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Once the home of one of Napoleon’s last descendants, Villa l’Aimant (“The Magnet”) is a half-century-old, stone-built, sophisticated and fully-furnished 4-bedroom villa in the hamlet of Opio, within the ‘golden’ triangle formed by Nice, Cannes & Grasse.
Built on seven south-facing terraces dotted with old olive trees, l’Aimant is your perfect home base. Between the main residence and its quaint poolside guest house 3 terraces lower, the property comfortably & luxuriously accommodates 8 (possibly a few children in addition).
Villa l’Aimant is here to be your sanctuary… your home away from home. It’s been just that to our family for over 35 years, and it can be yours as well.
In 2014, a comprehensive renovation was completed. The main house offers 3 refurnished bedrooms, 3 renovated b...Once the home of one of Napoleon’s last descendants, Villa l’Aimant (“The Magnet”) is a half-century-old, stone-built, sophisticated and fully-furnished 4-bedroom villa in the hamlet of Opio, within the ‘golden’ triangle formed by Nice, Cannes & Grasse.
Built on seven south-facing terraces dotted with old olive trees, l’Aimant is your perfect home base. Between the main residence and its quaint poolside guest house 3 terraces lower, the property comfortably & luxuriously accommodates 8 (possibly a few children in addition).
Villa l’Aimant is here to be your sanctuary… your home away from home. It’s been just that to our family for over 35 years, and it can be yours as well.
In 2014, a comprehensive renovation was completed. The main house offers 3 refurnished bedrooms, 3 renovated bathrooms plus 2 separate upgraded toilets. Those lucky enough to end up in the master bedroom also have a full-southern-exposure private balcony with a gorgeous valley view … certainly not a bad way to enjoy your morning coffee or tea.
The amply furnished and cozy salon with fireplace, elegant dining corner (seating 6-8) and a distinguished slightly-elevated bureau with warm and decorative artwork comprise the main floor living space. Adjoining are a brand-new kitchen and pantry (buanderie, with washer/dryer). The kitchen is fully equipped, including a double-door American fridge with water & ice dispensers, convection oven, micro-wave, food-processor, dishwasher, and lots of cook-books. l’Aimant has under-floor heating for the comfort of Christmas and off-season guests.
The charming covered terrace off the salon with a dining table (seating 12-14) is the perfect spot to entertain most every hour of the day. This barbecue and 'al fresco' dining area is simply ideal for those nights of balmy weather and gorgeous sunsets. A second terrace off the large salon overlooks the valley in south-western direction, and is a lovely place for afternoon drinks and for watching sunsets.
From the main house, descend the rock stairs to the pool, and approach the guest house. In it, you find a full-size bedroom, a pleasant living space + kitchenette opening up to a breakfast terrace, plus a renovated bathroom & pool cabana (mid-2014). A glorious covered, larger, terrace doubles as outdoor eating area, also with its own barbecue … for those inclined to grill poolside with a glass of rosé in hand. The property is ideal for family reunions, and for sharing quality time with friends.
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Contact us now … we are quick to reply.
- Welcome basket with local delicacies
- Rates include all linen, bath & pool towels
- 24/7, always on, WiFi included
Additional services upon your request:
- Daily sheet and towel changes available at EUR60 per day
- Daily cleaning/housekeeping; charges vary depending on your wishes
- Local cooking and grocery service; charges vary depending on your wishes
- Babysitting services – rates vary
- Airport pick-up/drop-off by recommended local taxi service; typically ~EUR80 per trip
- House can park up to four cars - three in the main house (covered parking for one) and one by the poolhouse
House Rules
Pets not allowedKid friendlyNo smoking
Unless otherwise agreed, guests should arrive between 16H00 and 18H00 on the day of arrival and vacate the property by 10H00 on the day of departure.
Bedrooms
1 King2 Queens2 Fulls
Bathrooms
1 Half bath3 Full baths
Meet the host
Cyrus R
Hosting since June 2016
Languages spoken: German, English, Spanish, French, Dutch
Response Rate: 100%
Response Time: Within a day
Interaction with guests: The villa will be completely yours during your stay, and while we won't be there when you are, we will make certain that your every need is met.
