Maison Chalereuse

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.