L’Ancien Monastere | 9-Bedroom Villa in St Paul de Vence Saint Paul de

Fourteen guests arrive on a Friday evening. By Saturday morning, they’ve discovered that the kitchen—marble counters, professional-grade appliances, a wine fridge that opens onto the terrace—makes even reluctant cooks volunteer for dinner duty. By Sunday, someone has already won three games of boules on the pitch below the main terrace. This is what happens when you rent a luxury villa rental St Paul de Vence that works as a home, not a showpiece. L’Ancien Monastere, positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the medieval village of St Paul de Vence, is built from reclaimed monastery stones and timber beams that carry five centuries of French history into rooms designed for 2024.

Inside L’Ancien Monastere

L’Ancien Monastere sleeps 17 guests across 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, spread between a main villa and a separate cottage. The main villa contains four self-contained apartments, each with a king-size bedroom, private shower room, and air-conditioned living-dining space. Apartment One adds a sun-room; Apartments Two and Three feature dressing rooms; Apartment Four includes a smaller single bedroom alongside its king suite. Two further king-bedrooms with air-conditioning, dressing rooms, and shower rooms occupy additional villa space, each opening onto private terraces.

The cottage operates as a retreat within a retreat. Ground floor: two bedrooms with king beds, en suite bathrooms, full air-conditioning. First floor: a living-dining room with kitchen and terrace access, climate-controlled throughout. This arrangement means grandparents can settle early, young families occupy the ground floor for midnight emergencies, and adults reading at 11pm don’t disturb sleepers three rooms away.

Communal spaces anchor the property. The large living room features a fireplace that burns through November and March evenings—the kind that justifies closing your laptop and actually looking at the people in the room. A separate snug provides refuge. The dining room accommodates the full party. The central kitchen, meticulously equipped, opens onto the covered outdoor terrace where cooking happens in daylight and air, not confinement. Guest cloakrooms (two of them) eliminate the scramble for bathrooms. A laundry room runs continuously during group weeks—essential infrastructure that many luxury properties overlook.

Air-conditioning runs through every bedroom and suite. This matters more than marketing copy suggests. August on the French Riviera means 28-30 degrees Celsius regularly; July even hotter. The difference between sleeping poorly in Provençal heat and sleeping deeply in cool silence reshapes an entire week’s rhythm.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds sprawl across 6,500 square metres—roughly the size of a small village square. The salt-water swimming pool measures 13 metres by 7 metres, free-form design, depths ranging from 1.5 to 2.3 metres, fitted with a safety alarm system. Landscaped lawns surround it. Sun-loungers face south, towards the Mediterranean when the light holds it perfectly. The water temperature rises to comfortable levels May through October; April and November require courage.

The covered terrace transforms at dusk. An outdoor kitchen (serious equipment, not decorative) handles full-scale dinners. A wood-burning pizza oven sits adjacent. An al-fresco bar with lounge seating completes the arc from aperitif to coffee. Candlelit dinners here, on warm evenings, become the kind of memory nobody photographs because everyone is too busy talking.

Below the main terrace, the boules pitch runs on compacted gravel—the kind of surface that has hosted this game for centuries. The terraced gardens descend further, creating distinct zones. One leads to a tennis court, equipped with nets and racquets. Another catches morning sun; a third holds afternoon shade. Roses bloom April through June. Stone pathways wind between plantings; it’s genuinely possible to disappear for an hour and feel genuinely lost, despite being fifty metres from the kitchen.

Practical details matter. Secure video entry gates control access. Electric gates close automatically. Ample parking accommodates multiple vehicles—non-negotiable when teenagers arrive with friends.

Location: St Paul de Vence and the Surrounding Area

St Paul de Vence itself (2.5km away, a 5-minute drive or 25-minute walk through olive groves) ranks among the French Riviera’s most photographed villages. The narrow cobbled lanes attract artists, gallery owners, and tourists; the fruit and vegetable market runs multiple times weekly and offers produce from three generations of the same farming families. La Colombe D’Or restaurant occupies medieval walls; Fondation Maeght museum houses modern art that justifies the entrance fee twice over.

