Located in the Esterel mountains with direct access to the Esterel National Park, Villa Amalie is only five minutes drive from the medieval village of Fréjus with its Roman amphitheatre and charming seaside town of St. Raphael. In both places you will find some interesting shops, fantastic restaurants and a good choice of bars. Don't miss the twice weekly Provençal market in the old town in Fréjus, a wonderful place to pick up fresh local produce.
Those looking for sporting and cultural activities are in a prime location. The Golf and tennis Club of Valescure is just five minutes away by car and trekking and mountain biking can be organised in the Esterels. Sailing, wind surfing and kite surfing are available nearby at Agay Plage and St. Aygulf. Sailing trips to St. Tropez and the Lerin Islands are available daily and fishing and diving trips can be arranged.
The fashionable city of Cannes (35km) is within easy reach, here you can take a walk along the city promenade in Cannes, La Croisette, as you soak up the glitz and glamour that surrounds you. The city has a brilliant nightlife, some superb restaurants and a great choice of lovely sandy beaches, both public and private. To discover Cannes from its days as a fishing village, head to the narrow labyrinth of lanes in Le Suquet, where the fishermen and their families used to live. Nowadays it has a magical atmosphere with pretty restaurants, bars and shops for visitors to enjoy.
Other delights of the French Riviera are easily reached such as historic Grasse (45km), in the hills north of Cannes, known for its perfume heritage and fields of lavender. Alternatively, drive south to the family friendly beaches and pretty town of Sainte Maxime (27km) and then onwards to prestigious St Tropez (42km) or during the summer months leave your car in St. Raphael and take a boat or even charter your own private yacht for the day.
The Region
Despite being renowned for its annual international film festival in May at the iconic Palais des Festivals, Cannes is not just a glamourous destination for the rich and famous. The attractive Côte d’Azur town is loved all year round for its palm-fringed beaches, upmarket shopping opportunities and wonderful restaurants as well as a certain French Riviera charm.
Stroll along Cannes’ iconic La Croisette boulevard following the footsteps of stars from years gone by as you admire prestigious hotels, luxurious boutiques and private beach clubs. Stop off for a cocktail as the sun sets and admire the twinkling lights across the bay. Even at night, La Croisette remains the vibrant heart of this bustling town.
Shop to your heart’s delight along the streets of the Carré d’Or district – come across hundreds of well-known stores along Rue d’Antibes. At the end of a busy day there’s a vast choice of restaurants to suit every taste and budget from authentic bistros spilling out on to the street to Michelin starred establishments.
Soak up the historic side of Cannes as you explore Le Suquet quarter’s medieval lanes passing little shops, atmospheric restaurants, flower-filled balconies and old fishermen’s houses. Climb to the top of the hill by Église Notre-Dame d'Espérance for stunning views of the harbour, followed by a visit to Château de la Castre and its popular museum. This part of Cannes is also home to the colourful Marché Forville showcasing the very best gourmet delights of Cannes and beyond.
Escape the crowds as you venture to Croix Des Gardes natural park with forest walking routes, botanical plants and glorious views across to the Lérins Islands. Look out for some fantastic boat trips from Cannes’ marina from whale and dolphin-watching excursions to family adventures on board a chartered yacht, sight-seeing ferries and romantic sun-set cruises.
Beyond the city centre, visit the ceramic studios and National Picasso Museum in Vallauris, follow Picasso’s footsteps in the enchanting hilltop village of Mougins (loved for its galleries and gastronomy) and appreciate the artistic vibe of Biot with beautiful views of the French Riviera. Chic Juan-les-Pins, so loved by Parisians in the summer, is home to beachside restaurants and more watersports whilst keen walkers will adore the incredible coastal trail around Cap d’Antibes.
In the other direction is the charming seaside village of Théoule-sur-Mer, backed by the dramatic Esterel massif, another paradise for hikers. By staying in one of our collection of handpicked rentals in Cannes you can experience all of this and more during your time on the glistening Côte d’Azur.
