Eclat de Couleur

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Apartment |2 bedrooms |Sleeps 4

Villefranche Old Town in Villefranche Sur Mer

From £875 per week

7 nights minimum stay

Changeover Saturday

4.5 out of 5

3 reviews | Write a review

Key info  Beach or lakeside relaxation, air conditioning, balcony/terrace, car not necessary, no pets allowed

About the home

Enjoy the charm of a beautiful French Riviera apartment situated on an elevated position in the pretty medieval town of Villefranche-Sur-Mer. This recently renovated apartment offers the rare combination of a superb sea-view terrace with the charm and facilities of living in an old-world town. As soon as you enter the apartment, you are met by a burst of colour --'' Eclat de Couleur ''. The beautiful Bay of Villefranche opens up before you. You will be enchanted watching the changing colours of the Mediterranean against the backdrop of Cap Ferrat, the haphazard pattern of the '' Provencal '' terracotta roofs, the arrivals and departures of the cruise ships and constant activity of small craft in the Bay.
This is one of five exclusive apartments in Villa St Remi on Ave. Gallieni, with an excellent location, close to shops / restaurants / bus stop / car park and Institute de Francaise. The safe sandy beach is a ten minute walk away through pedestrianised medievial streets.
Situated on the first floor the entrance-hall and stairs are bright, wide and gradual. The lounge is spacious (18 sqm) and airy with high ceilings and opens onto the terrace (10 sqm) through fully retracting double glazed doors, giving commanding 270 degree views of the renowned Bay, overlooking the terracotta roofs of the medieval town, towards the sandy beaches and the Mediterranean beyond.
The master bedroom with double bed adjoins an en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom, with two single beds has the use of a separate bathroom with shower.
This quality apartment, which is home to the owners during the winter, is furnished with comfortable furniture and a modern electric kitchen. It is equipped with air conditioning, electric storage heating for winter evenings and has attractive, easy cleaned tiled flooring through out.
Imagine the romance of dining al fresco or sipping an aperitif watching the twinkle of the distant villas on Cap Ferrat. Relax on the glorious beach while the children build sand castles, or explore the rocks in the expectation of catching that elusive fish. And what about the hill walking in the foothills of the Alps or along the ever-changing coastal walks? It is an ideal base for a family holiday or a group of four adults.

Facilities

Further details indoors:
Accommodation consists of a large lounge, which opens onto a south-east facing terrace (10 sq m) through full-length retractable glazed doors. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms, one en suite. The kitchen is open plan, and adjoins the living area.
LOUNGE
The lounge is furnished with a sofa for two, four wicker armchairs, a lounging chair and a table seating five. There is a TV incorporating DVD, CD and radio. The TV receives Sky channels and French terrestrial channels. There is a small selection of CD’s, DVD’s and paperbacks and a pair of binoculars
BEDROOMS
The master bedroom has a queen size double bed, 60 in (150 cm) wide X 75 in (190 cm) long, with a firm comfortable mattress, two bedside tables and reading lamps. The en suite bathroom has a well-lit vanity unit, a bath with glass enclosed shower, a toilet and bidet.
The second bedroom has two single beds, 35 in (90 cm) wide X 75 in (190 cm) long, a bedside table and reading lamps. The adjoining bathroom has a bright vanity unit, a spacious shower and toilet. Both bedrooms have large fitted wardrobes and full-length mirrors.
Bed linen and a full set of towels including a large beach towel is supplied for each guest.
KITCHEN
The all-electric kitchen is fitted with a four ring ceramic hob, extracter, a self-cleaning oven with grill and a microwave. There is a dishwasher, a washing machine and a fridge-freezer.
There are a full range of new pots, pans and utensils for cooking for a family with cutlery and tableware for ten. There is an electric coffee maker, a toaster.
TERRACE
The south-east facing terrace catches the sun until late afternoon. It is ideal for sun bathing being private and not over looked. It is furnished with two sun chairs, garden chairs, a drinks table, and a gas BBQ (gas supplied). The terrace is fitted with an electrical retracting sunshade.

** Air conditioning in lounge and both bedrooms
** Electric heating in lounge
** Hair dryer supplied.
** Small security safe.
** Cot and high chair supplied on request..
** UK three pin plug adaptors supplied
** Wi-Fi available free.