We communicate amply prior to your arrival and will leave you in peace once there. Our local confidants are nearby and always ready to support you.
Like to know more? Let us know! You have a direct line to us for anything … comme vous voulez! Contact us now … we are quick to reply.
What a spectacular house ! We had the most wonderful week, the house is filled with the very special vibe of places that have seen a million happy memories, and it felt like a day there was worth 2 weeks of vacation elsewhere. Both house and garden are spacious with lots of different areas to relax, and although it's not isolated it is beautifully quiet all around. Location is perfect to explore some of the prettiest provencal villages and museums, and it's a short car ride to local grocery shops/markets etc. Very well equipped, and we even had a little welcoming basket of food (which turned out to be a life saver as we were carless on our first day). Without a doubt our best airbnb experience to date !
Visited August 2016
Written July 30, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Magzaba123
London, United Kingdom2 contributions
Fantastic family holiday in amazing villa
Charming villa with great views, amazing outside space and lots of personal touches. For a holiday with friends or family I couldn't recommend this holiday destination highly enough. Lots of great places within 30 minutes drive, very helpful host and perfect days relaxing by the pool.
Visited July 2016
Written July 17, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LynnieBunch
Cheddar, United Kingdom3 contributions
A perfect hideaway home from home in beautiful surroundings.
A really special home in a stunning part of France! From our first contact with our prospective hosts to the time we closed the front door for the final time, this experience was virtually faultless. The pre-stay information was all-encompassing; the house comfortable, well-equipped and serene; the local host welcoming, friendly, informative and helpful and the area truly beautiful. We could not have asked for more!
Visited August 2016
Written July 13, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Trek720529
1 contribution
Wonderful family holiday in beautiful location
We enjoyed a family vacation at this beautiful villa in Provence. There was plenty of room for our party of eight spanning three generations enabling us all to have our own space as well as lovely communal areas. The Villa is well appointed and the pool and surrounding garden beautiful. Opio is conveniently located near many of the region's popular attractions, a car is necessary to take full advantage of this beautiful location. Our hosts communicated well with us both prior and during our visit. We were delighted with our decision to book this villa and would do so again.
Visited July 2015
Written July 12, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
emmanuel c
2 contributions
Great Villa in Opio - Cote d'Azur
Overall, we had an amazing time at the Villa; we loved the location and the garden with colorful and pleasant flowers and trees. The pool was a big hit with the kids and i loved the outside dining tables which were great for lunches and dinners. The service from the owner was very good and their local contact was very friendly.
Visited July 2015
Written July 11, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alkebsi
Chantilly, VA2 contributions
Our Vacation in Paradise
Paradise. That’s one word to describe Villa L’Aimant.
It was an idyllic stay at a gorgeous property nestled in the South of France, a base from where one can easily do breathtaking day trips to Cannes, Nice, Monaco, Saint Tropez, and Northern Italy with a rented car (a small car is advisable given the narrow roads in the region). The owners gave us wonderful recommendations on where to go, sightsee, and eat. Our family of seven greatly enjoyed being able to explore all these places then coming back to the magnificent, manicured grounds of the villa. The beautiful villa is surrounded by a unique mix of olive, palm, and pine trees as well as vast types of colorful flowers. The grounds are immaculately well kept. The house was well taken care of with every detail provided for. We had plenty of space to ourselves, spread out across the villa in the large three bedrooms and pool house.
My wife and I enjoyed the spacious master bedroom; my eldest daughter and her husband took the other suite on the first floor; my two other daughters shared the other bedroom upstairs; and my daughter’s fiancée took the pool house. Just perfect space for all of us. The bedrooms had verandas overlooking the pool. The pool was one of our favorite features of the house in our quest for relaxation. We enjoyed several summer days lounging by the pool and eating marvelous bread and cheeses.
