What are the criteria for defining a list of the top ten villas for rental? The possibilities may seem endless; top ten budget villas, top ten luxury villas, top ten largest, smallest, whackiest villas? Here on the pages of Riviera Rental Guide we are dealing with the glorious South of France, famed for its ubiquitous style and perpetual ability for enchantment. So the top ten rental villas that we will be bringing to your attention are naturally located along the magnificent sweep of the Mediterranean that constitutes the Cote d'Azur.
The choice that we have selected are based on a variety of preferences that you might have. You may be looking for a rental villa for the family, something to wow your friends with, a villa for the trip of a lifetime, a typical, authentic French villa or a magical, romantic villa to celebrate your wedding in. We have selected a variety of villas, some that are good value, some that are a dream come true and some that are just a little bit special but still won't break the bank.
We will also show you some creations that we have come across elsewhere in the world, just because it's fun to snoop on some of the world's most stunning establishments and see the fruit of other peoples' imaginations. A holiday rental can be as much of a fairy story as you want it to be, or wish it to be, but first it's nice to try on a few glass slippers before committing to the one held by Prince Charming. It's only with an eye on the rest of the world that we can be sure that our properties will match up to your standards and hold their own in the realm of perfect holiday bliss.
Best modernly magnificent villa to rent
The South of France conjures up images of fragrant lavender, swaying palm trees, bougainvillea draped pink stone walls, turquoise wooden shutters closed against blinding sunlight and lime green cigalles chattering in the heat haze. We tend to think of traditional farm houses and terraced, olive groved slopes.
All of which is very true, historically the South of France was not a wealthy thriving part of France, it was remote from the hub of Paris, with steep and inhospitable terrain that was of little use for extensive farming and constantly at the mercy of marauding invaders.
The villages still wear the now quaint and pretty, scars of their past. Stacked high on wild hills with metre thick walls the fortified towns and villages have become the traditional face of the South of France.
However the French are also a nation famed for their avant garde style. While the past is protected and nurtured the future is welcomed with a fearlessness that can shock and often be controversial. This is why you will find some of the sleekest most modern villas on the same coastline and in the same hills as the ancient and the traditional. Sleek Miami style villas next to totally unique architectural wonders, next to converted mill houses and ancient farms.
Pierre Cardin's famous 'Bubble Villa' or 'Palais Bulle', near Theoule-sur-mer, is prime example. The villa is, as its name suggests, constructed out of a sequence of interconnecting bubble structures that are coloured the same rich red as the local earth. It is an organic earthy structure that both blends in with the surrounding countryside and still manages to look like it has been landed by aliens from the 1960's.
It is a floating collection of blobs and balls and pools that floats above the landscape in an ode to our humble cave dwelling beginnings. It was designed by the architect Anitti Lovag and, in another honour of the ancients, features its very own amphitheatre.
With ten artist designed suites it is available to rent for events and holidays but we have chosen a more typical modern villa to place on our top ten contemporary villa to rent list.
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The Spectacular Villa Eze may have more severe corners to its structure than the Bubble Palace but it also has the same weightless sense of floating above the blue horizon. Perched in the hills above the famous Eze Village it sits in a landscape that plummets seaward with dizzying speed. It has 5 star interiors to match its 5 star views in every direction.
| French Riviera » ... » Eze-Bord de Mer | 380 sq.m. Villa 0696 | |
| | »Holiday rental villa | | »Bedrooms | : | 4 | | »Sleeps | : | 8 | | »Price per night | : | $5,763.55 | | »Per person (x8) | : | $720.44 | | | | | Stunning villa in the hills above Eze with stylish, modern design and panoramic sea views.The villa sleeps up to 8 guests, features an infinity pool, bathing and dining terraces, outdoor kitchen, double garage, security system, air-conditioning & WiFi. | |
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Or for some modern glamour in Cannes try the
Cannes Contemporary Luxe Villa, an exceptional take on modern classic.
