L'Ancien Monastere
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Overview
In an enviable position just outside St-Paul-de-Vence, L’Ancien Monastère is a handsome domaine offering a superb standard of accommodation for a large group in the very heart of the magnificent Côte d'Azur.
The set-up of this spacious villa and charming cottage is perfect for an extended family holiday or perhaps a reunion of friends with a range of bedrooms and apartments as well as a superb large living room with a roaring fireplace, central kitchen and wonderful outdoor space to gather together to share special moments.
L’Ancien Monastère has the ambience of a traditional Provençal home yet it was built in the late 20th century cleverly using materials from an old monastery to add character and charm, such as the impressive wood beamed ceilings and reclaimed stone flooring in the living space. Throughout you will find high quality furnishings and bold original art-work, making it a superb place to spend time in great comfort. Each of the villa’s bedrooms and the cottage have pretty terraces where you can find a moments peace in the vast and beautiful grounds.
Enjoy views of the Mediterranean from many of the rooms in the main villa or step outside and be mesmerised by the mountain and sea landscapes around you. Play a game of boules or wander down the enchanting terraced gardens to discover the tennis courts which can be lit up in the evening. The heated swimming pool is surrounded by landscaped lawns where you can lounge in the summer sun and the al-fresco dining terrace with its outdoor kitchen, open fire and bar is an idyllic spot for balmy nights dining by candlelight.
The concierge service is second to none and the owners are willing to
assist with anything their guests may need from wine and champagne in the fridge on arrival, private chefs and restaurant bookings to tennis coaching, sailing lessons and golf reservations. They would also be delighted to assist with tickets for the Cannes Film Festival and arrangements for the Monaco Grand Prix, even arranging helicopter transfers if required.
One of the French Riviera’s most famous villages, St-Paul-de-Vence, is just minutes away with its picturesque cobbled lanes filled with art galleries, cafes and restaurants as well as the well-loved Fondation Maeght, a museum of modern art. Discover Matisse’s incredible chapel in Vence, just a ten-minute drive away or head a few minutes south to the atmospheric market in the old town of Cagnes-sur-Mer.
The marvellous coastline of the Côte d'Azur is within a short drive with great beaches around Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet as well as Antibes and beyond. Nice and Cannes are also magical places to visit so close or head to some of the French Riviera’s idyllic inland villages and towns such as Biot, Opio and Grasse.
L’Ancien Monastère is the perfect oasis from which to discover this incredible region of Côte d'Azur beaches, classic hilltop villages, endless activities and extraordinary landscapes.
What you should know…
- This domaine is made up of the main villa, featuring four apartments and two bedrooms, and a separate 2-bedroom cottage
- There is also space for an extra 6 people (making 24 guests in total) using the sofa-beds in three of the apartments – supplements apply so please enquire
- Air-conditioning is featured in some rooms only – please see the 'Features' for more details
- Many of the rooms are accessed via stone steps but Apartment One can be reached from the entrance path so may be more suitable for those who have reduced mobility
Property Features
Up to 23 guests can stay if using the sofa-beds in three of the apartments – please enquire for additional prices.
Villa Interiors (various levels)
- Large living room with fireplace
- Dining room
- Snug
- Central kitchen, well-equipped
- Laundry room
- Guest WCs x 2
Apartment One: bedroom with king-size double, shower room, living-dining room with air-conditioning, double sofa-bed, kitchen area, sun-room and terrace
Apartment Two: bedroom with king-size double, shower room, dressing room, living-dining room with air-conditioning, double sofa-bed, kitchen area and terrace
Apartment Three: bedroom with king-size double, shower room, dressing room, living-dining room with air-conditioning, double sofa-bed, kitchen area and terrace
Apartment Four: bedroom with king-size double, smaller bedroom with single bed, shower room, living-dining room with air-conditioning, kitchen area and terrace
- Bedroom with king-size bed, air-conditioning, shower room, dressing room and access to terrace
- Bedroom with king-size bed, air-conditioning, shower room, dressing room and access to terrace
Cottage Interiors
Ground Floor
- 2 x bedrooms with king-size beds and en suite bathrooms
First Floor
- Living-dining room and kitchen with doors leading to a terrace
Outside Grounds (6500m2)
- Heated salt-water swimming pool (13mx7m free-form design, depth: 1.5-2.3m). Heated as required to 25C from April to October (other months on request). Safety alarm system
- Covered terrace with outdoor kitchen and BBQ
- Al-fresco bar and lounge
- Tennis court with floodlights and equipment
- Boules pitch
- Terraced gardens
- Secure video entry
- Electric gates
- Ample parking
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Air-conditioning (in some rooms of the main villa and in the cottage)
- TV and DVD player
- Children’s DVDs and books
- Games
- Tennis court and equipment
- Boules pitch
- Push chair
- Car seat
Location
About the surrounding area of L'Ancien MonastereLocated in the beautiful Côte d'Azur region, just a 15-minute drive from Nice Airport, L’Ancien Monastère is in a residential setting only 2.5km from the charming village of St-Paul-de-Vence. You can walk to a local boulangerie in around fifteen minutes whilst other shops and restaurants are within a short drive.
