Birds-eye view courtesy of Bruce Goldsmith

The heated pool overlooks the land

Despite just 35 minutes drive from Nice International airport, Le Foulon could be a million miles from anywhere. Overlooking the Valley of the Wolf, peace and tranquility come as standard. Nearby are numerous medieval villages, where Provencal life has ticked by for centuries unchanged. And yet the French Riviera, from Cannes to Monaco, and even across the border into Italy, are easily explored from here. The estate is dedicated to making your holiday as memorable as possible. From the largest, most comfortable beds draped in the softest Egyptian cotton, to super-powerful showers and large antique roll-top baths, we started with getting the very basics right and then applied the same attention to detail to everything else. Le Foulon has all the comforts of home, including a warm and friendly atmosphere and outside of the summer months it is run as a luxurious guesthouse with a restaurant and bar. It is much larger than many villas catering for a similar number of guests.

Stock your very own bar for the week

Tranquility is only 35 mins from Nice Airport

 

Prices Currency Conversion

 

Notes on prices
Prices are for the property per week in euros. We can now sleep up to 26 people - please contact us for details. Discounts are available for rentals longer than 2 weeks - please call or email with your requirements.

Changeover day
Changeover day is normally Saturday, but outside of the high season we can sometimes be flexible - please contact us with your requirements.

Accommodation

 

 

Notes on accommodation
There are 3 important benefits of being situated at the foot of the mountains behind the Cote d'Azur. Firstly the dreaded mosquitos don't live here, secondly the nights are cooler than the coast and let you sleep like a baby, and thirdly, if you don't want to join the throng of the French Riviera your holiday can be as peaceful as you desire.
We have an energy efficient swimming pool heat pump, but the cooler nights mean the pool cover is essential not to waste the energy from this indulgent luxury. By the way, don't think the cooler nights mean you need the central heating - it's only a winter requirement along with the two big open fires (one inglenook).

Accessibility
The living space (lounge, dining room, kitchen and balcony) is only 2 steps up from 2 of the en suite rooms so Le Foulon is surprisingly good for those with mobility difficulties. There is also a fairly flat track running through the middle of our land.

Outside
The large balcony outside the dining room overlooks the estate and has steps down to a 125 sq.m. wooden deck. This has the same fantastic panorama, a long solid table running its length and a top quality stainless steel gas barbecue. It's a great outdoor dining area and is probably where you'll spend most evenings (it's softly lit).
A path from this terrace leads to the swimming pool deck. Fenced and with a child-proof gate, the pool conforms to the latest EU regulations. The 11m x 4.5m pool is surrounded by a stylish deck, offers plenty of shade beneath large parasols and has a lounger or a reclining chair for each of the 18 guests.
The 16 acres of garden includes a long stretch of the trout-rich River Loup, a praire that in the spring and early summer is abundant with wild flowers and butterflies, a hillside woodland of Oak and access to two marked public footpaths that lead you through the countryside to the nearby villages of Greolieres and Cipieres and a fine lunch.

Coast/Beach
Half an hour's drive south and you come to the Cote d'Azur at Cagnes sur Mer and Villeneuve Loubet, both offering sandy stretches of coast. An extra 15 minutes drive west and you're at the pretty port of Antibes with a stunning harbour of super-yachts and a medieval village of narrow streets. 15 minutes in the other direction and you're on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice - a pebbly beach, but stunning waters and great lunch opportunities before an afternoon spent shopping.

Golf
7 world class 18-hole golf courses are just half an hour's drive from Le Foulon. Yes, that isn't a mistake, here are their details including distance and estimated drive time from Le Foulon:
Golf d'Opio-Valbonne: 19kms/19mins.
Designed in 1966 by Donald Harradine, Par 73, 5785 mètres.
Golf de La Grande Bastide: 20kms/20mins.
Designed in 1990 by Cabel Robinson, Par 72, 6105 mètres.
Claux Amic Golf Club: 23kms/25mins.
Opened in 1992 in a 17th century hunting estate, Par 72, 5915 mètres.
Golf de Biot: 31kms/30mins.
Built in 1930 this is one of the rivieras oldest courses, Par 67, 4511 mètres.
Golf de Saint Donat: 28kms/31mins.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Junior, Par 71, 6031 mètres.
Golf Club Cannes-Mougins: 29kms/31mins.
Designed by Peter Allis & Dave Thomas, Par 72, 6314 mètres.
Royal Mougins Golf Club: 32kms/32mins.
Designed by Robert von Hagge, Par 71, 6004 mètres.
Domaine du Chateau de Taulane: 40kms/37mins.
Designed by Gary Player. Par 72.

