France and the Shared Economy: A North American Perspective on Collaboration

When I first visited France—more specifically the French Riviera—in 1990, one of the immediate things that struck me was how businesses operated. The culture was unmistakably different, and nowhere was this more evident than in real estate.

A Fragmented Market: How French Real Estate Worked in the 1990s

Back then, real estate in France functioned in a far more fragmented, protective, and independent environment than what most North Americans are accustomed to. Collaboration did exist, but it was limited, reserved, and nowhere near the structured cooperation found in the United States or Canada.

Most agencies were small, locally run, often family businesses. Each agency guarded its own portfolio of listings, treating them as proprietary assets. Sharing meant risking a lost client or splitting commissions—two things many agencies had no interest in doing.

Daily Life, Bureaucracy, and the Early Observations

Years later, after moving permanently to the region, the pattern became even clearer. The feedback I frequently heard—from both locals and visitors—was often about how long day-to-day tasks took. Bureaucracy, confusion, or sometimes simply being brushed off because someone didn’t understand your request were recurring themes.

I experienced it firsthand through the few villa rental listings I handled early on while trying to get things done for clients. Concierge services existed, and many still do, but those early years were eye-opening. A surprising number of individuals in that space were more interested in image than service—social climbers with few real connections, charging excessive fees or inventing steep commissions. Sociologically interesting to observe, yes—but not sustainable. Many disappeared as quickly as they arrived.

Learning the Landscape—and Seeing an Opportunity

Coming from North America, I was accustomed to a “shared economy” mindset where collaboration serves the long game and benefits everyone involved. That idea stayed with me. So I decided to introduce the concept here—slowly, carefully, and with plenty of patience.

It wasn’t easy. Many individuals and businesses struggled to grasp the idea at first. Some even thought it was a scam. But my long-term observation of the region had revealed something important: when France—and particularly the Côte d’Azur—thrives, everyone feels it. But in times of recession, the impact is immediately visible, even walking through a city such as Nice. Tourism drops, businesses strain, and the city’s energy changes.

That contrast reinforced my belief that collaboration wasn’t just helpful—it was necessary.

Building a Culture of Collaboration

So I pushed forward. During the quiet winter months, I would approach businesses and explain how partnerships could serve them—especially by anticipating what North Americans and other international visitors might want or need during their stay or relocation.

I also emphasized social media and cross-promotion. Visibility matters now more than ever, and once people see something they like, they expect immediate access to information.

My passion for the region has always guided me. In my early days of writing about the area—its experiences, events, and history—the first places I turned to were the local tourism agencies. I shared their press releases, news, and announcements, and many of those partnerships remain strong to this day.

From those early connections, new collaborations formed naturally.

Becoming a “Liaison Advisor”

In my first year or two, people began calling me a Liaison Advisor. It seemed to come naturally to direct clients to the right businesses or individuals for virtually anything they needed—no matter how unusual. Just last week I was asked where to get Botox, where to buy mattresses, how to navigate the health-care system, where to get keys cut and how to secure insurance for specialty windows.

Being so immersed in the region, I tend to know exactly who to call. Some have even suggested I should charge for this service—maybe one day.

Real Estate and Villa Rentals: My Core Focus

My main focus remains villa rentals and luxury real estate sales—both of which tend to come with additional questions and logistical needs. And I’m happy to help wherever I can.

When Experience The French Riviera launched nearly 15 years ago, my first priority was forming strong relationships with real estate agencies. Beyond my own listings, I wanted a curated collection of excellent properties across the region, tailored to different tastes and budgets.

I’ve been fortunate to partner with a tight, select group of top agencies who understand my client base—or are willing to learn. They share my values of transparency, communication, and proactive service.

Protecting Clients—and Raising Standards

I often hear from clients frustrated by certain agencies that refuse to provide information until the client physically arrives in France. While I understand the concern about unserious inquiries—there are plenty of “online dreamers”—withholding information doesn’t help serious buyers plan properly and just asking a few more questions can go a long way.

My advice to clients is always the same: If you see a property you like, or are in search of a specific one tell me. I’ll do the search and obtain the details and arrange the viewing for when you arrive.Chances are, I know the agency, the agents, or even the property’s history well enough to move things forward quickly.

I am protective of both my clients and the agency partners I work with. That trust is essential.

Here to Help

So, if you’re planning a summer villa rental or exploring the idea of purchasing property in France, I’m here to help you navigate the process smoothly. Let me take on the tasks, open the right doors, and connect you with the people who will make your experience easier.

Because when collaboration works, everyone benefits—and on the Côte d’Azur, it makes all the difference.