Useful Information
French emergency services and numbers
There are three main emergency services in France: the medical service (SAMU), the fire brigade (sapeurs-pompiers), and the police (Police Nationale or Gendarmerie Nationale). In an emergency, you can call the following French numbers from any phone in France:
Medical service: 15
Police: 17
Fire service: 18
The French emergency services are also available by calling the Europe-wide emergency number (112). You should use the numbers above in a genuine emergency or life-threatening situation, such as for serious medical issues, fire-related incidents and to report crimes. In a medical or health-related emergency in France, call 15 from any phone.
Fire services in France
The French fire brigade (les Sapeurs Pompiers) is available by calling 18 on any phone. Generally, the fire brigade is the first service to respond first to road injuries and domestic accidents. In rural areas, it is generally the fastest to the scene for all emergencies. The fire service coordinates with other emergency services where necessary. It works closely with the medical service and employs professional, health, medical, as well as volunteer brigades.
Police in France
You can contact the police in an emergency by calling 17 from any phone. Upon calling, you’ll be connected to the appropriate emergency police service nearest to your location – be that the Police Nationale, which is responsible for urban areas, or the Gendarmerie Nationale, which covers rural regions.
Transport
Uber operates in France but taxis can be few and far between. We use Marc at ADN Transport +33(0)607047520 adn.transport.services@orange.fr
Supermarkets
There are several great supermarkets within a short drive of the property. The closest is the Super U in Plascassier. Turn right out of the entrance gates to the domaine, then take the first exit at the first roundabout (Plascassier) and the first exit at the next roundabout (about a 10 minute drive). It is open 0830 - 2000 Monday to Saturday and 0900 -1245 Sunday.
The Intermarché in Roquefort Les Pins is also good, though it’s slightly further away (but is opposite a great greengrocer and butcher and arguably the best patisserie in the South of France!)
Grand Frais in Mougins is really great too. Lots of high end prepared foods and a great butcher and cheese section.
Boulangeries/Patisseries
One of the best rituals is collecting fresh baguettes, croissants and pains aux chocolates each morning!
The closest boulangerie is Boulangerie Ornetti. It is a 10-15 minute walk (2 minute drive) from the entrance to the domaine. Turn right and go up the hill; it is opposite the petrol station. They do a great variety of breads (the Fougasse is delicious) in addition to the usual baguettes, lots of pastries and some prepared rolls and salads.
The patisserie in Valbonne near the elevated car park just opposite the old village is also great.
If you want to head further afield, it’s worth driving to Roquefort les Pins “Délices de Roquefort” (approx. 10 minutes) as in our opinion it has the best bread and the best “délices” in the South of France!! The mini éclairs and Tartes are sublime. You can also buy large gateaux and homemade chocolates and macarons there. (Plus there is a great greengrocer next door where you can squeeze your own orange juice, a good butcher next to that and the Intermarché supermarket opposite).
Butcher and Fish Shop
There is a very nice butcher shop (Boucherie Rondelli) in Valbonne Car Park (the Upper sealed part opposite the old town) though it is pricey! The fish shop just above the old town (La Poissonnerie de Valbonne Capten) is great and they will prepare seafood platters if given notice.
Pharmacy
There is a pharmacy in the Valbonne Car Park (Parking de la Vignasse).
Petrol
The closest petrol station is Total Cannes, 1200 Route de Cannes (the domaine is 900 Route de Cannes). Turn right out of the domain and you will find it a little way up the hill on the right, opposite the boulangerie.