Villa Germaine

The villa

Stay in a beautiful 19th century residence in an upmarket neighbourhood of Grasse with easy reach to Cannes and the beaches of the French Riviera.

Built by an American banker and philanthropist working in Paris, wishing to own a family home in the Côte d'Azur, Villa Germaine has had many prestigious residents over the years including a famous impressionist artist and the jeweller Jacques Cartier who married the owner’s daughter. When sitting back in the drawing room or relaxing on the bougainvillea - clad terrace, you will be following the footsteps of house guests such as Renoir, Degas, Ravel and Picasso.

Nowadays, this Belle Époque maison is a fine holiday villa for up to 12 guests with magnificent views over the Côte d'Azur hinterland towards the Mediterranean from its hillside position in Grasse’s ‘Quartier Rothschild’.

It’s a home full of history and charm set within private Mediterranean gardens featuring a large swimming pool and pool house with summer kitchen for al - fresco dining by the barbecue. Inside, the interiors are traditional with modern touches, allowing guests to soak up the ambience of the villa’s heritage whilst remaining comfortable across its inviting living and dining spaces and five pretty bedrooms. There’s even a brilliant gym across from the characterful courtyard.

Upstairs, you will find three en suite double bedrooms, two with king - size beds, whilst the spiral staircase continues up to a fourth double and a quad for flexible sleeping arrangements beneath the sloping ceilings. At the very top, gaze at the incredible 360 - degree views of countryside, mountains and sea from the house’s unique viewing tower.

It’s a short drive or leisurely stroll into the heart of Grasse’s old town with its medieval lanes of restaurants, café terraces, pretty squares and daily flower market. Admire the work of Reubens in the town’s cathedral, now classified as a monument national, and learn all about Grasse’s fascinating perfume heritage.

Visit idyllic villages such as Cabris, Gourdon and flower - filled Mougins, appreciate contemporary artwork in Vence and St - Paul - de - Vence and head to market towns such as historic Valbonne on a Friday morning. Drive through landscapes that have inspired French artists over the many years, then find yourself by the shores of the French Riviera with Cannes only 20km away.

Potter around the old town of Antibes, enjoy lunch by the beach in Juan - les - Pins, hike across the coastal trails of Cap d’Antibes and spend the day in the grand city of Nice. Or perhaps you’d rather walk through the woodland of Lac de Saint - Cassien or play golf in picturesque surroundings as you make the most of your time in this captivating part of southern France.

In the ‘Quartier Rothschild’ of Grasse with a 460m elevation, Villa Germaine enjoys incredible views over the Côte d'Azur hinterland towards the Mediterranean - you may even be able to see as far as Corsica on a very clear day.

It’s just a 5 - minute drive to Grasse or some guests may enjoy the leisurely stroll into the heart of the old town, taking just under half an hour (just off the road that connects Grasse and Villeneuve - Loubet, note that part of the route is without a pavement). Grasse is such a beautiful town with its medieval lanes, little squares, the daily flower market and a wealth of pretty restaurants and café terraces. Potter around its weekly market on a Wednesday morning and admire the Reubens artwork in the 12th century Cathédrale Notre - Dame du Puy.

Known as the perfume capital of France, you can visit perfume studios and factories in Grasse with brands such as Galimard and Fragonard alongside the Musée International de la Parfumerie. Look out for workshops taking place and create your very own fragrance during your stay in Grasse.

In every direction there are gorgeous landscapes and picture - perfect villages to discover. Overlooking the Vallée du Loup, perched Gourdon (11km) is one of France’s most stunning villages whilst nearby Cabris (9km) is home to a Michelin starred restaurant. St Paul de Vence and Vence, both around half an hour by car, are a must for art lovers whilst slightly closer to home is historic Valbonne (10km) which hosts one of the region’s best markets on a Friday morning.

Follow Picasso’s footsteps in the flower - filled lanes of Mougins (13km), an artistic village with a fine gastronomic reputation, before driving down to Cannes (20km), home to the grand boulevard La Croisette, as well as palm - fringed beaches, glitzy marina, bustling markets, boutiques, upmarket restaurants and the famous Palais des Festivals.

From Cannes you can partake in a range of seasonal watersports or organise a skippered yacht for a tour of the French Riviera coastline. Ferries take you across to the picturesque Lérins Islands for more wonderful scenery and swimming opportunities.

There are further fantastic beaches around Juan - les - Pins (26km), a chic resort loved by Parisians in the height of the summer, well known for its many beachside restaurants and atmospheric nightlife. The old quarter of Antibes (27km) is full of historic charm, a real gem of the French Riviera and home to the Musée Picasso, whilst Cap d’Antibes is a paradise for hikers with its coastal walking trails.

Continuing east, passing the grand city of Nice, admire the beauty of Cap Ferrat (43km), home to the impressive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, stop off at one of the beaches near Beaulieu - sur - Mer (44km), gaze at the views from hilltop Éze (55km) or head as far as Monaco (65km) for an amazing day out.

Away from the Côte d'Azur shores, Lac de Saint - Cassien (23km) is home to scenic walking trails and other outdoor adventures including summer watersports, biking, horse - riding and more. Meanwhile, golf lovers have a choice of courses from nearby Golf du Claux Amic Sa to the prestigious surroundings of Royal Mougins Golf Resort.