Some places are just special, aren’t they?
I never got around to writing up about this place after we visited last year, and thought it was about time to share this slice of Provencal perfection to hopefully inspire future trips once the world is in a more normal, safer place…
This enchanting stone house in the hillside of the Cote d’Azur is owned by Judith, an interior designer from Germany. You can tell as soon as you pull up to the driveway that this place is a true labour of love and a hidden gem in this already beautiful part of the world. The moment we drove through the gates and were greeted by Judith and her two adorable dogs (Cookie and Max!), we felt an immediate sense of calm.
Situated in the charming hillside village of Le Bar-sur-Loup, L’Escale du Ciel is escapism in its truest form. Think Hollywood-film ideals of the sunset framed evenings and rosé fuelled days in the South of France-type escapism. The property is a B&B and you can book in for a night or two if you’re in the area or you can rent out the entire place, which is what I did with my whole family to celebrate my mum’s 60th birthday last year.
Charm and style oozes out of every stone and every corner of this lovingly restored property, with multiple relaxation set ups outside built into the various levels of the natural landscape and interiors that are a wonderful nod to the history of the property, while still ensuring they hit all the modern functions.
The property is completely set up for your every relaxation need. The crowning jewel is the infinity pool and shaded pergola area, with expansive views over the hilltops and surrounding mountains. You can eat lunch and read by the pool, stroll into the local village for dinner, drive down to a nearby market or enjoy an aperitif on the terrace under flickering candlelight. Included in your B&B booking rate is a delicious breakfast, prepared by Judith following her forages to the local markets and include everything from fresh cooked eggs, to herbed cheeses and local charcuteries to yoghurts, granola and fresh fruits.
The villa is very well located to visit some of the incredible local villages such as Bar-sur-loup, Grasse, Gourdon, Valbonne and Tourettes-sur-loup; all of which are utterly charming and well worth a visit. Slightly further afield, I would also highly recommend a day trip to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild if you have a car – the grounds are completely breathtaking with views across the incredible houses of Cap-Ferrat and the drive down means you get to see the stunning coastal towns dotted along the Cote D’Azur.
TheVilla Ephrussi de Rothschild property is covered with wild flowers, lemon trees, lavender and olive trees and is well worth a stroll around to while away a couple of hours. Stop for lunch in Villefrance-sur-mer on the way back, a stunning pastel-coloured port town that is quintessentially French.
With L’Escale du Ciel, Judith has set up a true home from home. If you’re looking for rest and relaxation in a completely tranquil setting, where you can live out your favourite French countryside house fantasy with like-minded guests or in a group of your friends and family, then this is the undoubtedly the place for you.
You can book in to a room at L’Escale Du Ciel via their website, Booking.com or Trip Advisor.
LMNH x
