- Old Town and hillside vantage points: Expect charming exteriors, shaded courtyards, and easy access to cafés, bakeries, and local markets. These properties provide a quintessential Provençal ambiance with terraces that invite long al fresco meals and sunset glasses of rosé.
- Near the Argens River: Properties with river-facing terraces or short strolls to the water create a tranquil base for kayaking, bike rides along canal paths, and easy day trips to nearby beaches.
- Proximity to beaches: Beachfront villas or those within a short drive to the coast give you the best of both worlds—sea days and village evenings without long commutes.
Coastal and water-based adventures
- Spend a day along the Côte d’Azur’s beaches near Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël, or Sainte-Maxime. Gentle seas, public and private beaches, and family-friendly facilities make beach days easy to plan with a villa as your base. - Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or glass-bottom boat tours along the coast or along the Argens River. Calm mornings are perfect for a relaxed paddle, while warmer afternoons invite a bit more water activity. - Snorkeling along rocky coves or sheltered beaches offers glimpses of colorful Mediterranean life just off shore.Nature and outdoors
- Explore the Lac de Villepey Nature Reserve, a tranquil spot where wind, water, and wildlife create a peaceful day out for families and nature lovers. - Hike or trail run in the Esterel Massif or surrounding hills for dramatic red cliff scenery, pine forests, and sweeping views of the coastline. Easy to intermediate trails let you tailor the day to your pace. - Cycling on scenic lanes through olive groves and vineyards provides a flexible way to cover more ground and find quiet lookout points with sea glimpses.Cultural and culinary experiences
- Market days in Roquebrune-sur-Argens are a delight: fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, local cheeses, olive oil, and honey—perfect for picking up picnic provisions for a day out. - Try Provencal cuisine at village taverns and seaside bistros. Classic dishes include aioli, bouillabaisse, ratatouille, tapenades, and seafood feasts that celebrate the Mediterranean palate. - Visit nearby wineries to sample Bandol and Côtes de Provence wines. Vineyard tours, seasonal tastings, and small-batch bottles make for memorable gifts and connoisseur-worthy afternoons. - Artisanal workshops and local crafts sessions showcase Provençal handicrafts, from pottery to olive wood products, offering a tangible connection to regional traditions.Family-friendly and group activities
- Family-friendly parks and playgrounds, plus boat trips from nearby ports, provide flexible days for travelers with kids. - Boat charters and guided sea adventures let guests experience the Riviera from the water, including potential sightings of marine life and coastal scenery inaccessible from shore. - Private chef experiences or market-to-table cooking classes enable guests to immerse themselves in Provençal flavors with hands-on participation and sociable group dining.Nightlife, markets, and social scenes
- Summer evenings bring lively markets and village fêtes with live music, local specialties, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere that welcomes visitors to mingle with residents. - Some coastal towns nearby offer sunset cocktails at beach clubs or promenades where you can watch the boats drift by as the day ends. - For travelers who love social experiences, Roquebrune-sur-Argens and the broader Var region provide opportunities to meet locals at markets, cafés, and festivals, ensuring a community-friendly feel during your stay.- Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus: classic Riviera beaches, scenic harbor walks, and family-friendly day trips with a relaxed pace.
- Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime: world-renowned glamour and fabulous coastline are reachable for a day of luxury shopping, harbor views, and seafood lunches along the port.
- Issores and the surrounding coastal towns: coves, cliffs, and calm bays ideal for a tranquil afternoon by the sea.
- Lac de Villepey and natural parks: nature escapes that pair well with a picnic and a sunset view over the water.
- Gorges du Verdon (a longer day trip): for a dramatic natural landscape, turquoise river waters, and exhilarating viewpoints—even if you anchor the trip with a late lunch in a Provencal village on the way back.
- Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility, especially if you’re staying in a villa with garden space and plan day trips to beaches and inland villages.
- Look for villa accommodations with air conditioning, a private pool, and outdoor living areas to maximize comfort during hot months.
- Markets are seasonal and regional—visit early for the freshest produce and the best selection of local specialties.
- Respect local customs and dining times; many Provençal eateries open for lunch and late dinner, which aligns well with a relaxed itinerary.
- Pack sun protection, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones, and a light jacket for cooler evenings on hillside terraces.