No pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Occupying almost the entire top floor of an old palace, this magnificent open-plan penthouse / loft apartment is completely unique. It is in the heart of the charming and unspoilt old town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, yet it is quiet, extremely spacious, and exudes luxury. Perfect for four people or a couple, but can easily accommodate six + a baby.
The large terrace offers a stunning view of what's renowned to be one of the most beautiful bays in the entire Mediterranean, while inside the apartment offers the ultimate in comfort. An added bonus is that very few people know the loft even exists. It is invisible from below or above; an idyllic hideaway. Yet is is only moments from the beach, all the great local walks & scenery, and of course the luxury yachts.
Loft / Penthouse luxury apartment by the beach
All day sun on the terrace - with stunning bay views
Villefranche Bay & the 'Palais' from Cap Ferrat
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/53190
The Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur / Alpes-Maritimes region
They say that you can swim in the Mediterranean in the morning and ski in the Alps the same afternoon. I've never tried it but it doesn't take long to drive into the mountains, so I'm sure it's possible. Certainly Villefranche Bay is beautiful all year round; people even swim in the Med on New Year's Day.
Villefranche is perfectly situated for the whole of the Riviera. You can take the train to Cannes or Monaco (only about 8 miles away), or over the nearby border into Italy (at Ventimiglia). Nice is a short distance away, and since the tramway has recently been completed it's got a lot to offer; from the old town to the museums and art galleries; from the restaurants to the kids' attractions. The Matisse museum is well worth a visit; he's buried nearby. Up in the hills there are some wonderful old perched hill villages; some of them feel as if they're rooted in a previous century. There's also St Paul de Vence (wonderful ambiance and craft galleries), Grasse (home of perfume), and if you have a car then it's not too far to St Tropez, Avignon, and Provence. In the other direction it's only a 3 hour drive to Milan and the Italian lakes.
Villefranche Sur Mer / Villefranche Old Town area
Villefranche-sur-Mer is divided into two distinctly different areas: The Old Town, and the 'Col de Villefranche' - the hill behind the town. The Old Town is a real jewel, with its medieval citadel and its historic, atmospheric streets lined with shops, restaurants and cafes: all within easy reach of this property. The Col de Villefranche is a busride, a drive or a fairly long walk away from the Old Town.
There's something for everyone around Villefranche. In the Old Town there's a lot of history, and loads of restaurants, cafes and gift shops, as well as food shops, bakers, butchers etc. It can take several days just to explore the immediate vicinity; clambering over the citadel, and the fort at Mont Alban that overlooks it; walking around the coast in both directions, exploring the nearby towns of St Jean Cap Ferrat and Beaulieu etc.
Many famous artists have visited Villefranche and painted here; you will see Jean Cocteau's church on the seafront; he painted the inside for the local fishermen, and it's quite a sight. Elsewhere the local council has erected a number of paintings (or at least, copies) showing various street scenes and views. The town has Italian connections (it used to be part of Italy), Russian connections (the Russians used to fuel their Mediterranean fleet here), American connections (a big contingent of American forces were here for many years, and there are still regular visits by US warships).
Many people who drive through Villefranche fail to realise what a jewel the place is. The main road goes through the top of the town, and you have to know where you're going to reach the historic sea front centre. Once you're there, most people agree it's one of the most spectacular resorts in the Mediterranean.
How to get there
Regular flights from major UK and other European cities to Nice, with BA, Easyjet, Air France etc. Eurostar + TGV is another rapid option From Nice airport there is a regular bus service (express or standard) into Nice, and regular buses or trains from there to Villefranche. Negotiate if taking a taxi; it shouldn't cost more than 40 Euros. The property is a 5 minute walk from Villefranche railway station (although too far away to hear the trains), or a 10 minute walk down the hill from the main bus stop.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Nice Cote d'Azur: 14 km
Railway:
Villefranche sur Mer
Ferry:
Nice: 5.5 km
Activities near Villefranche Sur Mer
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Beach or lakeside relaxation A winter sun break Good nightlife Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Sea view
General:
Air conditioning, TV, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available
Bedrooms (2), Bathrooms (1), En suite (1), Shower rooms (1), WCs (2)
Furniture:
Double beds (3), Cots (1), Dining seating for 6, Lounge seating for 8, Sleeps maximum of 6
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: Large picture windows (with electric shutters) allow the beautiful and invigorating Mediterranean light to flood into the loft-style interior, with its luxury fittings; the Italian designed kitchen, the 'Moroccan' area, the cosy seating and dining areas and the atmospheric bedrooms, all set off by local and Mediterranean art and cooled or heated by an efficient air conditioning system.
For added entertainment there is a large Plasma screen, with satellite TV (bring your own Sky Card for extra channels).
The apartment is best suited for 4 guests. However, since there are two double beds in the large 2nd bedroom, it can accommodate 2 more if desired; possibly children. A screen (provided) can be placed between the 2 beds in this room if desired.
Further details outdoors: The terrace measures about 40 square metres (unusually large for the sea front). A table and 4 chairs (2 more can be brought from inside) with sun shade are perfect for al fresco dining, while a raised sun-deck area can accommodate two comfortable chairs or two sun-loungers, as well as another sun shade - a perfect place to watch what's going on in the bay! There is also a small Mediterranean garden (Bougainvillea, Orange Tree, Jasmine, Birds of Paradise etc). A hammock is also provided.