Further details outdoors:
PARKING
There is limited street parking outside the apartment and pay parking in a municipal car park 100m away., where there is a nominal charge between 8.00am and 6.00pm. Other times are free.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
** The south facing sandy beach, which is very safe, is 500m from the apartment, a walk of ten minutes through the pedestrianised streets of the old town and not crossing any busy thoroughfares. Coast guards are on duty during the summer season.
** There is a municipal tennis court 300m from the apartment, which can be used by guests.
** There is a kiddies play area 500m from the apartment.
** The apartments location is excellent being a five minute walk to shops, the bus stop and restaurants and ten minutes to the sandy beach.

Further details

* The rental rate includes supply of gas for the BBQ.
* Changeover is Saturday to Saturday. As change over is tight in the high season, access to the apartment will be 3pm or later on arrival, and departure will be before 10am.
* The Guest Manual contains, house rules, bus and train time tables, local area maps, a list of local resources, attractions, and restaurants.
* The airport is served by a taxi direct from Villefranche or the ‘98’ ‘airport direct’ bus which runs every 20 minutes links with the regular bus ‘100’ Menton / Villefranche at the central bus station. ( As the central bus station is closed for reconstruction the connection between the airport bus, 98 and the Menton / Villefranche bus, 100 has become complicated, so we strongly suggest that you book a taxi from the airport).

Conditions

Booking deposit of 25% payable on making the booking, the full amount payable one month before arrival. On receipt of the deposit the renter will get a signed rental agreement.
We require a security deposit of EUR500, which will be refunded on return of the keys subject to no damage to the property, the fixtures or fittings. If convenient, the deposit can be held in any of the major currencies.

Photos

 

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Dining area and Terrace against the backdrop of the Bay

 

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Lounge area with recessed kitchen in background

 

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Master Bedroom with Mahogany Bed, firm mattress and two pillows per guest.

 

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Guest Bedroom, twin beds, wardrobe and full length mirror on left and traditional 'provençal sh

The Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur / Alpes-Maritimes region

Villefranche lies in the heart of the French Riviera about 8 Km. east of Nice. Imagine an old medieval village with tiny narrow alleyways and steps winding steeply down to the quayside. Here the pace of life has slowed down accordingly – people have time to sit in cafes and restaurants, enjoying the superb French cuisine and the wonderful “old fishing village” atmosphere. Others stroll along the promenade maybe heading for the crescent shaped beach further along the bay. This is Villefranche, nestling at the foot of the hills where the Alps finally meet up with the Mediterranean.

The attractive old town of Villefranche hasn’t changed much over the centuries but in spite of this it is a real place where people live and work with all modern amenities, while managing to preserve a definite village atmosphere. The Boulangerie or Greengrocer is a great meeting place every morning where locals joke and discuss their problems. Fresh fish caught by the local fishermen can be bought on the quayside and the clink of the boules on a lazy summer afternoon gives a distinctive French flavour to the village atmosphere.

Families love the sandy beach because it’s so safe for children and both young and old can be seen trying their luck fishing off the rocks. For the more activity minded there is scuba diving and a diving school, or you can just hire a boat and snorkel along the Cap Ferrat promentary. There is public tennis courts close to the apartment and golf at La Turbie, which is inland from Monaco and a twenty-minute drive away. Not forgetting walking some of the wonderful way marked trails in the hills that form the backdrop to Villefranche or along the many coastal routes.

The 'Alps Maritimes' create a wall of mountains which shelters the coastline from the cold north winds in winter and allows the Cote d'Azur east of Nice enjoy a wonderful climate – mild sunny winters and the breeze from the sea in summer ensures that it doesn’t get unbearably hot. Consequently, this area is a gardener's paradise with it’s a unique microclimate where you will find many exotic plants and shrubs. No wonder that the Victorian aristocrats and artists loved it. They flocked to this area for its gentle climate and stunning scenery that the area has to offer.

The Villefranche Sur Mer / Villefranche Old Town area

Historically Villefranche developed as an important duty-free port in the 14th century and latter on in 18th century it became a strategic military base for the house of Savoy. The Duke of Savoy’s Citadel is still very much intact, housing not only the Hotel de Ville but also museums of Volti sculptures and paintings by Jean Cocteau both of whom stayed in Villefranche. In summer it is the venue for an open-air cinema. Cocteau also re-decorated the Chapelle St Pierre with frescoes as a gift to the fishing community who used to store their nets there.
Within walking distance of Villefranche, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and the Villa Kerylos can be visited – the former being famous for its villa and furnishings, splendid gardens, musical fountains and views. It's a great place for afternoon tea. The latter being a reproduction of a 5th century BC Grecian villa – a must for those interested in Classical Greece.
Many of the magnificent villas from the Victorian era survive and some now house important museums and art galleries. For example, Matisse who lived in Nice, left the city a priceless collection of his works and these are displayed in the Matisse museum – an exquisite late 17th century Genoese villa. There is the Renoir museum in Cagnes-sur-mer just west of Nice.

