Reviews
Word on the Street
We loved it! The location is amazing, right at the beach, a short walk into the town centre, the markets, restaurants.
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​The apartment was bright, spacious and an great balcony for meals outdoors! The host was quick to get back to us with any questions - really friendly. Thank you! Amazing place!
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Alexandra C
Stayed July 2019
2 blocks to the beach and 2 blocks to the morning market gives this getaway a prime location. Bandol was a great find!
Robert H
Stayed May 2019
We first visited La Ponote seven years ago and have felt no need or desire to go anywhere else for our late summer holiday.
The apartment feels like a home, rather than a holiday let: the kitchen has more gadgets and appliances than you can shake a whisk at, there are ample books and games in the lounge and good wifi for those who feel the need to concern themselves with the outside world. The terrace is a favourite place for breakfast or for lounging with a book after a swim across Renecros bay.
The location is, for us, absolutely, superb.
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Turn left out of the gate, down the steps and you’re on the promenade or at the shops inside five minutes. Market stalls can be found outside the church and mairie every morning – the ham man is not to be missed – look for the longest queue - and a full blown market takes place along the promenade on Tuesday mornings - great fun and tasty. People watching is most enjoyable from Winny’s Bar which is fortunately placed not far from the bottom of the steps!
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Turn right out of the gate and, in three minutes you can be swimming from Renecros beach – sandy and safe for children and ideal for snorkelling or an energetic swim across to the breakwater. The breakers in the little coves along the coast further westwards offer great photo opportunities when the Mistral blows (or sheltered swimming when it doesn’t!) and for those who prefer dry land the coastal path can be accessed within minutes.
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Although there are plenty of places to visit in the area (don’t forget the vineyards), the great joy for us has been to put the car in the garage (underground, space reserved as part of the rental) and forget about it for three weeks. The only reason for breaking this routine might be the prospect of a fish lunch in Cassis!
It is bliss to have everything you need for the holiday literally on the doorstep.
Janet and Derek Winslow
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Janet and Derek Winslow
Stayed August 2017
Nous avons passé une excellente semaine dans cet appartement aménagé avec beaucoup de charme. C'est personnel, chaleureux, en endroit où l'on se sent chez soi le temps d'un passage.
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Les photos avaient attiré notre attention pendant nos recherches; nous n'avons pas été décu.
Côté cuisine, il y a tout ce qu'il faut (jusqu'à la machine à café Nespresso).
L'emplacement de l'appartement est par ailleur idéal. A quelques pas de la magnifique plage de Renecros et du centre de Bandol, adieu "la voiture".
La petite terrasse est parfaite pour petit-déjeuners, apéritifs, et divers repas. La douche devant l'entrée est un vrai plaisir en rentrant de la plage.
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Pour ceux qui aiment l'authentique et les endroits de caractère, l'appartement est un endroit idéal pour apprécier le sud et la ville de Bandol, combinant plage et shopping / restaurants (tout cela à pied et sans voitures aux alentours).
Juste noter que le parking (couvert) est à 5 min à pied (on ne peut pas se garer devant la maison); et qu'il n'a pas de jardin (la plage est par contre vraiment à 2 min).
Pour finir, le contact avec Dorathy est très facile et très plaisant. Tout s'est parfaitement organisé l'année dernière; nous y revenons l'été prochain avec nos deux enfants.
Patrick D
Stayed August 2017
The apartment was as beautiful as described on the website. A very comfortable 'home from home' just a couple of minutes walk from the beach with an enclosed bay which lends itself to the most serene sea swimming. The refurbishments have clearly been done by someone with great style and taste and the space has been utilized very effectively. The master bedroom has the lovely feature of doors opening onto the terrace capturing the morning sun. Being so closely located to the center of town, it was also remarkably quiet - the perfect place to escape the stresses of modern life. A very pleasant drive from Nice Airport and also very close to the delightful Aix en Provence, I hope to return in the near future. Many thanks Dorothy.
Merci H
Stayed September 2016
My Husband and I have visited Bandol several times in the last 30 years, always staying in the Renecross Bay area. On each of our visits we have admired La Ponote from the outside. This year, on looking at the holiday rental site on the computer, imagine my delight when I discovered that the property was available to rent.
