Fantaisie Francaise

Following a track by the Loup River, you will soon reach the gates of Fantaisie Française, set in vast grounds (one hectare). How wonderful to have the river so close – this is such a beautiful, natural setting.

It feels rural yet not too remote with some neighbouring houses, less than a 3km drive to the tiny village of Le Bar sur Loup. There are further amenities and a little weekly market in and around Châteauneuf including a Casino supermarket (6.5km).

The heart of Tourrettes-sur-Loup (7km) is in the other direction with magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes from its perched setting. The fortified village dates back to the 15th century and it is a joy to explore its characterful narrow lanes with stone houses, vaulted archways, little art studios, flower-filled squares and charming restaurants. Like many villages in this area, it has attracted several artists and writers over the years and it is also known for its violet flower production (visit La Bastide aux Violettes to learn more).

Continue on to artistic Vence (13km) and St Paul de Vence (16km), both renowned for their charm, beauty, art heritage and breathtaking French Riviera views. The independent art gallery, Fondation Maeght, and Matisse’s Chapelle du Rosaire are not to missed by art-lovers.

The French Riviera coastline is also within easy reach whether you venture towards the charming old town of Antibes (26km), the beachside restaurants of Juan-les-Pins (27km), the coastal walking trails of Cap d’Antibes (30km) or the glorious beaches and attractions of Cannes (24km).

Nice (30km) is another grand day out with its museums, galleries, markets and atmospheric city beach and promenade or drive in the opposite direction towards the idyllic coves, beachside restaurants and stunning walk trails around Théoule-sur-Mer (36km) backed by the dramatic Esterel Massif. Perhaps stop off for lunch in a gastronomic restaurant in Mougins (17km) en route or experience the vibrant Friday morning market in historic Valbonne (11km), both further highlights of this fantastic region.     

Read more about Grasse

Fall in love with Grasse and its surrounding villages as you experience the Côte d’Azur hinterland staying in one of our handpicked villa rentals in and around Grasse. Pass lavender, jasmine, roses and flower farms as you drive into the hills of the Provence-Alpes-Maritime – no wonder Grasse is known as the ‘perfume capital of France’.

As well as the Museé International de la Parfumerie, visit the perfume houses of Galimard, Molinard and Fragonard for guided tours and even perfume-making workshops. Elsewhere, explore the historic winding lanes and come across artisan shops, café terraces and the impressive Rubens frescoes inside Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy de Grasse. There’s a lovely daily flower market at Place aux Aires whilst Place aux Herbes hosts the larger twice-weekly market on a Wednesday and Saturday morning.

A short drive from Grasse, encounter a wealth of picture-perfect villages and beautiful landscapes for walking, hiking, horse-riding and cycling. The perched village of Cabris is especially bucolic with incredible vistas over the Tanneron forest and Lac de Saint-Cassien. There are more glorious views from the small village of Spéracèdes with its pastel-coloured houses and olive trees.

Discover century-old hiking trails through the Siagne valley as well as pretty villages, ancient bridges and idyllic swimming spots. Visit the illuminated caves of stalagmites and stalactites just outside Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne before pottering around the authentic village admiring its fountains, café terraces and inviting food shops showcasing goats cheese, honey, olive oil and other products of the region.

South of Grasse, drive to the charming hilltop village of Opio, also famed for its olive oil, and don’t miss the Friday morning market in Valbonne, a very charming town dating back to the 16th century, home to a wonderful town square with pavement cafes and restaurants.

Golf lovers have a great choice of courses in the region including Golf du Claux Amic, once a 17th century hunting estate with stunning views and Golf Grande Bastide just south of Opio as well as prestigious courses close to Mougins and Cannes. As well as endless hiking trails across Grasse’s surroundings, other activities include a range of land and water-based activities in and around Lac de Saint-Cassien, only 15km from Grasse, as well as tree-top adventures and zip-lines with French Riviera views at Riviera Nature just north of the town.