How to get there

Eclat de Couleur What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

Reset Map

Villefranche is ten minutes East of Nice on the R98 to Monte Carlo and Menton. To get to it from Nice Airport, you travel East through Nice along the Promenade des Anglais to Nice Port and take the R98 direction Menton. The apartment is on Avenue Gallieni just off the R98. It takes about twenty minutes depending on traffic.
Nice-Cote d’Azur is an international airport with direct flights to the US, the UK and the major European cities. British Airways, Easy Jet , BMI baby, RyanAir and AerLingus offer good deals to Nice.

Activities near Villefranche Sur Mer

Reviews

Review: 1 to 3 of 3

13 Jan 2012

“A most wonderful apartment in beautiful Villefranche Sur Mer!” We had the absolute most fabulous time on the gorgeous French Riviera and in Villefranche Sur Mer! This location is center to the Riviera and we found it to be the most charming little town with easy access by train or bus to the other seaports. Villefranche has many stone steps and inclines that lead down from this apartment to the waterside. I was concerned because I have a disc issue in my back and a muscle condition in my left leg. But the walk down was never a problem since the stairs are wide and the inclines slope gently in several areas. The stairs up to the apartment are also easy to navigate even with larger luggage. When you enter the apartment you will be so excited to see how lovely it is with a beautiful view of the bay from the main room and its adjoining terrace! There is a dining table where meals and snacks can be enjoyed while you take in the gorgeous sights of birds, boats, the moonlight glistening on the water at night and the glorious morning sun! This apartment is very clean, comfortable and very tastefully furnished. The bed and linens were super comfy and the bathrooms very roomy, with a tub and shower in the master. Lots of closet space and a nice TV with good reception on English stations are a real plus.The kitchen is well equipped and there are towels and beach items provided. The bakeries, shops, and restaurants are very easy to get to and the beach as well, though a little bit longer a walk. Eamon and Eileen provide a large selection of guides, maps, and recommendations for your stay. They also have a wonderful apartment manager and driver to assist your arrival and departure. We also were able to visit their other apartment next door and though smaller, it is lovely as well. We appreciated all of Eamon's help when booking the apartment. These owners really maintain their rental units well and obviously care about their clients comfort! Our favorite excursion was to beautiful Monaco! Take the city bus tour once there and spend some time up by the Palais Princier. We also loved going by bus to neighboring St. Jean Cap Ferrat. Do not miss the tour of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its gardens! Absolutely a paradise! We did not have a bad meal at any of the restaurants on our stay! All of the merchants in Villefranche were extremely friendly and helpful. And "Maria's" baguettes are the best with fresh butter and jam! (down the first hill from the apartment) We had a very fun, relaxing and exciting stay here even in the cooler October air. We can't wait to return!!!

05 Jul 2011

“Simply Wonderful Setting in Beautiful Villefranche-sur-Mer” Our family of three enjoyed five wonderful nights in VSM at Eclat de Couleur. The harborview was a real treat in the morning, noon, and evening. The town was wonderful to explore, the waterfront and the Hotel Du Ville was amazing. The apartment was very comfortable and well-equipped. We enjoyed sipping wine on the veranda each evening. We enjoyed the walk down through the Viellle Ville to the beach and back everyday--a good way to burn off the creme brullee and profiteroles calories. Enjoy the cafe scene on the beach at La Voile Bleu (large, delicious, salades nicoise) Don't miss the delicious food at Cafe Cosmo on the waterfront just in front of Eglise St. Pierre. A visit to the Villa Rothschild is a wonderful morning or afternoon triop--we walked there and took the bus back. Manager Sue and driver Jean Frederique were very friendly and helpful. No need for a car, as you can get what you need in a short walk or even quick bus trip (only 1 Euro). A truly magical place where we hope soon to return! Response: We are delighted that this US family enjoyed their stay in 'Eclat de Couleur' particularly the views from the terrace which is an ideal place to relax over a glass of wine and that they found Sue to be welcoming and helpful. Eamon and Eileen

21 May 2011

“Great Place to Stay in Villefranche” Review Submitted: May 12, 2008 Date of Stay: April 2008 Great area, well equipped, clean, modern apartment and an excellent location, within walking distance to restaurants, shops, beach and bus/trains. Great base for day trips (Nice, Menton, Monte Carlo, Ventimiglia, Eze etc..) The property manager was great, helping us get set up, tips on restaurants, how to get groceries delivered and arranging taxis. We (two couples) had a fantastic week and if we are lucky enough to return we will definitely stay in this apartment.

