our places
We are sharing here a few places, habits and addresses that we particularly enjoy in the region.
Hilltop villages, markets, restaurants, walks, beaches or longer escapes: this page brings together the places we regularly return to, depending on the season and our mood.
You will find very practical recommendations here, along with a few more personal suggestions, to discover the region differently during your stay at Pipa Polaris.
Fred & Valérie
To keep up with life at the villa and what’s happening in the region during your stay, follow us on Instagram: @pipa_polaris.
A few minutes from the villa
SPÉRACÈDES
Our village, just a short walk from the villa, remains lively throughout the year despite its small size.
Café de l’Union
A typical village atmosphere, warm welcome and generous family cooking much appreciated by the locals. Two terraces: one overlooking the village square, the other opening onto the view. We go there as much for a coffee as for a simple lunch or a summer dinner.
📍2 place du Général de Gaulle, Spéracèdes
🚶 8 min
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 60 60 08
Closed on Mondays.
Proxi
A very practical small grocery store for everyday essentials: food, fresh bread, newspapers, tobacco… Always a very friendly welcome.
📍1 rue du Dr Belletrud, Spéracèdes
🚶 8 min
Closed on Mondays.
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CABRIS
Less than 10 minutes from the villa, Cabris is probably one of the villages we visit most often. We go there as much for the atmosphere and the views as for a coffee on the square, lunch on a terrace, buying bread or simply wandering through the village streets.
📍The restaurants and cafés around Place des Puits
The lively heart of the village, gathered around its fountain and terraces.
• Le Mini Grill
Simple and generous cooking, mussels and fries, pizzas and a very relaxed atmosphere.
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 60 55 58
Closed on Tuesdays.
• Brasserie de la Chèvre d’Or
A café, restaurant and local institution. A few dishes built around truffle, and a particularly warm welcome from Tony.
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 60 51 03
Closed on Wednesdays.
• Chez Nicolas
An address that seems almost untouched since the 1950s, still run by the same family. We especially enjoy stopping there at the end of the day for a drink on the square.
Closed on Thursdays.
Auberge du Vieux Château
A beautiful gastronomic restaurant with an exceptional view from Place Mirabeau. A perfect address for a more special lunch or dinner.
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 60 51 03
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Le Bellevue
Located by the Cabris tennis courts, Le Bellevue lives up to its name: the terrace enjoys a wide open view over the landscape. Seasonal, simple and flavourful cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere we particularly enjoy during the warmer months.
☎️ +33 (0)6 23 03 61 35
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Pistacchio Ice Cream
Right next to the Cabris tennis courts, this small artisanal ice cream truck has become an almost unavoidable stop whenever we drive past. The flavours change regularly, and everything is delicious, with real attention paid to ingredients and taste.
Lamy du Pain
An excellent bakery and pastry shop in the heart of Cabris. For us, the bread is among the very best in the area, and the pastries are just as remarkable. An address well known far beyond the village itself.
Closed on Mondays.
Monday Morning Yoga
From 9am to 10:30am, Virginie leads a yoga class overlooking the panorama of Cabris. If you feel like joining, Valérie will happily take you there.
Group class: €15
📍Cabris
🚘 6 to 7
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SAINT-CÉZAIRE-SUR-SIAGNE
About ten minutes from the villa, Saint-Cézaire is a village we particularly enjoy for its simple atmosphere and magnificent views over the Esterel hills. We also like to visit on Saturday mornings, when the weekly market takes place.
Saturday Morning Market
A pleasant village market where local producers, fruit and vegetables, cheeses and Provençal specialities come together in a relaxed atmosphere.
Foucard Ice Cream
Nestled on a charming village square leading to the belvedere, Foucard is one of our favourite stops in Saint-Cézaire. An ice cream in hand, a short walk to the viewpoint, and the scenery does the rest.
Pont des Tuves Walk
For the more active, this walk descends to the Siagne River and its famous stone bridge. Along the river, there are several lovely spots for a swim or a picnic in the shade of the trees.
📍Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne
🚘 10 min
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GRASSE
The world capital of perfume, Grasse is well worth a visit. We recommend parking at the Indigo Honoré Cresp car park, which is particularly convenient. From there, you can reach the main pedestrian street and the heart of the old town within a few minutes on foot. Take time to wander through the narrow streets, small squares and covered passageways that give Grasse its unique charm. Depending on the season, some streets are adorned with the town’s famous pink umbrellas suspended above passers-by.
Fragonard
We highly recommend visiting the historic Fragonard factory as well as taking part in one of their perfume-making workshops.
In your apartment, you will find an invitation for the guided tour along with a discount voucher for the Fragonard boutique.
Café Fleur
Our favourite spot for a coffee break or a sweet treat. Located on the charming Rue de l’Oratoire, Café Fleur serves excellent coffee, tea, homemade pastries and a small selection of carefully prepared sandwiches.
Its lovely terrace, set on the forecourt of a former church, is particularly enjoyable on sunny days.
📍 19 Rue de l’Oratoire, Grasse
☎️ +33 (0)4 93 36 34 66
Closed on Tuesdays.
Roses & Mets
A delightful address for lunch or dinner, offering fresh, generous seasonal cuisine in a charming setting in the heart of the old town.
📍 5 Place Vieille Boucherie, Grasse
☎️ +33 (0)6 50 97 57 52
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
📍 Grasse
🚘 15 mi
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LAKE SAINT-CASSIEN
Around twenty minutes from the villa, Lake Saint-Cassien offers a landscape that feels very different from the coastline. Surrounded by pine trees and rolling hills, it provides a pleasant alternative to the beaches during the summer months.
A Swim Away from the Crowds
When the beaches along the coast become busy, we like to rent a pedal boat from Okwide Eco Beach and head towards the quieter northern part of the lake. Rent one for three or four hours, bring a picnic and a good book, and simply take your time. Within minutes, you may feel as though you have the lake entirely to yourself. The swimming is particularly enjoyable there.
Le Ponton
On the opposite side of the lake, Le Ponton is an address we enjoy for its unique setting. Located right on the water's edge, the restaurant offers an atmosphere that sometimes feels more like a Canadian lakeside retreat than Provence. The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean flavours, served in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
📍 D37 - PK Maison du Lac, Route du Lac, Marecare S, 83440 Tanneron
☎️ +33 (0)7 82 13 82 90
📍 Lake Saint-Cassien
🚘 20 min
Hilltop Villages
The countryside around Cannes is dotted with hilltop villages, each with its own character, winding streets, shaded squares and far-reaching views. These are the ones we find ourselves returning to time and again.
Sea and Islands
In around thirty minutes, you can reach the Mediterranean. Beaches, coves, coastal walks or a boat trip to the Lérins Islands all offer a different way to experience the region.
Coastal Towns
Cannes, Antibes and Nice each have a very distinct identity. Whether you are drawn to markets, museums, historic centres or simply the atmosphere of the seaside, all three are well worth a visit.
Further Afield
If you have a full day available, a few destinations are well worth venturing a little further. From the spectacular landscapes of the Verdon Gorge to the villages of the Var coastline, via Monaco or nearby Italy, each offers a very different atmosphere. Some are perfect for a day of exploration, while others make for a pleasant lunch outing or an afternoon stroll.
