Maison Foncin S. Oliver

Maison Foncin S. Oliver visitgolfe.com Villa Foncin and House of Nature, Cavalaire The brand-new House of Nature opens mid- June 2024 with exhibitions and a focus on protecting the environment, saving water, and making the most of what you grow. From the centre’s garden, take a ten-minute walk through shady forest to the Villa Foncin, the lavishly built mansion of Pierre Foncin (1841- 1916). French cartographer and founding member of the Alliance Française. Set atop a cliff in an area of outstanding natural beauty, every window frames a view that looks like a painting, overlooking the Golden Isles, like gardens in the surrounding sea. Domaine du Rayol Almost hidden away down a side street, the Mediterranean gardens of the Domaine du Rayol transport you to another world where pathways squiggle their way through bamboo tunnels, past waterfalls and along small cliffs. You’ll encounter palm trees from New Zealand, a dense profusion of trees and plants from around the world from mimosa whose scent wafts lazily in the winter months to a prickly cactus collection and giant Birdof Paradise plants whose flowers weigh a whopping 2 kilos. Created by ground-breaking gardener Gilles Clément who’s pioneering ‘work with, not against nature’ ethos has had wide influence, you’ll encounter a heady mix of colour and sultry perfumes year-round, Domaine Up Ultimate Provence, La Garde-Freinet framed by magnificent views over the lapiscoloured Med. Head-spinningly beautiful, this is a place to simply wander or discover its secrets with a guided tour (French & English language). Stay: Domaine Up in La Garde-Freinet, an exceptional hotel in an exquisite location in the heart of a vineyard surrounded by forest. New-wave Provencal accommodation with old school glamour, deeply restful, luxurious rooms with private terraces, a gleaming spa, massages on top, gorgeous gardens and a sports area including a glass-walled badminton court overlooking the vines. The seriously sleek bar offers tastings of the estates own fabulous wines. Leave room in your sightseeing itinerary to float in the pool and soak up the ambiance of this little bit of Provencal paradise. Lunch: The elegant Café des Jardiniers at Domaine du Rayol is open to all garden visitors. You can’t reserve in advance, and it’s super popular, so get there early and enjoy a seasonal menu and a great choice of cocktails and wine. Dinner: Domaine UP – foodie heaven, superb fine dining, cocktails on the roof terrace watching the sun set, or on the pétanque pitch. Discover the area and heaps to see and do at: www.visitgolfe.com 16 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 17