At Micazu, you'll find the finest holiday spots in the South of France.
The discussion remains ongoing: do we start planning a holiday by looking for a nice destination or top-notch accommodation? But actually, you can't go wrong. If you have plans for the South of France, we would like to first refer you to MicazuThen your frustrating search for your dream home begins.
Our friends from Micazu have made it a sport (and their job) to create the most beautiful vacation homes to offer properties at home and abroad where you can enjoy a moment of private relaxation. And because you book directly with the owner, it is often much more affordable. This also applies to beautiful houses in the South of France. That way, you know for sure you're making the right choice. Pack your bags, load up the car, and head south at full speed.
Mica-what? Yes, Micazu. The largest Dutch platform for private vacation rentals. Ha! Through Micazu.nl, you can choose from over 12.000 (!) vacation homes in over 50 (!) countries. You also book directly with the owner, so you both know exactly what to expect, and the costs are often much cheaper.
Good to know: Landlords create their own listings on Micazu. They upload their best photos and videos, write the text, set the rental prices and changeover dates, and provide a personal description of their property and the surrounding area. They also explain who they are and why they purchased the property. Micazu is an online platform where landlords/managers of vacation rentals can rent out their properties to others. It's an online platform where the landlord/manager advertises their property themselves, not a tour operator.
A private pool, a good glass of wine, and finally reading that book that has been gathering dust on the shelf for months. It doesn't get any better than that, does it? And we can't think of a better place to do this than in the green heart of Provence at Villa Jolie. Just a half-hour drive from the beaches of Cannes, Fréjus, and Saint-Raphaël. The charming villa has enough space for 8 to 10 people. Perfect for a large family or (part of) the extended family, but also for that friends' trip that has been planned for years. Fire up the barbecue and chat for hours while the sun sets. Need to kill some time between chilling by the pool, exploring Cannes, and barbecuing? Then there is also a table tennis table and a pétanque court on the grounds, or a luxury golf and spa resort around the corner.
You really can't go wrong with the Côte d'Azur. The only thing you sometimes miss in Nice or Saint-Tropez is a bit of peace and quiet. Don't get us wrong, that isn't what you're looking for in those cities. However, that is exactly what you often look for in a lovely holiday spot. This is where Villa La Garde-Freinet comes in. Located just 5 minutes from the village of La Garde-Freinet and 20 minutes from the iconic beaches of the French Riviera and Saint-Tropez, this renovated Provençal farmhouse sits on a one-hectare estate. And with room for 14 people, you can easily sleep here with two or three families plus grandpa and grandma (cozy!). Despite all that space and tranquility, boredom is truly a choice. A private pool, tennis court, pétanque court—everything has been thought of.
Waking up on the beach, that is what you dream about when you think of a vacation. From the MerSea From the apartment, you only need to take 10 steps to lay down your towel or chair on the beach and then take a refreshing morning dip. The apartment is not only close to the sea, but also just a five-minute drive from the center of Sainte-Maxime and around the corner from Saint-Tropez (various boats head that way from the harbor). So, stroll along the Côte d'Azur. No pool, but you won't miss it at the beach. Should you miss a pool, you can pay a visit to the beach bar St Barts. One of the many lovely beach bars near the apartment. And speaking of beach bars… According to the people at MerSea, Beach Club La Voile, right in front of the apartment, is also a lovely place to spend time. Let the holiday begin with your feet in the sand and plenty of tasty treats in front of you.
La Parenthèse en Français means a break from ordinary life. And for that, we are only too happy to drive to the South of France. Where do we stay? At La Parenthèse, in the picturesque village of Saint Maximin. A lovely old French house, but enormously stylishly renovated. The house has no fewer than four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom (no black Naturally, but very pleasant). Despite being right in the middle of the village, you have a large garden, a shady terrace, a heated swimming pool, and a breathtaking view from the Tropezian terrace. Had enough of the slow village life for a while? Then you can be in Uzès within eight minutes, or in Avignon, Nîmes, Montpellier, and the Mediterranean Sea within an hour. Or you can find your sporty side with some golf, cycling, hiking, or pétanque. You can eat at rRestaurant l'Oliveraie, with simple yet refined seasonal cuisine. The menu changes daily to guarantee the freshness of the products and to align with the seasons. Yum!
