Who hasn’t heard of the Côte d’Azur or French Riviera, which confusingly can also be broken down into the departments of Provence, Alpes Maritimes and the Var. We make the distinction by only listing houses that are effectively within 40 minutes of the coast, starting from the Italian border and going to just beyond St Tropez.
After Paris, this is the most visited part of France, and for good reason – it has a fantastic climate pretty well all year round. At Christmas, standing on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice surrounded by palm trees and even the odd person swimming, it is surreal to see the snow capped hills of the Alpes Maritimes in the distance! Spring comes early with the mimosa bursting into colour in early February. Summer builds in temperature from May onwards, peaking in August, and then September and October are lovely balmy months, perhaps the best time of year if you can get away.
There is dramatic scenery, deep gorges to rival the Grand Canyon, sandy beaches and rocky headlands all surrounded by the famous azure coloured sea. St Tropez shouldn’t only be thought of as the honey pot of glitz and glamour. The little lanes around the villages, and down to the beaches which made it so famous, intersect vineyards keeping the “presqu’île” alive and verdant and remarkably unspoilt. The vendage is as important here as it is in Bordeaux!
St Paul de Vence, Grimaud and Eze are a few of the famous medieval hilltop villages that are scattered along the coast, full of galleries and restaurants definitely worth a visit. Combine a trip to St Paul de Vence with a visit to the Fondation Maeght which has a wonderful collection of modern art, or the Cocteau chapel in Villefranche. Just some of the many excellent museums along the coast.
If you can drag yourself away from your poolside lounger, there are plenty of activities to enjoy from golf to all forms of sailing and water sports including white water rafting and horse riding. Head off early in the morning to a local market selling everything from cheese and olives to Moroccan pottery. Food of course is still one of the main ingredients to having a great holiday and, along with your market buys, you can enjoy meals at Michelin starred restaurants to simple beach food on this amazing coastline of the South of France.
Villa Zelda, St. Paul de Vence
Villa Zelda is located on an exclusive gated Domaine with beautiful views down towards the coast and just two minutes’ drive from St. Paul de Vence, one of the oldest, hill-top, medieval towns on the French Riviera with galleries, restaurants, the famous Colombe d’Or Hotel and the Fondation Maeght.
€6,500 - €13,800 per week
Sleeps up to 14
Set in sixty hectares of private grounds, Château Broc is situated just 35 minutes from the Mediterranean beaches of Nice and the airport and 1 hour 40 minutes from the ski resort of Isola 2000. In a truly tranquil setting, enjoy the private heated pool, various outdoor dining areas and panoramic…
€7,363 - €9,994 per week
Sleeps up to 14
WOW House, St. Jean Cap Ferrat
Located in one of the most beautiful and exclusive hilltop settings of Cap Ferrat, Wow House really is amazing in every sense. Privately situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, the approach to this spectacular house is through lovely landscaped gardens.
Price on request
Sleeps up to 14
A very spacious apartment in an exceptional position overlooking the Marina, finished and decorated to a high standard, with marble and wood floors throughout and contemporary furnishings, the accommodation includes two large master bedrooms with full en suite bathrooms.
£850 - £1,950 per week
Sleeps up to 4
Villa Lumière, St Jean Cap Ferrat
Located within walking distance of St. Jean Cap Ferrat and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Villa Lumière is a slick, contemporary house designed to make the best of the gorgeous view.
From €18,000 per week
Sleeps up to 10
Villa Lara, a picturesque rustic solid stone house, is situated in a quiet, private, gated Domaine bordering the Cannes-Mougins Golf Country Club, in Mougins, South of France, only 8 minutes by car from the scenic beaches of Cannes and the famous Croisette and 15 minutes from Nice Airport.
€6,875 per week
Sleeps up to 10
Apartment Bleu, Beaulieu-sur-Mer
This newly built apartment is quietly and conveniently located on the first floor of a modern building on one of the main boulevards with nearby cafes, restaurants and shops, and within five minutes’ walking distance of both of Beaulieu’s beaches.
€6,500 - €9,000 per month
Sleeps up to 4
A five minute walk from the charming village of St. Jean and perched on the hillside of Cap Ferrat looking across the Bay to Beaulieu and Monaco beyond, Villa Sylvie is a stunning, contemporary villa perfect for a glamorous family holiday. With its beautiful garden and lots of different private…
€30,000-€95,000 per week
Sleeps up to 12 + 2 staff
