In a wooded valley, light filters through the Mediterranean maritime pines, cork oaks, arbutus and myrtle trees as you bump up the track – it feels a world away from the hectic and complicated. There’s space for a group of 20 across the four cottages, starting with six in Lauriers and four in Lavandes. Each has its own terrace and sun screens made of reeds; interiors are basic, clean, compact; bathrooms shared, windows mosquito-netted.
Walk out through olive groves and vines, and to Beausset for lunch. Shop at local markets, dance at village fêtes; visit perched villages and vineyards. The coast’s just a 10-minute drive, Cassis is 30.
There is WiFi but what a great place to escape tech: kids will love the freedom and tree climbing; play games and read – there are masses of paperbacks. On race days you may hear a distant Formula 1 hum from the Paul Ricard circuit, usually bird-song, cigales and frogs provide your soundtrack.
La Daby is a wonderful antidote for a family or group of friends looking for a totally different lifestyle for summer getaways in a self contained time capsule (no noise, no traffic, no holiday crowds). Don't look for creature comforts, the cottages are clean and basic. Children can run free, shout, climb a tree and just experience the natural countryside.