Toile Blanche

Hotel Type: Bed & Breakfast

Environment: Countryside

Number of Rooms: 7

Style: Contemporary

Prices: from 165.00 EUR to 350.00 EUR

Few hotels in Saint-Paul-de-Vence (or simply St. Paul for those who visit often!) can get as close to Toile Blanche for blending style with comfort, relaxation with a modern refined touch.

Not really a hotel and certainly not a guesthouse, this is part of the new generation of Bed and Breakfasts; drab wallpaper, out, grumpy landlords be gone, this is pure, simple and very stylish comfort. On top of that, it’s just 15 minutes from Nice (25 from Cannes) but in the middle of the countryside - surrounded by gardens and the green valley that runs just below Saint Paul and on down to the Côte d’Azur itself. Dany and Nadine who restored this late-Victorian villa in 2003 must surely be blessed with one of the best locations in Saint Paul de Vence.

Whether your idea of relaxation is lounging by the pool or popping in to the village for morning coffee, there shouldn’t be too many problems with finding stimulation here.

There is a wonderful sun deck by the pool which sits on a natural terrace at the edge of the garden giving stunning views back into the hills of Provence and down towards the sea. Those palms and avocados, all kinds of exotic flowers, something wants to lead you into dreamland. In fact, our money goes on the gardens as one of the nicest things about Toile Blanche though that shouldn’t detract from the cooking – each summer the Leroy brothers open up a rather exclusive and personalized restaurant at Toile Blanche, words can’t do it justice and we won’t even try, suffice to say it is inventive, delicious and you have to book in advance. If you’d rather, though, try St Paul itself, full of great little restaurants and if those aren’t enough, drive down the hill to Juan les Pins, a little more relaxed than Cannes and a great place for an aperitif as the sun goes down over the Mediterranean.

Back on the inside of Toile Blanche, the artwork in the lounge continues into the bedrooms where the decor is unashamedly modern but well-done, loaded with sensuality and far removed from a soulless minimalism. Deep colours blend seamlessly with pastels; the rooms are calm and soothing, the perfect place for practising that great Mediterranean art of the siesta.

All in all then, Toile Blanche might suit those who are looking for something a little bit different; it’s a great way to escape from the city (but still be close to some of the most exciting cities in France), relax with beautiful scenery around you whilst keeping an eye on comfort and style and easy access to excellent eating.

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