A more budget option for contemporary sleekness is the
Villa Cannes Midi. Fine clean lines cut into the surround from which you can take in panoramic sea views of the Bay of Cannes.
Best French country comfort villa to rentFor some people however, France is all about country charm and authentic French style but these terms are often, in reality, vague and over used terms to describe anything from a run down converted barn to an apartment with an old dresser shoved in the corner. There are some very specific terms that can help you to navigate your way to finding genuine French country charm and an authentic home in which you would like to spend your hard earned holiday time in.
A 'Mas' is a French term that refers to a traditional Provencal farmhouse. These buildings are often large and surrounded by their own grounds as they were originally built as largely self sufficient farms that grew and harvested a variety of foods from fruit trees to grains, vegetables to livestock or even vines. They are usually recognisable by their shape; long and rectangular, their material; built from local stone and their size; there are often stables for livestock on lower levels and large storgae areas for produce.
The families occupying them were often wealthy because of their self sufficiency and the land and space that typically accompanies them remain a luxury today. Hence you will find many traditional Mas converted into luxurious homes that are easily comfortable and authentic full of ancient oak beams, vast fireplaces, stone floors, thick walls and kitchens designed for large productive living.
Bastide is another term that is used to describe traditional French farmhouses that are on an even grander scale as their owners were often wealthy and had large extended families.
There is more debate over the definition of what a Bastide is as the term is also used to describe medieval fortified towns as well as a country house. Bastides are usually also made of local stone, built over several levels or terraces and have the typical features of the ancient farmhouse of Southern France. Our top villa rental that incorporates this genuine comfortable country charm is located in Grasse, in the hills behind Cannes. This area is famed for its perfume industry and has been growing flowers for the precious essential oils that constitute many of the world's leading perfumes, for generations. Hence it is a good place to find long standing traditional homes.
This Bastide des Oliviers features all the mature beauty that is built with love and over time. Ancient Olive trees, towering Cypress, climbing vines and pale stone walls cocoon this gorgeous holiday rental villa. the pale stone, oak beams, terracotta floors and open fireplaces are the type of features that you are looking for in a comfortable country farmhouse.
| French Riviera » Grasse | 250 sq.m. Villa 0677 | |
| | »Holiday rental villa | | »Bedrooms | : | 4 | | »Sleeps | : | 8 | | »Price per night | : | $1,442.44 | | »Per person (x8) | : | $180.31 | | | | | A striking Provencal bastide situated in the peaceful, hill-top village of Placassier. With a roman steps swimming pool, heated jacuzzi, landscaped gardens, seperate guesthouse, breakfast terrace, a koi pond, bbq and just 15km from Cannes and Antibes. | |
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Best family value villa for rentalPacking up a family for a summer holiday can be an expensive affair. Holiday rentals are an ideal solution over a hotel holiday because of the freedom that they afford. Freedom to relax in your new holiday home as you would in your own place, freedom to cater in house, freedom to steal snacks from your own refrigerator after you've stocked it will all your family favourites and it can even be a type of freedom to not have endless staff fussing around you.
Holiday villas in the South of France may make your wallet quake in your pocket and there are indeed some absolutely sumptuous villas available but there are some great value family villas too. A sprawling villa in Saint Tropez might have a premium price tag attached to it but it doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the same gorgeous Golfe du St Tropez and white sandy beaches. Cannes may be the Hollywood starlet of the French Riviera and require a 5 star salary but Juans-les-Pins is a locally kept secret where the French like to take their holiday.
