L'Escale du Ciel

Rooms

The rooms practically purr with relaxed elegance, in soft mink, palest greens, blues and powder greys. They're all named after iconic French women. Beds are some of the most comfortable we've graced, the pillows memorably soft. Floors are lovely, too – mellow local stone.

We stayed in the first-floor Marguerite Duras Suite, which has valley views out of a small window in the soothing little sitting room, plus a large bathroom with free-standing bath.

Downstairs, the large Simone de Beauvoir room has stunning valley views through its window and a freestanding bathtub with a handheld shower. Slightly smaller, on the first floor, the Coco Chanel room also has wonderful views from the queensize bed.

Behind the main house is a glamping tent named Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, from whose bamboo queensize bed you get panoramic views of the valley and the stars at night. The tent is perched on top of a cabin that houses the shower bathroom, a kitchenette with two hotplates and fridge, and a small living area. The private terrace to the rear has its own hot tub too - perfect for self-contained romance from May to September.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Minibar
• Mosquito net
• WiFi

Eating

Breakfast is laid out on a table on the terrace or in the large sitting and dining room if it's chilly. Both have beautiful views, and it's a gorgeous feast, with muesli and fresh fruit and yoghurt, local cured meats and cheeses, coffee or tea, orange juice, and eggs and bacon on request.

Judith is very knowledgable about local restaurants and can make reservations. There are 3 or 4 good places in the village, or you can drive to many others. If you'd prefer to stay in, there's a kitchen where you can prepare your own food - you can buy a sumptuous spread at local markets and gastronomic shops. Judith sometimes throws dinner get-togethers by the pool, with French wines, cheeses and salads - it's all very relaxed and friendly.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service

Activities

• Petanque on the terrace, lazing by the pool and playing with the adorable border collies
  
• Pamper yourself: Judith can organise everything from aromatherapy massages to Mayan treatments, Sophrology and Kundalini-Meditation yoga, along with guided mountain walks and Indian dance
  
• The stunning Gorges du Loup has natural pools and waterfalls for wild swimming, its waterside paths wandering through tangled greenery. Whitewater rafting and canyoning are also on offer (10-minute drive)
  
• There are countless pretty villages within reach, including Matisse's favourite, St Paul de Vence, a walled medieval town that's filled with art and galleries. Others include Valbonne, Gourdon, the perfume centre of Grasse, and Tourettes du Loup
  
• The closest beach is only 25 minutes away; beaches around Nice and Cannes are just over half an hour
  
• Judith can arrange a private yoga class

  Activities on site or nearby include:

  • Birdwatching
  • Canyoning
  • Hiking
  • Historical sites
  • Museums / galleries
  • Rafting
  • Shopping / markets
  • Swimming

Kids

Over 12s only. This is a small, sociable but tranquil place, aimed at couples.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Suite Marguerite Duras has a sofabed in its living room, suitable for 1 teenager.

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

L'Escale du Ciel sits in the Provençal Maritime Alps, in rolling beautiful countryside and near fascinating and picturesque villages. It’s 30 minutes' drive from Nice airport or the beaches of the Côte d’Azur.

By Air:
Fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (23km); click on the links below for a list of airlines. The B&B has off-street parking.

From the Airport
You'll need your own car here as there’s a lot to explore in the area. See our car rental recommendations.

By Train:
From London you can take the Eurostar to Lille, then change onto a direct TGV train down to Nice, then hire a car from the station.

Detailed directions will be sent when you confirm a booking through i-escape.com.

More on getting to France and getting around