Vue Montagne France

Vue Montagne certainly lives up to its name – the architect who designed this privately situated villa has done everything possible to make sure that its extraordinary mountain views are a theme throughout. As well as being able to gaze at the iconic summit of La Rhune, you are only ten minutes’ drive away from the seaside delights of the coast and near a charming Basque village. A combination of spectacular location and luxurious design makes this a particularly special holiday home.
Huge glass doors in the living and dining areas frame slightly different, expansive versions of the vista of pool, grass and woodland in the foreground with the constant backdrop of the majestic mountain and its daily subtle changes of light and colour. There is even a view through the kitchen doors to distract the cook and a wider panorama can be enjoyed from the terrace and upstairs balcony. There are arched windows and so many other beautiful design features, particularly the glass enclosed open staircase. Furniture, furnishings and artwork have been carefully chosen for comfort as well as being a visual delight, as if to compete with or complement the view.
Even the white paving slabs down to the heated pool have been artistically designed, matching the smooth surround where the water gently overlaps. The large grounds have a variety of mature trees to provide shade and remind you that it was probably once all forest here.
In the nearby village you will find a small handful of restaurants in a picturesque setting whilst St Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure are perfect for coastal pursuits or a game of golf. The glamour of glitzy Biarritz is sure to tempt or you may simply prefer to discover some of France’s Les Plus Beaux Villages inland such as Ainhoa with its lovely Basque houses and Sare, where you can take a wooden train up to the summit of La Rhune.  
With its mountains and dazzling coastline, this part of south-western France is a wonderful region to explore. Indeed, this whole region offers a huge range of outdoor activities, such as walking, riding, cycling, canoeing and many others as well as water-sports along the coast.Vue Montagne is privately situated just outside a village (1km) in the Pyrénées-Atlantique department of south-western France. La Rhune, the splendid Pyrenean summit so visible from your holiday home, is only 4 kilometres away and there are three other major peaks nearby – many mountain excursions are possible from here by foot or by car.
The local charming village (1km) has a strong Basque footprint with its picturesque central square, pelota court and narrow alleys with Labourdine houses where blue, red and green contrast with the white plaster of the houses. There is a small supermarket and a handful of restaurants here as well as an interesting church and a Roman bridge crossing the river.
It’s easy to get to St-Jean de Luz (8km), where there are superb wide sandy beaches and pretty streets filled with shops and restaurants as well as walks along the coast and surrounding hills. The town’s beach, La Grande Plage, is the perfect place to spend the afternoon, especially with children. Once a small fishing port, the town later became a fashionable resort for wealthy French, English and Spanish tourists in the late 19th century and is now renowned for its tuna, anchovies and sardines.
Ciboure (8km) is often described as the quieter “twin” of its neighbour, St-Jean-de-Luz, to which it is joined by a road bridge over the harbour, both towns enjoying the shelter of the natural bay. Ciboure has its own relaxing atmosphere, so meander slowly through the old town and admire the brightly coloured boats and the Art Deco lighthouse. The beautiful Quai Maurice Ravel is best viewed from the harbor of St-Jean-de-Luz and remains a source of inspiration for many artists and photographers.
The waves are calmer on this part of the coast than further north, so it’s the ideal place for trainee surfers to practise, while those experienced surfers will enjoy the more dramatic breakers at Acotz (11km). For even more adventure, head to Guéthary (13km) and Bidart (16km) where you can join some of the world’s finest surfers or just relax and marvel at the magnificent landscapes.
The region is a perfect paradise for golfers with the area having two beautiful golf-courses, the nearest one only 5km away and many others nearer Biarritz, including the prestigious Chiberta Golf Course (28km) with its wonderful location near the Anglet beaches.
Keen walkers should not miss the Basque Cornishe, a fantastic path which follows coves and rugged cliffs all the way from Ciboure (8km) to Hendaye (16km) on the Spanish border.
The glamour and glitz of Biarritz is only 24km away, an elegant seaside resort dating back to the 19th century when aristocracy built their summer residences along this part of the coast. Here you can dine in fine restaurants by the beach, order cocktails at fashionable bars or visit the bustling and colourful markets of Les Halles, full of Basque specialities to take home and cook. At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request from below or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting / childcare services- Bike hire
Extras included at this property:
– 3 hours of maid service per week
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Private chef- Babysitting service- Shuttle service for transfers- Massage- Private Surf/Golf/Tennis instructor – Rentals: bicycles, electric bikes, vespa- Sightseeing with local guide: Biarritz market, tapas tour, etc.- Sea fishing excursions- Boat excursions – Extra linen changes: optional 35 Euros per room.