This family villa in Juan les Pins is a relaxed easy going family holiday home, a stones throw from the beach, within walking distance of the towns bars and restaurants and can sleep up to ten people.
| French Riviera » Antibes » Juan-Les-Pins | 180 sq.m. Villa 0795 | |
| | »Holiday rental villa | | »Bedrooms | : | 4 | | »Sleeps | : | 10 | | »Price per night | : | $357.12 | | »Per person (x10) | : | $35.71 | | | | “I would just like to say how much we enjoyed our stay at the villa in Juan Les Pins everything was fantastic” - cleopatra | | Homely family villa with private pool in Juan Les Pins that is a fantastic summer beach rental only a few minutes stroll to the sandy beaches of Juan Les Pins. It sleeps 10 and with a layout that suits families, it is perfect for a French villa holiday. | |
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Also see Villa Les Issambres for sea views, nearby beach, bright spacious rooms and private pool. It has the St Tropez vibe without the St Tropez price and is perfect for a family holiday with lots to do in the local area.
Best eclectic villa for rentalWe've already had a little look at the extravagant and wild Bubble Palace that was once the residence of Pierre Cardin which sits on the extreme edge of 'eclectic' but there are holiday homes that are simply different and are neither wildly contemporary nor typically traditional.
The purpose of a holiday can be to step outside the realms of the norm for you, in which case it is fun to look for somewhere to stay that is just that little bit different. You may not be able to find a nomadic yurt on the French Riviera but you will always find somwhere that adds just a little bit of spice to the holiday mix. Our first choice for the best eclectic villa for rental on the French Riviera is this
Shire Villa in Cannes. It is a dramatic departure from the typical French villa, quirky and unusual in style, and yet it brings you all the best of the French Riviera too. Large open plan areas, sea views and gorgeous outdoor spaces from which you can enjoy the more traditional delights of the Cote d'Azur.
Best city centre villa for rentalThe French Riviera is famed for its grand villas many of which were built to house wealthy visitors of yesteryear, from Kings and Queens to Tsars and Emperors. Cannes, Cap d'Antibes, Cap Ferrat and Villefranche were often the nobles choice while in the more open spaces of the Var you will find that many of the most prestige villas are former farmhouses; Bastides and Mas.
Space on the French Riviera is at a premium. With the mountains clamouring over the towns there is scarcely enough land for the residences already built there and hence the trend, in more recent history, has been towards apartment buildings.
The city centres of Nice, Cannes and Monaco are full of apartments resulting, happily, in plenty of holiday options, but finding a city centre villa is trickier a proposition. Our favourite choice is this Cannes city centre town-house which brings all the space of a country villa and all the convenience of a city centre location.
| French Riviera » Cannes » Cannes old town | 270 sq.m. Villa 0766 | |
| | »Holiday rental villa | | »Bedrooms | : | 5 | | »Sleeps | : | 10 | | »Price per night | : | $1,552.68 | | »Per person (x10) | : | $155.27 | | | | | Beautiful townhouse located in central Cannes. 5 ensuite bedrooms, modern spacious kitchen, living/dining area, TV room and outdoor terraces. 3-minute walk to centre of Cannes and beautiful beaches. Fully air-conditioned with internet access. | |
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Best Belle Epoch villaThe Belle Epoch or beautiful era was the name given to the period of time around the late 19th century. It's something of a retrospective title, pre first world war, when society was making giant leaps forward in terms of science, art and culture. It coincides with the time when travel was becoming more freely accessible for the first time in history.
The palaces, hotels and private villas that were being built on the French Riviera at that time were to house some of the world's wealthiest and noble people. The architectural style was inspired by the 'Beaux Arts' neo classical style of architecture that originated in from King Louis IV court.
There are many of this style of grand villa available to rent, particularly concentrated around Nice, Cannes, Villefranche and Monaco. You can enjoy the refined interiors of these private palaces set in the most prime sites on the French Riviera. | |
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Villa Bianco is just one such villa for rental, built in the late 1880s it has been lovingly and sympathetically restored. A piece of living history, a beautiful villa and looks over one of the most expensive views in the world.
