Being right in the heart of Provence, it is a perfect base from which to explore the whole region. Day trips by car are easy to Monaco, or even across the Italian border, or to really live it up, go by helicopter from the Heliport just 10 minutes away from the house. (No, you won't be bothered by helicopters or 'planes, they are infrequent, and do not over fly the house). Day trips are also easy to Aix en Provence, Nice, Cannes, Marseille, Toulon, Juan les Pins, Grasse, the list is endless. One of our favourites is to drive down to Port Grimaud, and take the Navette (ferry) across the bay to St.Tropez for a long lunch and shopping followed by some yacht watching over drinks in the harbour before the ferry back. The countryside around Grimaud is covered with vineyards, producing some of the best wines in France. Many of the vineyards have tastings and the local wines are widely available and very cheap. The world famous Pampelonne beaches are within easy reach and the Harbour at St.Tropez is still, whatever anyone might tell you, the place to see and be seen.

For the mundane everyday essentials, there is a huge Geant Hypermarket with a Pharmacy and Bank a few minutes away at La Foux, whilst at the bottom of the hill from the house there is a choice of 2 small supermarkets for daily items. The main coast road is also dotted with small shops and 2 very good bakers. Meanwhile, for the retail therapists, the Cote d'Azur has some of the finest shopping anywhere. All the big designer names are in St. Tropez Cannes, and Nice.

There are lots of tennis courts, a lovely big sports centre and all kinds of sporting opportunities including excellent deep sea and fresh water fishing, bowling and of course, golf. For the less practiced, there are 2 very good and well run "mini golf" courses at La Foux. If you're feeling flush, an air tour by helicopter might appeal, or there's the Casino in Ste. Maxime.

The world famous beaches of Pampelonne are just a few kilometres away, and have to be seen to be believed. A five star beach is quite an experience. Nearer to home, the lovely beach at Port Grimaud is accessible to guests, and like it's grander cousins at Pampelonne has a beach restaurant and bar and loungers and sunshades to rent. For those wanting to stay close to home, it is possible to just park at the foot of the hill, where a tunnel provides access under the road for a short walk through Prairies de la Mer to the beach. There is plenty of locally available Boat hire and Jet Ski hire, there are speed boat rides, inflatables, and paragliding. There is also a scuba diving club and school on the coast road near to Port Grimaud.

Ah yes the kids.

Go carting
Funfair
Water parks
Crazy Golf
Beaches
Bowling
and dozens of other attractions from Aquariums to Zoos

Here are some useful websites with more information about the area.

http://www.provenceweb.fr/f/region1.htm

http://www.ste-maxime.com/en/en_index.php

http://www.ot-saint-tropez.com/en/accueil.htm

http://www.grimaud-provence.com/english/