Skiing
A very well kept secret: Greolieres Les Neiges
15 minutes drive from Le Foulon is a great little ski resort with a brand new chairlift (2006), 26kms of piste, lots of off-piste tree skiiing and a view of the Mediterranean from the top. During the week there is hardly anyone there. The ski school is incredibly friendly and offers English speaking tuition.
Opened in 1963 a major draw is the stunning panorama. Not only do you get a fabulous view of the Hautes Alpes to the north, Italy to the East and the Mediterranean to the south, but on a haze free day you can even spy Corsica glinting on the horizon. It's pretty special.
It is also unpretentious and great value. Does this all sound too good to be true? Well the down side is a short season (January-March), and variable snow conditions because it is so far south. 2006 was an amazing year, with tons of snow, but 2007 was very poor. Sign up to our newsletter (see our website) and we'll keep you abreast of the conditions.

Travel
Getting here is easy with a low cost flight sinto Nice from most UK regional airports, direct flights from New York and great connections throughout Europe. Chose to hire a car (great value) or even arrive by 5 minute helicopter transfer for as little as 100 euros per person.
Or take the TGV to Nice, drive (11 hours from Calais) or even combine the 2 and put you and your car on the train (Motorail). Print-out the detailed directions from our website for a stress-free arrival.

Distances
Greolieres, complete with baker, mini-market, 3 restaurants, a bar and tabac is 4 kms. Cipieres is about the same distance - it's a lovely walk to a lovely lunch.
Gourdon is a little further - about a 10 minute drive, but you're rewarded by a perched village, complete with chateau, museum and many shops, plus a panorama of the coast from Nice to Cannes. It's a very special view you'll never tire of.
Vence is 30 mins drive, as is Grasse, perfume capital of the World.

Further details
There is such a variety of sporting activities to be enjoyed around here it's difficult to keep up. From World class paragliding, to category 1 rock climbs, a view of the Med' from astride a horse to pristine golf courses that rival any other on the globe.
But the most popular activity has got to be shopping. And whether you're searching for high fashion in Cannes, a new Ferrari in Monaco, or delicious local produce and the work of talented local craftsmen, all your shopping desires will be fulfilled.
Running a very close second to shopping is what the French do best - lunch. There are some great restaurants locally, and even Michelin starred establishments not too far away. Fresh fish to a Cote du Beouf for 2, a simple crepe to a wood fired pizza, any weight you lost for your holiday will be difficult not to put back on.
Or burn as many calories as you consume. Canyoning is popular and involves climbing into a wet suit and descending into the waters of a gorge and emerging the other end. Along the way you jump down waterfalls, swim, walk and absail, all under the care of an experienced professional. There are routes for children to hardened adrenalin seekers.
If that sounds like too much, then you can always stick to a great walk with some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. Our nearest mountain is called the Cheiron, and if you drive the 20 minutes to Greolieres Les Neiges you can reach the peak in under an hour and a half. The views or more than worth it, and you'll encounter Marmotts along the way and there's always a good lunch waiting for you at the bottom.
The museums, sites and places of interest along the Cote d'Azur are well documented elsewhere, but one place of note is the Foundation Maeght in St Paul de Vence. The great collection of modern art and sculpture, with a beautiful garden. Also, the Musuem of Modern Furniture and Art in Gourdon. Only 10 minutes drive and a foremost collection of contemporary furniture.

Booking notes
The tenant shall pay a first installment of 25% of the rental price upon booking. The balance of the rental price, shall be paid, at the latest, 1 month before the date scheduled for the start of the lease.
Should the booking be made within 1 month of the date scheduled for the beginning of the lease, the tenant shall pay the rental price and deposit in full at the time of booking.

Guest comments
"Another lovely stay @ Le Foulon!"
Mick and Becky Flashman, Georgeham, UK

"Superb - and we are hard to please!"
The Whyte Party, Scotland

"Had a wonderful stay in your beautiful home. Enjoyed this area of France. Thank you for your hospitaility."
Roger and Diane Potter, Payneham South, Australia.

"Our stay at Le Foulon was perfect in every way. We will definitely be back!"
Louis and Jan Lekich, Rochester Hills, USA.

"In awe of the hard work that has gone into making such a wonderful place to relax and enjoy. So beautiful."
Marien and Richard, Surrey, UK.

"Danke fir die wundervollen tage an diesen friedlichen platz und die liebevolle atmosphare."
Petra Bernadette and Gerhard Sofsky, Landan, Deutschland.

"Thank you Nick and Mia for your wonderful generosity of spirit and sense of humour. Memories of your kindness will stay with us always and helped to make Provence as lovely as it is!!"
Nat and Bernadette Britton, Pleasant Hill, USA.

For booking and further information

 

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This advertiser joined Owners Direct in August 2007,
and has advertised this property with us since August 2007.

Property Ref FR2540
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