Maison Chalereuse

The villa

After wandering around the atmospheric Wednesday morning market in Saint - Rémy - de - Provence, stroll back to your holiday home to enjoy a lunch of Provençal delights on your terrace, then cool off in the swimming pool before meandering back into town for apéritifs and fine dining.

It’s wonderful that this renovated 6 - bedroom farmhouse is just a short walk from the heart of Saint - Rémy. Maison Chalereuse welcomes up to 12 guests across its characterful interiors with four bedrooms in the main house and two bedrooms in a separate mazet annexe within the grounds.

A grand fireplace, stone walls and wood beamed ceilings perfectly contrast attractive furnishings and modern comforts in the open - plan living and dining area whilst the contemporary kitchen is brilliantly equipped for a self - catering stay. Bedrooms are simply styled, many with twin beds that can be joined as a double to allow for flexible sleeping arrangements. Guests also benefit from reversible air - conditioning throughout the house and its annexe.

Outside, enjoy meals beneath the vine - covered pergola or chat amongst family and friends as you relax on deck chairs by the umbrella pine. Reached via a safety gate, the swimming pool has plenty of loungers for soaking up the Provençal sunshine. There are a couple of bikes available if you need to pop to the shops quickly or feel like a cycle ride through the beautiful nearby landscapes.

It's around a 15 - minute walk to the centre of the old town with its little museums, art galleries, café terraces, shops and restaurants. It’s a joy to explore the bustling town, following the steps of Van Gogh who stayed (and painted) at Monastery Saint - Paul de Mausole.

Venture a little further afield to visit idyllic hilltop villages such as Eygalières and Les Baux - de - Provence, driving past glorious scenes of olive groves, vineyards and forest en route. Avignon is only half an hour away with its UNESCO World Heritage sites or head south towards Arles for yet more art and history in this inspiring corner of Provence.

This renovated Provençal farmhouse sits in a residential neighbourhood in Saint - Rémy - de - Provence, around a 15 - minute stroll from the heart of the old quarter. Only half an hour south of Avignon (21km), this is a great base for experiencing authentic town life as well as discovering the beauty of Les Alpilles and beyond.

Walk along the lane and tree - lined main road (with pavement in parts of the route) until you reach the centre of the old town where the fantastic Wednesday morning market takes place (a must during your stay). The Musée Estrine isn’t far from here, an art museum where you can learn about the life of Van Gogh, as is the fascinating Musée des Alpilles. Meanwhile, just potter around the town soaking up the vibrant ambience, stop off at café terraces on pretty squares, then come across little art galleries, shops and charming restaurants.

There are so many pretty villages across the region - perhaps start off in picture - perfect Eygalières (12km) with its upmarket restaurants and glorious vistas from its hilltop setting. Head to Les Baux - de - Provence early before the summer crowds arrive (the perched village is classified as one of the most beautiful in France), then enjoy lunch out in Maussane - les - Alpilles, an authentic Provençal village famed for its olive oil production.

Outdoor activities across the area include walking, hiking, cycling, horse - riding and rock - climbing - the scenery is spectacular as you pass olive groves, dense forest, vineyards and limestone plateaus. Play golf at the prestigious Domaine de Manville or Golf de Servanes, both within half an hour by car.

A little further afield, visit Avignon (21km) for the day to admire its UNESCO World Heritage sites and attractive setting by the banks of the Rhône. Alternatively, drive south - west to Arles (25km), also loved for its historic sites (the Roman amphitheatre is incredible) and artistic heritage.

Arles is the gateway to the captivating landscapes of the Camargue, best explored by quad bike or horseback. If you feel like a day by the sea then drive as far as the vibrant seaside town of Saintes - Maries - de - la - Mer (73km) and its gorgeous beach where you can spot flamingos as you swim in the Mediterranean.