Location: St. Raphael, French Riviera (Cote d'Azur), France, Europe (20km west of Cannes, 7km west of Theoule, beside Miramar) View Map
Accommodations: Studio, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2)
Welcome to our studio in the village of Le Trayas, where a gorgeous sunrise over the Mediterranean seems to be the rule and preludes a lazy, sun-drenched day under cerulean skies. Imagine breakfast on the deck with fresh coffee and croissants to fuel your sun- and fun-filled day in Provence/Cote d'Azur, the air redolent with the scent of rosemary, lavender, thyme and bayleaf.
The studio apartment is adjacent to and attached to our villa. About 40m2 with soaring ceilings and a wall of french doors to a large balcony with stunning views over the Med and the garden, it is fully equipped to provide all you need for a relaxing vacation. The kitchen has all of the utensils and appliances you could wish for, from fridge, cooktop, microwave/grill, dishwasher to tablecloths, candle-holders and wineglasses. Luxuriate in the large walk-in shower with rainhead and the large fluffy egyptian cotton towels. Double sinks, vanity and medicine cabinets with plenty of storage space, hair dryer and a washing machine complete the bathroom. The european king-size bed (160cm) is beautifully appointed with luxurious linens. Reversible heating and air conditioning keep you comfy all year round and there is plenty of onsite parking.
There are a variety of local beaches within a short walk- from sandy to rocky, from large to quite tiny and private, there is something for everyone. Hikes of all levels and lengths in the adjacent Esterels are a great way to get some exercise and enjoy some of the most stunning scenery anywhere. Mountain biking and road biking are both extremely popular here, thanks to the varied and striking terrain. A game of petanque anyone? The town hall (5 min. walk) has several courts...
Dining is one of life's pleasures here in France. There are a number of good restaurants within walking distance. And the wine... unbelievably good and very inexpensive.
While having a car is preferable, we have spent most of our time here without one and have been able to enjoy most of what the area has to offer. The Le Trayas train station is serviced by 10 trains per day in either direction. The 2 buses run to Theoule/Mandelieu/Cannes in the east, and St. Raphael in the west. The train from the airport (Nice St. Augustin station, about a 15 min walk from the airport) takes less than an hour to Le Trayas.
Your private balcony is separated from the main house's private terrace by a tall screen of bamboo plants.
Detailed maps, site information, food basics, instructions for appliances, dishwasher and laundry detergent are included.
You can find several photo albums on our facebook page- Trayas Provence.
Provence consists of 6 departments- Bouches du Rhone, Var, Alpes Maritimes, Alpes de Haute Provence, Vaucluse, Hautes Alpes. Our home is on the border between the Var and Alpes Maritimes (actually about 2 houses into the Var). Our bay has its own little micro-climate which happily supports plants which don't survive well just a bit further inland- lemons, oranges, cacti, bougainvillea etc. It is truly a little piece of heaven!
Keywords: Spacious, airy studio apartment in our villa, with amazing seaview, large balcony, walking distance to beaches, restaurants, store, train and bus, adjacent to Esterel hills for hiking and biking, large balcony with seaview, parking, fully equipped with kitchenette, washing machine and dishwasher. Beautiful Provence!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided : Beautiful high thread count linens and egyptian cotton towels for the bathroom are supplied. Large outdoor towels for beach use are provided as well.
- Air-Conditioning : Reversible air-con provides both air conditioning or heating at the touch of a remote control.
- Parking Off Street
- Washing Machine
- Beds
- King : This is a european king size bed, which is 160 cm. wide.
- Entertainment
- Satellite Or Cable : French tv only at this time
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Compact kitchen with fridge, 2-burner stovetop, combination microwave/grill, dishwasher.
- Cooking Utensils : The kitchen is well-stocked with dishes, pots and pans, utensils, cutlery, food basics.
- Microwave : Combination microwave/grill with instructions.
- Dish Washer
- Refrigerator
- Outdoor Features
- Balcony : Large balcony along the width of the studio, with table and chairs.
- View/Location
- Ocean View : The Mediterranean is directly in front of the villa and stretches as far as the eye can see.
- Beach View : Fabulous view across the bay to Miramar beach.
- Water View : Mediterranean.
- Communications
- Free Long Distance : Free long distance to 100 countries.
- Telephone
- Wireless Broadband
- Other Amenities
- Our studio apartment is adjacent to our villa and is approximately 40m2, with cathedral ceiling. It is fronted by a wall of french doors to a large balcony with fabulous views on the Mediterranean and the garden. The villa is in a quiet residential neighbourhood and is just up the hill from several beaches. Beaches, restaurants, bus and train station and store are a 10-15min walk away. The kitchenette is well equipped with dishes, pots and pans, utensils, food basics, dishwasher, fridge, stove top, combination microwave/grill. Bathroom has a double sink, plenty of storage and large walk-in shower with rainhead, hair dryer, washing machine. The bed is european kingsize (160cm wide) and is beautifully appointed . Wifi with free long distance to most countries is provided. There is plenty of onsite parking. Many golf courses and wineries are just a short drive away and the Esterel mountains are next door.
