New York Habitat Blog

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.

By the time May rolls around on the French Riviera, it’s already beach weather - but the real action is at the Cannes Film Festival, held every year in this normally sleepy beach town in the South of France.  The 62nd edition is from May 13 to 24, 2009 - so, why not rent a New York Habitat vacation apartment and place yourself smack dab in the middle of it all?

Cannes, France vacation rental: 1-bedroom apartment (PR-916) pic

We usually only hear about the 20 films competing in the Official Selection, but the Cannes Film Festival is actually comprised of several different sections run by four separate film-based organizations who together screen hundreds of films for the thousands of attendees each year.

So, how do you get in to see a film in the running?  Sadly, you can’t! The theater passes for each film are severely regulated and securely held.  In fact, the only non-film industry viewers allowed in are card-carrying residents of Cannes proper and formally organized and accredited film education groups.  But, that doesn’t mean you can’t take your chances hobnobbing with the stars, or angling for a paparazzi shot on the gorgeous beaches!

This 2-bedroom rental in Cannes (PR-916) puts you at the heart of the action - just steps away from the stunning port, the high-fashion boutiques on La Croisette, and the world-famous red carpet at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where the awards ceremony is held each year.  And when you’re not out stalking your favorite celebrities, you can whip up a light summer lunch in the rental’s new, sleek kitchen and enjoy it al fresco on the balcony.

If you prefer to be a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood on the French Riviera, opt instead for a 2-bedroom rental in Juan Les Pins, France (PR-598), just outside of Cannes. Light and airy and surrounded by greenery, this gorgeous little place lets you hit the beach in the morning, head into Cannes to check out the scene, and be home in time for dinner!

But if you really want to make the most out of a French Riviera vacation that coincides with the Cannes Film Festival, then this gorgeous 2-bedroom rental in Nice, France (PR-928) can be your hub for day trips to the Italian Riviera, a glamorous evening trying your luck at the tables in Monte Carlo, and zipping over to Cannes to see and be seen.  There’s lots to do in Nice, as well - and its international airport makes the city all the more convenient for the savvy traveler.

We hope you’re on your way to see what all the fuss is about! But, you might be an old hand at the whole celebrity scene - if you’ve had a fun celebrity sighting, at the Cannes Film Festival or elsewhere, brag about it in the comments!

Mention the name Cannes to anyone and he or she will immediately think of the world famous film festival. But there’s much more to this seaside town than the glitz and glamour that the celebrities bring once a year.  In fact, the best time to visit Cannes may be the fall, when most of the tourists have gone home, and you can truly explore the city and all that is has to offer.  A vacation rental apartment from New York Habitat is a wonderful way to get the real feel of the city.

Cannes, South of France

Of course, one of the top attractions in Cannes is the beach, which can be enjoyed year-round, thank to the region’s mild climate.  Set up camp in a lounge chair under a large umbrella and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean while relaxing the day away.  If you’d like a little more action, walk up and down the picturesque La Croisette, Cannes’ version of a boardwalk, lined with high-end shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Make sure to take a ferry out to visit the small islands off the coast, known as the Iles de Lérins.  The smaller one, Ile Saint Honorat, is home to a monastery that dates back to the middle ages, and many other medieval relics.  The larger one, Ile Sainte Marguerite, is a large forested island that was home to the infamous ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ for eleven years.  Visit the Musée de la Mer (Museum of the Sea) on the island which features this mysterious man and his life, among other diverse exhibits.  The city of Cannes itself has numerous museums as well, including the Musée de la Parfumerie, dedicated to the history and making of perfume.

New York Habitat has some wonderful vacation apartment rentals for your time in Cannes, whether you want a view of the beach and the Mediterranean or prefer to stay in the center of town.  Some of their offerings include:

South of France Vacation Rental: 1-bedroom apartment in Cannes (PR-709)

•    This 1 bedroom rental in Cannes (PR-709) located near the beach.  The big feature of this bright apartment is the view from the terrace.  You’ll enjoy eating outside within sight of the Mediterranean and Lérin islands.

