A Dream Provencal Getaway between Valbonne and Grasse

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, located within the ‘golden triangle’ formed by Nice, Cannes & Grasse.

Villa l’Aimant is here to be your sanctuary ... your home away from home. It’s been just that to our family for over 40 years, and it can be yours for a while as well. As one of our guests concluded: 'one day here equates 2 weeks somewhere else'. We so agree.

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.

In 2015, 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 the updated kitchen and pantry (with washing machine). The kitchen is fully equipped, including a double-door fridge with water & ice dispensers, convection oven, micro-wave, food-processor, dishwasher, any-n-all imaginable gadgets, and lots of cook-books.

The charming covered terrace off the salon with a dining table (seating 12) 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 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 pool-house. In it, you find a full-size bedroom, a pleasant living space + kitchenette opening up to a breakfast terrace, plus an updated bathroom & pool cabana. 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.

Villa l’Aimant is just a short 5min ride from historic Chateauneuf, 5-10min from historic Valbonne, 10-15min to the Perfume Capital Of The World, Grasse, 20-25min from the Film Festival & La Croisette in Cannes, under an hour to Monaco, and about 30 minutes to either Nice or Cannes-Mandelieu airports.

The Provence-Alpes/Cote d’Azur (PACA) region offers an abundance of attractions. A modest sampling:
• Escape for lunch or dinner to Valbonne’s 15th century forum: La Place des Arcades (5-10min)
• Visit Fragonard or any of the other perfume factories in Grasse (15-20min)
• The breathtaking views at Feudal Gourdon; in Les Miserables of 2012 (20-25min)
• The artist’s tour in the car-free medieval St. Paul de Vence (20-25min)
• Sampling Cannes' restaurants; marina, Felix Faure, or around the Carlton (25min)
• The beaches, restaurants & shops of Juan-les-Pins (25min)
• Monte-Carlo … say no more (1hr)

OR

Simply chill out with a crisp rosé, a book, some balls of steel (petanque, of course), a smart-phone, a smart human, or even a loved one (probably not the order of your preference) … in a half-dozen very pleasant spots on the grounds of Villa l’Aimant (30-60 seconds)

Parking for 3 cars – two at the main house (1 covered), and one at the pool-house
Airport pick-up/drop-off by recommended local taxi service; typically ~EUR90 per trip

Rates include all linen, bath & pool towels
Internet access & WiFi included – always on, 24/7

Additional services upon request:
• Daily cleaning/housekeeping; charges vary depending on your wishes
• Local cooking and grocery service; charges vary depending on your wishes
• Babysitting services – rates vary


Villa l’Aimant is ideal for family reunions, and for sharing quality time with friends.

Have questions? Let us know! You have a direct line to us for anything … comme vous voulez!

Contact us now … we are quick to reply.

As a guest of A Dream Provencal Getaway between Valbonne and Grasse, you'll find an outdoor pool, a terrace, and barbecue grills. WiFi is free in public spaces. The family-friendly A Dream Provencal Getaway between Valbonne and Grasse also features a garden and laundry facilities.

This Opio villa is smoke free.