Cassis

Confident, classy Cassis is often seen as the eastern terminus of the Cote d'Azur. It certainly begins (or ends) the coast in style. The town is clustered into a wide bay and beset by towering headlands, including the famous Cap Canaille, the highest cliff in France. To its back, slopes of pine forests erupt in never-ending shades of green. To its front, the glittering waters of the French Mediterranean lap and wash against the rugged shore. A luxury villa in Cassis will give you access to all this and more.

The heart of Cassis lies in its charming harbour, where colourful boats bob gently against a backdrop of pastel-hued buildings. Wander along the quays, lined with boutiques, cafes, and seafood restaurants offering the freshest catch. There will be temptations as you stroll – a glass of the local wine, cafes beckoning with the earthy flavours of country Provence, and fine seafood restaurants.

Perched on a hill overlooking the town, the Château de Cassis is an impressive fortress with a history spanning more than a millennium. It's since been transformed into an exclusive hotel, where you can drop in to witness panoramic views of the harbour, the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding vineyards. Or enjoy a bespoke wine-tasting session with tipples from this corner of the south of France before returning to your luxury villa for a dip in the infinity pool or a glass of bubbly on the sea-view terrace.

When it's time for a taste of the natural wonders of Cassis, nothing can trump the Calanques National Park. A stunning stretch of stone-carved inlets and fjords that extends all the way to Marseilles, they'll leave you spellbound with the sheer vibrancy of their blue waters and the dramatic shape of the cliffs and headlands. Yachting or sea kayaking from cove to cove is the best way to check it off the bucket list.

Luxury villa rentals in Cassis are among the most alluring in the south of France. They put the energy and culture of old Marseille close by but also the charm of the Cote d'Azur on your doorstep. They channel a rustic Provencal edge – think vine-strewn walls and terracotta roofs – but plenty of high class and style – think beautiful pools perched above the Med, private cinemas, and sprawling dining spaces with panoramic sea views.