The Surrounding Area
With scents of lavender and herbs, 300 days of sunshine a year, beautiful beaches, deep canyons, bustling markets full of fresh melons, cheeses and olives, Provence is one of the most popular areas to visit in France.
We have listed below some of the great things to see and do during your time in the region all within easy reach of the house.
Local Beaches
Plage De Gigaro
The property is just 5 minutes from the beautiful sandy beach, of the Plage de Gigaro. The nearby headland is classified an area of outstanding natural beauty preserved by the French Littoral Conservation Society.
Plage De Gigaro is an activity paradise offering a full range of watersports including sailing, windsurfing, jetskiing, & waterskiing.
If you enjoy walking, the coastal paths stretching from Plage de Gigaro offer beautiful scenery.
Debarquement
The large sandy beach of Debarquement lies 5 minutes away towards Cavalaire. This beach was the landing point for allied troops in August 1944.
Nearby Towns and Villages
Gassin, Grimaud & Ramatuelle
The stunning medieval hilltop villages of Gassin and Grimaud (with its castle) - and Ramatuelle are all a must for their stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline and offer great locations to enjoy a relaxing meal or cool drink. They are all within a 15 minute drive of the property.
St Tropez
A millionaires’ playground of yachts, chic cafés and boutiques set against an azure backdrop, Saint Tropez is the glittering epicentre of the French Riviera.
Explore St Tropez’s historic old town and you will find one of the biggest markets in the Var offering a true Provençal experience with fishermen selling their catch and local farmers their fruit and vegetables. The market is must for anyone visiting.
Visit the Annonciade Museum in the Port featuring the great impressionist painters: Bonnard, Matisse, Seurat.
Further, St Tropez offers some of the best beaches in the world on the stretch of coastline known as the Plage de Pampelonne reached via Ramatuelle from La Croix Valmer. This beach is often the favourite rendevous of international celebrities.
Islands
Offshore lie the islands of Levant and Porquerolles. Both are privately owned by two ecologically-minded families and have been turned into National Parks to protect the breathtaking cliffs, crystalline coves and fine sandy beaches. Both islands are within easy reach from Port Cavaliere which is 15 minute drive from the house.
Day Trips
If you are looking to explore further afield in Provence, the beautiful and historic towns of Arles, Nimes and Aix en Prvence are all within a two to three hour drive of the house.
Arles
Unesco World Heritage listed city of Arles is one of the most visited places in the whole of France. Arles has a stunning section of major Roman archaeological sites and monuments, including a world-famous Roman amphitheatre.
Arles is also famous for having inspired major artists; Vincent Van Gogh being the most illustrious of them.
During his stay in Arles, Van Gough produced more than 300 paintings, including some of his most famous ones (such as The Night Cafe or the Yellow Room).
Nimes - Rome meets Provence
Nîmes has a rich history, dating back to the Roman Empire. Here, you’ll find several of France’s best-preserved classical buildings with the monumental Arenes of Nimes, one of the best preserved Romam amphitheatres in the world.
The city’s other less obvious claim to fame is sartorial. During the 1849 Californian gold rush, one Levi Strauss was making trousers for miners. Looking for a tough, hardwearing fabric, he began importing the traditionally blue serge de Nîmes, nowadays known as denim.
Aix en Provence
A pocket of Parisian chic deep in Provence, the university town of Aix is all class: its plane tree–shaded boulevards and public squares are lined with 17th- and 18th-century mansions, and punctuated by gurgling, moss-covered fountains.
Like Paris, Aix is a prestigious student hub. Established in 1409, the Université de Provence Aix-Marseille is one of the oldest universities in the world.
Aix was also the home of the impressionist artist, Paul Cezanne. Many of his pictures featured the nearby Mount Victoire, located just a few kilometers east of Aix-en-Provence.