St-Paul-de-Vence (2.5km) is one of the most famous villages of the French Riviera and is well known for its narrow cobbled lanes filled with art galleries, lovely shops and atmospheric cafes. The Fondation Maeght museum also attracts visitors, as do the excellent restaurants including the renowned La Colombe D’Or. Make sure you visit when the lovely fruit and vegetable market takes place.
Further north, the town of Vence (5km) is another incredible place to spend some time, especially for the amazing Chapelle Matisse/Chapelle du Rosarie which was created by Henri Matisse himself. You can also experience the town’s historic ambience, delightful restaurants and cafes, more art galleries and markets.
Easily reached from the nearby road connecting Vence to the coast, Cagnes-sur-Mer (4km) also has a wonderful market in its pretty old town and a lovely museum, Les Collettes, which used to be Renoir’s maison. Drive down towards the beach where you will find a lovely promenade with restaurants and a long stretch of coastline with some great watersports.
Beach lovers can also head to the beaches around Villeneuve-Loubet (with its delightful village just inland) and Saint Laurent or south towards Antibes (15km), Cannes (27km) and Théoule-sur-Mer (40km). Some of the beaches around Nice, towards Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (28km) and Beaulieu-sur-Mer (27km) are also wonderful for a day out by the sea in beautiful surroundings.
Boat trips can be enjoyed from many ports along the Côte d'Azur coastline, visiting towns such as Saint-Tropez, Monaco or the idyllic Sainte-Marguerite Island. You can also drive towards Monaco (40km) and as far as the Italian border with Ventimiglia (59km) under an hour away.
The great city of Nice (18km) is also a brilliant day out or you may prefer to soak up some of the glamour in Cannes (27km).
Heading inland, there are some incredible French Riviera villages to explore such as Tourrettes-sur-Loup (10km) with its artisan craft studios and pretty weekly market as well as Opio (20km) and Biot (14km) or learn all about the perfume heritage in the beautiful town of Grasse (24km) with its lavender fields, olive groves and rolling hills in the surrounding countryside.
There are numerous golf courses across the French Riviera (12 in the area!), the nearest being near Nice and Biot but also the well-known Royal Mougins Golf Course within 30km. For guests who love cycling, this villa is near some of the region’s best cycling routes across the
Côte d'Azur and horse-riding is also a popular pursuit.
Hikers will find some amazing marked trails including great walks between St Paul de Vence and Vence as well as coastal routes and other paths in the rugged interland near Gourdon (27km). You can swim from the rocks in Gorges du Loup, near Gourdon, or visit the enchanting waterfalls.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Nice
(10km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Gare de Cagnes sur Mer
(6km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
St-Paul-de-Vence
(2.5km) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Boulangerie
(15-min walk ) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
St-Paul-de-Vence
(2.5km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
E.Leclerc Auredis
(3.5km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Cagnes-sur-Mer/Nice
(4km/18km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
Cagnes-sur-Mer
(6km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf De La Vanade
(8km) |
||
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!
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesBeing so near the coast, there is a great choice of beaches along the Côte d'Azur coastline. The beaches around Cagnes-sur-Mer and Villeneuve-Loubet offer a range of watersports and there are also some lovely beaches towards Antibes, Théoule-sur-Mer or heading east around Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Many of the beaches have lovely family-friendly restaurants for great lunches in idyllic settings.
There are boat trips from various points along the French Riviera with excursions to the nearby Les Îles de Lérins or as far as Monaco or Saint Tropez. Alternatively, just take a boat to see the wonderful coastline or to look out for dolphins or even whales in the Mediterranean.
Antibes is also a great area for all sorts of family activities from fairgrounds and farms to waterparks.
There’s also loads of lovely walking trails that are suitable for families, cycling routes and horse-riding across the stunning landscapes of the French Riviera.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Pushchair
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Beach Nearby
- <1hr to Airport
- Watersports
- Sailing
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Boules/Petanque
- Children's books
- Children's videos/DVDs
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
- Tennis Court
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- DVD
- Fenced Grounds
Services Available
- Catering Available
- Chef/Cook Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Pre-Stocked Fridge Available
- Transfers Available
- Catering Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Car Rental Available
- Grocery shopping Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Private chef
- Catering
- Pre-stocked fridge
- Grocery shopping
- Transfers
- Car rentals
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
Small weddings may be permitted at L’Ancien Monastère, subject to agreement with the owner.
Ple...