•    Or you might prefer this 1 bedroom rental in Cannes (PR-767), located in town, but also near the shore.  This charming penthouse apartment, with its exposed ceiling beams and two working fireplaces, is the perfect home away from home.

•    If you need some more space, you might want to check out this 3 bedroom vacation rental in Cannes (PR-887), located in the center of town, but still within walking distance of the beach.  This spacious apartment gets plenty of light thanks to its many windows.  It also features a large eat-in kitchen, modernized bathroom and magnificent views of Cannes and the sea.

Those who think that the annual film festival is the only thing that Cannes has to offer are mistaken.  On your next vacation, take the time to explore the town and its surroundings for what it truly is, a fabulous French Riviera town.  And with the help of a vacation apartment rental from New York Habitat, you’ll really feel like a local, and not just another tourist!

Please share your own Cannes experiences with us in our comments section.

Since the days of Brigitte Bardot, St. Tropez has been known as a playground for the rich and famous.  But thanks to New York Habitat, you don’t have to be rich or famous to enjoy spectacular accommodations in this jewel of the French Riviera.  This fall is a perfect time to visit: the temperatures are cooler, the tourists have all gone back to work, and the 10th annual St. Tropez Sails event will take place from September 27th to October 5th.

St Tropez France

The name of the town comes from the martyr Saint Tropes, who was beheaded by the Emperor Nero in Pisa and then sent out to sea.  His body landed in the South of France.  The town remained a quiet fishing village for much of its history, until the twentieth century, when it became the European vacation spot for celebrities from around the world, though it still retains much of its small-town charm.  From guided tours and culture walks through the older parts of town, to the many outdoor markets and local wineries, St. Tropez holds on to its provincial heritage.  But the glamorous clientele have left their mark on the town as well.  One thing that is sure to attract the moneyed class is St. Tropez Sails, a yachting festival featuring both traditional and modern yachts and daily races.  For those of you not nautically inclined, the Annonciade Museum has become one of the centers for twentieth century and avant-garde art, featuring such French masters like Matisse and Braque. World class restaurants and night clubs let you live like a star, or maybe even with a few of them!  Don’t forget about the beautiful beaches either!  Head to the Bay of Pampelonne, five kilometers (around 3 miles) of uninterrupted sandy shores with many opportunities for windsurfing, water-skiing, and other water activities, or if you prefer, simply relax on the beach and take in the sights and sounds of St. Tropez.

The streets of St Tropez, France

New York Habitat has some wonderful apartment rental accommodations that will make you feel like a celebrity, without having to spend like one.  For instance, this studio apartment in St. Tropez (PR-630), is right in the heart of St. Tropez, just steps away from shops and the shore.  You can play paparazzi right from your window, as it looks out onto streets below.  The bright, cozy apartment offers charming touches, such as exposed ceiling beams, and modern amenities, such as an updated kitchen and bathroom.

If you’d like a bit more space, take a look at this two bedroom rental in St. Tropez (PR-723).  It is beautifully decorated and the kitchen and bathroom are modern and well-equipped.  They even include a dishwasher and washing machine, very rare in France!  With large windows in every room, the apartment gets plenty of sun.  If you’d prefer to be in the sun, relax on the large terrace or by the pool.  This apartment is a bit further from the center of St. Tropez so it offers the perfect getaway after a long day of rubbing elbows with celebrities.

Though St. Tropez has become a hub for the rich and famous people of the world, it is still quite accessible to the rest of us.  The beautiful beaches are always free and there’s enough of St. Tropez’s French-town charm left to keep you from being completely overrun by the glitz and glamour. A vacation rental from New York Habitat will let you pretend to be a local in St. Tropez and allows you to avoid all the paparazzi that mob the hotels.  Though you may want to save up and spend one night on the town; you could be dining next to Brad and Angelina!

