Villa Olea

Just a short drive from Cannes and the beaches of the French Riviera, Villa Olea is well located for exploring the dazzling Côte d'Azur as well as its beautiful hinterland with idyllic villages and stunning scenery.

Follow the winding lane up a hill and Villa Olivia can be found in a semi-residential area that partially backs on to hills and forests, perfect for woodland walks and there is horse-riding a few minutes away.  

You can wander down to the local town (if you don’t mind the hilly walk back) where you will find a selection of restaurants and a supermarket as well as a handful of other useful amenities. There’s a pleasant atmosphere across this small town as residents play pétanque on shady squares or amble beside the picturesque little river.

This is a popular area with walkers, mainly due to the Route d’Or which heads north to Grasse or west through the Tanneron forests. This trail is especially wonderful in February and early Spring when the flowering mimosas are usually at their best. There are further pleasant walks beside the Siagne river and around many of the pretty villages that can be found across this part of the Alpes-Maritime.

Drive south and you will hit the Mediterranean coastline within 10km, then Cannes (12km) with its glorious beaches is just a little further. Stroll along the famous Croisette promenade, visit one of the fashionable restaurants and bars and partake in a great choice of watersports. There are also plenty of boat excursions departing from Cannes, whether visiting the nearby Lérins Islands or taking a sunset cruise along the coast.

As well as exploring Cannes’ historic quarter, Le Suquet, don’t miss the lovely covered market, Marché Forville, a fantastic way to pick up some local produce. Food lovers should also visit Valbonne (11km) for its Friday morning market – it’s a beautiful and historic town set amongst landscapes of olive groves and woodland.

Other pretty places include the hillside village of Opio (13km) and Mougins (8km) with its flower-filled lanes and excellent restaurants, close to the Valmesque forests (also great for walkers) and the Royal Mougins Golf Resort.

Grasse (13km) and its perfumeries is another great day out or head towards the artistic villages of Vence and St Paul de Vence, both just under an hour away.

There’s more of the coast to explore around Antibes (22km) and Juan-Les-Pins (20km) or continue on towards Nice and Cap Ferrat, about an hour by car. Théoule-sur-Mer (17km) also offers superb scenery or drive across the Tanneron forests to Lac de Saint-Cassien with its summer watersports, lakeside beaches and all sorts of adventurous activities. 

Read more about Cannes

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.