Interview : Sophie Romano, Head of Office of Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty, Cannes

A signature of prestige real estate on La Croisette

At the helm of Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty in Cannes, Sophie Romano embodies a demanding and elegant vision of high-end real estate. Located at Résidence Henri IV, 74 boulevard de la Croisette, the agency has for several years been advising a French and international clientele in search of exceptional properties and an irreproachable level of service.

Career path and role

Your career has naturally led you to the directorship of the agency. How did it take shape?

I began my career in real estate in the early 1990s, at a time that allowed me to build solid foundations and develop a refined understanding of the Riviera market. My experience within a major international prestige real estate brand then profoundly shaped my professional vision, centred on excellence, attention to detail and bespoke service. This culture led me to the directorship of the Cannes agency, where today I ensure that these values are embodied on a daily basis, both with our clients and within our teams.

What makes Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty in Cannes unique?

Our distinctiveness lies in a rare balance between the strength of an exceptional international network and an extremely precise local expertise. We cultivate a personalised approach, a rigorous selection of properties and a service culture founded on discretion, discipline and consistency. In a highly competitive market, our priority is clear: to deliver better results, with precision and elegance.

The agency and the team

How would you define the spirit of your team?

We have brought together a team with complementary expertise, fully dedicated to prestige real estate. Each client benefits from a single point of contact, while enjoying, behind the scenes, a coordinated collective effort. This organisation allows us to combine proximity, responsiveness and a high level of expertise, in perfect fluidity.

Is teamwork a key performance factor?

Undeniably. In high-end real estate, excellence is always collective. The coordination of skills secures projects, refines strategies and ensures flawless support, from valuation through to completion.

How do you support the professional development of your team members?

We place a central emphasis on continuous training, knowledge transmission and the sharing of experience. Regular meetings, collective follow-up and ongoing exchanges form the foundation of a dynamic of constant progression, in the service of sustainable performance and a consistently high standard of service.

Your sector and your market

What is the agency’s area of expertise?

We cover the entire Cannes basin, from Antibes to Théoule-sur-Mer, with particular expertise in Cannes and its most sought-after residential districts. We mainly work with apartments and villas, from quality mid-market to the premium segment, for a French and international clientele.

In your view, what are the main strengths of your sector?

Proximity to the sea, the constant demand for sea views, exceptional international accessibility and a unique art of living are the pillars of Cannes’ attractiveness. This combination makes the city a particularly resilient residential and heritage market.

How are buyers’ expectations evolving?

Demand is now driven by discerning investors seeking turnkey properties, well located, offering terraces, views and strong seasonal rental potential. Prime locations remain the most sought-after, guaranteeing liquidity and long-term value.

What trends are you currently observing?

Outdoor spaces, high-end amenities and character properties clearly stand out. We are also seeing growing interest in certain premium areas that still offer strong potential. International demand, for its part, remains very strong.

Review and expertise 2025

How do you assess the state of the market at the end of 2025?

The high-end Cannes market remains solid and dynamic, supported by a scarce supply of quality properties. Prices are holding in strategic locations, confirming the long-term appeal of Cannes as a safe-haven market.

How would you describe 2025 for your agency?

A solid and high-quality year, marked by demanding clients and an increased importance given to advice and bespoke support.

Your main achievements?

Several landmark transactions on La Croisette and in the most sought-after districts, illustrating the relevance of our positioning in the premium segment.

What challenges did you have to overcome?

The scarcity of properties and the growing demands of clients. We responded through rigorous selection, precise marketing and reinforced support at every stage of the project.

Vision and outlook

What are your priorities for 2026?

To consolidate our positioning in prestige real estate, develop a portfolio of very high-quality properties, notably in exclusivity, and further strengthen our visibility and reputation in Cannes, within a controlled and qualitative growth dynamic.

What message would you like to address to your clients, partners and future collaborators?

I would like to thank our clients and partners for their trust. To our future collaborators, I would say that joining our house means becoming part of a passionate, demanding and committed team, dedicated to excellence in prestige real estate in Cannes.