Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

Lavender fields are the backdrop to this Provençal mas; cicadas and birdsong the soundtrack. A fortified medieval farm, its high stone walls and rocky bluff now enclose the owners' house and three eco-friendly gîtes that gaze south and west to the village. Bastide and Fenil are the family cottages, with large living areas, geothermal heating and corner kitchens. Bastide has wicker chairs, shelves sunk into chunky stone walls, a vine-shaded terrace; Fenil, up in the hayloft, has sweeping views and a cast-iron table under a chestnut. Simple bedrooms have floaty curtains, Provençal paintings, plain furniture; a touch of luxury in king-size beds and shiny bathrooms (only one in Bastide). For couples there's L'Etable, a rustic studio whose mint-green doors frame views of terrace, gardens and deep (but fenced) natural pool. Also: a solar shower, hammock and electric barbecue for grilling sausages from the village market. Beyond, a sleepy stream with a hump-backed 'Roman' bridge, a new cycle path, farms, fêtes and inspiration for painters and poets in Luberon natural park – gentle Alain and Françoise will advise.