Review: 1 to 3 of 3

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Guestbook for Eclat de Couleur

26th March / 9th April '11
P & J Ontario Canada

We have just returned home after a wonderful two weeks in your Villefranche apartment.

We found the apartment to be very comfortable, well equipped, and in a perfect location - certainly an incredible view from the balcony.

As advertised, the area is well served by public transport, and we visited most of the attractions in the Cote d'Azur region. The weather for the entire period was perfect, with bright sunny days, and cooler evenings and no crowds.

Please convey our thanks to Susan and Vivi who (indirectly) and directly assisted us with airport taxi's, checking in and out, etc.



Wonderful Stay

Kim. USA. June 2010
My daughter and I rented the apartment for a week in early June 2010. In contrast to our other rentals during an extended stay in France, this location was spotlessly clean, well-furnished and equipped, and our "hostess", Susan, was welcoming and a wonderful resource regarding the area. The apartment was charming, sunny, and comfortable, and the floor plan was great. A short walking distance to the bus stop, train station, or the shops/shore.
As for Villefranche, it's a fantastic central location to all the best that Southern France has to offer. Next trip, we'll skip Paris and Lyon and just stay in the south...plenty of great museums and restaurants and shops, but you get relaxation, beautiful weather and a gorgeous ocean on top of that."

Owner’s reply

We are delighted that Kim found our apartment to be ‘’spotlessly clean, well-furnished and equipped’’ as we try to adhere to the highest standards under these headings and we are very fortunate to have the services of Susan as our local manager.
Eileen & Eamon


"PERFECT"
Mary
Atlanta, USA. May 2010
"Wonderful apartment, well equipped kitchen, amazing view from the terrace. My husband and two young adult sons spent a week in this unforgettable location. Sue met us at the apartment, helped us get settled and gave us a wealth of information about Villefranche. After spending a week in Paris this was the perfect, relaxing location. An easy bus ride to Nice or Monaco. We had a rental car for day trips but everything in Villefranche was within easy walking distance from this very comfortable apartment. Eamon, the owner, was prompt in response to my e-mails and everything was clean and in working order at the apartment. They thought of everything to make it a very comfortable place to stay.
THANK YOU."

C. London
June 2010
Great apartment. Not cheap but worth it, given the quality of the apartment, central location and view from the terrace. I've stayed in Villefranche before, and certainly appreciated the central location of the apartment rather than trecking further up the hill! Added bonuses of good air conditioning and bbq on the terrace.


Early spring on the Côte d'Azur
Ottawa, Canada
Date of Stay: February 2009
My family and I spent four weeks in March in this comfortable and well kept apartment. Although the apartment was flooded with sunshine, we were happy to have heat at night. Location was excellent for travel by bus and train along the coast. Grocery shopping in the small stores in the town below was a pleasure. Car not necessary. View fantastic!


Superb Holiday
Helen & Tim. Linda & Doug USA and NZ
Date of Stay: May 2009
We were delighted with our choice of this apartment in Villefranche. The town itself is lovely and the apartment is right on the edge of the old town. The instructions to get there are very clear and access to the train and bus service is also close by. The main supermarket (closed on Sundays) is a couple of stops on the bus although there are small ones in Villefranche, plus yummy bread and pastry shops.
The apartment is beautiful and the view over the harbour is wonderful. We used the BBQ a lot and had many pleasant meals on the balcony. The apartment is furnished to a high standard and the kitchen is well equipped.
The main road to Menton runs near the bedrooms. The windows are double glazed but take ear plugs if you think this might be a problem for you. One member of our party of 4 could hear the traffic but the rest of us slept soundly. It is an excellent base to explore the Riviera as it is not as crowded as staying in Nice or Monaco. We are happy to recommend this apartment.


Dublin
Date of Stay: August 2008
We really enjoyed our stay in this fantastic apartment. It was clean, spacious and the views from the balcony were breathtaking. The apartment is within walking distance of the beach and the town centre with its many restaurants. You don't really need a car as the bus to Nice stops very near the apartment. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this apartment to anyone.

