Discover your own Provençal paradise at this stunning villa nestled in the forest, just a short drive from the French Riviera.
What a very beautiful home
“What a very beautiful home - we felt very privileged to stay and had the most wonderful week at the Villa. We would love to come back - there is so much to see and do in the area.”
“What a very beautiful home - we felt very privileged to stay and had the most wonderful week at the Villa. We would love to come back - there is so much to see and do in the area.”
Stay in your very own corner of Provençal paradise at this beautiful villa set in the forest, just a 40-minute drive of the French Riviera.
Take in the calming scenery around you as you head through the gates of Villa Dumas, surrounded by the aromas of pine trees and summer lavender. There are bursts of colour across the beautifully landscaped gardens alongside little stone walls, pretty steps and the most charming of terraces. Cook meals al-fresco by the plancha, dine with friends or family under the cast-iron pergola, then retire in the outdoor lounge with a glass of wine, perhaps from the vineyards of nearby Château de Berne.
The air-conditioned interiors offer both style and space with a living and dining area opening up to the elegant farmhouse kitchen with a Lacanche stove and other high-end appliances. The main villa is home to two double en suite bedrooms including a sumptuous master double with a contemporary walk-in shower, as well as a bunk-bed bedroom suitable for children. A studio annexe offers a third double bedroom with its own entrance, a great option for a couple or grandparents wanting a little extra independence.
Set in the woodland with other houses dotted across the neighbouring countryside, the nearby small town has a few charming restaurants and shops. It’s typically Provençal in character with authentic buildings, fountains and a wonderfully traditional market on a Tuesday morning.
Other delightful market towns and villages close by include Draguignan, Vidauban and Flayosc or drive further afield towards Aups, the gateway to the incredible Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon and its world famous gorges beyond. Find horse-riding nearby, canoeing and kayaking along the Argens river as well as so many cycling routes and hiking trails. Also look out for festivities, night markets and brocantes taking place across the Dracénie region in the summer months.
The French Riviera also awaits whether spending the day in historic Fréjus, sun-bathing on the shores of Saint-Raphaël, enjoying the beaches around Sainte-Maxime or soaking up the glamour of Saint-Tropez. You could even drive as far as Cannes, Antibes or Nice for a superb day out or stay closer to home and explore the mountain villages of the Massif des Maures before heading back to your wonderful woodland retreat.
What Oliver loves...
The many terraces and landscaped gardens are a joy with Provençal fragrances and woodland views.
Visit the local historic town with its shops, restaurants, pretty fountains and traditional weekly market.
Sample fine wines at nearby Château de Berne and book a table at the Michelin starred restaurant specialising in truffles, Chez Bruno.
A paradise for nature lovers with hiking, cycling, canoeing and kayaking across the Dracénie region.
Head to the French Riviera for a superb day out – choose between Fréjus, Saint-Tropez or even Cannes!
Foodies will love the beautiful, well equipped kitchen, cooking fresh produce on a Lacanche stove, with high-end appliances like a KitchenAid.
Just five minutes away, you’ll find one of France’s finest spas at Château de Berne, the perfect place to unwind and indulge.
What you should know
Villa Dumas sleeps up to 6 guests across three double bedrooms (one in an annexe) and a fourth bedroom with bunk-beds suitable for two children.
The beautiful grounds and swimming pool are on terraced levels with steps, stone walls and horizontal railings.
A car would be useful to explore places further afield, like the French Riviera resort of Sainte-Maxime or Saint Tropez.
If hiring a car, please note that Villa Dumas features an electric-vehicle charging station (subject to an extra cost).
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4.7/5 Rated Excellent
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The Local Area
About the surrounding area of Villa Dumas
Rural Location
Outstanding Landscapes
Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
Villa Dumas is set in the Dracénie region of the Var, just outside a picturesque Provençal town in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. While the setting feels peaceful and secluded, surrounded by forest and a handful of villas, the town centre is only a 5-minute drive away. Here you’ll find charming streets, historic buildings, cafés and a lively Tuesday market, one of the largest in the area.
Food and wine lovers are well placed, with Château de Berne nearby and the renowned Michelin-starred Chez Bruno just a short drive away. The surrounding region is ideal for exploring Provençal villages, olive groves and vineyards, as well as natural highlights such as the Cascade de Sillans and the spectacular Verdon Gorges, around 30 minutes away.
Nearby towns include Draguignan (15km) with markets and museums, and Vidauban (13km), known for wine and river activities like kayaking. Further afield, discover hilltop villages in the Massif des Maures or head to the coast, with Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Tropez and Fréjus all within an hour.
With easy access to beaches, countryside and cultural gems, Villa Dumas is perfectly placed to explore the best of Provence and the French Riviera.
The Region
The Provençal way of life is one that’s deeply tempting for anyone who’s been feeling the need to get away from it all. This is a place where the Mediterranean weather turns fields of corn and lavender into picture-perfect backdrops, where you can sip your locally bought wine and enjoy the landscapes before heading out and tackling them head-on with a range of great activities for families, groups of friends and adventurous foodies. Better yet, our range of villas in Provence and chateaux and holiday homes in the Côte d’Azur make the perfect base to explore this enchanting region!
