France is the land of haute couture and good living. A land of gastronomy, fine wines, and diverse scenery. From the beaches of Brittany to the legendary old fashioned glamour of Deauville and Biarritz, from its famously romantic capital city, to the stunning chateaux of the Loire. With the chic bustle of the Cote D'Azur and the stunning, snow capped Alps, France needs no introduction as one of the most desirable and varied countries in the world.
Cote D'Azur
Ever since the Romans colonised the South of France and spent days lounging around their heated pools, the province has conjured up an image of glamour and elegance. It is a paradise that has a very individual appeal. Fine wines, fragrant olive oils, stunning Riviera towns - the list is endless and the variety unmatched.
Some of our finest villas in France can be found along the Cote D'Azur. The rich unspoilt coastline around Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus with its dramatic cliffs, stunning coves and the fine vista of 'Belle Epoque' houses along the sea front, the wonderful 'buzzing' atmosphere of the one time small fishing village of Saint-Tropez, all provide a number of reasons why the rich and famous continue to flock to this fabulous area.
Antibes Juan-les-Pins
Antibes Juan-les-Pins is one of the best-known resorts on the Côte d'Azur, located between Nice (20km) and Cannes (12km). The town of Antibes is chic and laid back with a variety of restaurants, cafés, theatres and chic hotels, whilst Juan-les-Pins is for night owls with fashionable night clubs, a casino and even night shopping. For a long time Antibes was the only large town between Marseille and Italy and has managed to conserve historic monuments from each period in its heritage.
Cannes
150 years ago Cannes was nothing more than a fishing village. Since then it has become an elegant city and attracts an international clientele. Cannes is simply wonderful, with many facets and much variety. The Haute Ville offers a breathtaking view of the whole city surrounded by the blue sea and the Lérins Islands. Whilst below in the Vieux Port along the Quai Saint-Pierre, fishing boats and pleasure boats sit side by side, and Cannes would not be complete without a walk along 'La Croisette', one of the most famous promenades in the world.
Mougins
Only 15 minutes from Cannes, this superb medieval village is set amongst pine, olive and cyprus trees. Surrounded by forests (the Valmasque forest covers 427 hectares) Mougins has maintained its beauty, and offers visitors a panoramic view of the Baie de Cannes, the Lérins Islands, Grasse and the “Préalpes”. On the village outskirts, some of our most luxurious villas in France are hidden behind magnificent Mediterranean parks and gardens.
Saint-Tropez
Set on the lovely blue water of the Bay of Saint-Tropez, this modern version of a medieval town is most popular for the line of yachts along the quai, and the facing line of terrace cafés. Saint-Tropez became "St-Trop" when the showbusiness people, artists and writers all fell under the spell of this charming little port in the 1950's. Since then it has become the 'in' vacation spot for chic Parisians and 'La Jet Set'. There is however another side to Saint-Tropez. Early in the morning at the Place aux Herbes one can find fruit vegetables and flowers and watch the local fishermen selling their new catch. The beaches too are wonderful, and there are at least forty on the peninsula.
Provence
In Provence you are surrounded by red-roofed medieval villages lit by the intense Mediterranean sunshine and clustered on the tops of hills, and the countryside air is perfumed with fragrant herbs, wild flowers, vines and cherry trees. The abundance of art, antique and flea markets makes for fruitful shopping, with displays of charming Provençal fabrics, bedspreads, dried herbs and lavender.
Bargemon
Tranquil, laid back and nestled in the middle of olive groves, Bargemon is a picturesque medieval village close to the lakes of Sainte-Croix and Saint-Cassien and the awesome Gorges du Verdon. Bargemon has long been the retreat of choice for many famous scientists, poets and artists and offers visitors a real view of France as it was many centuries ago, with a few welcome additions, superb restaurants and beautiful galleries.
Aix-en-Provence
Protected by the Montagne Sainte-Victoire which rises to 1,011m Aix-en-Provence is surrounded by a countryside full of authentic Provençal houses. Aix-en-Provence was the capital of Provence in the 15th century and wealthy merchants along with local dignitaries helped turn this city into the Florence of Provence as we know it today. The beauty of noble 17th and 18th century Provence still exists in the private mansions, city squares bursting with flowers, ancient fountains and shaded narrow streets.
Avignon
Avignon is ancient, full of history, life, youth, art, music and activity. Named the City of the Popes or Altera Roma, Avignon retains the indelible mark of the Popes' stay in the city, which was, for a while, the capital of the medieval western world.
The Palace of the Popes built in the 14th century overlooks a lively square and nearby are the museums of Petit Palais and Palais du Roure. And not too far away stands the famous Pont d'Avignon. Wander through the ancient streets, and discover the cobbled pathways, flowering gardens and courtyards of private mansions. From the top of the ramparts you can understand why the site was chosen for a fort: Avignon stands high above the immense plains of the River Rhône. Its history is awe-inspiring.
Arles
Arles sits on a low hill where the River Rhône branches in two parts to the sea. The town dates back to 7th Century BC, and was a major Gallo-Roman city. The major Roman sites, such as the Arena and the Theatre, are unique. The streets of this city are truly medieval in character: narrow and winding between ancient buildings. Also a city of festivals, art, and culture, Arles has always held an attraction for artists; Van Gogh stayed here with his friend Gauguin and Picasso.