Activities around Villa Melocoton
The "bad" news first: Villa Melocoton is not located directly by the sea. But let's be honest, is that really so bad? We don't think so! In fact, we think our location is pretty great, because it offers a lot more possibilities than the coast. Because there it is very crowded and very expensive, especially in summer. Our little paradise is a little further inland - which doesn't mean you have to do without beach and sea! After 45 minutes by car heading south, you are on the beach and can feel the warm sand between your toes. But you can just as easily drive north for about an hour through the varied landscape and marvel at Europe's "Grand Canyon" there. But even without a car you can do a lot in our area: Hiking, cycling, horseback riding and much more... you can see our tips here!
Hiking - On foot or on horseback
Around Villa Melocoton there is a wide network of hiking trails. The paths lead through fragrant pine forests, past green olive groves, vineyards and small stone huts. There are "easy", wide paths that invite you to take a leisurely stroll, but also steep, rather stony paths that demand quite a bit even from hiking professionals. So there is something for everyone here.
We ourselves prefer to go hiking with our horses. If you share this passion with us, we will be happy to tell you about riding schools in the vicinity that offer guided rides. And dear children: our own horses Tenor and Mosquito are always happy to have visitors, so feel free to come along to visit the two of them.
Bike, motorbike, golf and ski
Go on a little Tour de France with your racing bike or ride through the forest on your mountain bike - everything is possible! For more leisurely cyclists, there are even rental bikes at Villa Melocoton. The scenic, winding roads in our area will delight not only cyclists but also motorcyclists (we have a safe, dry place for your bikes on our property!).
If you would like to come in winter, it is worth making a detour to the nearby ski area (50 minutes by car)! Furthermore, there is a golf course nearby. So if your passion is swinging a club, you'll find it here too!
Gorges du Verdon/ Lac de Sainte Croix
A day trip to the Gorges du Verdon and the drinking water lake "Lac de Sainte Croix" adjoining the gorge is highly recommended. The Verdon Gorge is not called the "Grand Canyon" of Europe for nothing. Breathtaking steep slopes and rugged cliffs characterise the landscape here. If you follow the road along the gorge, you will not only be rewarded with impressive views, but also with the turquoise-blue Lac de Sainte Croix. Here you can rent a canoe / pedal boat and even paddle a short distance into the gorge. There are even paraglider jumps on offer. Of course you can also swim ;)
Off to the sea
By car, you can be by the sea in less than an hour. The coast is versatile: combine a trip to St. Tropez with a visit to the white beach "plage de pampelonne", or visit the Hyeres peninsula, where everything from sailing to diving to windsurfing is offered. As this is the Mediterranean Sea, the water is still warm enough to swim in, even in September to early October!
If you don't really want to go into the water, we recommend a short hike (more like a walk) through the beautiful nature reserve to the rougher parts of the coast!
Culture
Villa Melocoton may be in a rural location, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on culture and city trips! The small villages in the south of France with their stone houses and farmers' markets are definitely worth a visit, because real life reigns here! But big cities are also easy to find. Nice, Aix en Provence and St. Tropez are all less than an hour away by car. Also recommended is a visit to Grasse, the town that owes its fame to the book "The Perfume".
The nearest larger town to Villa Melocoton is Draguignan. Here you will find everything you need: supermarkets, petrol stations, etc.
Simply enjoy
Sport, swimming, visiting cities - all this is fun, educational and exciting. But also a bit exhausting. Because there is so much to see and do here, we would like to remind you to enjoy your holiday in peace and quiet. Eat something delicious - whether in a restaurant or home-cooked, drink a good wine (we are happy to recommend our favourite wine domains!), play a casual game of boules or table tennis with your partner or family, make friends with Karlo and Maggie, our cats, sniff the scent of lavender and pine or let your gaze wander over the valley from the pool.