Sea-View Estate in Rayol-Canadel—The "Secret South of France"
Listed with L’Exploreur, this €6.5 million sea-view estate sits just 180 meters (590 feet) from the shoreline in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer—a secluded coastal village west of Saint-Tropez, dubbed by The Times as the “secret South of France.” The property spans 540 square meters (5,813 sq ft) across a main villa and guest cottage, framed by 4,260 square meters (45,844 sq ft) of landscaped parkland and uninterrupted Mediterranean views.
This stretch of coastline remained inaccessible until the construction of the Provence railway in 1885, which opened the area to discreet development—19th-century villas, exotic gardens, and a village designed as a luxury retreat. Today, the former rail line has been transformed into a scenic walking path above the wild beaches of Rayol, Canadel, Pramousquier, and Le Figuier. It’s still one of the Riviera’s best-kept secrets.
The property was built in 1990 by Saint-Tropez-based architect Georges Grateau, known for refined Riviera residences and for designing Le Maquis, a discreet luxury hotel in Porticcio, Corsica. Interiors were designed by Parisian decorator Jean‑Paul Faye—who began his career in the 1970s as an assistant to Victor Grandpierre, contributing to projects for Dior, Élie de Rothschild, and the Comtesse de Maillé. His work here blends charm, texture, and timeless design, with softly layered materials and a constant dialogue between the interior and Mediterranean landscape.
The main villa spans approximately 450 sqm (4,844 sq ft) over four levels and includes multiple bedroom suites, a bright salon with double terraces, and a full-floor, 95 sqm (1,023 sq ft) primary suite with a private sea-facing balcony. Utility spaces include a cold room, wine cellar, laundry, and a 30 sqm (323 sq ft) double garage.
A 90 sqm (969 sq ft) guest or caretaker’s cottage sits separately on the grounds, with an open-plan living space, kitchen, and two en-suite bedrooms. Additional structures include an 18 sqm (194 sq ft) garage, an 18 sqm (194 sq ft) cellar, and parking for up to seven cars. A 12.5-meter (41-foot) swimming pool is tucked discreetly into the terraced landscaping.
Southwest-facing and elevated, the property commands views of Cap Nègre—a pine-covered promontory and protected natural area that remains one of the most scenic and low-density stretches of the Riviera coastline. Known for its ecological value and long history as a retreat for those seeking privacy over spectacle, this part of the coast reflects a Riviera still rooted in nature, heritage, and restraint.
For those drawn to timeless architecture, mature landscape design, and life on a quieter edge of the Côte d’Azur, this Rayol-Canadel estate is a rare opportunity to own a piece of the "secret South."
All photos belong to the listing agency.
