LA FONTAINE
Villefranche-sur-Mer, on the Côte d'Azur
Sleeps 2+1 in 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, with partial air conditioning, balcony, sea view – on the waterfront; in a village (no car needed)
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The location of this apartment is truly a gem! Located right on the waterfront in an historic 13th-18th century building, the apartment has a private balcony with spectacular views of the bay, the beach, and the Corniche cliffs and Cap Ferrat in the distance. In the morning, you are greeted by sparkling light and the sights and sounds of the village awakening. In the evening, lights dance on the water and the gentle sounds of the surf create a romantic ambience.

The street entrance to the building is on an intimate village square with a lion fountain and bench at the end of one of the pedestrian streets of the old town. The front of the apartment — the balcony, living and dining area, kitchen and bathroom — overlooks the waterfront, with a panoramic view of the bay and beach and Cap Ferrat in the distance. The back of the apartment — the bedroom — looks out onto the little square and is therefore nice and quiet.

The building, once an olive mill, has a long and fascinating history that dates back 700 years. One of the gates of this formerly fortified town was once at the corner of this very building. The gate is gone now, and in its place is a little walking lane to the beach. Additional levels were added to the building over time, all constructed with thick stone walls. The majority of the building is over 300 years old. Close to conveniences — restaurants, shops, boulangeries, grocery stores, the train station, bus stop, and beach — it is nestled in a very quiet and private spot in the village.

Quintessentially French and charming, the square is a favorite place in town, where neighbors gather for their morning chats and to enjoy the fresh spring water from the lion fountain. Folks open shuttered windows to exchange greetings. It's just a short walk along a pleasant lane to the beach and nearby shops and restaurants.

The apartment is decorated with artwork of one of Villefranche’s finest painters and include wonderful village scenes. The floor is made of tiles that form a ruglike pattern known as “Spanish Tapis.” The open plan living/dining room and kitchen are expanded by two sets of French doors, one on each end of the room, opening onto the balcony.

The living room seats six comfortably, with a sofa bed to sleep an extra guest and a comfortable reading chair and ottoman. The lighting is on dimmer switches so you can create the perfect mood. Set up your laptop in the small built-in office with DSL and phone line, but wireless internet access allows you to work wherever you like. The dining table seats four and has two cushioned armchairs; additional chairs and cushions from the balcony can be added. The kitchen is small but well equipped with a gas stove, oven and dishwasher. The apartment is furnished with satellite TV, DVD player and stereo.

The bedroom is air-conditioned and has a high quality queen-sized bed with beautiful linens, bedside tables with halogen reading lights and a large closet. The lovely French window has an ornate grill and beautiful wooden shutters that open onto the charming square with the lion fountain. The bathroom has a nice tub with shower, large mirrored vanity with plenty of storage, large marble countertop and a toilet-with-a view overlooking the sea, beach, and pedestrian scene along the quai. The washer/dryer is also located in the bathroom.

On the balcony, a dining table and comfortable chairs with cushions invite you to linger over your morning coffee or a glass of wine at sunset. There's no need for a car. You can walk to the beach or to dozens of cafés where you can linger over lunch. Rent a car for a day or two, if you like; or better yet, take the train, with a birds' eye view of the coast as you travel to St-Tropez and Monaco or across the border into Italy. Stop wherever you like for a coffee or an ice cream and explore one lovely town after another. But be sure to allow time to get to know the rhythms of village life in your French hometown.

2009 Prices

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