Les Cigales

Nestled in the vines of one of the most prestigious vineyards in Provence, Les Cigales is a converted grape harvest barn in a spectacular setting. This is a wonderful location for visiting Provence and the glistening Côte d’Azur with some of the most beautiful beaches of the Var within easy reach and jet-setting destinations such as Saint-Tropez ideal for a superb day out.

Live amongst the vines the Provençal way as you relax at Les Cigales. On one side of the villa is a light-filled and spacious open-plan living and dining area attractively furnished with hand-crafted walnut pieces, large comfortable sofas and fireplace. The generous-sized table can seat up to 16 guests for fine dining throughout the year. This space leads out to the magnificent swimming pool and garden.

On the other side of the villa is the fully-equipped modern kitchen boasting a professional gas range and electric oven, American fridge-freezer, two dishwashers, coffee machines and other kitchen gadgets – cooking here is an absolute pleasure. There is also an outdoor summer kitchen with plancha, gas cooker and ice-maker.

Reached via the kitchen, the enchanting walled garden is shaded from the sun by a large pergola where you can dine al-fresco accompanied by the sound of trickling water from a natural source, ideal for lazy breakfasts, lingering lunches and barbecues on balmy summer evenings.

After a day’s activity, fall asleep to the sound of the cicadas in one of Les Cigales’ five stylish bedrooms. Three of the double rooms (all with king or super-king beds) are en suite whilst the two twin/double rooms (each with an extra sliding bed) share a family shower room. The ground floor bedroom is self-contained, perhaps good for grandparents seeking a little privacy, and we especially love the master bedroom with its south-west facing balcony, a romantic spot to watch the sunset with a glass of local rosé.

The 12m long swimming pool is surrounded by sun-drenched terraces infused with sensuous Mediterranean scents of rosemary, lavender, thyme and pine alongside the lazy drone of cicadas. Complete with an aperitif pool and a ledge for small children, this is an idyllic place to while away a lazy afternoon on the many sunbeds or beneath the two shaded areas for a siesta out of the midday sun.

Amongst the large and beautifully landscaped garden, guests can enjoy the boules pitch and ping pong table or the hammock for quieter moments. There is also a children’s play area and even a chicken coop at the end of the garden where you can often collect fresh eggs.

For guests wishing to keep active, there is a gym room with a Pilates reformer – imagine an early morning yoga session or circuit followed by a swim in the pool as a great start to the day! For those of you who wish to truly unwind, relax in the jacuzzi under the stars on the raised terrace overlooking the vines – a truly tranquil and magical setting.

Experience a spot of pampering by making the most of the hammam and brand new sauna (at an extra cost). The owners can also organise massages, wine-tastings, a private chef and other fantastic services with advance notice.

Lazing on the brilliant beaches of the Côte d’Azur, discovering the magical region of Provence, browsing the local markets, visiting vineyards and sampling the finest Côtes de Provence wines, hiking or just idling your days away by the pool, Les Cigales offers the perfect base to enjoy the beauty of the South of France. Ideal for family reunions, relaxing hen/stag parties, weekends away with friends or special occasions all year round.