Chez Franck is located on the Côte d'Azur (yes, again, but who can blame us) and has everything you need for a wonderful French holiday. It sits on a rocky cliff on which the village itself, Tourrettes-sur-Loup, is also built. The house has no fewer than five floors – it gives us Amsterdam vibes. It certainly saves you some holiday weight with all that stair climbing. Spread across the five floors, you will find everything you need for your dream vacation: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a terrace, and even a wine cellar. It doesn't get more French than this.
For those seeking more sporting activities, the area is also a great choice, as you can go hiking, swimming, golfing, and play pétanque nearby. And within a 20-minute drive, you are at the Mediterranean Sea. Of course, you need to eat well during and after all that exercise. Although the exercise there is not necessarily a black for is actually. At rAt restaurant La Guinguette in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the most artistic village on the Côte d'Azur, you lunch and dine among the lavender. And at restaurant La Colombe d'Or, also in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, you dine surrounded by art by Picasso and Matisse, among others.
Villa Rêve, as the name suggests, is the villa of your dreams. Just a stone's throw from the beach in Sainte-Maxime, situated in a small villa park, lies Villa Rêve with room for eight people. And it is not just the beach that is around the corner… Within a five-minute walk, you can pick up fresh croissants and baguettes from the bakery in the morning (yum), settle down in a cozy restaurant for dinner in the evening, or find yourself in the port of Les Issambres, from where the Bateaux Verts will take you to St Tropez in 20 minutes. Once in Sainte-Maxime, you actually won't even need a car anymore. In the gigantic enclosed garden, you will find a large (covered and lounge) terrace, a heated private swimming pool, and a pétanque court. Endless enjoyment of the good life on the Côte d'Azur.
Hello friends weekend (or week, even better) at Villa Balou. The holiday home you will all still look back on with enthusiasm in 20 years. And that starts with the location: from the terrace (and the pool, Yes!) you look out over the sea, islands, beautiful landscape and you can every sunset from the front row see. Oh, and a private pool, of course—also not an unimportant detail. With five bedrooms and three bathrooms, there is plenty of room for a large group. And there is even a private gym. So you can simply leave the stress about gaining those holiday pounds at home. Are you bored anyway? Then you can let off steam at the table tennis table or the pétanque court. Or you can spend a day in Saint-Tropez or on the beaches of Pampelonne and Gigaro (which is also just around the corner). Fire up the barbecue in the evening and your day is complete.
Fruitier, isn't that a fruit house? Absolutely right. Fruitier Villa au bord de la Mer was indeed a fruit house until the 90s, but was subsequently transformed by a renowned architect from the Côte d'Azur into a beautiful villa for four. Nowadays, thanks in part to the enormous garden, the private pool, and the stylish interior, it feels more like a small Mediterranean palace. And 'au bord de la mer'? That naturally means 'by the sea'. From the villa, you can walk straight to the beach, while enjoying complete peace and privacy at home. For lunch or dinner by the sea, you should head to restaurant La Daurade. It's a short drive, but it is worth the effort. The restaurant specializes in fish, and combined with that location, the whole picture is naturally complete. Not a fan of fish? The meat is also delicious, and even vegetarians are well catered for. And the seaside location offers even more fun than just the beach and good restaurants. Point de Sardinaux is a nature reserve where a snorkeling route has been mapped out in the sea. Incredibly fun to do for young and old.
Did you know that in the South of France (particularly the Côte d'Azur and parts of Provence) you have, on average, many more hours of sunshine and less rain than in the rest of the country? This is due to the Mediterranean climate. At Mas des Collines, you sleep in a delightful Provençal farmhouse amidst vineyards in the heart of Provence. And you can make the most of that beautiful weather here with a gigantic (13,5 x 6,5 meter) private swimming pool, a summer lounge, and a shaded dining area with a barbecue and plancha. The farmhouse itself features eight bedrooms (with room for up to 14 people), five bathrooms, a large modern kitchen, and a beautiful living room with a cozy fireplace. Furthermore, there is plenty to do in the surrounding area. Avignon is a 40-minute drive away, and Vaison-la-Romaine is 30 minutes away. The Sénanque Abbey, Gordes, and the Luberon are also about a 30-minute drive away. Marseille, the Camargue, and the sea are just over an hour's drive away. It might all sound a bit far, but thanks to the beautiful French landscapes, it is really no punishment. And that way, you stay in absolute peace and quiet.
