The development principles of Sophia Antipolis largely contribute to its success. The working environment thus created makes for an extremely high quality of life, which fosters creativity and productivity and comforts worldwide specialists that Sophia Antipolis is the perfect choice.

The development principles of the park allow the 2,300 hectares (1/4 of the area of Paris) of green land, business sites, inhabited areas and leisure zones to come together harmoniously. These principles were decreed in a charter by the Ministry for the Environment in 1976, just 4 years after the actual creation of the park in its current form.

Keeping 2/3 of the total area as green land

This charter imposes the ratio of 2/3 to 1/3 of green belt land to developed area as well as making sure than any construction fits in harmoniously to the surrounding area ensuring a balance between the two.
No exceptions are to be made to the charter’s main principles.

The 1,500 hectares of green land planted with Mediterranean species make up the "Green Belt" around Sophia Antipolis. This Departmental park land is largely accessible to the public.

The 150 hectares dedicated to leisure and inhabited areas are the home for almost 3,500 families of which 70% come from outside of the park to avoid a ghettoisation effect.

The 650 hectares left are for national and international companies as well as research organisations and centres for higher education.

The 800 hectares of leisure and inhabited areas are subject to a coefficient of 30% of land occupancy. A quick calculation of the construction ratios shows that only 10% of the 2,300 hectares of the park will be mineralised in the long term.

Harmony between buildings and landscape

No building can exceed the height of the highest point of the hills around Sophia. The buildings are elegant using solar panels on the roof and balconies often covered with bushes showing the freedom of expression left to the architect.

Olive and pine trees are reflected in the glass facades of the buildings. Company cafeterias often look out onto water. 40 tennis courts, 5 golf ranges and various other sporting facilities finish off the whole respecting the environment.