CAUTION. It is advised that children are kept under supervision when on the terrace.
Further details
Five car parking spaces are shared with other residents of the building, on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is an English (and French & Italian) speaking receptionist in the foyer of the building.
Conditions
Elderly or infirm visitors, as well as visitors with babies or young children, should note that, while there is a lift to the fourth floor, there is one further flight of steps to climb in order to reach the apartment.
Our booking week is Saturday to Saturday, with arrivals being 1600hrs or later and departures being 1000hrs. However, it is worth asking us if you have another period in mind (eg Thursday to Thursday).
When making a booking 50% of the full rental must be paid upon return of the signed booking contract and no reservation should be regarded as confirmed until such deposit has been paid. The balance will be due 60 days before your rental starts. If the rental period starts fewer than 60 days from the booking date, the entire payment will be due upon return of the signed booking contract.
A security deposit will be required prior to your rental and will be refunded, less the cost of any damage or breakage, within 30 days of departure. All monies must be paid by funds transfer or cheque into our nominated bank account.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Prices for group size 6
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Low Season '09
31 Oct 09
19 Dec 09
1320£1,320
0-
0-
1 Week
Xmas / New Year
19 Dec 09
9 Jan 10
1925£1,925
300300
330330
4 Nights
Low Season '10
9 Jan 10
17 Apr 10
1375£1,375
210210
240240
4 Nights
Mid Season '10
17 Apr 10
12 May 10
1575£1,575
240240
270270
4 Nights
Monaco Grand Prix
12 May 10
18 May 10
2600£2,600
420420
475475
3 Nights
High Season '10
18 May 10
3 Jul 10
2075£2,075
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak Season '10
3 Jul 10
11 Sep 10
2500£2,500
0-
0-
1 Week
63
Prices for group size 4
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Low Season '09
31 Oct 09
19 Dec 09
1250£1,250
0-
0-
1 Week
Xmas / New Year
19 Dec 09
9 Jan 10
1825£1,825
280280
310310
4 Nights
Low Season '10
9 Jan 10
17 Apr 10
1300£1,300
190190
220220
4 Nights
Mid Season '10
17 Apr 10
12 May 10
1500£1,500
220220
250250
4 Nights
Monaco Grand Prix
12 May 10
18 May 10
2575£2,575
410410
460460
3 Nights
High Season '10
18 May 10
3 Jul 10
2000£2,000
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak Season '10
3 Jul 10
11 Sep 10
2425£2,425
0-
0-
1 Week
63
Prices for group size 2
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Low Season '09
31 Oct 09
19 Dec 09
1200£1,200
0-
0-
1 Week
Xmas / New Year
19 Dec 09
9 Jan 10
1750£1,750
260260
290290
4 Nights
Low Season '10
9 Jan 10
17 Apr 10
1250£1,250
180180
210210
4 Nights
Mid Season '10
17 Apr 10
12 May 10
1500£1,500
210210
240240
4 Nights
Monaco Grand Prix
12 May 10
18 May 10
2550£2,550
400400
450450
3 Nights
High Season '10
18 May 10
3 Jul 10
1950£1,950
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak Season '10
3 Jul 10
11 Sep 10
2375£2,375
0-
0-
1 Week
63
The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
Discounts may be possible for longer stays. Maximum rental period 3 months.
Preferred Payment by personal or business cheque from the UK, or bank transfer/ International Money Mover from outside the UK. Cash also acceptable.
Guestbook for 502, Palais de la Marine
***I just wanted to let you know that we had an excellent time in Villefranche. The apartment was simply fantastic. The view from the balcony is breath-taking and the twon itself is probably the best place to stay on the Cote D' Azur, in our humble opinion. Given its proximity, we were easily able to travel to surrounding towns and villages, and even ventured into Italy one afternoon. The apartment was fabulous and we would definitely consider renting it again in the future. James Morrison and Lisa Meagher, Quebec, Canada.
*** "We all found The Loft extremely comfortable, spacious and very convenient. The baker, small shop and railway station nearby were marvellous. Considering a train line runs nearby it was still very quiet. The terrace was amazing, you could still be a part of everything that was going on in the bay but remain very private. The views, day and night, are fantastic. We are lucky on Tresco to have an amazing view from our house so to have one even more amazing is brilliant! It is probably the first time I have been away and not longed for the view from my home!!! We will definitely book again so please do keep us updated on your vacancies". Steve and Jo, Scilly Isles.
*** "We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday in your fantastic apartment. The views were fabulous, the weather was perfect, and we've definitely added a few pounds to our waistlines sampling the excellent local fayre! We very much hope that we shall have the opportunity to return in the very near future". Mike and Sarah Dixon, Tadley, Hampshire.
***I want to tell you that was marvellous in Villefranche. We stay very comfortable in your loft, and I will recommend you to all my friends!!! Elena and Dragos Stancut, Bucharest, Romania.
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
12
Arrival/Departure dates
Send Enquiry
To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/53190
Contact details for the advertiser of home 53190
Name:
Kate Snell
Tel:
+44 (0)207 2075248
Fax:
+44 (0)870 8386540
Mobile:
+44 (0)7831 606900
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser
Print this page
Email to friend
Be aware of time-zones
