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The best Charming Hotels in France

Le Mazet de Tourrettes, a charming B&B where Riviera luxury meets Provençal tranquility

Perched high above Nice with breathtaking Mediterranean views, this intimate B&B offers a natural swimming pool surrounded by fragrant gardens. When I stayed here, I immediately fell in love with its calm vibe and perfect blend of coastal charm and mountain serenity. Perfect for couples seeking tranquility, cycling enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to experience both coastal glamour and mountain authenticity.

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Rooms with sea view

The rooms


Each room tells its own story through natural materials and stunning sea views. I’ll never forget waking up to birdsong and that incredible Mediterranean panorama from my window! The spacious Agapanthe (25m²) offers premium views, while Iris (20m²) captures perfect sunrise moments. Rose and Violette (15m² each) are cozy hideaways with character, and the garden-view Suite Jasmin (40m²) provides extra space to unwind.

Even though my room was on the smaller side, it had a beautiful bathroom stocked with luxurious Fragonard toiletries from nearby Grasse – a lovely local touch!

Dining and Drinks

I absolutely loved starting each day with breakfast on the sea-view terrace. The daily changing feast is served on handmade ceramic plates from the village’s artisan workshop, and there’s something for every taste – sweet or savory.

Twice a week, the hosts organize their famous table d’hôte dinners – I highly recommend joining these! Sharing home-cooked regional dishes and local wines with other guests created some of my favorite memories from the stay.

This is actually why I always recommend staying at a “Chambre d’hôte” in France. The experience feels authentic, you usually get to stay in beautiful houses or villas, enjoy great homemade meals and get the most accurate touristic information directly from people living there.

Wellness and Relaxation

Here we are miles away from the touristic hotels on the coast. This place is made for relaxation and authentic experience, and you can see that in every detail – from the locally sourced breakfast ingredients to the handmade pottery used for your morning coffee. Even the landscaping uses drought-resistant native plants, creating a sustainable haven that feels completely in harmony with the surrounding Provençal countryside. It’s exactly the kind of thoughtful, genuine hospitality that I’m always searching for in my travels!

Some rooms have their private terrace, but don’t worry if you don’t get one. It is really easy to find an intimate place to enjoy the French Riviera sun. During my one week stay, I discovered at least seven different secluded spots perfect for morning coffee or evening rosé – including a charming little bench beneath an ancient olive tree that quickly became my favorite sunset viewing spot!

You’ll find peaceful reading corners scattered throughout the property, and multiple terraces with comfortable loungers where you can soak in those incredible views of rolling hills and distant villages. I spent entire afternoons moving from sunny spots to shaded nooks with my book, stopping only to cool off with a quick dip in that refreshing natural pool.

The natural swimming pool feels like a hidden oasis, surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and fragrant lavender that buzzes with honeybees on warm afternoons.

Have you ever taken a dip in a natural swimming pool? I was completely blown away when I first discovered these eco-friendly marvels during my stay at a charming family-run B&B tucked away in the hills of Provence! Unlike traditional pools that rely on chlorine and harsh chemicals (which always turn my hair green and make my eyes sting!), these ingenious swimming havens work with nature instead of against it.

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All the info you need at a glance

  • Location: Tourrettes-sur-Loup, 30 minutes from Nice
  • Nearby: Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Grasse, Nice
  • Access : Car essential due to hillside location
  • Perfect base for exploring both coast and mountains
  • Best time to visit: April-October
  • Adults-oriented property focusing on calm and relaxation
  • Best for: Luxury seekers, history enthusiasts, water sports lovers, hiking and biking lovers

Unique Experiences

Being closer to the hills (where the french call “l’arriere pays niçois”) put’s you closer to hilltop villages that are lesser know, like Gourdon or Saint Paul de Vence. This makes day trips to these villages and the town of Grasse, really easier than if you were based on the coast.

This spot is heaven for cycling enthusiasts – when I visited, I met two families who had come specifically for the famous Tour de France routes! The location is perfect for exploring both the glamorous coast and authentic mountain villages.

Hiking trails start practically at your doorstep, and the Gorges du Loup offers kayaking adventures (though from my experience, maybe skip this in May if you’re a beginner like me!).

If you come during spring you can also spot numerous waterfalls.

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What other things to do around this hotel ?

Discover Tourrettes-sur-Loup

If you are going to the French Riviera, then you should not miss this incredible medieval village that french people would like to keep secret!

Perched dramatically on a rocky spur between Nice and Vence, Tourrettes-sur-Loup isn’t just another pretty French village – it’s the ‘Cité des Violettes,’ where artisans have been crafting everything from violet jam to candied flowers since the 1800s.

You can see more photos on their Instagram Page

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Hi, I’m Ersilia

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Toulouse, France

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Originally from Romania

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English & French Content

As a Romanian expat living in the heart of southern France, I guide English speakers to discover authentic French experiences without the language barrier. My unique perspective as both a local and an expat allows me to share insider tips, cultural insights, and practical advice that you won’t find in typical guidebooks.

My Expertise:

  • French life and culture navigation
  • Hidden gems across French regions
  • Eastern vs Western European perspectives
  • Local insights and practical travel tips

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