Bastide Du Figuier

About this property

With dreamy views of Cypress trees, olive groves and the distant hills of the Massif des Maures, this beautifully renovated stone bastide offers an archetypal Provence experience in every way. Yet as well as medieval villages, glorious wine châteaux and incredible scenery, you are also just half an hour from the wonderful beaches of the Côte d’Azur.

This 18th century south-facing home enjoys an idyllic setting in 2.5 acres of Provençal gardens with pretty steps leading to stone terraces filled with lavender, rosemary and thyme. Enjoy breakfast under the wisteria and grape vines, laze in hammocks between the olive trees and embrace the scent of jasmine as you gaze over the heated swimming pool and glorious vistas beyond.

The enchanting loggia offers ample space for all 12 guests to dine together by the barbecue, enjoying excellent local wines as the sun sets to the background hum of the cicadas. The outdoor space at Bastide du Figuier is simply delightful with its many picturesque corners to discover.

Step inside and you will be equally captivated by the bastide’s sense of character and peaceful vibe. There’s the elegant and comfortable living room with its original fireplace, an impressive lounge with its 60-inch Smart TV with Sky and a beautiful kitchen-diner with high-end appliances and lovely views of the south-facing valley. Each of the six en suite bedrooms has its own charm such as the double with its deep Victorian-style bath tub or the ground floor bedroom with doors leading to its own private terrace looking over the gardens. Every effort has been made by the loving owners to create a warm and inviting holiday home.

Spend your days visiting perched medieval villages, exploring vibrant local markets, discovering fascinating historic sites or buying excellent wine from some of the well-known châteaux and vineyards within a short drive. You can reach parts of the incredible Verdon Gorge in under an hour or closer to home cool off in the rock pools and waterfalls of Sillans-La-Cascade. This region offers incredible hiking, cycling, mountain climbing, horse-riding and kayaking in some of southern France’s most magnificent landscapes.

For a change of scene, head south and within half an hour you can reach the shores of the French Riviera with the relaxed town of Sainte-Maxime at the very top of the bay of Saint-Tropez. With sandy beaches, watersports and even summer boat trips to glitzy Saint-Tropez itself, it’s a lovely place to spend time by the Mediterranean. Bastide du Figuier really does offer the very best of this alluring corner of southern France.

In an elevated, south-facing position with idyllic views of the Massif des Maures, Bastide du Figuier enjoys a privileged location just 4km from the typical Provençal town of Draguignan in the Var department of southern France, only half an hour from the glistening Côte d’Azur.

This is an area filled with perched medieval villages, outstanding natural beauty, rolling hills of olive groves, renowned vineyards and wine châteaux (Domaines Ott and Château de Berne amongst many others) as well as historic sites (Abbaye du Thoronet is just 22km away). The diversity of the landscapes means there’s a wealth of outdoor activities available including horse-riding, hiking, cycling, rock-climbing, golf and watersports both on the French Riviera and Verdon Gorge.    

The nearby town of Draguignan (4km) is a great place to start your discovery of this authentic region. Visit on a Wednesday or Saturday morning when Place du Marché comes alive with many stalls selling all sorts of fresh produce and local delights such as olive oil and honey as well as seasonal fruit, vegetables, meat and cheeses. The town also has interesting art galleries and museums to visit as well as a great variety of shops and restaurants.

There are two especially picturesque medieval villages to explore nearby; Flayosc (7km) and Lorgues (10km), both surrounded by beautiful landscapes so typical of Provence and feature charming restaurants and good bars. Flayosc still has a couple of mills producing excellent olive oil as well as being known for its honey whilst Lorgues hosts one of the largest markets in the region every Tuesday morning. Both villages are delightful places to sit back in an atmospheric café with a coffee or glass of local wine, soaking up the Provençal ambience around you.

Other worthy villages to explore include Seillans (33km) and Bargème (45km), both classified as two of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, historic Entrecasteaux (24km) with its 16th century château and La Garde-Freinet (32km) in the heart of the Massif des Maures.

The pretty village of Aups (28km) is one of the gateways to the incredible Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, a region known for its world-famous Verdon Gorges, parts of which can be reached in under an hour. Admire its awe-inspiring beauty and take part in a wealth of outdoor activities from white-water rafting and paragliding to horse-riding and canoeing.

The beaches of the French Riviera and bay of Saint-Tropez can be reached in just half an hour with Sainte-Maxime only 35km away with its family-friendly sandy beaches and relaxed vibe. South of the bay, Saint-Tropez (50km) is also a wonderful day out whether experiencing the glamour and charm of the former fishing village or spending time on the renowned Pampelonne beach with its glitzy beach clubs and magnificent watersports.  

Nice Airport is just under an hour away or if arriving by train, a TGV service from Paris arrives at Gare Des Arcs just 11km away.

Accommodation

Bastide Interiors

Ground Floor

-    Large hall with piano
-    Living room with open fireplace
-    Open-plan kitchen-diner, well-equipped including fridge, freezer, Smeg oven and table for 8 guests
-    Back kitchen with dishwasher, fridge-freezer and storage
-    TV room with sofas and 60-inch TV with satellite/smart-TV
-    Office area with desk for computer
-    Bedroom with double bed (can be made up as twin on request) large flat-screen smart TV and doors leading to private terrace. En suite shower room with shower, WC and wash basin
-    Wine cellar
-    Guest WC
-    Utility room

First Floor

-    Bedroom with double bed (can be made up as twin on request) and en suite bathroom with large bath, walk-in shower, WC and double wash basin
-    Bedroom with double bed, wash basin and open en suite shower room
-    Separate WC

Second Floor

-    Bedroom with double bed and en suite shower room with shower, WC and wash basin
-    Bedroom with double bed and en suite shower room with shower, WC and wash basin
-    Bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with bath/shower, WC and wash basin

Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (11x5.5m, depth: 1-2m) with pool safety alarm. Open approximately May to mid-October.
-    Sun-beds (x12)
-    Loggia with al-fresco lounge and dining area (for up to 12 guests)
-    BBQ
-    Second al-fresco dining table (for up to 8 guests)
-    Boules pitch
-    Table tennis and pool table
-    Provençal gardens with terraced levels and stone steps (2.5 acres)
-    Hammocks
-    Small water fountain
-    Car parking (6-7 cars)

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Sky Satellite/Smart 60-inch TV
-    Fans in bedrooms (ceiling or free-standing)
-    Boules pitch
-    Table tennis and pool table
-    Board games
-    Washing machine