Location, location, location!
St Cezaire sur Siagne is described as being perched on a ledge overlooking the Siagne valley. It is located in the Alpes Maritime region of southern Provence, and La Siagne, which is the name of the house, is on the edge of the ledge and also overlooking the river Siagne valley from its two south facing rear terraces. Tucked away behind the Church which was built between 1720 and 1722, you would never know it is only a thirty second walk into the fabulous and recently refurbished pedestrianised village centre with the cafe, shops, bars and restaurants, and it is also where various village celebrations and events take place,
La Siagne was built in 1850 and whilst retaining its character, it is also fully modernised, Entrance into the main hall is directly from the street and the accommodation is then over three floors. On the ground floor there is a toilet, an open plan and well equipped modern kitchen, dining room and comfortable lounge with access to the upper terrace. A wide, dog leg staircase takes you to the first floor and the single bedroom, and the next staircase takes you to the two other bedrooms on the top floor.
Parasols and garden furniture, tables chairs, loungers etc. are all available together with a charcoal (old school) BBQ. Outside we have some planters and a small flower border plus two orange trees, one eating and one for marmalade oranges. The upper terrace off the lounge can be used for dining and relaxing and the same for the lower terrace, some of which is covered and more shady, and therefore cooler.
Buying produce on the market and then preparing/cooking and eating it with a beer or a glass of wine is a pleasure we have never tired of, no matter how simple. And on a fine evening sitting under the stars watching the twinkling lights across the valley and the flashing lighthouse in the Bay of St Tropez (in the distance), is equally pleasurable. Alternatively good and realistically priced food is available in the cafes, restaurants and bars which are often buzzing at every lunch time.
The village also has some terrific little shops selling everything you need, and more besides, and for some, the Saturday morning market is the highlight of the week when the village is buzzing, and it's all within a very short stroll of La Siagne. The exceptionally well stocked Carrefour supermarket is a five minute walk and close to the free public car park where most people leave their cars, although the supermarket also also has a car park.
The boules pitch is close by and a bit further away is the tennis club with a restaurant. St Cezaires famous grottes (caves) discovered in 1890 and tree top adventure park/activity centre are also about a mile from the village centre, again with a restaurant attached. Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Sardaigne is an ancient Roman Chapel from the 12th century and is a five minute walk away, and for anyone who enjoys walking, the winding pathway down to the river and beyond starts at the end of the street, The St. Cezaire village website explains things much more eloquently and comprehensively than I can, so do check it out - https://www.saintcezairesursiagne.fr.
Moving outside of the village there are too many choices to list but include the famous perfumeries of Grasse, Lac de Cassien, where there are restaurants and water based activities as well as some good carp fishing, Cannes is about an hours drive and well worth a visit although Theoule sur Mer is our favoured beach destination and about the same distance. There is a regular bus service through the village and the closest train station is in Grasse about 25 minutes drive away.
La Siagne is a holiday home and has been owned for over twenty years. It is a home from home and has been made as welcoming and comfortable as possible. Guests who have visited for many years have been very happy with what they have found and it is hoped others in the future will be equally happy. It gives the owner pleasure to know that the house is being used and that visitors are also enjoying the village and its surroundings.