Villa Germaine | 5-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Grasse

Grasse sits 460 metres above the Mediterranean, a hilltop town famous for perfume production and medieval architecture, yet most visitors miss the villas that command the landscape from the ‘Quartier Rothschild’. Villa Germaine occupies one such position—a Belle Époque residence built in the 19th century by an American banker with ambitions to secure a family retreat on the Côte d’Azur. The house carries authentic history: Jacques Cartier, the celebrated jeweller, married the original owner’s daughter here; impressionist painters including Renoir and Degas walked these rooms; Ravel and Picasso graced its terraces. Today, this luxury villa rental in Grasse welcomes groups of up to 12 guests seeking both heritage and contemporary comfort in a private Mediterranean setting.

Inside Villa Germaine

Villa Germaine sleeps 12 guests across 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, distributed across four floors connected by a spiral staircase that climbs to a private viewing tower. The ground floor opens to living areas flooded with daylight from tall French windows. A sitting room gives onto a covered terrace draped in bougainvillea; a formal dining room overlooks a peaceful courtyard; the kitchen—fully equipped with gas cooker, electric oven, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, and coffee facilities—flows into a breakfast room where morning light dominates. A separate office space sits adjacent to the living areas, useful for those who cannot fully disconnect. The fitness room contains a stationary bike, treadmill, cross-trainer, free weights, and yoga mat, positioned across from the courtyard to capture natural light.

Climb the spiral staircase to the first floor. Three double bedrooms occupy this level, each with en suite bathrooms. Two rooms feature king-size beds, with one offering direct access to a terrace overlooking the gardens and distant sea. The third bedroom on this floor holds a queen-size bed and accesses a shower room, plus its own terrace for private morning light. The second floor reveals two more bedrooms beneath sloping ceilings, creating an intimate character. One holds a queen-size double bed; the other contains four single beds, ideal for younger guests or flexible sleeping arrangements. A shared bathroom with both bath and shower serves this floor. The spiral staircase continues upward to the villa’s most distinctive feature: a 360-degree viewing tower where mountains, countryside, and sea merge in unobstructed panorama. On clear days, observers report sightings of Corsica across the water.

The basement extends practical functionality with a wine cellar for serious collectors, plus storage and utility spaces. Air-conditioning cools all bedrooms; two gas-lit fireplaces provide evening warmth during cooler months. Wi-Fi connects throughout the property, and maid service is available to maintain the villa during your stay.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds encompass 3,000 square metres of Mediterranean gardens surrounding a 15-metre by 7-metre swimming pool with a maximum depth of 3 metres, fitted with a safety alarm for families. Adjacent to the pool, a pool house shelters a summer kitchen equipped with a gas barbecue, shower room, and WC—the kind of space that makes outdoor entertaining effortless from aperitifs through dinner. The main terrace extends from the villa’s southern aspect, with dedicated al-fresco dining areas that catch afternoon light. Bougainvillea softens the architecture; the scent of Mediterranean herbs rises from the gardens. Parking accommodates multiple vehicles within the private grounds, essential when hosting groups of 12.

Location: Grasse and the Surrounding Area

Grasse itself lies just 5 minutes’ drive downhill from Villa Germaine, or roughly 30 minutes on foot for those who enjoy a leisurely descent through the landscape. The old town radiates medieval charm: narrow streets wind past the daily flower market; café terraces cluster around intimate squares; Wednesday mornings host the weekly market where local producers sell seasonal produce and flowers. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy, built in the 12th century and now classified as a national monument, displays masterworks by Rubens. The town functions as France’s perfume capital—brands including Galimard and Fragonard operate studios and factories open to visitors, with workshops available where guests can formulate a bespoke fragrance during their stay. The Musée International de la Parfumerie documents the region’s olfactory heritage in detail.

The French Riviera landscape unfolds in every direction. Gourdon, 11 kilometres away, clings to a dramatic hilltop and ranks among France’s most photographed villages; Cabris, 9 kilometres distant, hosts a Michelin-starred restaurant. Mougins, 13 kilometres south, draws artists and gastronomes with its flower-lined lanes and restaurants of genuine repute. Valbonne, 10 kilometres away, anchors a historic market town; its Friday morning market ranks among the region’s finest. For contemporary art, Vence and Saint-Paul-de-Vence—both approximately 30 minutes by car—attract serious collectors and casual visitors alike. Cannes, 20 kilometres away, commands the coast with the famous La Croisette boulevard, palm-fringed beaches, yacht-filled marina, and the Palais des Festivals. From Cannes, ferries cross to the Lérins Islands—approximately 10 minutes by boat—where swimming and scenic walks reward the journey.

