Inspiration

Our favourite Provençal villas with stylish interiors: Designed to charm as much as the Riviera itself

Guest Expert

5 min read

Provence is known the world over for its glitzy coast, glamorous towns and Belle Époque villas, strung along pretty promenades and atop charming hills. The Côte d’Azur is culturally -rich: visit interesting galleries and engaging museums; discover antique shops and interesting brocante markets - L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, near Avignon, is where the serious collectors go. Roll some dice at a Monte Carlo casino; stroll down Nice's Promenade des Anglais; seek out the red carpet in Cannes, and gawp at the display of wealth and power at St-Tropez's harbour. From tiny villages to larger towns, everywhere hosts a lively summer festival, and our collection of villas in Provence are the perfect bases to explore this exciting region. To match the elegance and charm of their surroundings, here are our favourite villas with stylish interiors, guaranteed to inspire your own design dreams.

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Le Mas de Graveson

An exquisite and luxurious 18th-century Provençal home, hidden behind grand gates in a small village, surrounded by the pine-scented Alpilles. Live like a local here: pop next door to the boulangerie every morning for your breakfast croissants, stroll to the village’s three restaurants and its shady squares for an evening aperitif. Interiors are straight out of a photoshoot, there’s ample space for your entire tribe, and each room feels private and spacious thanks to gracious proportions. The garden, a walled oasis, is a mix of lawn, shrubs and trees, and big enough to include parking (a godsend). Choose a book from the library and recline in the shade of the chestnut tree, dip in the pool, listen to the birds and cicadas. Hop in the car for Avignon to discover its little-known collections of art, or the hilltop Frigolet Abbey, one of the most authentic in Provence.

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Montjalade

You just know you’ve arrived somewhere special when you roll down the drive flanked by plane trees to this gorgeous old stone house. Its restoration is a triumph of country-chic style. Find ancient beams, exposed stonewalls, terracotta tiled floors and antique furniture, art and all the mod cons you’ll need: underfloor heating, WiFi, Sky TV. Glide up the curved staircase to three large, light bedrooms each with sloping ceilings and south-facing garden views. You’ll sleep deeply on excellent quality beds with lovely linen; and the smart en suite shower rooms are piled high with fluffy Ralph Lauren towels. You’re within walking distance of the village of Reillanne, which has a great Sunday morning market; the larger town of Cereste isn’t much further. The gardens are a dream with views gently descending to the long pool and boules area with stunning vistas of the Grand Luberon valley beyond.

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La Baraquette

The breezy blue-and-white aesthetic and stylish simplicity of this house is hugely appealing. Built into the hill overlooking harbour and town, it’s an easy-going bolthole with great views and plenty of relaxing space outside: on the decking around the small pool, among the evergreen oaks and pines, on the dining terrace shaded by white sail cloth and in the gently swinging hammock. It’s a five-minute stroll to a fine restaurant, 15 to the bustle of town (birthplace of Georges Brassens, Paul Valéry and Manitas de Plata). Further afield: vineyards galore, the Canal du Midi, Montpellier only half an hour’s drive. Get fresh fish straight from the fishermen at the daily Criée, spend evenings on the terrace watching the glittering sea until the stars begin to bristle.

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Minoustan

This villa is a marvel: open, airy, and generous in every way, stylish yet original, immaculate yet laid-back. Find bright kilims, colourful pop art and interesting bits and pieces at every turn. The wraparound veranda is long and wide, the terrace is drenched in sun all day, and the kitchen is a hedonist’s delight – cocktail shakers and coffee makers a-go-go! Terraced gardens run up the hill, the scents of the south tickle the senses and the breezes in the trees make it impossible not to unwind. Float in the pool, lounge in the palm- and pine-fringed garden, play table tennis or boules, sleep in bright bedrooms. Zip to hilltop Saint-Jeannet or little Gattières in under five-minutes, St Paul de Vence (legendary haunt of Matisse and Picasso) is close, it’s only 10 km to the Riviera, and there’s a takeaway pizza place to walk to.

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La Maison Farget

Discover a stunning and very clever refit of an 18th-century house; you’ll love the contrast between the old exterior and imaginative, architect-designed interior. Inside there’s heaps of space and light – you won’t feel in the least bit hemmed in. Downstairs is open-plan with a central double-height mezzanine. Snuggle in the comfy sitting area listening to music on the super sound system, or play pool, browse the books in the library, swim in the heated indoor pool or try out the sauna. Step out from the kitchen onto a wisteria-covered balcony overlooking the village square and fountain. Sunny days can be spent on the first-floor deck – fire up the barbecue and eat at the big dining table with views of Mont Ventoux in the distance. You can walk to everything from here, including the bakers, butchers and grocers, or jump in the car to explore authentic villages nearby.

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Villa Le Calme

Live out all your bohemian dreams at this arty villa perched above the glittering Riviera, with a verdant garden and plunge pool. One-time residence of French artist Jean Cocteau, inside its bright, colourful and stylish; find interesting art, original fittings and plenty of space. Sip aperitifs in the garden, gather for meals on the terrace, beside the pool or in the dining room – the kitchen is superbly kitted out. Big bedrooms, one in the garden carved out of a cave, have sweeping sea views. You’re in an enviable spot, it’s a ten minute walk to the sea, and another ten minutes to shops, restaurants and bars before you get to the charming old town of Villefranche. The Côte d’Azur still attracts artists, writers and creatives; walk to Saint-Pierre chapel, decorated inside and out by Cocteau. Visit iconic Nice and Monaco, discover gorgeous beaches, belle époque villas, spectacular hilltop villages and mountain scenery.

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Lossiamande Saint Andiol

This stylishly country-chic Provençal farmhouse sits in eight manicured acres of orchards, olive groves and gardens with views to the Alpilles. This is a place for those who love the real Provence, it’s elegant, tranquil and charming. Enjoy lunch on the dreamy terrace at the back – or in the dappled shade of the planes. Spend all day by the pool, but make time for the grand old towns of Arles, Avignon, Aix, Nimes and Orange. The kitchen is fabulous, the living rooms bright and airy, and the bedrooms (all but two) are on the two upper floors, reached by two separate staircases. It’s the absolute business for celebratory parties, the house sleeps a total of 18. Pop into Saint Andiol for your croissants and baguettes. Check out the chic restaurants and boho boutiques in lovely, leafy St Rémy.

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Carmen McCormack

Guest Expert

Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.

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