Nature breaks, away from it all
Eco-designed spaces, floating houses, forest cabins... slow tourism has spread from the hinterland to the sea.Ideal for travellers looking for out-of-the-ordinary and exclusive accommodation!
By Raphaëlle Elkrief
Andon
Ecolodges de la Réserve des Monts d’Azur
Meet the large herbivores.
This 700-hectare sanctuary is home to rare species: European bison, deer, wild boar, elk, and Prewalski’s horses – the oldest breed living in the wild. All kept and protected by veterinary surgeon Patrice Longour and his wife Alena, who invite visitors to enjoy responsible tourism that respects nature and flora. The Reserve offers five wood and canvas ecolodges with a breathtaking view of the plain and lakes where the animals gather. Observe spring births, watch stags rutting in autumn... Your stay begins with a guided safari, a barbecue with the guides, and a swim in the natural pool.
Ouvert du 15 mai au 30 octobre (suivant météo)
Par nuit, 149 € (adulte), 89 € (adolescent)
et 69 € (enfant à partir de 6 ans)
2651 route des Châteaux, Andon
reserve-biologique.com
Lac de Serre-Ponçon
Les Toues Cabanées du Lac
Robinson on water
Right in the middle of the Serre-Ponçon lake, in wild unspoiled surroundings, float five boats designed as cabins. Each has a living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and private terrace and can accommodate up to five people. Access is by motorised boats from the mainland, and breakfast is delivered in a basket to your pontoon each morning. An invitation to let time drift by to the rhythm of the lake in an eco-friendly boat equipped with solar panels or at the Paillote du Lac restaurant for evening entertainment.
Ouvert de juin à septembre, à partir de 638 € les 2 nuits pour 2 personnes, petit-déjeuner inclus.
Lac de Serre-Ponçon, D900, 04340 Ubaye-Serre-Ponçon
touescabaneesdulac.com
© Anne Claire Heraud
Valdeblore
Auberge de la roche
Authenticity regained
Gastronomes from all over France flock here to get a table—you might even spot a New York Times photographer here. Mickaëlle, Louis-Philippe and Alex have been attracting disconnection fans and the most seasoned palates to the Nice hinterland since 2020. Their 5-bedroom lair sat unoccupied for 30 years in a wasteland. It now boasts a henhouse, permaculture vegetable gardens, a smokehouse, and a restaurant serving dishes celebrating the richness of the terroir. Go from room to dining table in a welcoming, family atmosphere with antique decoration.
Dîner & dormir : du jeudi soir au mardi matin (à partir de 350 € pour 2 personnes, dîners dégustations et petits-déjeuners inclus). Dîner uniquement : du jeudi soir au lundi soir (90 € par personne)
La Roche, 06420 Valdeblore
(en face de la mairie annexe)
Tél. 04 93 05 19 07
laubergedelaroche.com
Saint-Maxime
Lou Cabanou.
Close to the sea
For lovers of surf, iodine and sunrises, Maywell and Tristan have transformed this former boat garage in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez into a dream cottage. Everything outside happens with your feet in the sand, just metres from the water. Nothing is missing inside: open kitchen, lounge area, air-conditioned bedrooms... The bed offers an exceptional view for observing the first light of the day on the sea before you repair to the stone terrace for breakfast, the sounds of the waves the only background music.
À partir de 379 € la nuit
49 avenue du Général Leclerc
83120 Sainte-Maxime
Instagram : @lou.cabanou
Saint-Jeannet
Casa Sallusti. An organic farm-hotel
Isabella Sallusti decided to transform an abandoned site in the Nice hinterland into a certified organic farm 20 years ago. Nowadays, her plantations, orchards, vegetable gardens, and henhouse occupy land enriched over time. Visitor accommodation is in ecolodges in harmony with nature or an eco-loft for a gentler transition from city to countryside. Spaces with terraces, Jacuzzis, concierge service, natural pool, and sauna; they can adapt to meet guest requirements and numbers. Enjoy a stay with yoga and cooking classes or visits to the farm.
670 chemin des Collets, 06640 Saint-Jeannet
À partir de 320 € la nuit pour 2 personnes, 2 nuits minimum en haute saison
casasallusti.com
© Studio Loic Bisoli
© Studio Loic Bisoli
© Studio Loic Bisoli
Flayosc
Domaine de Monte Verdi
Seize the day!
You reach the estate by a 2 km long dirt road. The three cabins and 300 hectares of forest are well worth the effort. Luxury, authenticity, and nature combine in this exceptional location where saffron is grown, wild truffles harvested, and olive oil produced. Secluded cabins sit amongst the trees. Their trunks slung with hammocks designed by Nelson, son of the architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. A perfect setting for letting go, tasting seasonal dishes cooked by the chef, and cooling off in the pool.
Ouvert d’avril à octobre, à partir de 140 € la nuit
Route de Tourtour, D77, 83780 Flayosc
domainemonteverdi.com
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Orion Cabanes Perchées
In the trees.
Bagheera, King Louie, Shere Khan... the tree house names in this unique guest house are all references to the Jungle Book Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. Enjoy the calm in the shade of the undergrowth and the privileged setting with a view of the village, besides as the natural swimming pool filtered by stones, plants and micro-organisms, the traditional sauna, and yoga classes held in the garden.
Ouvert d’avril à septembre, location à la semaine à partir de 1 400 € pour 2 personnes
Impasse des Peupliers, 2436 chemin du Malvan, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence - orionbb.com
Côteweb 2021, création de site Internet sur Nice