Juan-les-Pins, 26 kilometres distant, appeals to beach lovers and nightlife seekers, particularly in summer months when its beachside restaurants and bars pulse with energy. Antibes, 27 kilometres away, preserves genuine historic character in its old quarter, with the Musée Picasso drawing art enthusiasts. Cap d’Antibes, adjacent to Antibes, offers dramatic coastal hiking trails with Mediterranean views throughout. Continuing eastward, the grand city of Nice sprawls 40 kilometres away, with the distinctive charm of Cap Ferrat (43 kilometres) and its Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, plus the clifftop village of Éze (55 kilometres) commanding legendary panoramas. Monaco lies 65 kilometres distant for those seeking the glamour of the principality. Inland, Lac de Saint-Cassien, 23 kilometres away, hosts walking trails, summer watersports, cycling routes, and horse-riding opportunities. Golf enthusiasts choose between Golf du Claux Amic Sa nearby and the prestigious Royal Mougins Golf Resort.

Explore our luxury villas across Europe or discover our complete collection of rentals in Grasse. For comprehensive destination guidance, consult our French Riviera travel guide.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational families find Villa Germaine particularly well-suited: the flexible bedroom configurations accommodate children, teenagers, and grandparents with varying privacy needs; the pool and grounds provide safe recreation; nearby beaches and water parks offer additional family activities. Groups of friends seeking a shared base benefit from the multiple en-suite bedrooms and spacious common areas—nobody fights over bathrooms. Couples celebrating anniversaries or special occasions appreciate the romantic setting, historical significance, and the viewing tower’s sunset potential. Business groups value the dedicated office space and reliable Wi-Fi. Culinary enthusiasts gravitate toward the kitchen’s professional setup and the region’s extraordinary restaurant culture. Art lovers connect with the villa’s documented artistic guests and the proximity to galleries and artist villages throughout the hinterland.

Practical Information

Villa Germaine accommodates 12 guests across 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The nearest major airport is Nice Côte d’Azur, approximately 50 kilometres away and roughly 50 minutes’ drive via the A8 motorway. A supermarket and pharmacy operate in Grasse town centre, 5 kilometres downhill. The rental includes Wi-Fi, air conditioning in all bedrooms, use of the swimming pool, and access to all furnished interior and exterior spaces. Pool heating is available seasonally. Linen, towels, and initial cleaning are included; maid service may be arranged for longer stays. Check-in typically occurs mid-afternoon; flexibility beyond standard times is negotiable depending on availability. The property operates year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Germaine

How many guests does Villa Germaine sleep?

Villa Germaine accommodates 12 guests maximum. The 5 bedrooms comprise three double rooms on the first floor (two with king-size beds, one with a queen), one queen-bedroom on the second floor, and one four-bed bedroom on the second floor, providing flexible arrangements for families and groups.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Germaine in Grasse?

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the nearest major airport, located approximately 50 kilometres away with a transfer time of approximately 50 minutes by car via the A8 motorway. During peak summer months (July-August), allow additional time for traffic.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Germaine?

May through September offers warm, reliable weather ideal for pool use and beach visits. June and September provide optimal conditions—warm temperatures without July-August crowds and heat. April and October suit those seeking mild weather and fewer visitors. Winter months (November-February) bring cooler temperatures but occasional sunny days; the gas fireplaces provide comfort. March experiences spring blooms. Avoid mid-August when the French Riviera becomes exceptionally crowded and restaurants close for staff holidays.

Is Villa Germaine suitable for families with children?

Yes. The property features a swimming pool with a safety alarm system for child protection. Nearby family attractions include the Lac de Saint-Cassien water park (23 kilometres), theme parks and rope courses accessible from Grasse, multiple family-friendly beaches at Cannes (20 kilometres) and Juan-les-Pins (26 kilometres), and restaurants throughout the region accommodating children. The flexible bedroom configurations work well for families with children of varying ages. Ground-floor spaces limit stair navigation with small children.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Germaine?

The rental includes Wi-Fi, air conditioning in all bedrooms, use of all furnished rooms and outdoor spaces, the heated swimming pool, use of pool house facilities including shower and WC, initial cleaning upon arrival, and linen and towels for all beds and bathrooms. Gas for cooking and hot water is included. Pool heating costs may be charged separately during winter months. Maid service is available at additional cost.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Germaine?

Grasse town centre, 5 kilometres away, contains multiple restaurants, cafés, and a daily flower market plus a supermarket. The Wednesday market features local produce vendors. Mougins village (13 kilometres) offers highly-regarded gastronomic restaurants. Juan-les-Pins (26 kilometres) and Cannes (20 kilometres) provide extensive dining and shopping options. Cabris (9 kilometres) houses a Michelin-starred restaurant. Local markets operate daily in Grasse and weekly in nearby villages; the Friday morning market in Valbonne (10 kilometres) ranks among the region’s finest.