- Suitability
- Pets Not Allowed
- Children Not Allowed
- Non Smoking Only
- Activities
- Wind-Surfing
- Water Skiing
- Hiking
- Golf
- Mountain Biking
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Sailing
- Cycling
- Snowboarding
- Antiquing
- Sight Seeing
- Museums
- Restaurants
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Kayaking
- Shopping
- Boating
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Other Activities
- Wineries abound- visits and tastings are available and are generally free of charge (unless you decide to purchase of course....). There are many historical sites nearby- Abbeye Thoronet, Mandelieu-la-Napoule castle, Frejus Roman ruins... The charming villages and towns of Biot, St. Paul de Vence, Antibes, Seillans, Tourettes, Grasse, Valbonne, Frejus, Cannes and many more make for intriguing daytrips. The hiking is sensational. We are at the base of the Esterel hills- red rock and unbelievable terrain. Biking, both road and mountain are popular pasttimes. Waterskiing is offered at a nearby marina. The numerous regional markets are just a short drive away and offer the freshest of local produce as well as preserved foods. Skiing in the Alps is a couple of hours away (in season). Petanque (or boules) is a popular regional game played outside and we provide petanque balls. The pool will be ready for the 2013 season!
Rate Details (In EURO)
(3/3/12-4/28/12)- 450euros/wk (4/28/12-6/30/12)and(9/1/12-10/27/12)- 750euros/wk (6/30/12-9/1/12)- 900euros/wk LONGER TERM WINTER RENTAL AVAIL. NOTE: THE ABOVE ARE INTRODUCTORY PRICES FOR THE 2012 SEASON (3.2.13-4.27.13)- 750euros/wk (4/27/13-6/29/13)and(8/31/13-11/2/13)- 1050euros/wk (6/29/13-8/31/13)- 1250euros/wk LONGER TERM WINTER RENTAL AVAIL. ADD 100E CLEANING FEE AND 500E REFUNDABLE DAMAGE DEPOSIT TO ALL OF THE ABOVE.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2010
Why the Owner Chose St. RaphaelWhen it came time to semi-retire there was a conundrum. Where was the weather good, health care excellent, great food and wine easily available, the sea nearby, museums/art galleries/shopping/gorgeous towns/wineries close by? Great skiing within a couple of hours would be good too. And we hoped for a seaview. The south of France won, hands down. We feel so at home here, despite our imperfect french language skills. We hope you will too. And the view over the Mediterranean is heaven!!
The Unique Benefits at this StudioIt is quiet, peaceful and very beautiful here, yet it is very close to bustling towns, glitz if that is what you wish, history, culture, sporting activities of all kinds (swimming, hiking, biking, kayaking, boules, boating etc etc). There is the setting and the time for quiet contemplation and introspection, for reading and cooking. There is great wine and there are great chefs nearby. Provence/Cote d'Azur provides a surfeit of nourishment for the mind, the body and the soul. It is everything a vacation should be.
Owner's Map of St. Raphael
We are a couple from Toronto who have recently 'semi-retired'. Our family has always loved sports, cooking and travelling. Now that we are 'semi-retired' and our 2 sons are grown up we spend about half of the year here in the south of France and are always sorry to leave, even though we are going home to work at jobs we love. So, about half of the time, we will be here to greet you, help you with your planning, and otherwise be available. The rest of the time this will be entrusted to a propery manager.
Property Photos
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- There is a lovely seaview over the balcony railing.
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- Fully equipped, compact kitchen.
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- The best seat in the house! And the view...
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- Oh so comfy.
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- Spacious walk-in shower with rainhead and warm, fluffy egyptian cotton towels.
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- View from the other end of the terrace.
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- One of the local beaches- a rocky one.
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- Another local beach, about 10 min. walk away...
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- The hiking is amazing...and endless.
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- Just down the way...
Traveler Reviews (1)
L'allure de la Cote d'Azur
Guest: le chasseur de vin et fromage
(Trent Hills, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11
Review Submitted: 03/04/12
My wife and I stayed here for several weeks last fall. The location is spectacular and the accomodations are excellent. We had a fantastic holiday and would definitely return. We are adventurous travellers so a car was a must if we wanted to get out and see the back routes of Provence. Driving in this part of France can be a challenge for the timid but a joy if you have any latent rally cardriver genes.Public transit (bus and train) can get you anywhere up and down the Riviera and is very convenient, so a car is not a necessity. The web site photos are great but they don't let you know how really special this place is. Photos fail to capture the atmosphere of the spectacular sunrises and the panoramic views of the Mediteranean and the small harbour in the village bellow your terrace. Your hosts will be only too glad to familiarize you with the ins and outs of the Cote d'Azur. They are very approachable, helpful and informative. You really feel you have your own space. They are like next door neighbours, not inn keepers. We used the place as base for both day trips and overnight excursions. Cannes, Nice and Antibes are must see local towns that are a short train ride eastward along the coast. Don't try to see them all at once. Each deserves at least a day to explore on foot. The markets,restaurants museums, architecture and beaches are all part of the region's appeal.. One of the local highlights was a castle in la Napoulle just down the coast that was owned by an eccentric American artist named Henry Clewes. He and his wife restored it in the 1920's and now it's a museum with a fascinating history and beautiful grounds. Arles, Nimes and Avignon are worth an overnight trip if you want a taste of inland Provence. We wanted to see Marseilles and Toulon but didn't have time.. we'll have to wait till our next visit. We are active, rural retirees and did not go to veg out on a chaise, but if you are going to unwind from a hectic career in the city le Trayass is perfect for that type of holiday. Stretch out on a chaise under the palm trees with a favourite novel and you'll be in heaven. The weather was spectacular last fall... unusually hot, so a dip in the Med was another must! It rained once! There is free internet access to keep you in touch with the real world.... if you really want to. We went to France for a month, 3 weeks in le Trayas and a week to get from and back to Paris. If we did it again we would skip Paris and fly to Nice
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, sightseeing.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #281853
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