Despite my luxury travels taking me the world over, one of my favourite countries is still France. To me the country means summer months spent in the South of France soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine and winter ski jaunts. Accommodation then needs to be a luxury villa followed by a gorgeous ski chalet and I’m sorted. My go-to experts on these sorts of properties are Oxford Ski for the most divine ski chalets and Oxford Private Travel for some seriously beautiful luxury villas.
Bayview, Villefranche Sur Mer, Cote D’azur & Monaco
The stunning, architect-designed villa of Bayview is located in the trendy Riviera town of Villefranche sur Mer and offers the most dazzling views that quite literally take in the entire Cote d’Azur. The villa sleeps 10 do is perfect for when the family gets together or for a group of friends. The villa is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens where the outdoor pool and pool house are located and there is also a roof terrace, which is just as well because as stylish as the interior is, you are in the South of France and you’re going to want to spend most of your time outdoors! A little more on that interior though; there is a vast open plan living and dining area, triple aspect views, huge floor to ceiling windows and access to private terraces from every room. Sculpted baths are placed next to those windows, and there is a rather wow, bespoke, sculpted Italian artisanal staircase. This villa is bought to you by Oxford Private Travel.
Villa Luberon, Provence
Villa Luberon is a recently renovated 18th century farmhouse that manages to ooze French-chic whilst also staying true to its rustic past. The villa sleeps 20 across 9 bedrooms and is perfect for socialising, especially given the impressive pool area which includes a heated swimming pool, covered and uncovered terracing and a spa. And if the party moves inside, there’s a games room complete with a home cinema setup. The villa has a heavenly location in the heart of countryside Provence just 3kms from the pretty market town of l`Isle-sur-la Sorgue. This villa is bought to you by Oxford Private Travel.
Villa Maya, St Tropez
I simply adore St Tropez, it’s made for luxury travel and Villa Maya is the perfect place to stay with world famous beaches and beach clubs on your door step. The villa sleeps 12 across 6 bedrooms and is as stylish as its location. The heated pool is large, the gardens are neat and sleek, there are endless places to chill and find shade or sun. Inside it’s a tech-lovers dream and there’s also a private gym, massage area, steam room, home cinema and, my favourite; a private bar with a fully-stocked wine cellar! This villa is bought to you by Oxford Private Travel.
Villa Bastide, Provence
For a wonderful touch of historic France stay in a traditional Bastide, or Aixoise Maison de Maitre (Gentleman’s House) at Villa Bastide. As well as the building itself you also have access to the Orangery, a Pidgonnier (pigeon house), a large pool house, a garage and farm hangar, all surrounded by around 1000 olive trees. In the gardens you’ll find a brand-new tennis court, a 17-metre pool, a trampoline and a professional table tennis table. The inside is packed with original fine art, sculptures and opulent furnishings. There’s also an 18-hole golf course just across the road. The villa is located on the doorstep of the darling town of Aix-en Provence. This villa is bought to you by Oxford Private Travel.
Villa Frankie, Languedoc
For a slightly smaller group, Villa Frankie sleeps 8-10 across 5 bedrooms from its envied position on one of France’s best beaches. The villa is located in Languedoc near to Montpelier. The facilities are excellent; a stunning, heated infinity pool surrounded by gardens that will be hard to drag yourself away from, a large sun terrace, a gym, cinema room and a sauna. This villa is bought to you by Oxford Private Travel.
Chalet Cree, Chamonix
Moving on to my winter hideaway then, Chalet Cree is a luxury ski chalet tucked in Chamonix which enjoys 360-degree views of the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc range. Head to the terrace or Jacuzzi for the very best views. There’s a games room, a gym and a fabulous in chalet bar; designed for those après ski nights. The excellent location means that you are just 7 minutes from the town centre and the lifts. This chalet is bought to you by Oxford Ski.
Les Rives d′Argentière, Chamonix
For a larger group, Les Rives d′Argentière in Chamonix sleeps up to 38 across 1,250 square meters, choose from renting two, three or all four chalets. Best of all, the vast dining room, bar and cinema room means you can socialise together, starting your night tucking into a feast prepared by the chalet’s chef. There’s also an outdoor hot tub, sauna, massage room, private gym, ski room and an extensive wine cellar. This chalet is bought to you by Oxford Ski.
Chalet Elangeni, La Tania
If the ability to ski to and from the chalet is important to you then consider Chalet Elangeni in La Tania. Your piste side location places you in the very heart of the resort and couldn’t be more convenient. The chalet sleeps 15 across 8 ensuite bedrooms. There’s heated flooring, a hot tub and sauna, and wonderful, open-plan living, as well as spectacular views across the valley and the resort. This chalet is bought to you by Oxford Ski.
Chalet Ferme D’Elise, Morzine
Another excellent location is on offer at Chalet Ferme D’Elise which is tucked away in a peaceful valley just a short distance from the ski-lifts at Morzine. Sleeping 16 comfortably, the exquisite villa is created in the traditional Savoyard farmhouse design. Luxurious and contemporary with some wonderful features such as double-height floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a large south-facing terrace, original artwork and an incredible, Instagram-worthy hanging steel and glass fireplace! There’s also an outdoor hot tub, sauna, massage room, wine cellar and private cinema room, plus an in-house team just waiting to pamper you. This chalet is bought to you by Oxford Ski.
Club Pierre, Méribel
For the ultimate in convenience, Clube Pierre offers a ‘full service’ solution for skiers. Not only does this mean a location at the base of the Morel chairlift and at the bottom of the Hullote Piste (accessible for all but absolute beginners) but also a Ski Room with boot warmers! It sleeps 18 and is a very popular chalet so book in advance! It’s recently been renovated and is now stylish, rustic and cosy with traditional Savoyard stone and timber features. Many of the bedrooms have a balcony or terrace and the villa enjoys views across the Méribel Valley. This chalet is bought to you by Oxford Ski.
COPYRIGHT 2014 - 2023 LUXURY TRAVEL DIARY. DUPLICATION OUTSIDE OF LUXURYTRAVELDIARY.COM IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN.
Note: All benefits & upgrades subject to availability & Terms & Conditions, enquire for more information. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.