Ulm, Germany
Date of Stay: October 2008
We stayed in this wonderful and well-equipped apartment for 1 week late October 2008. It’s a great moment when you enter this flat and are surprised and breath taken by a gorgeous view from the balcony - right across the wonderful bay of Villefranche. Location is excellent, close to the old quarters, good shopping facilities, restaurants, bus stop and train station. We had a car (and found a parking space near by every night) but you don’t really need one. Nice is very close but it’s delightful to come back to Villefranche. A lot of great facilities and sights are at hand and at easy access from the flat.
So, can highly be recommended!

"A really relaxing holiday..."
"Rather than stay in Nice we stayed here and really had a great holiday. The location is good and although there are many steps in the town, the exercise did us good!
I would advise not to link in car hire with the apt., as parking is limited. We were really happy that on this occasion we used public transport instead.
The apartment itself had everything we needed and was very clean.
The views were fantastic but the balcony was not as large as we thought it would be.
Enjoy! "South of France Lovers’‘. London. June ‘08

A great time in Villefranche.We spent 5 days in this lovely apartment in Villefranche and wished we could have spent more time here. The apartment is very well situated, also well equipped, and very clean. The views from the Terrace are breathtaking, the apartment has AC, which was nice for those warm July nights. The town of Villefranche is quaint, charming, great restaurants, nice beaches, very relaxing, we especially liked "La Grignoterie" as a favourite eating locale. " Les Canadiens, Calgary. Jul 5, 2008

A very positive experience from the beginning. We were met by a lovely lady at the apartment with the keys who spent time showing us around the apartment and gave us lots of ideas about what to see and places to eat. The view from the terrace is incredible. The town is quiet and only 15 minutes bus ride (1€) to Monaco or Nice. Perfect location. Ditto, Washington State, April '08.

The Apt was as described, living area light and airy, kitchen well stocked with all the equipment. The location is within walking distance of grocers, fruit/veg, bakers and restaurants. It is an ideal location for exploring the locality and Cote d'Azur highlights such as Monaco, Cannes, Nice and northern Italy. Would recommend this apt. without hesitation and hope to visit again. R&N, Derbyshire April '08

We found the apartment as described on the website, very clean, great view, quiet area and would love to go back. It is close to the beach, shops, and restaurants. Customer service was excellent. Recommended for families with teenagers or young children and sightseeing. Shirazi, London. August '07.

The magnificent view from the terrace really made the apartment a special place for a holiday. It is a great place for leisurely meals - none of the restaurants had a better view. The location was ideal for touring around and the local bus service was excellent. A & S Martin, Scotland. Aug '06

We have had a lovely time. The apartment is great and the air-conditioning most useful. The views from the terrace exceeded our expectations. The apartment manager was extremely helpful and had lots of tips and recommendations. R & A Moore UK. July '06

Rental prices

Prices for group size 4
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Early Spring '12	3 Mar 12	31 Mar 12	1450€ 1450	0-	0-	1 Week
Spring '12	31 Mar 12	19 May 12	1650€ 1650	0-	0-	1 Week
Early Summer '12	19 May 12	30 Jun 12	1950€ 1950	0-	0-	1 Week
High Season '12	30 Jun 12	25 Aug 12	2250€ 2250	0-	0-	1 Week
Late Summer '12	25 Aug 12	29 Sep 12	1950€ 1950	0-	0-	1 Week
Autumn '12	29 Sep 12	3 Nov 12	1650€ 1650	0-	0-	1 Week
Low Season '12	3 Nov 12	22 Dec 12	1050€ 1050	0-	0-	1 Week

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

* Rate includes supply of linen, towels, including beach towels, utilities, internet, taxes and cleaning / laundry on guests departure.

* We require a 25% deposit with booking, the balance to be paid 30 days before arrival. We also require a security deposit of 500 Euro, to be paid on collection of the keys.

* We provide a rental agreement, which includes refund policy, when the deposit is paid.

* Our local manager will meet guests on their arrival, give them the keys, show them around the apartment and explain how the appliances work. She will also collect the security deposit which will be returned when she checks out guests on their departure.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Contact the owner

* Required fields Please check the following errors: First name * Last name * Email *   Did you mean ""? Yes / No Phone number Arrival date Departure date   Ignore calendar - enquire anway No. of adults No. of children Message * Email me special offers and holiday ideas T&Cs

4 years listed You are contacting Eamon Mc Cullough Landline n/a Mobile +353 087 2519796 Languages spoken The owner is based in Ireland and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2007. This apartment has received 3 reviews from previous guests.

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