La Gargoulette

You’re in the Massif des Maures, one of the most ancient forests of France, so it’s very peaceful. But you can walk in forty minutes or drive in five to La Môle for excellent restaurants and an artisanal boulangerie/patisserie for breakfast croissants and baguettes. Bring them back to the simple garden with its large table on the covered terrace and enjoy uninterrupted views of the sky and forested hillsides and the tinkling of the valley stream beyond – tranquil indeed.

There’s much space inside with a large, open-plan living and dining area, wooden beams, tiled floors and fresh white walls – fling open the French windows and let the outside in. There are four reasonable-sized bedrooms: the master bedroom upstairs, and a standard double, twin and a single with bunks downstairs. The master has an en suite and the others share a downstairs family bathroom and shower room.

This is a gorgeous quiet spot for families with a pool, Weber gas barbecue and pétanque pitch.