Cordially welcome

Villa Vivendi is an enclave of more than a dozen apartments that was built by artists, artisans and individualists and has been completely remodeled and kept up-to-date by us, for you, our guests.
Delve into our world and let it become yours – no matter what time of the year, it is always the right time for a visit at Villa Vivendi.

Your hosts, the Fränznick (frensnik) family and all the staff at Villa Vivendi
Holiday-apartments always welcome you, your friends and family.

Villa Vivendi was built in the forties of last century as the family home by Monsieur Couteller. His son Yves – who is still famous under his nickname Younick to the older people of Vence – lived as a spiritual guardian in a neighboring house until his much-too-early passing in 2010. As a libertine and gourmet he knew about the best wines of the region or in which hidden forests to find local truffles. Unfortunately he took many culinary secrets with him, but fortunately his widow – our dear neighbor Marianne – still gives us many insights into the regional kitchen.
Many of our recipes are based on her knowledge.
30 years later the Coutellers sold the main house to André Iriart, at that time a famous art collector. He and his wife remodeled the house as a summer house for themselves and their friends. Those were the wild seventies and many parties were celebrated around the huge, still existing Obelix-table under the big oak tree. The table was named in memory of René Goscinny who died in 1977, the inventor of “Asterix and Obelix” comic strips who apparently was a good friend of the owners. Monsieur Iriart, being a famous art collector, always had an illustrious entourage of regional artists.
Those artists not only left various works of art, but were also actively involved in the remodeling of the house. From those days originate some of the little treasures that make Villa Vivendi so unique. We cared for them all these years and renovated them if necessary. The bathroom in the »Orange« apartment, the flooring in »Laurier« or the green tiled bathroom in »Citron« are witnesses of those days. There are many small »signs of the times« that are not so obvious but give the house its unique appearance and creative flair.
Since we acquired the house in the nineties, it has been a pleasure for us to foster and nurse the beautiful little details of the Villa in order to retain its hospitable and friendly character. We renovated with care utilizing quality modern fixtures, while maintaining the lovely uniqueness of the place. We wanted to leave our own footprint without wiping out the past. You will find the colors of sunrises and sun downs, the azure blue of the Mediterranean see, or the light pink of rosé wine. And we follow in the artistic footsteps of the former owners by banning the light of Provence on canvasses that adorn our apartments.

Of course we are dedicated to the regional, southern French way of life. Almost every week we open our little »Bistro« and celebrate Provençal cooking (most of the time). In hot summer evenings on the big terrace and on cooler evenings in our little »Bistro« with its open fireplace we often feast together.

Come and join us at our home, make it your home for 2 weeks or 12 months, what – or however you want it. You are always welcome.

Jochem Fränznick

No matter how the Villa Vivendi changes over the years – one thing stays forever – our unique situation on a gentle ridge right on the edge of the Cagne-Canyon. From here, unspoiled views to the Mediterranean Alps, into the depths of the Canyon, over to the Mediterranean Sea can be seen. On clear days you can see Corsica Island, the Esterel-mountain range and the medieval village of Vence with its dramatic sundowns just a ten minute drive away.
You’ll enjoy the proximity to the Cote d’Azur and the quietness of our secluded Villa. Vence is a lively, small French town which is fully functional all year long; it is not your typical tourist trap on the beach. Vence offers a tree-lined town square with many local small businesses, nice cafes and good restaurants in all price categories. From Vence you can be in St. Paul de Vence in 8 minutes and in only 20 minutes you are at the Nice airport or in Grasse, the perfume capital of the world in half an hour.

Our apartments

It happens almost every day; most of the days shortly before noon – a little rustling, a short swish and a hushed pop and on one of our many terraces someone celebrates the first cool bottle of rosé-wine. Even if you come to enjoy the many lovely surroundings of southern France, idleness demands much of your time during the stay with us. Whatever you are looking for, we will be there to guide you to the best places and to the perfect way to enjoy doing absolutely nothing.

Availability Overview

Our services

Breakfast baguette service

Between Easter and the end of October, if you want a fresh baguette, croissant or pain au chocolat for breakfast, we’ll get it for you. Just tell us what you crave and we will fetch it from our favorite baker in Vence. In our little shop you will also find delicious honey from Provençe and homemade marmelades.

Our little Market Provençal

We are always hunting for regional delicacies and offer them to you in our little shop. Apart from fine olive oil and wine you can also find jams, lavender honey, olives and olive pastes as well as homemade sauces – for your own pleasure or as a nice souvenir for your loved ones at home.

Our Bistro

Unfortunately, our bistro will not be open during the 2025 season.

Feeling good Villa Vivendi style

Treat yourself to the luxury of peace and quiet on Mon Repos! A few comfortable hanging chairs, a fantastic view over the Cagnes Gorge to the Maritime Alps and nothing else! A retreat for the inward-looking, those seeking peace and quiet and all those who want to switch off online and offline. 

Wireless

We offer free wifi on the entire grounds, but because of thick stone walls and very weak French internet connections reception can not be guaranteed in all apartments..

Sat-TV, radio & CD player

All apartments are equipped with a TV set and a satellite receiver. Our receivers are set to a German satellite, but some English news channels can be received as well as radios stations.

Parking on the premises

All apartments have their own free-of-charge parking spot on enclosed grounds.