| French Riviera » ... » Villefranche-sur-Mer | 300 sq.m. Villa 0253 | |
| | »Holiday rental villa | | »Bedrooms | : | 6 | | »Sleeps | : | 12 | | »Price per night | : | $2,880.22 | | »Per person (x12) | : | $240.02 | Beachfront, 5 Star Luxury | | “this is the best and most beautiful location on the whole Riviera” - tboylan | | Villa Bianco is an ancient Belle Epoque villa located in the centre of one of the most loved vistas in the world, The Rade de Villefranche. It'is an astoundingly beautiful 6 bedroom, 6 bath paradise in the heart of the old town and 100m from the beach. | |
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Best golf villa for rentalWhen it comes to sport on the French Riviera the immediate thought is of the fast paced excitement of the Monaco Grand Prix or the Monte Carlo Rally. There is also the international lure of the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters and the prestigious show jumping event of the Champions Tour in Cannes and Monaco.
The mountain terrain and lack of wide open spaces would lead you to believe that getting a round of golf in during your holiday is an unlikely event. On the contrary, the French Riviera has many golf courses, some of international repute and some that compensate for their lack of prestige with some extremely scenic and pleasurable golf.
The Monte Carlo Golf Club is a mountain top delight 900 metres above sea level. it has an undulating course that will give you pause for thought with views all the way down to Italy. It is an 18 hole, par 71 course that is 5679m, handicap 35.
The best and most respected golf courses are to be found on the outskirts of Cannes. The Country Club of Cannes - Mougins is an international level golf course that winds its 6312m length through two forests of towering parasol pines. Designed by British architects Allis and Thomas the course demands technical expertise while providing a rolling shady course traversed by a river. 18 hole, par 72, handicap 28
The Royal Mougins is also located on the outskirts of Cannes. It was created in 1993 by American architect Robert Von Hagge and is said to be a spectacular place to play golf. It is technically challenging and the resort encourages only experienced players onto its greens. There are restaurant, spa and pro shop facilities on site as well as a hotel, private villas for rental and private homes. 18 hole, par 72, 6004m, handicap 28.
In total there are seven 18 hole golf courses on the French Riviera with another eight 9 hole courses to choose from. So avid golf fans don't have to give up their favourite hobby when they are on holiday.
| French Riviera » Cannes » Mougins | 400 sq.m. Villa 0324 | |
| | »Holiday rental villa | | »Bedrooms | : | 5 | | »Sleeps | : | 10 | | »Price per night | : | $1,205.55 | | »Per person (x10) | : | $120.56 | 5 Star Luxury, Swimming Pool | | | Immaculate 5 bed, luxury family villa located close to one of the best golf clubs in the region. A quiet location with beautiful views from 2000m2 gardens and close to the centre of Cannes. Ideal for prestige vacations for discerning families. | |
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Best value beach front villa for rentalA holiday villa directly on the beach is possibly the holy grail of holiday rental villas. Especially on the French Riviera where the beach fronts are largely public or there is a rocky outcrop upon which your holiday villas is perched.
If you can find the picture postcard villa with its 'feet in the water', 'pieds a l'eau' then you might expect to pay a premium price for such a luxury.
A realistically priced villa directly on the white sands of a French Riviera beach, impossible? No, such a thing does exist. The
Villa Saint Tropez Bay is as close as you can get. It opens directly onto the beach with views across the Golfe de Saint Tropez and Saint Tropez town itself. With four bedrooms, sleeping eight people it is a large villa, perfect for a family beach holiday and priced at a very reasonable and realistic rate.
Also too good to ignore is this tranquil villa near Saint Raphael. It is not directly on the beach but the beach is just across a quiet road and the views are uninterupted.
| French Riviera » St Raphael » Antheor | 160 sq.m. Villa 0390 | |
| | »Holiday rental villa | | »Bedrooms | : | 4 | | »Sleeps | : | 9 | | »Price per night | : | $571.17 | | »Per person (x9) | : | $63.46 | | | | | Beautiful four-bedroom villa with private pool, overlooking the sea and mountains. Tranquil and serene, it is the ideal holiday location for lovers of the Côte d'Azur. | |
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Best private beach front villa for rentalOf course not everyone who comes to the French Riviera is looking for a budget option. The French Riviera is all about lifestyle, elegance and luxury as well as sun, seaside and sand.
