For us this house has always been about its location - set in large beautiful gardens of nearly an acre without being overlooked, on a quiet and serene private estate, a bakery and supermarket within walking distance, and the amazing centre of Valbonne village just a short drive away. We are 20 minutes from the beaches and restaurants along the ccoast in one direction and the foothills and jaw dropping scenery of the Alps in the other. Perfection.
The weather in this part of France is simply gorgeous. The summer is long with balmy evenings and the winters short and mild. Days of cloudless skies can stretch on for weeks but the area is still lush and green thanks to rare but heavy downpours.
Activity wise there is something for everyone in the local area. Famous for its magical light, the area has hosted many artists over the years such as Cezanne and Picasso and galleries and museums abound. For wine lovers, there are over 400 vineyards in the surrounding area, many that offer tours. Specialising in rosé, the area has a millennium old wine growing history and visiting vineyards will take you from the coast to the mountains to scenic perched villages.
Looking for something more active? The Côte d’Azur offers just about every water sport available, on the sea and on the lakes and rivers: sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, canyoning, rafting... Cycling is of course the national sport of France and will appeal, here, to cyclists of all levels both on and off road. Hiking and walking trails abound, and we have direct access to forest just across the road from the house gates.
Or how about the very French pastime of boule, or pétanque as it is known locally? We play the 3 ball version here. Though you can play anywhere, we recommend you visit Valbonne’s beautiful bouladrome, shaded by ancient Limes.
Of course, to sample any of these things you will need to tear yourself away from the pool.