Named for the South African philosophy promoting harmonious conviviality, this generous villa of stone, concrete, and glass dominates its private, hedge-enclosed lot in an exclusive, residential domain on France’s glittering Côte d’Azur.

Created as a residence promoting harmonious coexistence, this villa for rent in France occupies a private lot in the residential Domaine du Gaou, overlooking the bay of the same name. Its spacious garden, with its thick lawn and stately cypress and palm trees, is one of the community’s largest, home to a sundrenched swimming pool and bar, with ample space to play yard games like pétanque or croquet.

Intentionally designed to divide intimate spaces from lively communal rooms, this villa for rent in France is built across two levels, the gathering spaces upstairs lined by wide glass-windows that highlight the generously open floorplan. The outdoor terrace runs the entire length of the upper level, with alfresco dining, a barbecue, and magnificent sea views. Bedrooms (other than the upstairs master suite) spread out on the lower level, all interior spaces decorated in colorful fusion of contemporary art, ethnic accents, and bright textiles. The two master bedrooms are ensuite, two doubles share a bathroom with tub, and another double and twin room share a bathroom.

The villa is 200m from the beach, the bakery and local groceries (open seasonally).

AROUND

A secure residential community outside the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas, the exclusive Domaine du Gaou Bénat was conceived in the mid 20th century, when lots were drawn up around its private beach and chateau. Today, it features tennis and recreation facilities and an exclusive commercial area with a bakery, restaurant, and other services. 

Bormes-les-Mimosas gets its name from its fragrant trademark flower, its vivid yellow, edible poms the pride of an annual festival. The aromatic puffs are one of dozens of flowers to fill the tile-roofed, seaside village’s streets, and it is listed as one of France’s most flowering locations. The medieval village is also home to Fort de Brégançon, the French President’s official holiday home, open to the public since 2014. 

Bormes’ history-rich, stony facades careen down to the sea, and the pretty town offers several sandy beaches. La Favière is the family favorite, a wide expanse dotted with diving schools, watersports’ guides, and a pretty marina. A bit more hidden at the end of a wild coastal path, Estagnol beach offers shallow swimming in a turquoise lagoon. Cabasson beach overlooks the Presidential getaway and has panoramic Mediterranean views. 

Outdoor enthusiasts can don hiking shoes or grab a bike to explore the area’s trail network, including the Route des Crêtes. Further afield, Col du Landon, Col du Canadel or the Col du Babou offer more vigorous outings, and the Maures mountain range also has its own wine route. The nearby Dom Forest showcases native cork oak trees and offers a series of hiking paths. The former fishing village of Le Lavandou, in a cove nearby, is now a coastal resort known for its playful dolphins where retired fishing boats mark the town’s beaches, and noted landscape designer Gilles Clément’s Mediterranean Gardens introduce plant lovers to the region’s full array of arid to subtropical landscapes.

LOCATION

Bormes-les-Mimosas, Provence Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. Nearest airports: Toulon, Nice

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May to September