Have you been to St. Tropez?  Share your experiences and tips with us in the comments section.

Nice, France Beaches

Summer is fast approaching and that means vacations on the beach, spent lying in the sun, reading trashy novels, and sipping cocktails.  Instead of going to your normal vacation spot, why not try something new and different this year and spend some time on the shores of the Mediterranean in lovely Nice, France?  Recently, the town has been undergoing  improvements which make it an even nicer place to visit, especially if you stay in a vacation apartment rental or villa from New York Habitat.

Nice has long been known for its beautiful Mediterranean vistas, walks along the picturesque Promenade des Anglais, and the charming Vieux Nice neighborhood.  Now getting to all these places has just gotten easier.  After years of construction, the first of three lines on the new light-rail transportation system (Le Tramway) opened late last year, with the next two lines to open shortly.  The system connects the major transportation hubs and cultural sites of the city with affordable daily or weekly passes.  So if you’ve been hoofing it around Nice all day and need a little rest, hop on the tramway to reach your next destination.

While in Nice, at least one of your destinations should be the many first-rate art museums.  Both the Matisse and Chagall museums have completed recent renovations to provide even better spaces in which to display the works of these famous painting masters.  Of course, these are only 2 of the numerous art museums in Nice, all of which have wonderful collections for you to visit and see.

Nice, France markets

To complete you beach vacation in Nice, New York Habitat has a wide variety of apartment rentals from which to choose.  This 3 bedroom furnished rental in Nice, French Riviera (PR-708) is perfect for a family.  The pre-war building is located in Vieux Nice but is also minutes from the beach.  All the rooms retain their French charm in the architectural details while still offering modern amenities in the kitchen and bath.  This apartment will make you feel more like a resident of Nice, instead of a tourist.

If you’d like a more intimate place to stay, look at this 1 bedroom furnished rental accommodation in Nice, French Riviera (PR-244).  With more modern décor and an open kitchen, this apartment looks like it could be in New York but the views from your windows will tell you differently.  Located on the top floor of the building, every window of this apartment has spectacular views of Nice and nearby Place Masséna.  Nothing could be more relaxing that waking up and looking out your window to scenes like this every morning.

A vacation on the beach is a vital part of summer but going to the same old spot year after year can get dull.  Why not change it up this year and be able to tell your friends that you will be vacationing on the French Riviera this summer.  And a vacation rental in Nice from New York Habitat will give you even more bragging rights.

For more on Nice, read Top Towns to visit in the South of France: Nice, French Riviera: #4. 

Do you have any other travel tips for Nice?  Please share with us in the comments section.

Seeking a lesser-known side of the French Riviera, apart from the glitz and star-studded sidewalks of St. Tropez? New York Habitat’s vacation apartments in the smaller towns near the Mediterranean give you a chance to enjoy the uncrowded, provincial feel of the country, while still being close enough to visit the glamorous towns that characterize the French Riviera- the best of two worlds.

South of France Accommodation: 6 Bedroom Rental in La Môle, French Riviera (PR-743)

One such town is La Môle, a peaceful and secluded enclave from which to explore this corner of the South of France. The valley where La Môle lies is the Massif des Maures, a hilly area between Toulon and Saint Raphael, not far from the Mediterranean Sea. In the autumn and winter the tourists clear out, but there is plenty to do: shop at year-round markets where artists sell their wares or at antique and brocante markets in the surrounding towns. You’ll find several family wineries that sell their wine locally here. In this unspoiled setting, there are pine forests, villages, chateaus and plenty of trails for walking and hiking. But if you want to check out the more famous beach cities of the Riviera, Cannes, Nice and the Italian border are only a short drive away.

Another village in the Massif des Maures valley and closer to the sea, is Cogolin, a port town known for its tradition of handicrafts. Carpet weaving and making bamboo furniture and pottery are the traditional crafts here. The town was the center of the French briar pipe-making industry; today craftspeople still give demonstrations of this art. The town’s markets are on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout most of the year. Cogolin has plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as sandy beaches a few kilometers away.

