Bastide Hercule

There’s a charming, laid-back ambience at 18th century Bastide Hercule, a blue-shuttered villa with a private swimming pool, just a short walk from a little bay, restaurants and marina on the French Riviera between Carqueiranne and Toulon.

A fine holiday home for spending relaxed times with family or friends, guests will appreciate the bastide’s characterful interiors with its double-height hallway, tiled floors, inviting lounge and cosy family kitchen. Somewhat vintage in style, it was renovated by an Italian count and English Lord in the mid 20th century - it was even rumoured that Brigitte Bardot once danced the night away at one of the owners' parties! Nowadays, up to 14 guests can sleep across six individually styled bedrooms which are split across two wings of the first floor, ranging from a spacious double with frescoed ceilings to a simple children’s quad room.

At Bastide Hercule it’s all about outdoor living with its delightful al-fresco dining table beneath the vine-covered pergola, the rustic garden with Mediterranean plants and shaded tables as well as the glorious outdoor lounge, hammock in the trees and children’s play area. Not to mention the swimming pool for lazy summer afternoons.

Set in a wooded residential area alongside other holiday homes, wander down the narrow country lane and steps to reach a gorgeous little bay, marina and a small handful of summer restaurants. Keen walkers take note that the hiking paths of the Colle Noire Massif are also very close by. There are other idyllic bays dotted along this part of the coastline and it’s only a 7km drive to the pretty port at Carqueiranne and the swaying pine trees at Plage des Pins Penchés.

Find a wealth of watersports along the Giens Peninsula, take a boat ride across to the beautiful Îles d'Hyères, soak up the charm of Hyères and spend the day exploring the maritime city of Toulon with its historic architecture, bustling markets, wonderful restaurants and family-friendly beach at Plage du Mourillon.