Villa Esterel France

This is the real Côte d’Azur – an idyllic stone house with characterful features set in lovely gardens filled with ancient olive trees and flowering plants. Villa Esterel is a charming home within walking distance to one of the region’s prettiest hilltop villages and a short drive from Grasse and the French Riviera coast.
The beautiful interiors are rustic and traditional with terracotta flooring and wood-beamed ceilings alongside tasteful furnishings and fine details. The living room, dining area and country kitchen all have doors leading out to the glorious gardens, as does the pretty bedroom on the ground floor.
Upstairs you’ll find two further bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and one with a marvellous private terrace with fantastic views. A garden annexe is the home to the fourth and final bedroom, making this an ideal holiday home for a family with older teens or visiting grandparents or a group of friends wanting to explore this wonderful region.
Outside, the terraced gardens are immaculately kept with lawns sloping down to flowering Mediterranean shrubs and old olive trees providing much welcome shade. Swim peacefully in the private swimming pool before preparing a meal by the pool house with its stone barbecue and pizza oven. Relax with a game of boules or enjoy table tennis in spectacular surroundings. The views from the gardens of the countryside and Esterel hills are lovely.
You’ll feel like a local wandering downhill to the local village to collect your morning pastries from the boulangerie or dining out in one of restaurants. This picturesque hilltop town is famous for its olive oil which is still made in the village’s 15th century mill and can be visited for tastings and tours.
Other famous villages to explore include Mougins, Valbonne and Biot, not to mention the delightful town of Grasse, just ten minutes away, known for its perfume heritage and vivid fields of lavender. You’re also not far from the French Riviera coast with Antibes, Cannes and Nice all superb places to visit during your stay.
It goes without saying that this region offers fantastic activities from horse-riding and hiking to go-karting and paintballing. Whether swimming from the rock pools in the rugged interior or splashing around in the waterparks near the coast, the Côte d’Azur offers wonderful experiences for everyone.Villa Esterel has a beautiful setting with lovely views over the surrounding countryside towards the Esterel hills but also just a leisurely stroll downhill to the charming village of Opio, just 2km away (and uphill on the way back!).
Surrounded by olive groves as well as jasmine and roses, grown here for the perfumeries in Grasse, Opio is a beautiful hilltop village with a selection of restaurants, nice grocery stores and a supermarket as well as a bakery for your morning pastries. Be sure to try the local olive oil which is sold at the village’s own 15th century mill which is still operating.
This area is a golf-lovers paradise with two courses within 7km, including the beautiful Golf Opio Valbonne, as well as Golf de Biot (17km) and the famous Royal Mougins (13km) within a short drive.
Other idyllic villages surround you such as Châteauneuf de Grasse (3km), Valbonne (7km), Mougins (12km) and Biot (16km), not forgetting the wonderful town of Grasse (5km). Known for its perfume heritage and vivid fields of lavender, it sits within the stunning backdrop of cascading hills and vast vineyards, olive groves and winding rivers. Be sure to visit on market day to pick up some wonderful produce.
The region offers fantastic opportunities for horse-riding, hiking and cycling as well as a wealth of family-friendly activities, from go-karting and paintballing at the nearby Plateau de la Saree (4km) to water-sports and waterparks along the coast near Antibes (22km). When in Antibes, don’t miss the old town as well as some of the chic bars in Juan-les-Pins just to the south.
The stylish and chic city of Cannes (18km) is just a short drive where you can experience the splendour of La Croisette, the glamourous promenade as well as its many beaches and vibrant nightclubs. A little further south at Théoule-sur-Mer (30km), enjoy the beautiful beach with its wonderful red cliffs.
Not forgetting beautiful Nice (37km), especially the maze of narrow streets in the old town. A little further in Villefranche-sur-Mer (44km) you can walk up to the stunning Saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsula, an unmissable day out.
Alternatively, head even further inland to the rugged interior and enjoy spectacular views of the whole riviera from Gourdon (10km). Swim from the rocks in Gorges du Loup (10km) or head to wonderful Caussols (20km) where you will find an observatory in this spectacular location. 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 form 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
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!