New York Habitat Blog

There are any number of picturesque towns and villages throughout the South of France to use as a base for your travels throughout the region. But, how would you like to stay in a hilltop fortress town in Provence, population 22, which has been inhabited for eight millennia? 

Provence Vacation Rental 4 Bedroom in Les Baux (PR 248) "La Dame à la Licorne"

Les Baux de Provence, at the foothills of the Alpilles Provençal mountain chain, is set in white rock on a promontory, which is how it got its name (“baou” means rocky spur in the local dialect). Controlled by Celts, the Lords of Les Baux, the Masons des Comtes de Provence and finally Louis XIII, this stunning piece of French history is 45 minutes south of Avignon and just 10 minutes from Saint-Rémy de Provence.

The view from the old castle is amazing and the Cathédrale d’Images, set in a former stone quarry, offers wonderful exhibitions. Listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages In France,” Les Baux de Provence has a strong Roman heritage and is also the landscape of famous painters such as Van Gogh, Cézanne and Matisse, who came here to capture the extraordinary light and color of the region.

Standing among the old mansions, historic monuments and ruins of the Cité des Baux, New York Habitat’s exclusive hosted 3-bedroom in Les Baux de Provence (PR-248) offers exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the village from its windows and terraces, as it is one of the highest in the village.

What makes this apartment a Hidden Gem?

The house has an historical and cultural heritage that the owner perfectly knows how to keep alive. There are many things to discover in this family house, as well as among the narrow streets of this fascinating and timeless village that formerly belonged to the Grimaldi of Monaco.

Provence Accomodation 4 Bedroom Chateau in Les Baux (PR 248)

The first bedroom is known as “La Dame à la Licorne” and boasts a large window overlooking the village and the “Val d’Enfer,” providing light in the whole bedroom. “La Suite” has a master bedroom and another room with a balcony, which can be used either as a second bedroom or as a study and reminds us that all the houses of the village has been built against the roc itself, in the authentic troglodyte tradition of this village.

And finally, the third and unexpected guestroom is located on the top floor of the house: “Le Bijou.” A large French window gives access to a private terrace with one of the most beautiful view of the Cité des Baux.

For more information about the Chateau de Baux check out:

Chateau de Baux website

South of France Vacation Rental 4 Bedroom in Gigaro (PR 398)

The pristine beaches of St. Tropez, Nice and Cannes are rightly famous - but they can also be a bit intimidating to those of us who are not regularly featured in People magazine. However, the French Riviera has much more to offer than these playgrounds for the rich - and with miles of coastline and a little help from New York Habitat, you’re sure to find your own private oasis.

For example, try a studio vacation rental in Beaulieu sur Mer (PR-943) , a town about halfway between Nice and Monaco that measures less than 300 acres in total. Dating back to the Greek and then Roman era, it has gone through many resettlements dating back to the 3rd century AD. It features an early 20th century villa open to the public for tours, and a stunning port with a wide variety of marina services for boats of all sizes.

This 4-bedroom vacation rental in Gigaro - la Croix Valmer (PR-398) has a view of the sea and bougainvillea in full bloom for most of the year. Its white sand beaches are never overcrowded, and from the village experienced hikers can explore the miles of trails that go from the beach back to the rocky Col de Collebasse pass, almost 200 meters high.

The town of Bandol and its harbor are nearby offer all kinds of shopping, and of course there are many cafés and restaurants. Bandol’s reputation stems heavily from its wines, and the zoo and exotic gardens hosts Mediterranean and tropical plants and animals including a large bird collection. There’s even world-class scuba diving! And this 3-bedroom vacation rental in Bandol (PR-340) makes for a perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities of the French Riviera.

French Riviera

The historical village of Villefranche Sur Mer overlooks the busy harbor and crystal clear waters of Villefranche Bay, and is considered one of the most beautiful spots on the French Riviera. And this 2-bedroom rental in Villefranche sur Mer (PR-438) offers stunning views of it all! Don’t miss the Jean Cocteau murals in the 14th century Chapelle Saint-Pierre, the 16th century walled citadel, the hanging gardens in the Old Town, works of Picasso in the Goetz-Boumeester Collection, and the historic estates tucked away in the hills that slope up from the sea.

