Med In Heaven
Nice and surrounding areas
Nice is a vibrant cosmopolitan city that comes alive each summer with diverse festivals, throngs of tourists and glorious sunshine. For those who want to be close to the action, but with privacy and seclusion, the suburbs of Nice are ideal. From the historic village of St Paul de Vence, to the exclusive hideaway of Mont Boron, these areas combine traditional Provencal character with modern conveniences, such as being less than 15 minutes drive to one of the best-served airports in France.
Built on its rocky outcrop and surrounded by its ramparts built on the orders of Francois 1st, St Paul de Vence is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in Provence. Winding medieval streets reveal art galleries, boutiques and sidewalk cafes. St Paul is famous as an artist's retreat, where they were inspired by the unique light and natural beauty that this village has to offer. Although the centre of the village is small and completely fortified, villas can be found close to the village walls. Just 10 minutes drive from central Nice, St Paul is popular for those who want country living with all the benefits that a city like Nice has to offer.
Located between Nice and Villefranche, Mont Boron is the Hollywood hills of Nice. Dense tree coverage gives this area perfect seclusion, while villas enjoy marvellous views of the Baie des Anges, Villefranche and St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Most buildings date from the 1950s, although there are many remnants of the turn-of-the-century Belle Epoque period, which includes some of Nice's finest residences. Among the many celebrities who have homes on this hill, Elton John's mansion can be seen from all of Nice.
Fabron is a safe, secure family-orientated area characterised by an abundance of swimming pools, large gardens, stunning views and modern buildings. Situated 10 minutes to the west of Nice city centre, Fabron has the comfort of an unspoilt and green environment with major roads being only a stones throw away. Only existing since the 70's, one may easily find tennis courts, balconies and tasteful finishing accompanying their luxurious villa or modern apartment. The genuine Nicoise style villas date from before the war up until the sixties; there are few of these and they are much sought after.
Vence, "City of Art", is located 15 minutes from Nice, between St Paul de Vence and Tournettes-sur-Loup, in the hills surrounding Nice. It has a mild climate throughout the winter months, due to the hills on the northern side of the town protecting it from cold winds. Vence has always attracted artists, writers and poets. Dufy, Matisse and D.H. Lawrence have all been part of the Vence scene. The old town, or "vieille ville", is typical Provencal, with tall buildings and narrow streets.
Le Bar-Sur-Loup is perched on a rocky spur extending out from the Sarrèe plateau overlooking the Loup River valley. The old village is lovingly restored, with the old houses clustered around the 13th-century chateau and church in the centre. The circular layout of the village is more or less maintained, with large sections of the original ramparts still visible. The view from the village is spectacular, overlooking the Loup valley and rugged landscape. Cars are forbidden in the village, which makes it prefect for those who love a quiet stroll.
La Gaude is located on a small ridge between Vence and Nice, set in generous Mediterranean vegetation. A pleasant residential area, Guade is for those who dream of getting away from it all, whilst still being a few kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea. Walk down the small paved streets of the village, and you'll discover beautiful facades of houses which have been delicately restored.
Sitting 14 km from the coast, between Nice and Cannes, Tourrettes sur Loup is a charming medieval village. Tourrettes was a fortified village, and the arched passages remain through the wall of houses in three places into the centre of the "vieux village".