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We had seen the photographs of the interior on the computer but these did not prepare us for the sheer joy of being in this beautiful apartment. It is such a delightful home, modern, yet very French, with such interesting books and games, one need never leave 'home'. The fresh food shops and markets are so close that it is almost criminal not to purchase the goodies on offer and cook them in the very well equipped kitchen.
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Of course one cannot visit Bandol without visiting the beautiful beaches, surrounding Medaeval villages, markets and towns, so get up early to enjoy these things - but come back soon to La Ponote, relax in the very comfortable sitting room or outside on the lovely terrace, and enjoy a glass or two of the delicious Bandol wine.
Margaret R
Stayed May 2016
I feel greatful to have found such a beautiful place in Bandol. We had an amazing vacation in France. The house is located in a great place; close to the beach and the port yet we could feel the privacy and enjoy the feel of the calm neighborhood. It is decorated with such taste and charm, it was a joy to just sit a the balcon and relax! Big thanks to Dorothy who was always available and gave us so many tips and suggestions. May you all enjoy a great time in such a lovely place!
Rosana
Rosana Luz.
Stayed August 2016
Perfect location between the beach and the port, lovely accommodation with super comfortable bed, and everything for a relaxing holiday! Easy access to train station, a short walk away so great to arrive by train or to visit other places along the coast.
Sue A stayed April 2016
We had a wonderful 2 weeks at Villa la Ponote. The location of the property was fabulous. The proximity to the beach was great - we particularly enjoyed an early morning swim before breakfast when the beach was quieter. The accommodation was also a short walk from Bandol town. We loved the area surrounding Bandol, with it's vineyards, markets, and beautiful sea views. The property itself is tastefully decorated.
Thank you for a great holiday.
The Andersons
Peter Anderson stayed April 2015
My wife and I stayed at Villa la Ponote for 2 weeks in June 2015, and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience (we stayed in Cassis a few years ago, and regret having not visited Bandol sooner !).
The apartment was as described: well-equipped, and the main bed was comfortable. The retractable awning on the terrace was useful to protect us from the morning sun whilst taking breakfast. By suitably adjusting the windows/shutters, we found that the rooms could be adequately ventilated. There was little motorised traffic which used the adjacent road.
Villa la Ponote is well-placed for access to services on foot: less than 10 minutes to the Bandol railway station, and only a few minutes to the supermarkets (8 à Huit on Rue des Écoles, and Casino on Rue de la République). There are nearby bread shops and the nearest newsagent is on Allée Jean Moulin. A good daily food market can be found nearby to the church square (St. François de Sales). The bus stop, 'Embarcadère', is also close by, near to the Tourist Office on Allée Alfred Vivien.
There was a good choice of restaurants, and those that we enjoyed were: L'atelier du Gout (Rue Pons), La Brise (Boulevard Victor Hugo), Les Gourmands Disent (Rue de la Paroisse), Il Principe (Rue des Tonneliers; for pizzas), Hotel Delos (Île de Bendor; with a delightful view of the Bandol bay from the outdoor dining terrace; the 12 Euro ferry charge was waived to restaurant customers), and, La P'tite Cour in Sanary-sur-Mer (Rue Barthélemy de Don). The Bandol rosé wine was generally too dry for our palate, but the Bandol vin rouge was enjoyable, e.g., Domaine du Gros 'Noré.
We did not hire a car, but used public transport: by bus to La Seyne-sur-Mer (limited appeal but visiting the Napoleonic fort off Avenue Général Carmille) and Sanary-sur-Mer, and by rail to Cassis and Marseille. We cycled to the nearby Zoo & Jardin Exotique, Sanary/Bandol (good) and to Sanary-sur-Mer (picturesque). Regarding airport transfers: we were initially tempted to try the rail service between Marseille airport and Bandol, but finally decided on pre-booking a local taxi service, with the assistance of the renter's local agent, which worked really well (transfer just over an hour either way Marseille airport <> Bandol).
We would be happy to stay here again and likewise to recommend the apartment to friends.
David P. Stayed June 2015
A delightful hideaway for a small family or couple. We have been visiting La Ponote for four years now and have never been disappointed. Access in a couple of inutes to Bandol's shops, market, bars and restaurants in one direction and to the beautiful and safe Renecros beach in the other direction. Easy access too for those more energetic, to the coastal path. Leave the car in the underground garage spot provided and forget about it! Or come by plane or train. A perfect chill-out pad. The loo and bathroom are a little cosy if more than two are staying, Otherwise we should have given five stars.