All of these cities are close to Nice, Monaco and the wonderful border towns of the Italian Riveria and are accessible by train and other public transportation, but offer a more relaxing alternative than the bigger cities.  New York Habitat highly recommends opting for the lesser-known gems like the towns and villages we’ve mentioned here for a truly unique vacation experience.

Do you prefer to be a little removed form the action, or do you prefer to be in the thick of it all when you’re on vacation?  Let us know in the comments!

Marseille tends to get a bad rap when it comes to South of France vacation destinations - and that’s a shame. While it’s not for everyone, the city has so much to offer to the discerning traveler. You can find various lists of Marseille attractions easily enough; but New York Habitat would like to have a serious talk to you foodies out there about just how amazing Marseille can be.

Cafe in Marseille, South of France Photo

Bouillabaisse was invented in Marseille, and the city’s authentic restaurants take great pride in being a part of this bit of France’s culinary history. A hearty fish stew, it is traditionally served with several kinds of delectable fish on a plate, the bouillabaisse broth in a bowl, and small sliced of grilled bread in a basket or tray with a side of rouille, a mayonnaise made of olive oil, garlic, saffron and cayenne pepper.

While even the hole-in-the-wall places have decent bouillabaisse, it’s recommended to splurge a bit and go to a higher-end restaurant for your first experience. Start off with a selection from the raw bar, tuck into a bouillabaisse and then end the meal with tasty treats inspired by the North African and Middle Eastern influences of Marseille.

Almost any time of day is a good time for pastis, the unofficial drink of Marseille. In fact, it’s not unusual to see market vendors, fishermen and other early morning risers sipping a pastis from the wee hours right up to lunchtime and beyond. While most popular in Marseille and a cool, refreshing drink throughout the South of France in summer, 130 million liters are sold each year - which works out to over two liters per citizen!

Made from star anise, it was invented by alcohol producers as a way to recoup profits lost when wormwood, the “active” ingredient in absinthe, was banned in the early 20th century. While pastis is roughly the color of a weak Scotch when poured from the bottle, water is added in generally a 5:1 ratio, turning it a milky, yellowish color and served over an ice cube or two.

As with any favorite, pastis has been incorporated into a wide variety of locally made cocktails - but it’s advisable to take it slow, as pastis is stronger that its crisp, herbal taste implies. We recommend trying Death in the Afternoon - pastis with Champagne - invented by none other than Ernest Hemingway.

Photo of Marseille: South of France

Are you ready to dig in? Then check out this 2-bedroom vacation rental in Marseille (PR-23), located in one of the beautiful area of Le Vallon des Auffes, a traditional small fishermen’s port in the heart of the city. This apartment is on the 14th floor with an amazing 360-degree view over the Vallon des Auffes and the Mediterranean Sea. Or, nestled in the hills and facing the sea, this 2-bedroom rental in Marseille (PR-932) is located in the Bompard near Corniche Kennedy, in Marseille’s colorful 7th district.

While Marseille might not be on everyone’s vacation agenda, foodies follow their noses and are richly rewarded with the most succulent seafood the Mediterranean has to offer. Have you ever visited a place specifically for the purpose of eating a local delicacy? Let us know in the comments!

Did you know that one of France’s top five tourist attractions is located in the South of France? It’s called the Pont du Gard, and it’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Both the Pont du Gard and the surrounding countryside are absolutely stunning - and New York Habitat highly recommends putting the area on your “must see” list for your next vacation in the South of France.

South of France Vacation Rental Villa in Gard, Avignon Region (PR-688) photo

If you’ve never heard of it before, the Pont du Gard is the masterpiece of the ancient Roman aqueducts that wound its way through the region. A recent redevelopment project has made the Pont du Gard site easily accessible from the highway while appearing to be a hidden oasis now that it has been closed to vehicle traffic. Spend the day touring the museum and the Pont itself, either on your own or with a guide; pack a picnic and dine on the banks or the Gard river; or, bring your swim trunks and cool off with an afternoon dip!