Laundry

If you need to do your laundry, we offer a washing machine and dryer for a small fee.

You need help?

Whatever you need or want, just ask us during the general opening time of our reception.

What our guests say

  • A day at the pool can be so wonderfully relaxing – even more so, when the dinner is as delicious as it was. Thank you so much for this wonderful day and this relaxed evening in the Villa-Vivendi-Bistro!

    - Michael S. and family -

  • Even the most thrilling excursions were topped by coming back to Villa Vivendi, a quick dip into the pool and then enjoying the sundown over Vence. Unforgettable!

    - Petra F. and partner -

  • Pain aux Amandes (almond bread) on the terrace – there’s nothing else to say!

    - Fritz B. -

  • Our children were thrilled by our excursion into the gorge of the Cagne. Wading through crystal-clear water, watching dragonflies and other adventures – just ten minutes from Villa Vivendi – what else do you want?

    - Markus F. and family -

Where we are

Our location can be easily described with a single word – unique!

On a mountain ridge and bordering the Cagne-Canyon, you will enjoy the fantastic panoramic view from the snow covered mountains of the Mediterranean alps, the Cagne-Canyon, the Mediterranean sea, the Esterel-mountain-range and last but not least the medieval town of Vence. On clear days your view can reach as far as Corsica. You can enjoy the Cote d’Azur and escape its hustle and bustle.
Vence is a lively town all through the year, a living French small town with narrow alleys and the typical tree-lined town square, many small individual shops and restaurants with local food. It is only 8 minutes to St. Paul de Vence, 20 minutes to Nice and 30 minutes to Grasse.  
From Villa Vivendi by car to Vence about 7 minutes
Nearest airport – 15 km (Nice)
Nearest ferry – 25 km (Nice)
Nearest railway station – 10 km (Cagnes sur Mer)
Nearest highway – 12 km (A8, Nice – Cannes)
Nearest beach – 13 km (Cagnes-sur-Mer)
Nearest sandy beach – 20 km (Antibes, Port Vauban)
Nearest golf course – 13 km (Golf Villeneuve-Loubet)
Nearest skiing station – 47 km (Gréolières les Neiges)
Nearest shopping – 3 km (Vence)
Nearest supermarket – 4 km (Vence)

For athletes –
Mountainbiking, hiking, Col Du Vence (15 min.),
Climbing at Baou de St. Jeannet (15 min.),
Sailing in Villeneuve-Lobet (20 min.),
Golfing in Villeneuve or Opio-Valbonne (15 – 30 min.),
Skiing in Gréoliéres sur Neige (45 min.),
Jogging, Inline skating at Promenade in Cagnes-sur-Mer
Great cycling and hiking paths in the upstate of Vence
Riding on the way to Coursegoules (25 min.),
Paragliding on various slopes along the coast

for excursions –
Gorges du Verdon (day trip)
Isles des Lérins (from port in Cannes)
Tourettes-sur-Loup (15 min.)
Cap d`Antibes (30 min.)
Cap Ferrat (40 min.)
Menton (45 min.)
Monaco (45 min.)
Cannes (40 min.)
Esterel-Gebirge (45 min.)

For children –
Ravine of Cagnes (10 min.)
Ozeanographic Museum of Monaco (45 min.)
Marineland in Biot (30 min.)
Bike rental in Cagnes sur Mer (20 min.)
Riding in Coursegoules (20 min.)
Stone skipping at the beach (20 min.)

For art lovers –
St. Paul de Vence (15 min.)
Fondation Maeght, St. Paul de Vence (15 min.)
Matisse Chapel, Vence (5 min.)
Matisse Museum, Nizza (30 min.)
Picasso Museum, Antibes (30 min.)
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Nice (40 min.)

For Connaisseurs –
Alain Llorca – for very special occasion
(St. Paul de Vence, 20 min.)

Bistrot de la Marine – for small special occasions
(Cagnes sur Mer, 30 min.)

Le Bistrot de Sophie – wonderful for a sunday lunch
(Coursegoules, 25 min.)

Le Hamac – small and very relaxed beach bar
(Villeneuve-Loubet, 25 min.)

We will be pleased to provide you with the right directions.

General information –

Radio for regional news
http://www.rivieraradio.mc/home.asp

Newspaper(german) for regional news & tips
http://www.rczeitung.com

Current weather
http://www.meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france/vence/06140

Current events & regional tips –

Nizza tourism
http://de.nicetourisme.com

Events in the region
http://www.rivieraradio.mc/calendar/

Getting there & Mobility –

Flights to Nice
Google Flight search

Airport Nice
http://en.nice.aeroport.fr/

Rental cars airport
http://www.billiger-mietwagen.de/mietwagen-nizza-flughafen.html

Rental cars – E-Cars
http://www.auto-bleue.org

Bike rentals
http://de.nicetourisme.com/velo-bleu-offentlicher-fahrradverleih

Contact us

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please call us or send us an email. We will help you and try to fulfill all of your wishes and desires. We are looking forward to meeting you – you will enjoy your stay with us and have a relaxed holiday. Your host Jochem Fränznick

VILLA VIVENDI
Jochem Fränznick

985, Chemin Celestin Freinet
06140 Vence
Frankreich

Phone:/WA: +49 176 103 49 552
E-Mail: welcome@villa-vivendi-vence.com