There are an astounding number of breathtaking villas in stunning locations to choose from thanks to the historical footstep of the French Riviera. Villas and homes that would be near on impossible to build today either from being able to find the space, to finding the craftsmen, to the cost of such an endeavour in todays world.
The locations are numerable; St Jean Cap Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-mer, Cannes, Mougins, Saint Tropez and Cap d'Antibes. The jutting headland of the Cap d'Antibes has become one of the most exclusive and preserved sites on the Cote d'Azur. Shaded with mature towering pine trees and dotted with old mansion villas with pristine manicured gardens it is the preserve of the rich and famous.
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This Cap d'Antibes villa is situated on its own private beach. The open plan, spacious villa has unspoilt views across the Mediterranean and is a holiday villa rental dream come true.
| French Riviera » Antibes » Cap d'Antibes | 150 sq.m. Villa 0694 | |
| | »Holiday rental villa | | »Bedrooms | : | 4 | | »Sleeps | : | 8 | | »Price per night | : | $3,161.26 | | »Per person (x8) | : | $395.16 | | | | | Modern stylishly decorated seafront villa in exclusive Cap d’Antibes, with private beach, stunning views, large terrace and garden, 4 bedrooms, 2 ensuite, fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioning and Wifi. Suitable for weddings and parties. | |
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Best traditional country villa for rentalWhen you think of a French country house there are a few things that spring to mind instantly; pale stone walls, painted wooden shutters to mellow the harsh sunlight, rolling lavender fields, dark green cypress trees pointing at a deep blue sky, silvery olives trees and scented gardens.
The image is not complete without the long dining table that dominates outdoors and is laden with fresh breads, cheeses and, of course, local wines. This picture postcard version of France is not a fantasy, it is a very definite reality for many French people and can easily be yours if you find the right villa or holiday rental.
Like slipping into a Renoir painting or between the pages of a Marcel Pagnol novel this French country idyll is readily available and largely unspoilt. This country home in Grasse is a former Bastide, or grand farmhouse. Not only is it typically French, it oozes typical French country charm but it is luxurious and modern without spoiling its authenticity.
Canopied beds, grand fireplaces, shady soft interiors and glorious scented gardens set the scene while to pool and the wooden beamed outdoor kitchen set the tone for a truly luxurious French holiday in the perfume capitol of the world, Grasse.
| French Riviera » Grasse | 750 sq.m. Villa 0691 | |
| | »Holiday rental villa | | »Bedrooms | : | 7 | | »Sleeps | : | 17 | | »Price per night | : | $2,939.22 | | »Per person (x17) | : | $172.90 | | | | | Luxurious country manor with authentic charm. Includes 7 bedrooms and sleeps up to 17 guests. Fully equipped kitchen, spacious living area, summer kitchen, pool and bathing terrace, boules court and expansive gardens. Air-conditioning and WiFi available. | |
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Where in the worldWhile we have focused on the South Of France for our top ten holiday rental villas, there are some incredible places to stay all around the globe.
We had a sneak peak to see what else you may rent for short term holidays that will knock your socks off and guarantee a memorable stay.
This architectural delight in Cape Town was designed by one of South Africas leading architechts and will leave you in no doubt of its prestige.
Or you may prefer to stay in a villa that has an interesting pedigree like this Jamaican bolt hole that was once home to Ian Flemming. Many of his 007 books were penned in these rooms and the sandy beaches of Jamaica were no doubt an inspiration to the creative process.
Always wanted a villa with a pool? What about a 360 degree hilltop pool surrounding this Mexican castle, perched between two beaches with a gondola to help you navigate your waterway.
Maybe a villa is not enough and you are in the market for an entire island. Dolphin Island in Fiji has everything you might desire and all entirely private. | |
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