Villa Axelle

The villa

Perched atop the heights of Cap Brun, just a stone’s throw away from Toulon’s glistening marina, Villa Axelle is a modern house set on the French Riviera, offering a one-of-a-kind stay for the most discerning jetsetters. Tucked away from the crowds that flock to Toulon’s shores in warm months, it’s perfectly positioned to discover the region’s beautiful beaches, bustling nightlife, rich nature and the charm of typical Provencal villages. The architect-designed house is full of space and natural light due to having a semi-open-plan character, with the angled bay doors also instantly connecting the living room with the terrace. We recommend ‘removing’ the doors completely on warm sunny days to allow the ocean’s cooling breeze to come in as you sink into the plush sofas. The interiors have been tastefully decorated to offer serenity and character, with paintings, patterned rugs and quirky wallpaper. Upstairs there are four double bedrooms, each benefiting from an en-suite bathroom, audio system and access to the terrace - inviting you to soak up the warm sun’s rays from the moment you wake up. Stroll through the landscaped garden and to the splendid infinity pool - framed by a wooden deck; it even has an elevated terrace with sun loungers where you can rest without risking getting splashed by those having too much fun in the pool. Thanks to the abundance of comfy furniture, there are plenty of opportunities for al-fresco dining and peacefully watching the sun slip behind the horizon. Drink your morning coffee on the roof terrace in total solitude, or gather everyone in the garden for a barbecued fish bought at the farmer’s market and caught the same day before heading out for drinks in the city centre. The city of Toulon is just a 10-minute drive away with lovely terraces, cafés and shops set amongst the pretty winding lanes. Stroll around its historic harbour and have lunch in one of the many restaurants located along the promenade or take a cable car up to Mont Faron for breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape. As well as pretty villages with weekly markets and brocantes, the French Riviera can be reached within an hour by car, with La Londe-Les-Maures, La Presqu'île de Giens and Plage de Saint-Clair just some of the notable beaches along this coastline.

Villa Axelle is fantastically hidden from the hustle and bustle of Toulon yet close enough to enjoy the city’s wonderful amenities and attractions whenever you want. Set in the heart of France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in the Var department, it’s an ideal base for exploring the French Riviera’s timeless glam and beauty.

With the city centre being only a 10-minute drive away, the opportunities are endless. Start your morning by walking through the many cobbled streets to discover Toulon's historical past before grabbing a coffee and soaking up the atmosphere near the grand Place de la Liberté. In the morning, you can find many local markets selling artisanal cheese, homemade delicacies and local wine - excellent for filling up your fridge with all the good stuff. The Cathedral of Toulon, also called Notre Dame de la Seds is an 11th-century cathedral with a Baroque retable worth admiring, while the Tour Royale located near the port offers a delightful panorama of the sea and the city. Here, you can visit the maritime museum Musée de la Marine or enjoy freshly caught fish in one of the trendy restaurants before ending your day at one of the many beaches nearby. If you wish to prolong your trip and visit a fascinating Mediterranean island, the port of Toulon is the main port of departure for ferries to Corsica and the cluster of islands called The Golden Isles.

The closest beach, Plage du Gayraud, is only a 20-minute walk away from the villa, meaning that you don’t even need a car to get to the seaside. If you love splashing in the waves, you can continue south to discover other enchanting beaches and bays such as Plage de Montzey, Plage de la Calade, Plage du Trelus and Plage du Fort Cap Brun before reaching the famed Plage de l'Anse de Méjean. In this scenic cove, verdant rocky slopes meet the sea, with a pebble beach with emerald green water.

On lazy days, you can drive 10 minutes to the closest supermarket to buy snacks and ingredients for a quick meal or have the chefs at a nearby sea-facing restaurant located only a 5-minute drive away prepare a delicious dish.

If you have some spare time, make sure to visit Marseille - reachable in only one hour by car, the characterful city has an old port where fishmongers sell their catch along the boat-lined quay as well as many historical landmarks such as the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde plus pretty streets filled with cafés, shops and restaurants.