" “The letting activity in Ile-de-France remains moderate but the signs of recovery are strong in Paris where demand has doubled in the space of twelve months. In the CBD, some deals have again crossed the threshold of €800/sqm/year” "

" For centuries, the Côte d’Azur or ‘French Riviera’ has been attracting the rich and famous, from British aristocrats and Russian nobles, to American movie stars and European artists. All are drawn to the Mediterranean sun, glistening blue waters, mountainous hinterland, and today, its image as a chic, “billionaires” playground. The Côte d’Azur forms the coastal area of the ‘Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur’ (PACA) region on the south eastern French Mediterranean coast. It consistently commands the highest priced residential property in the country, and is home to the majority of foreign-owned second homes in France."

" “In the absence of any speculative developments, the Grade A warehouses located on the North/South axis will be occupied at a steady rate. The prime rental values should consequently be maintained.” "

" The French commercial investment market doubled turnover during Q110, totalling nearly €1.8 billion compared to €0.9 billion in Q109. This is according to international real estate advisor Savills. French investors and German Funds continue to dominate the market, with the exception of the sale of the 35,000 sq m HSBC headquarters located at 103 avenue Champs Elysées to a Qatar investor for €425 million. Savills research also notes a marked increase in domestic private investor spend was seen in 2009 up 12%, a trend it expects to continue into 2010. "

" “Letting activity marked time this quarter, the level of availability has peaked but rental values have stabilised or are even on the rise in some sectors.” "

" “Paris, and in particular the Central Business District, remains a secure and privileged destination for core funds seeking to invest in secure office property.” "

" “On the investment side, improvements are multiplying. Most sought-after letting markets recorded a renewal of activity during the last quarter of 2009 but no sign of a generalised restart is still perceptible." "

" Holiday home ownership in the Alps has grown as the ski industry has expanded, with rising numbers of ski travellers supported by factors such as the rise in low-cost airlines. The growing popularity of Alpine homes has put upward pressure on prices, raising the attractiveness of property investment. "

" “Demand from retailers remains strong for prime locations. Due to the defensive character of prime assets, investors have increased their market share in this particular segment, where significant deals were made in 2009 by the most audacious market players.” "

" “There are visible signs of recovery in the occupier and investment markets in the prime sectors but there appears to be an accelerating decline in both take-up and rents in the secondary assets and locations.”  "