Derek Winslow Stayed September 2014
We stayed in Villa La Ponote for 2 weeks in June 2014, it was absolutely everything portrayed on the website.
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The owner Dorothy and her agent Monsieur Grandel are very charming and professional. Nothing is a problem.
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Fabulous location, down a quiet lane and literally a stones throw from the beach and same from the town yet very quiet.
Bandol is a very easygoing kind of town with a daily market in the square , loads of beaches and quiet coves for swimming. There are lots of activities, concerts, festivals and exhibitions on in Bandol. We rented the bikes as well and it was a great way to get about and visit the nearby villages of Sanary sur Mer and La Cadiere.and explore the different beaches.
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It is a beautifully decorated apartment and is sparkling clean. It has a lovely atmosphere very relaxing with lots of personal touches , wide range of very interesting books , games , dvds, music etc. It is very spacious for 4 people , the bedrooms are large with lots of storage and lots of place to sit and relax, be it on the terrasse, or in the dining room or in living room and armchairs in bedroom, each room has a beautiful view of pine trees or the sea.
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The terrasse is stunning and has 2 views of the sea, one on port and the other a little peak on renecros beach but more importantly, you can hear the sound of the sea as you sip the Bandol rose on the terrasse. Bon appetit
Its a real get away from it all destination.....
Maeve K
Stayed June 2014
My husband and I had a wonderful stay. The villa is charming. Beautiful to look at and extremely comfortable to stay in. Lovely sized rooms, beautifully decorated. Well furnished, spotlessly clean. The most comfortable bed I ever slept on, with really good bed linen. Great kitchen with ample amounts of good quality table ware etc. Gorgeous terasse where we had long leisurely breakfasts and lunches. The location of the villa is ideal. Only minutes from the beach and promenade, yet still tucked away from all hustle and bustle. No need for a car! Able to walk to everything. Exactly what we needed. We will be back.
Stayed May 2014
Superb property. Spacious accomadation, more than enough room for 3 adults and 1 almost teenager. Beach 1 minute away, lovely little town centre with plenty of bakeries and mini supermarket nearby. Larger supermarket just up the hill past the train station. Car not required. Train station only 5 minutes away. Finally I cant praise the "house keeper" enough. One of the nicest and most helpful people I have ever met.
Tim W
stayed April 2013
This villa is quite possibly one of the best we've ever rented. It is incredibly tastefully done, with simple, white, lovely furnishings and adorable details. The kitchen is stocked to perfection. The linens are top quality and beds are more than confortable. You will have plenty of room to spread out and relax. Dorothy and Carole have provided all the beach equipment you could want as well, so you don't have to bring/buy extras (chairs, towels, mats, toys, floats, flippers, etc). Everything is fastidiously clean.
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The outdoor balcony is beautiful -- there are two sweet little sea views (one of the harbor, one of the bay beyond Renecros beach. There is a table and a big chaise and PLENTY of room to lounge under the big awning while the occasional market-bound pedestrian wanders by below you. Which brings me to the location of this villa... perfection. A quiet little narrow street RIGHT between the port and the beach. By that I mean that you go down one short set of stairs on your left and you are in the bustling, fun, friendly port (playground, boats, calanque cruises, food, ice cream, crepes, yachts, markets, etc, etc); you go down the other stairs on your right and you are on a huge, well-maintained, lifeguarded sandy beach. What more could you want in life? Oh, and the wild and crazy cliffs of the sentier littoral (the shore hiking path heading toward the calanques) begins just a 5 minute jog from the front door (we are runners and this was part of our daily routine).
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Finally, Dorothy and her agent in Bandol, Carole, are amazing. Easy email/phone/text communication both before and during our stay. Carole helped with everything from directions to ideas for our two children. Let me provide two examples: one morning when Carole came to change the linens we mentioned that a fan would be a good addition. When we returned from the beach that day, a new fan had appeared! Carole also helped my husband with obtaining the rental car we needed for our onward journey and patiently assisted us as we loaded up the car to leave.
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Overall, we LOVE this villa AND Bandol and will be returning whenever we can.
