VILLA LA ROMARINE

 This self-contained apartment is situated on the ground floor of Villa La Romarine, a Provencal villa, full of charm and character.  It is set high in the hills above the quiet village of Taradeau in the Var region of Provence, famous for its Rosé  wine.

There are stunning views, both day and night, across the valley and vineyards of the immediate area. 

The apartment boasts a modern fully fitted kitchen with electric oven, hob with extractor fan, microwave, dishwasher and American fridge/freezer. Adjoining the kitchen is the lounge area which has two comfortable sofas. There is satellite TV (for those wishing to keep abreast of the world news). It also has a DVD player, CD system and radio.

There is a large double bedroom which has been tastefully decorated and has plenty of storage space in a handcrafted wardrobe unit for all your holiday clothes. The bedroom has reversible air-conditioning.

The shower-room, which is accessed via the inner lobby between the bedroom and lounge, has white wall tiles and incorporates a double shower cubicle, toilet and hand-basin in white porcelain. It has a heated towel-rail and modern white wall unit for storing toilet accessories.  

 Guests have access to the pool which is adjacent to the left side of the villa.

There are loungers by the pool for you to bathe in the sun and soak up the Provence ambiance, encapsulated by the magnificent views towards the Tour de Taradel (a 12th century look-out tower) and the St. Martin Roman chapel. and Les Massif des Maures mountains.

At the far end of the pool there is a secluded area where you can relax in the shade after taking a nice cooling swim. From this area there is a doorway that leads to a peaceful rear sun-terrace where there are sun-loungers and a BBQ and dining area where guests can eat at leisure and enjoy a glass (or two) of the fine local  Rosé wine.

 Along with the vestiges of the Roman Fort Oppidum, these are the remains of the Taradel village built on a rock outcrop in the 12th century but destroyed by invasion in the middle ages. 

Further in the distance, in the delightful town of nearby Vidauban, is the lovely 18th century chapel of Sainte Brigitte, built on an extinct volcano, which is stunningly lit up at night.

Situated just 55 minutes from Nice airport, the location is convenient for the French Riviera, the vineyards of Var and Les Massifs des Maures mountains.

Taradeau was originally a prosperous Gallo-Roman town on the main Roman road. It is now a wine making village nestling in the heart of the Florieye valley, a trout fishing river which flows between the Gaye Pan gorges before joining the River Argens downstream.

Sainte-Tropez and Cannes are 40 minutes away with Monaco one and a quarter hour's drive where the best know Formula 1 Grand Prix is hosted around the third week in May. If guests want to go further afield the Italian market towns of San Remo and Ventimiglia are just 90 minutes by car.

The local region is also of great interest with the market towns of Vidauban and Lorgues within easy driving distance. In November, Taradeau holds its own Fête du Vin when you can join the locals in free tasting of the Vin Nouveau.  Throughout the year, there are many other fêtes and festivals to enjoy such as the Menton Lemon Festival held from February to March.

Alternatively, you could just soak up the sun whilst visiting any of the beautiful and interesting towns and villages such as the lovely Port Grimaud created in the 1960's as a private lagoon leisure city with inland waterways where yachts and offshore cruisers are parked at the bottom of every garden.

There are also many other local activities to enjoy including golf, horse riding, tennis and kayaking. Lac Ste Croix, at the side of the breath-taking views of the Gorges du Verdon and the beautiful village of Moustieres Sainte-Marie, is also within a reasonable driving distance. Here, there are many water sports facilities available including, swimming, canoeing and fishing.