Wave of American Tourists in the South of France Fueled by Strong Dollar in 2015

    SAINT TROPEZ, FRANCE, January 15, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The French Riviera in general, and in particular St Tropez, is the ultimate holiday destination for the rich and famous. However, the origins of the wealthy visitors vary from year to year depending on the world financial climate and fluctuations in exchange rates.

The latest financial data and hands-on experience of the St Tropez House team suggest that 2015 will be the year of the Americans in the south of France.

For the last half a year, the USD/EUR exchange rate has been gradually rising and in mid-January it achieved its 10-year peak: 0.85. In other words one American dollar buys as much as 0.85 EUR. If we compare this data to a similar period last year, American renters and buyers "save" up to 15% on properties rented or purchased.

St Tropez House manager, Emilia Jedamska, says, "Over the last few months we have received a relative increase in enquiries from Americans willing to spend their summer holiday in St Tropez. This trend overlaps with faster decisions and payment orders. At first we did not know where to look for the reason of this new wave of interest. Over time we realized that we were benefitting from the favorable USD/EUR currency trend."

The new trend brings back memories of the Inter-War period when American "High Society" chose the French Riviera as their dream holiday retreat. With them arrived the artists F. Scott Fitzgerald, Isadora Duncan, Henry James and legendary socialites Sara and Gerald Murphy, who left behind a rich legacy of villas, as well as French Riviera inspired paintings and novels. Back then, the Americans could afford French Riviera holidays due to the strength of the dollar against the French franc. In 2015, St Tropez has once again become more accessible to American guests.

Emilia Jedamska reveals details about the tastes of American clientele:
"Their prevalent preference would be neo-Provencal villas with extensive gardens, outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas. A swimming pool is a definite must. The vast majority of American tourists arrive with their families, hence child-friendly swimming pools and security play a major role in their final decision. One of the favourite villas so far was Bastide de Belieu - a 6-bedroom Provencal "bastide" with all the modern amenities, wine cellar, piano, fitness area and vast terraces and gardens overlooking vineyards and yet located only a few minutes drive from Pampelonne beaches.

The second favourite is Villa Kalliste, a brand new villa in a prestigious gated domain of Les Parcs de St Tropez. It is located only a few minutes walk from the beaches and boasts all of the comforts of a luxury villa. It has got 5 en-suite bedrooms and a vast living room space opening onto a terrace, perfect for spending time with the family."

St Tropez House is a premium property website facilitating people looking to rent luxury holiday houses on the Presqu'ile of Saint Tropez. St Tropez House is proud of its stunning portfolio of houses and villas to rent and properties available for sale in Saint Tropez, Ramatuelle and Gassin.

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