Emily MÂ
Stayed June 2012
My husband and I had the good fortune to stay at Villa La Ponote for three months this winter/spring! We were SO happy there! The apartment is stunning - spacious, bright, lovely furniture, and well-equipped kitchen. It was a bit chilly most of our stay for us to use the terrace as much as we'd have liked, but we sure enjoyed it when we could! Imagine having your own place just literally minutes from the village, or minutes from the beach, with sweet little peeks of the harbor or the sea from some of the windows and the terrace.
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Carole, the caretaker, met us at the apartment, and was so helpful throughout our stay. She is a lovely person, and helped make our stay smooth and comfortable. She was quick to answer any questions we might have had, and would appear at a minute's notice if we needed her.
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This apartment was ideal for having some friends and family visit while we were there - the beds are all extremely comfortable, and both bedrooms provide ample space. The bathroom is lovely, and the shower is fantastic! Although you are so close to the village, because you are set back and up from it, the villa is extremely peaceful and quiet.
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And the location...three minutes either direction brought you either into the heart of the village for your daily shopping at the bakeries, butchers, groceries, and the daily market, or to the beautiful beach with crystal clear blue water. Because we were there so long, we ate at home quite a bit, and had the fun of shopping in the village, making friends with our favorite shopkeepers (everyone is SO friendly), and cooking in the well-equipped kitchen. We found two favorite restaurants in town, which you should not miss: Le Rendezvous, and L'Ardoise (make sure you have reservations!). Fabulous, creative food, and great, friendly service!
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I would definitely highly recommend this extraordinary apartment if you are considering a vacation on the Mediterranean! And if you aren't, why not? You'll be glad you did!
Leslie & Roy
Stayed February 2012
This villa is perfect! It is well equipped, beautifully presented but, best of all, it is ideally situated between beach and town. Bandol is a lively place in the summer season so perhaps not the place to come if you are looking for peace and quiet. It offers restaurants, bars and shops to suit every taste and budget and there is even choice when it comes to beaches - two minutes from the villa there is a large, sheltered sandy bay while 10 minutes away there are rocky coves which are great for snorkelling. In fact there are so many different places to relax and watch the world go by in Bandol that once our car was installed in the secure parking garage we didn't see it again until we packed it to come home. Carole, the caretaker, is wonderful and it was reassuring to know that if we had experienced any problems she would have been there to help us.
Gillian M.Â
Stayed August 2011
Nous avons passé une excellente semaine dans ce très joli appartement décoré avec beaucoup de goût et situé au 1er étage d'une villa. Appartement idéalement situé dans une petite rue sans voiture, à 50m environ de la plage Renecros et à moins de 5 mn à pieds du centre de Bandol. La voiture peut rester au garage.
Agréable terrasse où l'on peut prendre sans problème petit déjeuner et repas (un grand store la protège du soleil).
Excellente literie.
Juste une petite amélioration en cuisine, une grande poêle et un grand faitout seraient les bienvenus.
Annick L
Stayed August 2011
Cette maison est très agréable, chaleureuse et décorée avec goût.
La situation est idéale entre la plage et le centre ville.
Tout a été fait pour que le séjour se passe le mieux possible (a l'arrivée vous trouvez boissons, condiments, documentations sur la régions ...)
Pour amélioraration :
1- Une grande poele et un grand faitout serait à ajouter à la panoplie de casserole existante surtout qu'il n'y a pas de barbecue. Ne serait-il pas possible d'en mettre un éléctrique ?
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2- Serrure du portail et de la maison à remplacer.
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Conclusion
Cette maison donne envie de revenir.
Véronique
Stayed July 2010
This
Perfectly situated between the beach and town, the villa was peaceful, very comfortable and well appointed - perfect for a self catering holiday. The interior was tasteful and relaxing. The daily market in Bandol is excellent but the restaurants tend to be on the expensive side and not really very exciting. Buses and trains are good value for money and a 2 euro ride on an air-conditioned coach is a good way to travel and see the local sights such as the nearby medieval village - although a fair walk from the coach stop, the views are thrilling and sum up the Cote d'Azur! This was a return visit to Bandol after 20 years and lived up to all expectations - the people are exceptionally friendly and a warm welcome awaits you.
Jackie
Stayed May 2010
The apartment was good and clean and really good if you have a family as there is plenty of space.
There is a good kitchen space if you like to cook and good restaurants close by if you like to eat out.