Vence (5km north) presents a quieter version of the same appeal. Henri Matisse designed the Chapelle du Rosaire here—a working chapel where light through stained glass becomes a form of prayer. The town market runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. Restaurants range from casual bistros serving €15 daily specials to establishments where booking weeks ahead is necessary.

Cagnes-sur-Mer (4km south) offers beaches without the resort-town feeling. The old town hosts a market that attracts locals, not only tourists. Musée Les Collettes—Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s former home—stands on a hillside overlooking the coast. The seafront promenade stretches for kilometres; restaurants serve bouillabaisse that tastes like it was invented here (it was, essentially—this is Provence).

Beach access: Villeneuve-Loubet (8km) has both village charm and a clean sandy coastline. Antibes (15km) provides a working port where fishing boats still unload daily. Cannes (27km) offers glamour; Nice (18km) offers urban energy. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (28km) and Beaulieu-sur-Mer (27km) provide shelter in wooded coves where the water remains calm even during Mistral winds.

Inland, Tourrettes-sur-Loup (10km) specializes in artisan crafts and hosts a weekly market. Biot (14km) maintains pottery studios where you can watch makers work. Grasse (24km) produces three-quarters of the world’s perfume; the surrounding countryside rolls through lavender and olive groves, particularly spectacular June through August. Opio (20km) feels like a village where time moves differently.

Activities: Golf courses dot the region (Royal Mougins Golf Course lies within 30km). Cycling routes follow coastal roads and inland mountain passes—the region attracts serious cyclists May through October. Horse-riding stables operate near Vence. Gorges du Loup (near Gourdon, 27km) offers marked hiking trails and waterfalls. Boat trips depart from multiple ports: Théoule-sur-Mer (40km) reaches Saint-Tropez and Monaco; Sainte-Marguerite Island sits within an hour’s boat ride.

For broader regional context, explore our luxury villas across Europe or review our full collection of properties in St Paul de Vence. For comprehensive destination information, read our complete French Riviera (Cote D’Azur) travel guide.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational families: Grandparents occupy the cottage ground floor. Parents and teenagers spread through separate apartments. A 3-year-old naps undisturbed while cousins play tennis. Everyone eats together, sleeps separately, and nobody listens to anyone else’s bathroom schedule.

Friend groups (8-17 people): The configuration means couples retain privacy while group dinners happen nightly. The boules pitch settles post-dinner disputes. The wine fridge ensures nobody runs out.

Corporate retreat groups: The communal spaces work for team dinners. The tennis court and boules pitch provide non-mandatory activities. WiFi throughout enables those who must work remotely.

Families with young children: The pool features a safety alarm. Ground-floor bedrooms mean tired toddlers don’t require stair navigation at 3am. A children’s video library, pushchair facilities, and books occupy rainy afternoons (rare, but they occur).

Couples seeking private villas: Rent Apartment One or Two and occupy only that space. The property scales down gracefully.

Practical Information

Capacity: 17 guests maximum across 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Additional sleeping capacity extends to 23 guests if sofa-beds in three apartments convert to full sleeping surfaces (confirm pricing with Excellence Luxury Villas).

Nearest airport: Nice (Nice Côte d’Azur), approximately 15 kilometres away, roughly a 20-minute drive under normal traffic conditions. Transfers can be arranged. An alternative is Marseille Provence Airport (about 165 kilometres), which sometimes offers cheaper flights but extends transfers to 2.5 hours.

Nearest supermarket: Carrefour Express and local shops in St Paul de Vence, 2.5km away. A boulangerie (bakery) sits within a 15-minute walk, a ritual worth observing daily at 7am.