You might see many names and other markings etched into the massive stones of the structure. That’s not vandalism; instead, it’s a tradition that has been a part of the Compagnons du Tour de France, a yearly tour given by and for masons from around the world who come to marvel at the construction, which was performed without the use of any mortar. If you look closely, you can even see etchings from the original builders, who labeled each stone so they were put in their correct positions! This unique structure has survived two millennia and countless natural disasters, including a major flood in 1998.

Uzes, France photo

There is a 4-bedroom vacation rental villa in Rochefort du Gard (PR-688) with a swimming pool and garden that’s perfect for large groups - up to 10 people can fit comfortably. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the village of Rochefort du Gard, 10 minutes from both Avignon and the famous Pont du Gard. Avignon is home to the Palais du Papes, or Palace of Popes, and is definitely worth seeing while you’re in the area.

This 2-bedroom vacation rental in Uzès (PR-859) is ideally located in the heart of the historic village of Uzès, just minutes from the Pont du Gard. Everything is within an easy 5-minute walk including quaint bars, delicious restaurants and shops selling everything from antiques to lavender honey! For horseshow buffs, the National Stud Farm is located in Uzès and features many national championship horseshows. And Uzès also has a golf course.

Stunning Roman architecture abounds in the South of France, a fact not well known by many tourists. Have you ever come upon a surprising bit of history while on vacation? Tell us your story in the comments.

Is baking in the sweltering heat of the French Riviera not your idea of an ideal vacation? Then let New York Habitat recommend an entirely different holiday experience, in Grasse - just a few miles inland from the coast, and a world away. 

A gorgeous hilltop town with stunning views and sumptuous medieval architecture, the elevation and unique microclimate of Grasse make it not only a refreshing change from the summer heat; it also provides the perfect environmental conditions in which to grow roughly 27 tons of jasmine every year.

Who on earth would need 27 tons of jasmine, you may ask?  That would be the many perfumeries located in and around Grasse, which is the perfume capital of the world! In fact, two-thirds of all the aromas produced by France come from Grasse, and most of the world’s expert sniffers are trained here as well.

You can take guided tours of perfumeries to see how your favorite fragrances are made, and visit the Musée International de la Parfumerie for highlights from three millennia of perfume making.

The surrounding countryside is awash with color, as jasmine, roses and many other flowers are grown in huge numbers to fulfill the demands of the perfume industry. There is even a Jasmine Festival on the first Sunday in August, and a Rose Festival on the second weekend in May.

South of France Villa: 3-bedroom in Cabris, French Riviera (PR-895) photo

Even this hosted 3-bedroom Bed & Breakfast in Grasse-plascassier (PR-389) gets in on the act! Set in the peaceful countryside, this villa with a private garden offers three well-appointed guest rooms named Mimosa, Jasmine and Lavender. All the bedrooms can accommodate one person or a couple and have a full private bathroom and independent access. From the house, the views sweep from the Mediterranean Sea to the foothills of the Alps. The house has been decorated with Antiques and glimpses of the owners’ time abroad.

If you’d like to make Grasse your base for a longer stay to take in all the South of France has to offer, this 3-bedroom vacation rental villa in Cabris, France (PR-895) is situated about 10 minutes drive from the town of Grasse itself, and has vacation or monthly rentals throughout the year.

This being France, of course, the 11th-century Notre Dame du Puy cathedral in Grasse features several works by Rubens and is well worth a visit. And Grasse is just a half hour from Cannes and Nice and easily accessible by car or public transportation, so world class shopping and cuisine are right nearby - as is Nice’s international airport.

More and more, vacationers are opting to stay in smaller, more picturesque towns like Grasse and simply visiting larger cities like Nice. Which one appeals to you more - or does it depend more on the kind of accommodations you find?  Let us know in the comments.

Watching grass grow has never been as breathtaking as in the South of France in late summer.  From mid July through August, for as far as the eye can see, fields of lavender are in full bloom.  It’s a feast for the senses, and New York Habitat can put you right in the middle of it all.

