The Cote D'Azur is a long stretch of coast and stunning countryside with a wealth of history and numerous famous names which have been the subject of many songs, movies and of course famous paintings. With Nice at its eastern fringes and St. Tropez on the western edge, the Cote D'Azur is a wonderfully varied stretch of coast in every way.
The area from Nice down to Cannes is busy and quite built up offering a multitude of beaches, glamorous hotels, restaurants, bars, night life and casinos; it is a very cosmopolitan part of the coast. As you pass Cannes driving west the countryside immediately changes as you enter Var; it feels very open and 'big country' with miles of pine forest, mountains, spectacular rock formations and countless vineyards producing superb red, white and of course rosé wine.
Many parts of Var are protected from development and conservation is strict. It is said the French prefer the Var because it is 'true France on the Cote D'Azur'.
La Retirado sits in a large conservation area and the property is on one side of a valley looking across beautiful countryside and the coast. The surrounding countryside is mainly forest, vineyards, small villages and just far enough away from the coast to minimise the volume of holiday crowds in the summer yet close enough to take part if desired. La Retirado is about 20 minutes from St. Tropez depending on traffic and about the same time to the famous Pampelonne beach.
From the pool and terrace areas there is silence, except for the sound of nature, with boats and mega yachts clearly visible in the bay.
We are biased but firmly believe the Var is the jewel in the crown of the Cote D'Azur, and many others seem to agree.