Speaking of food, the property manager, Margo, even prepared two classic French meals for us while we were there, rabbit stew and beef bourguignon, at a very reasonable cost. She did the grocery shopping and all the cooking and insisted that we just sit down and enjoy the meals. A warm, kind woman, Margo lives close by and made our stay even more pleasant. When we first arrived to the villa, Margo was waiting there for us with a welcome basket with snacks and gave us an enjoyable tour of the villa. She provided us with very helpful instructions and let us know that we could contact her any time we needed something. We had fun trying to converse with her in French!
The villa has many books that you can read while lounging around. There are two large grocery stores nearby and several excellent restaurants. We greatly enjoyed eating meals on the outside dining tables with a stunning view of the sunset. The kitchen is fully equipped and has all you need to have all the meals you want to have in the villa. The two grills (outside the main house and near the pool house) have everything you need for a wonderful family barbecue.
Just one caution, it was very difficult to drag my family out of the villa to enjoy the amazing South of France. We made a compromise. I had to promise them two full days in the villa to enjoy the place, the several areas in the property to just relax and read a book, or to swim. I have to confess, this was not such a bad compromise. I enjoyed that myself.
We took day trips on the other days to places such as Cannes, Nice, Monaco, Saint Tropez, and places in Northern Italy such as San Remo. It was memorable and breathtaking to drive from the Villa, down the mountain, to the beaches, boulevards, restaurants, coffee shops, and famous shops along the Côte d'Azur. And, by the way, Google Maps has accurate directions to the villa and all the nearby attractions.
It was unanimous: this was our best vacation ever.
It was a glorious, delightful week at the villa and we already cannot wait to stay there again. My family and I highly recommend this property. You cannot go wrong. One request: please don’t book the week we plan to be there again next year!!!!!
Visited June 2016 Traveled with family
Written July 27, 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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What this rental offers
Kitchen and dining
Grill
Dishwasher
Freezer
Refrigerator
Kettle
Microwave
Stove
Toaster
Wi-fi and internet
Wi-fi
Outdoor amenities
Balcony
Deck
Garage
Patio
Private outdoor pool (unheated)
Private yard
Terrace
Entertainment
DVD player
Stereo system
Television
Parking
Secure parking available
Things to do
Watersports
Scenic views
Mountain views
Property features
Staff on property
Indoor amenities
Air conditioning
Central heating
Fireplace
Internet access
Cable television
Bathroom and laundry
Dryer
Iron
Linens provided
Towels provided
Washer
Nearby
Golf course (within 30 mins drive)
Golf course (within 15 min walk)
Tennis court
Hiking areas
Countryside area
Location info
City getaway
Living spaces
Highchair
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Map
About the neighborhood
This property is just a short - 3-5min from historic Chateauneuf-de-Grasse and Valbonne - 10-15min from the Perfume Capital Of The World, Grasse - 20-25min from Cannes' La Croisette (think Film Festival) - 50-60min ride to Monaco, and - about 30min to either Nice or Cannes-Mandelieu airports The Provence-Alpes/Cote d’Azur (PACA) region offers an abundance of wonderful choices. A modest sampling: - Escape for lunch/dinner to Valbonne’s 15th century Place des Arcades (5-10min) - Visit Fragonard, Molinard, Galimard or other perfume factories in Grasse (15min) - Be breathless at Gourdon's breath-taking views of the region and the Mediterranean. This car-free mountain-top village was featured Les Miserables of 2012 (20min) - Do The Artists' Tour
Getting around
Renting a car (most likely from Nice Airport, the nearest big airport) is recommended to most optimally enjoy Villa l'Aimant and its utterly gorgeous surroundings. The house accommodates 4 cars for parking, although we can also recommend an excellent local taxi service. Uber also works here to some degree.
Access
Car advised
How to get there
The closest airports are Nice Cote d'Azur (commercial) and Cannes Mandelieu (charter) and are each within 25-35 minutes driving to the house. The villa is near to public transport lines that can bring you to either side of the Cote as well.
Activities nearby
Golf course (within 30 mins drive)Golf course (within 15 min walk)Tennis courtWatersports
Things to know
Cancellation policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
25% refund* if you cancel at least 2 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
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