Anne emigrated with her family to the South of France in 2020 to make their dream come true: to establish a small-scale holiday concept where families with young children and sports enthusiasts can enjoy themselves. Fast forward They have now built 4 luxurious apartments ('gîtes') in their beautiful 18th-century 'Mas'. The property is situated in a valley of the river Cèze and is surrounded by lavender fields, vineyards, and fruit orchards. Gîte Les Cypres (accommodates four people) is located on the first floor and offers views of the mountains, the vineyards, and the garden. With two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room, you have everything you need within easy reach in your apartment. On the grounds, you will also find two swimming pools, plenty of space to relax, a well-equipped play area, and a pétanque court. In the property's former stables, there is a communal area containing a large cupboard with games and toys, bookcases for young and old, a washing machine, a dryer, and a 'honestyBar with local wines, homemade products, and vegetables from the kitchen garden. Mas Saint-Michel d'Euzet is truly a place for young and old.
You might have already noticed while reading this list, but Sainte-Maxime is bursting with beautiful holiday homes. That is not surprising, because it is so delightful there. Domaine L'Oiseau Bleu gite is also located in Saint-Maxime, just 800 meters from La Nartelle, one of the most beautiful beaches in the South of France. What makes this holiday home so special? Well, apart from the private pool, the 1500-square-meter garden, and the play area in the garden for the kids, you also have a private chef at your disposal if you wish. Hostess Barbara's husband is star chef Caspar, known from television. He can prepare the most extraordinary meals for a romantic evening in the garden. And a good breakfast or an extensive lunch is not too much to ask either. Would you rather eat out? Then Barbara and Caspar recommend La Voile or Boho on. A lovely laid back tent with many seasonal vegetables.
The village of Cotignac, in the heart of Provence, is not called one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France for nothing. The village is world-famous for its unique location at the foot of an enormous, 80-meter-high cliff face, featuring impressive troglodyte dwellings (cave homes) that you can visit. Just a five-minute drive from Cotignac, you will find Casa Loup a Loup, a traditional Southern French villa for 6 people. The villa is fully equipped: from a lovely private pool to a fully fitted kitchen and air conditioning (certainly nice in the middle of that French summer). There is a main house as well as an apartment upstairs. This way, grandpa and grandma or the slightly older kids also have plenty of space to themselves. The beach may be more than an hour's drive away, but that is not the first place you will come across where you can swim in natural water. At a natural pool At La Muie, you can cool off wonderfully among the locals (and it is beautiful there, believe us). Then all that remains is a good restaurant to end the day on a high note. Casa Loup a Loup knows exactly how to do that. Le Bistro, located in the heart of Cotignac, hasn't been open for very long, but you hardly notice that once you step inside. It feels like a classic French bistro, where even the tablecloths transport you back in time. The changing menu features true classics such as steak tartare, entrecôte, and other traditional French dishes. Prefer to barbecue in your own garden in the evening? Then you can also have lunch there.
If you take a moment to look at the view from the pool over the bay of Saint Tropez, then we really only want to say: “Do we need to say more?”. We’re doing it anyway, we just can’t resist. You sit in the sun all day on the terrace and by the pool. And the sunset from here is fairytale-like. Since the renovation in 2021, the villa has a delightful Ibiza-style interior – everything is nice and light and open. Moreover, a good dose of modern features was added to the villa at that time, such as the Curved smart LED TV and SONOS combined with a Bose speaker system. That way, you can enjoy French chansons all day long (or until you get completely tired of them). In the evening, you can choose not only from various delicious restaurants nearby, but also from the indoor or outdoor kitchen. If we were to recommend a good restaurant, it would be L'Ilot Bar in Les Issambres is an atmospheric floating lounge and bar. Tthe place to be for cocktails and tapas at sunset. And for lunch? You can't go wrong at Le Cap Mail by the sea.
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