South of France Lavander Fields photo

Mentioned in the ancient Song of Solomon as nard, lavender got its current name from the Romans, who used it in the bath and thus called it after a form of the verb lavare, to wash. Today we are still familiar with bath products, potpourri and essential oils infused with the heavenly scent of lavender; European homeopaths are no stranger to its healing properties as well, particularly for burns and inflammation.

But leave it to the French to create a wide range of uses for the hardy flower, mostly culinary in nature. While in Provence don’t be surprised if you find lavender popping up in tea, sugar, honey, candy, pastries, cheese and even chocolate!

While there are organized lavender tours throughout the South of France, nothing quite beats the experience of driving along a dusty country road and happening upon an explosion of color that seems like it was placed there just for you.  And while we might be partial, renting a car also affords you the opportunity to really get away from it all to a true French country retreat.

A 2-bedroom vacation rental in Lauris, Provence Luberon (PR-380) has been recently renovated and redecorated by its owner. It’s light, airy and perfect for summer, with its pool and extensive outdoor facilities. And its acres of surrounding countryside ensure privacy and blissful quiet! You can practically smell the lavender from here.

South of France Villa: 5-bedroom rental in Gordes - Luberon - Provence (PR-766) Photo

A 4-bedroom vacation rental accommodaiton in Lacoste, Provence Luberon (PR-564) puts you in the heart of the Parc Régional du Luberon, a prime lavender area and a hiker’s dream. And with all that room, it’s the ideal setting for a multi-family getaway with outdoor barbecues, all-day pool parties - and, yes, a wifi Internet connection!

If a more modern flair is your style, round up the gang and head to this 5-bedroom villa rental in Gordes, Provence Luberon (PR-766).  It has all the amenities, a sleek elegance and plenty of room to chill out and admire the art inside - or the miles of beautiful views outside.

You may have seen photos, but pictures simply do not do justice to the natural phenomenon of lavender fields in full bloom. Do you have a favorite lavender product you’d love to find at its source? Tell us about it in the comments!

In America, the 4th of July means celebrating the birth of the nation. But in France this year, they’ll be celebrating on July 4th as well - when the 96th Tour de France kicks off in Monte Carlo, Monaco.  Why not come on over, rent a New York Habitat vacation apartment and watch the riders whiz by?

South of France: Vacation Rental 1-bedroom in Menerbes, Provence France (PR-905) photo

Towns actually apply to be included in the route, and for this year there were 252 applicants to choose from. The commissioners of the Tour de France visit each town to measure, gauge, and survey every potential inch of the roads - as well as try to determine if the town is able to sustain riders, their crew, the press, and the many tourists who descend on the start and finish lines of each day’s race.

There are some exciting features to this year’s Tour de France. It will be the first time six countries are involved in the route, with Monaco, France, Andorra, Spain, Italy and Switzerland hosting portions of the race. And the South of France plays a prominent role!

Be there when it all begins, on July 4th in Monaco, just a short hop from this 2 bedroom rental in Beausoleil (PR-632).  Beausoleil is a charming town typical of the ones that dot the French Riviera, and much more affordable than the expensive condos in Monte Carlo proper. You can enjoy the kickoff and be back in time for lunch by the sea - or try your luck, or just do your best imitation of James Bond, at the world-famous casino!

Montpellier is a great spot for watching the race, as the Tour’s only team time trial will start and finish there on the same day, July 7.  So, why not take advantage of the close proximity of this 2 bedroom rental in Montpellier (PR-297)., located in the Antigone complex, just steps away from the start and finish line?  You can catch the departure, have a nice day of shopping, and then cheer the teams as they return!

South of France Accommodation: 2-bedroom rental in Beausoleil, French Riviera (PR-632) Pict

Or, you can chose a central location - like this 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Ménerbes, Provence Luberon (PR-905) - and take day trips to see the starts in Monaco, Marseille and Montelmar, and the finishes in Brignoles, Mont Ventoux and La Grande Motte.

New York Habitat has these and many more vacation rentals along the route of the race. This is your chance to see Lance Armstrong come out of retirement to try winning his eighth Tour de France championship. So, be where the action is, this July in the South of France!  And if you’ve ever seen the Tour de France in person, let us know your experience in the comments!