Stay in a beautiful 19th century residence in an upmarket neighbourhood of Grasse with easy reach to Cannes and the beaches of the French Riviera.

Built by an American banker and philanthropist working in Paris, wishing to own a family home in the Côte d'Azur, Villa Germaine has had many prestigious residents over the years including a famous impressionist artist and the jeweller Jacques Cartier who married the owner’s daughter. When sitting back in the drawing room or relaxing on the bougainvillea-clad terrace, you will be following the footsteps of house guests such as Renoir, Degas, Ravel and Picasso.

Nowadays, this Belle Époque maison is a fine holiday villa for up to 12 guests with magnificent views over the Côte d'Azur hinterland towards the Mediterranean from its hillside position in Grasse’s ‘Quartier Rothschild’.

It’s a home full of history and charm set within private Mediterranean gardens featuring a large swimming pool and pool house with summer kitchen for al-fresco dining by the barbecue. Inside, the interiors are traditional with modern touches, allowing guests to soak up the ambience of the villa’s heritage whilst remaining comfortable across its inviting living and dining spaces and five pretty bedrooms. There’s even a brilliant gym across from the characterful courtyard.

Upstairs, you will find three en suite double bedrooms, two with king-size beds, whilst the spiral staircase continues up to a fourth double and a quad for flexible sleeping arrangements beneath the sloping ceilings. At the very top, gaze at the incredible 360-degree views of countryside, mountains and sea from the house’s unique viewing tower.

It’s a short drive or leisurely stroll into the heart of Grasse’s old town with its medieval lanes of restaurants, café terraces, pretty squares and daily flower market. Admire the work of Reubens in the town’s cathedral, now classified as a monument national, and learn all about Grasse’s fascinating perfume heritage.

Visit idyllic villages such as Cabris, Gourdon and flower-filled Mougins, appreciate contemporary artwork in Vence and St-Paul-de-Vence and head to market towns such as historic Valbonne on a Friday morning. Drive through landscapes that have inspired French artists over the many years, then find yourself by the shores of the French Riviera with Cannes only 20km away.

Potter around the old town of Antibes, enjoy lunch by the beach in Juan-les-Pins, hike across the coastal trails of Cap d’Antibes and spend the day in the grand city of Nice. Or perhaps you’d rather walk through the woodland of Lac de Saint-Cassien or play golf in picturesque surroundings as you make the most of your time in this captivating part of southern France.