Villa Talabar

The Little Castle with a View

Locals affectionately call this white stone villa perched over the picturesque port of Cassis “the little castle” for its privileged position. Built in 1951, and newly renovated, the Art Deco-inspired home features views of the postcard-pretty Cap Canaille. Plus, the villa’s swimming pool and multileveled terraces offer panoramic views, too, whether out to sea, onto the lighthouse, up to the castle, and onto the massive, crown-shaped rocky outcrop known as the Couronne de Charlemagne that dominates the inland horizon.

Unforgettable vistas day and night are the trademark of this newly renovated, retro-cool coastal villa from the 1950s, perched above the picturesque Mediterranean town of Cassis. A two-story home that sleeps up to 12 in its four double bedrooms and bunkroom for four, it’s built on a hill, covers multiple terraced levels outdoors, and has its own private staircase down to the beach, situated only a few hundred feet from the house.

Each of the villa's five bedrooms has its own private bath, and some rooms open out to private patios with planters and flowering beds or offer views out to sea. The interior décor is fun, funky and colorful with an easygoing vibe. Kids will love the bunkroom, with its cute built-ins and round windows, and adults will love the indoor workout room with its therapeutic hot tub. 

Two living rooms allow for spreading out. There’s a sitting room with a fireplace, and second living area designed for respite from the summer sun. The open-plan kitchen has been fully updated and equipped, and it features a big central island. A large communal dining table is set under a festive chandelier and benefits from a view outside the French doors onto the turquoise Mediterranean.

Unique to this villa for rent in France are décor touches like boldly patterned wallpaper, a spiral staircase, funky round windows, and the waterfall swimming pool. The views from the home are varied and spectacular, whether in the pool, on a balcony, or dining outdoors.

AROUND

This villa for rent in France is located in the Mediterranean town of Cassis. Famed for its Calanques, the beautiful turquoise bays created by deep inlets in the bleached coastal cliffs, it's a favorite destination along this stretch of coast. The town’s colorful port is lively and beautiful, lined with pastel-colored buildings and striped boats. Cafes, bars and restaurants range from the trendsetting to the typical, and there is a nightlife scene mostly along the seafront. In fact, Villa Madie, an innovative Mediterranean restaurant that sits overlooking the water, and its chef Dimitri Droisneau have just been awarded three stars by Michelin Guide.

Just outside of town, Cassis offers white sand beaches, pebbled bays, romantic coves and dramatic cliffs. Mysterious footpaths lead through windswept pines, and isolated inlets accessible only by boat surround the town for miles in each direction along the Mediterranean. 

Water sports are abundant as are bright recreational ports, sailboat harbors and markets, plus docks where the daily catch might be hauled out of a colorful fishing boat. Cassis's castle soars over the village and further inland, local vineyards produce a bright white wine bearing the town’s name. 

The nearby village of La Ciotat was once a shipbuilding center and is also said to be the birthplace of pétanque, or the French game also known as boules. It’s charming and pretty, and smaller than Cassis. Buzzy, glitzy Marseille is a 20-minute drive away, with a wealth of things to do.

LOCATION

Cassis, Bouches du Rhône, France. Nearest airport: Marseille (20 mins).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to November