Read moreEvent information
Small weddings may be permitted at L’Ancien Monastère, subject to agreement with the owner.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | €3000 paid via wire transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €3000 paid via wire transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. Linen and towels are changed mid-stay if staying 2 weeks. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. Towels are changed mid-stay if staying 2 weeks. |
| Pool heating charge? | Pool heating is included from approximately April to end-October. The pool is heated as required to reach a temperature of 25C. Pool heating is on request approximately November to end-March and payable locally (€300 per week). Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes and mid-stay clean is included if staying 2 weeks. Please note, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Minimum stay | 3 nights in September. 7 nights during all other periods. |
| Changeover day | Flexible in September. Saturday during all other periods. |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Air-conditioning is featured in four bedrooms (two in the main villa, two in the cottage) as well as in the living areas of each apartment – please see the Features for more details. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs approximately between €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Other Ts and Cs | Small weddings are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Stag/hen parties and other special events are not permitted. |
| Other Ts and Cs | There is also space for an extra 6 people (making 24 guests in total) using the sofa-beds in three of the apartments – supplements apply so please enquire. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Guests will be required to sign a copy of the owner's rental terms before the arrival. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 17 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 30th 2024 - Mar 31st 2025 | - | - | - | £11,800 |
| Mar 31st 2025 - May 31st 2025 | - | - | - | £14,972 |
| May 31st 2025 - Aug 31st 2025 | - | - | - | £17,553 |
| Aug 31st 2025 - Sep 30th 2025 | £7,525 | £10,033 | £12,542 | £17,553 |
| Sep 30th 2025 - Oct 31st 2025 | - | - | - | £14,972 |
| Oct 31st 2025 - Jun 3rd 2026 | - | - | - | £12,390 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
When did you become the owner?
2022.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
We are from Seattle and we have ties to and a deep love...
Read moreOwner Profile
When did you become the owner?
2022.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
We are from Seattle and we have ties to and a deep love of France. The owner is a dual national, with both U.S. and French citizenship. We have been coming to the Cote d'Azur for many years, starting on our honeymoon (Menton) in 1986. We love this area, the city of Nice, the coast/beaches, surrounding villages, seafood, wine, climate, the shops, markets and the people..
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
L'Ancien Monastere was built in 1982 by the architect Alain Berp. He reused materials from the ruins of an old monastery in Portugal to create the lovely beamed ceilings. The floors are made of stone from Burgundy and contain fossils which you can see if you look closely.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
Not that we know of, but we have a chef/cookbook author coming to visit this summer!
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
Must do?
Depends what you are interested in, there are many activities in the area including hiking, biking, sunbathing, skiing, golfing, the list goes on and on and visiting the small nearby villages goes without saying. Some of our favorite things to do are pop over to Menton (35 minute drive), the last town on the Riviera before Italy and have moules frites at a beach restaurant. Or, head to Cagnes sur Mer for a sunrise or sunset walk along the beach. Both unforgettable.
Must eat?
We usually cook ourselves and have enjoyed discovering the farmers’ markets and the shops in nearby villages. Cagnes sur Mer has a large covered market with everything you can imagine. Vence has wonderful boulangeries, cheese shops, fish shops and our favourite, a great wine shop (and they deliver). We also love Copenhagen Coffee Lab in Cagnes sur Mer for their coffee and their bread. Of course, the famous La Colombe d’Or should go on the list!
Must see?
The Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence (Matisse Chapel) created by Matisse himself is simple, beautiful, tranquil, unforgettable.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
This is an off the beaten path recommendation but there is a bread maker in the hills above Vence that is amazing. Mr. Philippe Argentero is often called a magician for his wonderful country bread, cooked over a wood fire with the best ingredients. The place, called Dolmen de Vence, is enchanting as is his bread and other creations. Don’t miss his olive bread or his brioche. Also, very important, it’s only open on Mondays and Thursdays, from 13:30 – 19:00. It’s only 15 minutes from the villa and could be paired with a hike before, there are many in the area, or with a visit to Vence! (1311 Chemin des Anciens Combattants A.F.N. Vence).
Reviews
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We found it hard to leave!
Each year my cycling buddies arrange a trip for a week of road cycling. This was my first time organising and everyone thinks it is the best trip yet. The villa sits right on the Col de Vence, and there are so many great routes to travel. After a hard days cycle, no better way to cool off than in the fabulous pool. Great area for varied cycling, without having to cross busy roads and motorways to get to the route. Thanks for all the help and advice, and the wonderful property
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Highly recommended and will be back next year!
We were looking for something different for our annual Developers workshop and we were not disappointed. A fantastic setting with large spaces in side and out for seminars and relaxing. Fabulous outdoor bar and terrace. Caterers were arranged for some meals, and restaurants were booked for us for evenings. Nothing was too much trouble
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Perfect for developers workshop!
We were looking for something different for our annual developers workshop and we were not dis-appointed. A fantastic setting with large spaces in side and out for seminars and relaxing. Fabulous outdoor bar and terrace. Caterers were arranged for some meals, and restaurants were booked for us for evenings. Nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommended and will be back next year!
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Utterly wonderful in every respect!
We have rented many villas but don’t think we will ever beat this experience. Everything about the villa was perfect and the facilities second to none. With a large group ranging from 86 years old to 2 years old, there was something for everyone.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