The apartment is very central - down a few steps to the middle of town or down a few alternative steps if you like the beach.
The only thing we could say is that your sea view is between two alternative villas - not unmissable but you have to look for it. That didn't detract from a lovely holiday in Bandol. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Keith R
Stayed May 2010
This gorgeous apartment more than lived up to the expectations built up by the photos on the website; it is spacious, bright and luxuriously comfortable. Kitchen and bathroom are fitted to a high standard, while the living room has a first class TV and MP3 stereo, with plenty of books and games also. The beach is a 3 mns stroll away, clean and safe with a very pleasant atmosphere. Bandol town, also a short stroll away, is relaxed and friendly with plenty to do for all ages.
A wonderful location for relaxing or exploring this fabulous region. Definitely a romantic destination.
Grainne & LaurentÂ
Stayed July 2009
We had a truly fantastic holiday. Villa is perfectly positioned within the walking distance to both the beach and the town centre, still in such a tranquil and romantic spot to offer complete privacy.
The owner made sure that the place is fully catered for guests of different interests and ages (you even get your tennis rackests to use on the nearby court!).Should I mentioned that you also get suitable glasses for your different wines?!
It is very important to mention how wonderful and helpful both the owner, Dorothy, and her French "little helper", Carol, were through every stage of our holiday. We take this opportunity to thank them again.
Ivana
Stayed June 2009
Le séjour fut excellent. La maison est parfaitement située à 5mns à pied de la plage et du port avec de multiples commerces alentour. La maison est bien décorée avec goût et bien équipée pour notre famille de 4 personnes (2 adultes & 2 enfants). Une vaste terrasse permet de profiter du soleil. Enfin, la personne en charge de l'accueil et du départ est très serviable et professionnelle. En résumé, une très bonne location que je recommande.
Deux points doivent être néanmoins précisés ou modifiés dans la description,:
- il n'y a pas de parking privatif et il est impossible de se garer dans la rue proche de la maison. Je me suis garé à environ 7 mns à pied et nous étions en basse saison.
- le logement occupe le 1er étage de la maison. Le rez-de-chaussée est occupée par un autre logement. Aucune gêne occasionnée pour nous durant le séjour mais avec nos enfants en bas âge, nous devions être vigilants à ce qu'ils ne fassent pas trop de bruit ou courent dans la maison.
Dominique C
Stayed February 2019
Nous avons passé une semaine chez Dorothy avec nos enfants et ces vacances étaient top!
D’un côté de la rue vous avez la plage et de l’autre l’accès au port et aux commerces. Une semaine sans voiture, pour nous le vrai luxe!
Aurélie G
Stayed July 2018
Nous avons séjourné 10 jours dans la villa et la situation est précise, la villa est très bien situé. Par contre certain endroit dans la villa, comme les armoires de cuisine auraient eu besoin d'un bon nettoyage. La propriétaire n'étant pas sur place, c'est son homme de confiance qui nous a reçu et avec qui nous devions communiquer s'il y avait un souci quelconque.....et bien le dit Monsieur s'est montré très désagréable avec nous. Quand nous l'avons appeler pour lui dire que l'on ne trouvait pas ou était le sèche cheveux, il nous a répondu que ce n'était pas son problème et que nous avions juste à communiquer avec la proprio. À notre départ nous lui avons demandé s'il pouvaient nous aider à descendre nos valises (car pendant notre séjour des travaux majeur ont eu lieu et il on du creuser à l'entrée de la villa jusqu'à nos escalier, donc l'entrée était accidentée), il nous a répondu, qu'il en descendrait une mais pas toute quand même! Malgré cet homme désabréable nous avons passé de très belle vacances, mais à cause des points énumérés ci-haut et d'un grand besoin de rafraîchir la peinture des murs et plafond je ne conseillerait pas cette location
Josée B
Stayed June 2014
Nous avons passé un séjour très agréable dans cette petite maison. La plage de Renecros est à 1 minute à pieds ce qui est particulièrement pratique avec des enfants.
Nous avons beaucoup apprécié la décoration soignée, la terrasse fleurie avec le canapé si confortable, les sièges de plage , les jeux de raquettes, l 'épuisette et le monopoly.
C'est juste dommage qu'il n'y ai pas eu un ventilateur pour la nuit.
Nous reviendrons avec plaisir.