectivity
The French Riviera has excellent infrastructure for remote work. Cities like Nice, Cannes, and Antibes offer fibre-optic broadband with speeds of up to 1 Gbps. High-speed internet is also widely available in quieter areas like Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Èze. The region benefits from strong 4G and 5G mobile coverage for reliable connectivity on the go.
Travel Connections
With a flight time of just two hours from London Gatwick to Nice, travel for business or leisure is quick and efficient. The Riviera offers a practical, well-connected lifestyle in one of Europe’s most attractive regions.
The French Alps: Spring in the Mountains
A Changing Landscape
Spring in the Alps brings green landscapes and milder weather, but higher-altitude resorts in the Mont Blanc region, the Three Valleys, and Val d’Isère–Tignes areas continue to offer excellent spring skiing. This makes the Alps ideal for those who want to enjoy the last of the snow alongside warmer days.
Resorts Near Geneva Airport
Geneva Airport provides easy access to several popular resorts:
- Megève: Elegant, with cobblestone streets, boutiques, and fine dining.
- Chamonix and Les Houches: At the foot of Mont Blanc, perfect for hiking and adventure.
- Les Gets and Morzine: Family-friendly resorts within the Portes du Soleil area.
All these resorts are within a 1–1 hour 20 minute drive of Geneva Airport, which has flights from London in around 1 hour 40 minutes.
Spring Activities in the Alps
As the snow melts at lower altitudes, resorts become centres for mountain biking, cycling, hiking, golfing, and fly fishing. At higher elevations, spring skiing continues to attract visitors who enjoy mornings on the slopes and afternoons exploring alpine trails.
Internet and Connectivity
Internet speeds in the French Alps are generally strong, with fibre broadband available in most resorts, offering speeds of 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. For more remote locations, Starlink satellite internet is an effective solution, with speeds of 50 Mbps to 250 Mbps, allowing for uninterrupted remote work.
Quality of Life: UK vs France
Living in the UK
The UK, particularly London, offers a fast-paced lifestyle with strong business and cultural opportunities. However, long commutes, crowded spaces, and limited access to nature can make daily life demanding.
A Different Pace of Life
By contrast, the French Riviera and French Alps offer clean air, more space, and easy access to outdoor activities. Whether it’s walking along the Mediterranean or hiking in the mountains, these regions provide a more balanced lifestyle while maintaining excellent connections for business and travel. For those considering remote working abroad, these areas offer the right blend of environment, infrastructure, and accessibility.
Considering a Move?
This spring could be the right time to make a change. Whether you’re looking for a villa, chalet, or apartment, we can help you find the right property and assist with tailored mortgage solutions.
Get in touch today to discuss your plans.