Included: Air-conditioning throughout. WiFi/Internet. Standard utilities. A pre-stocked fridge upon arrival containing welcome items and essentials. Pool heating (essential April and May, September and October). Games and books. Boules equipment. Tennis equipment.

Available for additional cost: Chef or cook services (the kitchen demands to be used professionally, but many guests prefer hiring expertise). Full catering. Additional restaurant bookings. Tennis coaching. Sailing lessons. Golf reservations. Concierge service handles these seamlessly.

Check-in flexibility: Confirm with Excellence Luxury Villas; standard French Riviera properties typically offer 4pm check-in and 10am check-out, with flexibility available in shoulder seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions about L’Ancien Monastere

How many guests does L’Ancien Monastere sleep?

L’Ancien Monastere sleeps 17 guests as standard: 9 bedrooms across the main villa and separate cottage, 8 bathrooms. Capacity extends to 23 guests if sofa-beds in three apartments (Apartments One, Two, and Three) convert to full beds. Each sofa-bed accommodates two people. Confirm pricing for full occupancy with Excellence Luxury Villas before booking.

What is the nearest airport to L’Ancien Monastere in St Paul de Vence?

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) lies approximately 15 kilometres away—roughly a 20-minute drive under standard conditions, or 35-45 minutes during peak summer traffic (July and August). The airport handles direct flights from major European cities and beyond. Private transfers can be pre-arranged. Marseille Provence Airport (about 165km, roughly 2.5 hours) occasionally offers competitive fares but extends journey time substantially.

What is the best time of year to rent L’Ancien Monastere?

April through June and September through October deliver optimal conditions: daytime temperatures range 20-25°C, evening air remains warm without oppressive heat, and crowds remain manageable compared to peak summer. The French Riviera experiences reliable sunshine year-round, but July and August bring intense heat (28-30°C regularly), crowds in coastal villages, and higher prices. November through March offers solitude and lower rates, though some days turn cool and rainy—mitigated here by the fireplace and indoor entertainment. The pool remains heated but requires commitment to use. Spring wildflowers and autumn markets create memorable dining experiences during shoulder seasons.

Is L’Ancien Monastere suitable for families with children?

Yes. The pool features a safety alarm system. Ground-floor bedrooms in the cottage eliminate stair-climbing for midnight emergencies with infants. The property provides pushchairs, children’s video and book libraries. Villeneuve-Loubet beach (8km away) has calm water and lifeguards. St Paul de Vence market entertains young children with colour and activity. The boules pitch and tennis court offer low-pressure activity. Quieter beaches like Cagnes-sur-Mer (4km) suit families better than the crowded Cannes coastline. The property’s size means running children can burn energy without threatening vintage furnishings.

What is included in the rental price at L’Ancien Monastere?

Air-conditioning in all bedrooms and suites. WiFi/Internet throughout. Utilities (water, electricity, heating/cooling). Pool heating. Linen and towels. A pre-stocked fridge upon arrival containing welcome wines, champagne, or essentials of your choice. Boules equipment. Tennis equipment and court access. Games and entertainments. Standard cleaning (confirm final clean arrangements). Chef or cook services, catering, transfers, and restaurant bookings are available for additional cost.

What restaurants and shops are near L’Ancien Monastere?

St Paul de Vence (2.5km): La Colombe D’Or restaurant occupies medieval walls and requires advance booking; local bistros and casual cafés line the cobbled streets. The fruit and vegetable market runs multiple days weekly. Vence (5km): casual bistros serve daily specials around €15; restaurant-quality dining requires booking. Cagnes-sur-Mer (4km): the old town market runs regularly; seafront restaurants serve bouillabaisse and fresh fish. The nearest supermarket is in St Paul de Vence, 2.5km away; a boulangerie operates within a 15-minute walk. Antibes (15km) offers a larger supermarket and excellent restaurants along the port. For regional supplies, Grasse (24km) hosts markets and specialist food shops.