Imagine relaxing by your infinity swimming pool with uninterrupted views of the incredible landscapes around you. On the edge of the Vallée de Saint-Pons, just a 20-minute drive from the pretty French Riviera town of Cassis, Villa Solaire is a unique holiday villa in a truly beautiful setting.
This architect-designed house is both elegant and contemporary with interiors spread across three floors. Its living space is vast with an impressive kitchen-diner opening out to the decked terrace for al-fresco dining alongside a stylish lounge and TV snug, all in a semi open-plan design with large windows framing the views. There are five welcoming bedrooms, three with en suite bathrooms, allowing Villa Solaire to sleep up to 9 guests.
Outside, appreciate the wonderful terraces on various levels from the outdoor lounge just above the swimming pool to the jacuzzi by the roof-top level. Play a game of boules, then set up an outdoor feast as you gaze out towards the towering pine trees so typical of this part of the Côte d’Azur hinterland.
Indeed, there are many glorious walks through the pines and oak forests as you venture towards the foothills of Sainte-Baume, not far from the GR98 hiking trail. Deep into the countryside, come across the beautiful Abbaye Cistercienne alongside idyllic waterfalls and magnificent nature. A traditional village is only 1.5km away for a small handful of café terraces and restaurants alongside old houses and fountains.
Aubagne is just a little further, an attractive town which is known for its ceramics and was the birthplace of Marcel Pagnol, now home to a colourful market four mornings a week. Follow the road towards the coast and within 18km you will reach charming Cassis with its fishermen cottages, delightful restaurants and picture-perfect port, the gateway to the magnificent coastal hiking paths of the Calanques.
Elsewhere, visit the vineyards and wine domaines of Cassis and beyond or spend time pottering around pretty seaside resorts such as La Ciotat and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, home to a range of glorious beaches. Car racing enthusiasts note that Circuit Paul Ricard is only half an hour away, driving through the spectacular landscapes, whilst gastronomes should head west to Marseille to experience the city’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene.
What Oliver loves...
- An architect-designed masterpiece in a beautiful natural setting only 18km from the charming French Riviera town of Cassis
- As well making the most of the infinity swimming pool, relax in the jacuzzi on the upper terrace
- Pick up all sorts of delicious local produce from Aubagne’s market, four mornings a week, and admire the town’s ceramics
- Discover incredible hikes through the Vallée de Saint-Pons, in foothills of Sainte-Baume and along the coastal paths of the Calanques
- A great base for exploring this part of the Côte d’Azur with so many picturesque seaside resorts, little bays and vineyards between Marseille and Toulon
