Saint Laurent du Var was once just a drive-through village, and only locals knew about the many restaurants hidden in the picturesque harbour. Oh yes, there is the Cap 3000 shopping centre, but the rest of the town was more or less invisible. Thanks to the growing ambitions of the Alpes-Maritimes region, things are changing rapidly. And all of this will have a positive impact on real estate. Our advice: Buy today and review your capital gain tomorrow.
Saint-Laurent-du-Var can be found between Nice and Cagnes sur Mer on the French Riviera. The village is undergoing a transformative phase that promises to elevate its status as a key player in the region’s economic and urban landscape. With its strategic location, proximity to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, and ambitious infrastructure projects, including the highly anticipated Tramway Line 4, Saint-Laurent-du-Var is positioning itself as a burgeoning logistics hub and an attractive destination for real estate investment at relatively affordable prices compared to its glitzy neighbor, Nice.
Saint Laurent du Var is developing quickly in a positive way
One of the most significant developments reshaping Saint-Laurent-du-Var is the introduction of Tramway Line 4, a 7.1-kilometer extension connecting Nice’s Saint-Augustin district to the heart of Cagnes sur Mer, with Saint Laurent du Var as a pivotal stop along the route. Scheduled for completion by 2030, this tramline will enhance regional connectivity, offering seamless access to Nice’s city center, key commercial areas, and the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. The tramline, which includes stops like Grand Arénas and Nice Saint-Augustin, will integrate with existing tram networks, particularly Line 2, which already links the airport to central Nice.
This enhanced connectivity is expected to reduce reliance on cars, alleviate traffic congestion, and promote sustainable urban mobility, making Saint Laurent du Var an even more appealing place to live and work. The project also emphasises environmental sustainability, with plans to plant 1,160 trees and preserve 365 existing ones along the route, creating 30,000 square meters of green tramway infrastructure. However, the project has faced scrutiny, with a recent administrative court ruling calling for a more thorough socio-economic evaluation, though the public interest of the tramline remains undisputed.
The proximity of Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, one of the busiest airports in France, further amplifies its strategic importance. The airport, already connected to Nice via a 1.7-kilometre extension of Tramway Line 2 since 2018, is a critical gateway for international travellers and commerce. For Saint-Laurent-du-Var, this proximity translates into economic opportunities, particularly in logistics and trade.
New padel centre from Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a former French tennis star, has unveiled plans to establish a state-of-the-art padel centre in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, set to open by 2026. Announced on May 20, 2025, the €4 million project will transform a site on Route des Pugets into a premier sports facility, featuring six outdoor and four indoor padel courts. Construction is slated to commence this summer, with the centre also including a clubhouse and 50 parking spaces.
This development aims to bolster the vibrant sporting community, which already supports 6,000 members across 32 associations. Tsonga, deeply invested in the project, will oversee its growth from inception to completion, expanding his network of padel centres throughout France and enhancing the region’s reputation as a hub for sports and recreation.
The town is increasingly positioning itself as an interesting place to be, leveraging its location near the airport and major transport arteries, such as the A8 motorway. This development is attracting businesses in warehousing, distribution, and e-commerce, which benefit from quick access to air, road, and soon, enhanced rail connections via the tramline. The growth of logistics infrastructure is creating jobs and stimulating the local economy, making Saint-Laurent-du-Var a dynamic hub for both residents and investors.
Real estate in Saint Laurent Du Var
From a real estate perspective, this offers a compelling proposition. Compared to Nice, where property prices are among the highest on the French Riviera, Saint-Laurent-du-Var remains relatively affordable while offering similar lifestyle benefits—stunning Mediterranean views, a mild climate, and proximity to cultural and commercial amenities. The influx of infrastructure investments, particularly the tramline and logistic developments, is expected to boost property values in the coming years, making it an opportune time for buyers to invest. Residential developments are expanding to accommodate growing demand, with new apartments and complexes catering to a range of budgets. The town’s appeal is further enhanced by its vibrant waterfront, bustling Cap 3000 shopping center—one of the largest in the region—and a lively community atmosphere that blends urban convenience with coastal charm.
Moreover, the transformation into a logistics hub is likely to attract young professionals and families seeking affordable housing within commuting distance of Nice and the airport. The tramline will make daily travel faster and more convenient, while the town’s growing economic significance ensures long-term appreciation potential for real estate. Unlike the saturated markets of Nice or Cannes, Saint-Laurent-du-Var offers a balance of accessibility, growth potential, and affordability, making it an ideal choice for first-time buyers, investors, or those seeking a strategic foothold in the Riviera’s evolving landscape.
In conclusion, Saint-Laurent-du-Var is on the cusp of a major evolution, driven by infrastructure advancements like Tramway Line 4, its proximity to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, and its emergence as a logistics hub. These changes not only enhance connectivity and economic prospects but also position the town as a prime real estate market with affordable prices and strong growth potential. As the region continues to develop, this unknown village is poised to become a cornerstone of the French Riviera’s future, blending opportunity with the timeless allure of coastal living.
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