South of France Accommodation: 6 Bedroom Rental in La Môle, French Riviera (PR-743)

New York Habitat has gorgeous vacation villas in these villages that are perfect for you and your own entourage of friends, should you choose to bring them.

For example, New York Habitat’s six bedroom vacation villa in La Môle, French Riviera (PR-743), you can enjoy a peaceful quiet corner in the country, yet just a few kilometers from St. Tropez. This sprawling house is on a vast lot surrounded by an enclosed park. Up to 15 people can sleep here, making it an ideal place to hold a reunion of family or friends. The villa has two living rooms, a kitchen, dining room, a television room and six bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. Outside, you can relax on the huge terrace under the trees, where there is a table and chairs. A swimming pool and outdoor shower blend into the garden-like landscape. Also tucked away on the property is a separate small guesthouse apart from the main villa that can accommodate two people. The small guesthouse has two twin beds, a bathroom and its own small mini-kitchen.

Near the town of Cogolin, at the edge of the Massif des Maures, New York Habitat offers a one-bedroom vacation apartment in Gassin, French Riviera (PR-823). This apartment, which accommodates four, is another superb location to enjoy a quieter corner of the Riviera. It is on the third floor of a large residence, and has a shared swimming pool for guests.

Soth of France Accommodation: 2 Bedroom Rental in Saint Paul, French Riviera (PR-644)

The South of France attracts visitors for many reasons: the beaches, the Mediterranean, and the bucolic countryside, just to name a few. But artists in particular have long been drawn to a small village in the South of France, Saint Paul de Vence. The town that seduced Matisse, Miro and Renoir with its colors and light remains one of the most famous artist enclaves in the country. It is also the perfect place to delight the art enthusiast in you.

Though it is an extremely popular place, the fall is a wonderful time to visit, since many of the tourists have gone. New York Habitat has several vacation accommodations scattered around the area. One favorite just outside this art-filled village is a two-Bedroom accommodation in Saint Paul, French Riviera (PR644).

Located close to the town, this private vacation villa can accommodate five people. The first floor has a living room with a fireplace, and sliding doors that look out onto the garden and let in tons of sunlight. In the eat-in kitchen, you’ll find amenities like an electric and gas stove, a dining table, and colorful painted tiles. There is another dining table on the terrace, which is surrounded by leafy trees and an outdoor barbecue that’s ready to use. On the second floor are two bedrooms, one with a private terrace that looks over the garden.

The gardens and location make this villa feel like a hideaway, but it’s actually very close to Saint Paul de Vence. Perched on a hilltop, the fortified city of Saint Paul de Vence was built in the 13th century and retains its medieval character today. In town, you’ll enjoy perusing through the many art galleries, studios and craft workshops there. There are incredible views of the Mediterranean, the Alps and the hills, all from different ends of the town.

Saint Paul de Vence, South of France

The legendary restaurant, Colombe d’Or, is a restaurant where artists like Picasso paid their tabs with paintings, and French film luminaries used to gather. Also not to be missed is the Fondation Maeght, one of the most notable small museums of modern art in the world, with works by Chagall, Calder and Dubuffet.

Between mountains and sea, the medieval village of St Paul de Vence is a fabulous spot to take in the historical art and culture of the South of France. It’s also very close to the less crowded and just as interesting town of Vence, another artists’ favorite.

New York Habitat has a variety of superb choices for accommodations throughout the area. Be sure to check out these other South of France vacation villas includind:

• Two-Bedroom Rental in Vence, French Riviera (PR335)
• One-Bedroom Rental in Vence (PR333)

Also, while traveling in the French Riviera take a look at these towns:

• Top Towns in the South of France: Cannes, French Riviera
• Top Towns in the South of France: Nice, French Riviera

Saint Paul de Vence photograph provided by wikipedia.com