Villa Olivon

The villa

It feels like you can almost reach out and touch the sea from this stunning beachfront villa on the beautiful French Riviera peninsula of Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer near Toulon.

You’ll no doubt spend most of your time on the sea-facing terrace with direct beach access whilst staying at gorgeous Villa Olivon. Relax in your very own hot tub, swim up and down the 10m long heated swimming pool or just simply enjoy a glass of local rosé as you gaze out at the Mediterranean. There’s a second pretty terrace on the other side of the villa, perfect for convivial al-fresco meals in the shade with family or friends.

The villa’s superb interiors also make the most of the incredible setting from the stylish open-plan lounge and the sleek modern kitchen which opens out to the pool terrace to the elegant dining space with picture book windows facing the azure-coloured sea. There’s air-conditioning throughout and all four bedrooms have their own bath or shower rooms. Most of the bedrooms look out towards the Mediterranean including the charming cocoon-style double where there’s a sea-view window right above the bed.

Wander through the neighbourhood and soon you will reach a picturesque bay backed by pine trees with a beachside café and diving centre. Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer’s beautiful harbour is just a 5-minute drive away for atmospheric restaurants and little shops or make the most of the peninsula’s wonderful walking trails through its hills and rugged coastline.

The much-loved Plage des Sablettes is only 2km away, a lovely sandy shore with restaurants, watersports and summer night markets whilst the seaside town of La Seyne-sur-Mer will enchant you with its historic houses and fish market.

Discover yet more glorious beaches and historic harbours in nearby Sanary-sur-Mer and Bandol or head to the grand city of Toulon with its impressive harbour, museums, markets and shops. Sail away towards the idyllic Île de Porquerolles or take long hikes through the Janus forest - this part of the Côte d'Azur will captivate you in so many ways.

Set on the beachfront on the Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer peninsula, close to idyllic bays and incredible walking trails, Villa Olivon enjoys an exclusive French Riviera setting only 12km from the grand city of Toulon.

You can access the sea from a gate near the swimming pool which leads down a rocky slope to the beach. Alternatively, stroll out of your villa and through the neighbourhood to a pretty bay backed by pine trees, a perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling, diving or just enjoying a drink in the summer beachside café. There is a grocery store, bakery and pharmacy also within walking distance and look out for pizzas from the food-truck that is usually parked on summer evenings near the pine forest.

It's just over a 5-minute drive to the picturesque marina in Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer with its restaurants, little shops, Saturday morning Provençal market and views over the bay towards Toulon. As well as beautiful beaches and snorkelling opportunities, the peninsula is well-known for its many walking trails across its hills and rugged coastline.

Other delightful seaside towns include Sanary-sur-Mer (12km) with its attractive waterfront and historic harbour or charming La Seyne-sur-Mer (6km) where you can buy the catch of the day from the morning fish market. Drive or walk along the Tamaris corniche admiring 19th century villas or head to the gorgeous Plage des Sablettes, only 2km from your villa, for sandy shores, beachside restaurants, watersports, a pleasant park and an atmospheric night market on summer evenings in July and August.

The other side of Plage des Sablettes leads to wilder coastline with rocky coves as well as hiking and mountain biking routes around Cap Sicie and the vast Janus forest. If travelling with children, there’s an adventure park set in the woodland with climbing activities, trampolines, nets, slides and tunnels.

For a complete change of scene, Toulon is a fantastic day out, around 12km by car. There are some great museums, the city’s impressive harbour, the beautiful Place de la Liberté as well as many restaurants, cafes, markets and shops. Cable cars take you up to Mont Faron for amazing views or catch a ferry across to Île de Porquerolles for more wonderful natural landscapes.